Transitioning from the native German ISO layout to the HHKB layout (special kind of ANSI) might sound like a minor adjustment for some, but for a developer, it can significantly impact productivity and workflow. As a developer, who primarily uses English in coding and communication, is that something big, to change the daily driver. I recently made this switch, and I can confidently say it was a good one and inspiring journey.
One of the main reasons I felt it made more sense to work with the US layout was the convenience it offered with parentheses and brackets. In programming, it is inevitable to use parentheses frequently, and the easy access to these parentheses in the ANSI layout made coding much smoother. I no longer had to reach for cumbersome keyboard shortcuts to access parentheses; they were right there, easily accessible.
In addition to the convenience of brackets and the advantages of the HHKB layout, another factor that made the transition to the ANSI US layout more sensible was the irrelevance of the extra letters specific to the German language. In my daily life as a developer, English is the primary language I use, both in coding and communication. Additionally, switching to the HHKB layout provided me with several advantages. The HHKB layout is known for its compact design and efficient key placement, making it ideal for developers. The keys are arranged in a way that reduces finger travel and strain, ultimately increasing typing speed and reducing fatigue.
ISO-DE layout (QWERTZ)
HHKB layout (hhkb.io)
Another significant advantage of the HHKB layout is its Topre switches. These switches offer a unique typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. The smoothness and consistency of Topre switches make long typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable.
The transition from the ISO to ANSI layout, coupled with the HHKB keyboard, was surprisingly smooth. Within just two weeks of using only the ANSI layout, both at home and work, I had adapted to the new layout seamlessly. However, I did encounter some challenges, particularly when I needed to switch between layouts. At times, I found myself needing to place my HHKB on top of my laptop to avoid confusion. Not a big deal at home, but at work, in meeting or in cafe, it attracted some attention 👀.
🚀Consistency was key to overcoming these challenges. By sticking to the ANSI layout consistently, I was able to train my muscle memory effectively and avoid confusion between layouts. Now, I couldn't be happier with my decision to switch to the ANSI US HHKB layout. It has significantly improved my typing speed, efficiency, and overall coding experience. And the HHKB sound, the "thock", is just so satisfying 👉🏻 sound probe.
