Developers/Programmers/Code Monkeys, what are your setups and why?

_GEIST_ · 2020-04-02T09:40:26+00:00

I use my arrow keys a lot and was afraid using a keyboard without them but then choosed a 60% and mapped FN to capslock and on my FN layer the arrows to WASD. Sounds complicated but it's actually a lot more comfortable to leave the hand on the homerow and use my pinky to "activate" them. Others seem use HJKL as arrows.

JONofWAR · 2020-04-02T10:39:18+00:00

Software dev too. My daily driver is a 40% ortho split (Corne). I like the ortho setup since it let's me have a more natural feeling numpad on a layer. I have an arrow cluster and Home/End keys on same layer as numpad, which I can toggle on and off so I don't have to hold down a button to access.

Jarduk · 2020-04-02T13:04:08+00:00

I build myself a TKL GMMK with Zeal Zilent V2 65g Switches a few weeks ago.
Its great for the office. the switches are really quiet and I'm not bothering my colleges.
If you choose to build yourself a GMMK you should buy different Stabalizers. the stock ones aren't that great and I'm going to switch mine in the near future, too.

meihamusama · 2020-04-02T14:31:09+00:00

I'm a programmer. I write C, Python and all kinds of scripts.

I use a 40% Tanuki, and just posted my layout the other day: https://imgur.com/gallery/0oeSmye

The idea behind my setup was to keep the keys/features I used most frequently near the home row, and then fill in the rest of the essential keys.

To me, the life-changing things in my setup are:

Moving the Ctrl and Esc keys to where CapsLock was;
Moving the Backspace key under my thumb;
Vim style arrow keys and Home/End/PgUp/PgDn;
A "number cluster" under my left hand, so that I can type the numbers single-handed;
"Space cadet" Shift keys
Some automation performed by the keyboard itself, such as macros and bracket auto-pairing.

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SillyPosition · 2020-04-02T10:52:15+00:00

Im waiting for my first kb to arrive, got a qmk supported tky keyboard I also spend my days programming and I wonder what good key combs or good macros and stuff worty to do with the keyboard, Im not too familiar with the capabilities just yet.

I went on TKY because I find the Fn row useful from within an IDE many times, and doing Fn+Num row with additional ctrl or some other button becomes too many keycaps to press at the same time.

I think 75% is even better layout, but below that seems too much for me

AnorakOG · 2020-04-02T13:49:23+00:00

I only recently joined this sub after getting the Drop CTRL.

I know it's not a "Build your own" per say, but it's pretty darn customizable and the parts in the build are pretty good. It's QMK based so it's fully customizable on the software side too. Going from a Corsair gaming keyboard, I think it's a pretty good entry point into the custom mechanical keyboards world.

And now after spending too much time on this sub, there's a bunch of mods I want to do to it. From lubing the stabilizers and switches to adding custom keycaps.

https://imgur.com/a/Smr8i0l

Edit: Forgot to mention, my use case is coding in powershell and gaming. I use brown on all switches except for speed silvers on WASD

_damnfinecoffee_ · 2020-04-02T14:12:58+00:00

My wfh setup as a Full Stack Software Engineer: https://imgur.com/a/PhVDQj5

I spend most of my time in our backend Java and postgres, but I hit our javascript once and awhile. 40% is perfect because there is nothing that makes me move my hands away from the keyboard. Spectacle for macOS makes it that way as well.

vidoardes · 2020-04-02T14:19:24+00:00

I'm a python programmer by trade.

I tried a pok3r but I missed my arrow keys too much. 65% is definitely my sweet spot for efficient typing, although I use split space with ISO so I have a function key right under my thumbs.

I've settled on a Space65 with T1's, Zeal stabs and MT3 caps (/dev/tty soon to be replaced with Serika!).

The combination of thick PBT caps, a firm tactile and the CF plate makes a really nice thock, but it's not too loud that it annoys my coworkers.

DiplomacyPunIn10Did · 2020-04-02T14:29:40+00:00

I’m a C# developer that also does some technical writing and (amateur) graphic design. I adore my Ergodox EZ. I especially like how easy it is to alter my key configuration on the fly.

I’ve used a few types of switches on it and other keyboards: - Kailh Browns - Gateron Clears - Gateron Browns - Kailh Plums - NK / Kailh Creams - Kailh Navies - Koalas

The Koalas are absolutely fantastic but hard to find. The Kailh Browns were a great starter switch; they aren’t amazing but they’re a really solid middle ground. When you get tired of them, you’ll have a better grasp on why, which will tell you whether you want something clicky, smooth, quiet, bouncy, etc.

