Vortex Pok3r for programming

I recently picked up a Pok3r with a Nordic layout. This post describes how I configured it to fit my programming needs.

Goals:

• A layout that would be portable to a 4x12 Ortholinear keyboard.
• Get rid of any reachy buttons and weird button combinations.
• Make navigation work well with VIM and Intelij.

The Pok3r has 3 programmable layers as well as a base layer that cannot be changed, on each layer pressing the Fn key can further modify keys behaviour. On a ANSI keyboard the Default layer, R_ctrl, M, and ? keys are fixed can’t be programmed.

Base programming layer:

• Removed Ö and Ä, useful when typing Swedish but not when programming.
• By moving the Fn key and enabling it on the Caps Lock the Fn layer can be accessed without moving the hands.

Symbol and nav layer (Fn+Programming layer key):

This will be my base layout that I will iterate on. The most note wordy things are:

• Vim like navigation bindings. Makes switching between Vim and desktop a lot less confusing.
• A lot of good keys are left unutilized. This will change and they will become system or Intelij specific buttons.
• Del key, not added but desperately needed.

Individual symbols might be moved depending on what is frequently used. To figure out which keys are most used a keylogger can be used.

References:

• The manual for the Pok3r can be found here.
• A great reference guide can be found here.
• Inspiration for symbol Buttons where taken from Johannes QMK layout.
• For anyone speaking Swedish, Kodsnack has a great podcast on mechanical keyboards.

Programming instructions:

• Fn + RCtrl — Enter programming
• Press key (+Fn) to program it (right LED steadily lit)
• Key in the programming contents
• Press Pn to lock in (right LED steadily lit)
• Press next key to repeat
• Press Fn + Right CTRL to exit (right LED off)