readme.md (2602B)
- # MiniDox Bepo
- As the minidox has a restricted number of keys as compared to regular keyboards, some adjustments were made.
- These adjustments allow for improved ergonomics when typing English and programming languages (in particular javascript).
- >Keys have been grouped and rearranged to meet the needs of principals programming usages. Most used groups are placed at the opposite of thumb layout-activation key, not to seek the same hand too much:
- 1. **Arrows/Navigation:** most used with `2.` after standard characters. To navigate comfortably during a long time, the group is placed at the opposite of the thumb-activated layout key.
- 2. **Programming blocks characters:** most used with `1.` after standard characters. *Group placed at the opposite of the thumb-activated layout key*.
- 3. **Operators:** less used than navigation. *Same side of the thumb-activated layout key*.
- 4. **French special characters:** to keep basic characters on main layout and because they are less used in programming and english, french special characters have been moved to a specific layout, counter to Bepo's original main layout. *Same side of the thumb-activated layout key.*
- *Here is a list of other ergonomic choices :*
- - `Alt` both sides (instead of `AltGr`), as special characters are now handled by layouts, and to comfortably get all shortcuts with both hands (e.g. `alt/tab`...).
- - Numbers on home row, and Function keys on corresponding upper row.
- - Greater/less-than-sign in place of `«` `»`, for easier programming, and because the majority of OS and softwares replace `"` with `«` `»`.
- - Mirror `&` and `|` on little finger, lower row, raise layout (`raiser + &` on little finger is more handy than `raiser + &` on index finger).
- - `’/?` in place of `È` to keep `M` on the right hand side.
- - Better reachability for `W` `Z` `~` `backtick`...
- ## Firmware :
- [Recent bepo firmware](https://bepo.fr/wiki/Accueil) `1.1rc2` switched generic apostrophe and typographic one.
- As the majority of OS and softwares replace **`'`** with **`’`**, I personnaly do prefer 2008 bepo firmware which keeps generic apostrophe on main layout. In fact, the apostrophe get replaced in text editors, but not in the IDEs while programming.
- Or you also can [switch them by following those instructions.](https://bepo.fr/wiki/Apostrophe)
- ## Layout :
- 
- #### N.B.
- I have been using and fine tuned this layout for about a year, and I really enjoy it. 🙂