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)
  • 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…

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.