So after my struggles getting this setup going I’m really enjoying this setup.

Thought I’d post here as there is quite a bit of intersectionality between the emacs, Arch, Steamdeck, Nix and Mechboards communities.

Spec as follows:

  1. Steamdeck (LCD);
  2. SteamOS 3.5 Preview (Arch based and compatible with Nix packages);
  3. Emacs 29 (via Nix package);
  4. DooM config + some tweaks of my own; and
  5. Corne Light v2 with random DSA caps.

Ambitions for this setup are:

  1. Better emacs-fu (thanks to everyone here with their help so far);
  2. RGB underglow on the keyboard for 90s vibes;
  3. Printed keycaps in jazzy colours;
  4. Better keymap (maybe Miryoku or something with homerow mods)
    • thephatmaster@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Yes I was - and I didn’t have a disposable income back then, so I’m making up for that now

      As a kid I (materialistically) marvelled at things like shiny game consoles with brightly coloured see through cases

  • Ok_Advisor1053@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I don’t understand keyboards this small. I need fn, number, arrow keys. home, end pg up/down etc are useful too in office software.

    I’m sure that you have some special map that activates numbers, but that’s a “no thank you” from me, a number key enjoyer…

    • Nurahk@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      you use modifier keys to access those keyboard functions, much like how in emacs holding the control and pressing F can substitute a right arrow key. just imagine it like having a few more control keys with different functions assigned to them.

      it becomes second nature pretty quickly.

    • Falcomomo@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I was the same, started with a full size keyboard and needed everything. Then went to a 70% and dropped the numpad. Then recently dropped the F keys. Now I have a num row but don’t use it and use layers instead. Latest is going to the home row mods someone else described - never thought I’d find them ok but it’s actually easy to get used to.

      Having layers for special keys is the main game changer, it’s so much quicker for coding. Underscore, dash, quotes, brackets/parens, all just where you want them to be.

    • emuuu@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      It’s to limit how far you have to reach. I find I can type long strings of numbers more accurately if they’re on the home row behind a modifier.

    • TremulousTones@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I have a smaller size keyboard too, and I have to say I do really enjoy pressing a left thumb button to turn the keys below my right hand into a numpad. A different button makes the keys under my right hand into the arrow keys with page up, down, home, end. I like not having to move my hands on and off the home row so much.

  • invsblduck@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m proud of you for:

    1. Tying these disciplines together.

    I’m never really sure how many other people participate in all these interests. I am a Linux hacker of 25 years and mechanical keyboard enthusiast of at least 20 years (currently type on a 5x7 Dactyl-Manuform that mimics an ErgoDox, but just acquired a Svalboard), and I work deeply Emacs every day. Historically I loved installing Linux or NetBSD on all things, whether a Palm Pilot or first-gen Xbox; these days, it runs on my “phone” (mobile computer), my TV, my Wi-Fi access points, etc.

    1. Taking a beating in comments for your playful curiosity and achievement, but keeping your head up and being really graceful about it.
    • thephatmaster@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Lol, I started with ipodlinux. That Svalboard looks great.

      Kudos for working deeply in emacs every day - I’ve been an occasional user (weekly / monthly) for 2+ years. I feel like I google / M-x more than I actually work. Many a time I’ve felt like quitting.

      WSLg will hopefully change that, at least in the office.

      About the comments, I think people have been OK on the whole - I was expecting far more actual hate

  • katzefrettchen@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Do you purchase parts separately to assemble such a keyboard?

    I found the github repo of Corne, but there are no instructions for complete noobs

    • thephatmaster@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      I bought mine built (see mechmarket or a discord for your country)

      They don’t look difficult to build, and there are various places where $100 - $200 will get you a built one

    • thephatmaster@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      You know what, I was set-up in a tea room for 2hrs doing some life-admin (org-mode) and:

      1. A lot of M-x text-scale-increase occurred - and I had to put my glasses on; and
      2. Can confirm now have a slightly sore lower back
      • scaptal@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Potentiom other mod, a 3d printed stand/harness which goes around the shoulders and extends to hold the deck, for less backpain.

        (Some 3d printed special parts, aluminium rods and some straps might be able to create a decent contraption that can be dismantled easily into a small footprint)

    • thephatmaster@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Yep, it’s way more adjustable for comfort than a non-split like my K8 - and thumb keys avoid too much pinkie stretching

      • uniteduniverse@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Yeah I already know about ergo keyboads. I was just wondering about this one specifically, as it looks kind of goofy lol. Anyway thanks for the info.

  • WallyMetropolis@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Oh man, if you had this connected to your primary monitors and used it just for the minibar and completion results and such, somehow, that would be incredible.

  • fuzzbomb23@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Aren’t those XDA profile keycaps?

    I love how “ESC” and “CTRL” are quoted.