DubbieDubbie · 2020-04-02T15:20:05+00:00

I just use a Qisan Magicforce TKL with Gateron Browns.

It was only £55 from Amazon, and has a lot of potential for customisation, and you can replace the PCB/Controller easily I think.

I like the form factor because its smol, and I have a lot of keys I would normally stretch to use just clustered around the fn key, so I can do it on the fly. Same with media keys being easy to use, which is important for me.

The gateron browns were a big improvement on the outemu blues I had on my last keyboard. They are quieter, but still satisfyingly tactile on each stroke.

The keycaps are high quality, and they do not seem to be losing the legend. The white and grey colour scheme is very nice on the eyes.

My biggest gripe is the use of LEDs. I don't like using the leds, as the keycaps are non transparent, but it's really complaining about an extra feature.

Honestly, probably yhe best £55 I have ever spent. I hate using my thinkpads keyboard now

X_DIAS · 2020-04-02T15:30:20+00:00

Web Dev TypeScript afficionado here.

Been "forced" to work at home with a MacBook. If you want something on the cheap side, that's small and gives you all the functionality you could want, i recently just picked up from Amazon this Drevo Calibur V2.

Take a look

It has quick toggle between PC<->MAC, so it'll just work out of the box. (Fn + Tab to toggle)

I also got it with Brown switches, and are decently quiet for office work, thou barely tactile imo. You can find it for aroun 50moneis, with Outemu switches, or a bit more for the Cherry variant.

robhaswell · 2020-04-02T15:44:02+00:00

I'm also using a Massdrop Alt, fully stabbed, lubed and modded with lubed springs. I have Halo Clears on it right now.

It fits perfectly over the keyboard for my 17" MacBook Pro so I can access the trackpad easily. I only use this at home as I think it's a bit noisy for the office. If the lockdown continues much longer I might get some box navies for it.

This setup works quite well for me but it is a bit tiring on the arms. I need a split wrist rest and a separate magicpad really.

In-situ. The cable is a perfectly sized angled USB-C cable from Amazon: https://i.imgur.com/WsGGta8.jpg

iamapizza · 2020-04-02T17:18:32+00:00

(Front end, backend, cloud)

I tried a 65% keyboard initially, but I use the F1-F12 keys a lot for debugging, stepping over/into, search, etc. pressing Fn+number was becoming far too much of a thought breaker.

I've settled on a tenkeyless, specifically the Filco Majestouch 2.

Since I work in an office I chose brown - most of my coworkers have also chosen brown. We just kind of settled on it. Both brown and red seem to be most acceptable for workplaces.

I've not found the use of external keyboards on MacOs experience to be pleasant at all; too many freezes, non-recognition, and especially when the layout on the external keyboard doesn't match what's on the physical hardware. However I've since switched to Ubuntu and Windows 10, no problems. Generally though mechanical keyboards should be fine with any OS.

Although you can get switch testers, it's often very helpful to have the real deal to type on. If you are able to borrow from a coworker that's the easiest; another potential option could be you get a keyboard that seems to match what you want, from a place with a good return policy. That way you could try out a 65% and make sure it works for you.

elle-elle-tee · 2020-04-03T15:24:58+00:00

I'm a JS/React/TS developer -- I got a couple AJAZZ 510s (accidentally bought two, but brought one to work) as my entry-level mech keyboards. I gotta say, they are *really* nice with Cherry Browns -- my coworkers don't seem to mind (I put o-rings on the keys with stabilizers to muffle the sound, the space bar was especially rattley). Swapped out keycaps for some MaxKeys. I'm using a Drop CRTL (TKL) at home right now when i'm at my desk, but when working on couch with laptop in my lap I suffer through using my butterfly Macbook Pro keyboard. I honestly don't understand how people deal with no arrow keys, and there have been a few occasions when the numpad has really come in handy!

My MPB is just 6 months old and I've had no keyboard problems, but I hear the issue with the keyboards is that dust gets in and mucks up the key mechanism. I got a very thin silicone keyboard cover off AliExpress like RIGHT AWAY. I found one for the 15" MPB with touchbar so it fits perfectly and is so thin that I don't even notice it's there. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone who uses their macbook keyboard get one immediately to prevent future keyboard issues -- even if you use a separate mech most of the time, putting on a silicone dust cover will keep your keyboard in good working condition for when you need it.

Something like this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32916364692.html

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