This layout is built to be as familiar as possible for users coming directly from a default (QWERTY US) keyboard, while gaining as much advantage as possible from the ErgoDox and QMK featureset. I use an ErgoDoxEZ at home, but I don't have a regular office (CS grad student) so I regularly use either my laptop or a default-setup lab computer; I context switch daily so this layout is meant to reduce the mental overhead as much as possible.
The default ErgoDoxEZ layout is probably more optimized as a solo daily driver - as are a lot of the others available keymaps. The focus of this layout is to get as much from the 'Dox as possible without overly disrupting long-established muscle memory.
Key features of the familiar layout:
1. QWERTY default layout.
1. International symbols layer, mapped in the US-International layout default positions, through [UCIS](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/wiki/Unicode-and-additional-language-support#ucis_enable).
If you are on Windows or Mac, choose the proper line in [`keymap.c`](keymap.c) for [unicode/international character support](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/wiki/Unicode-and-additional-language-support#ucis_enable) (starts at line 253).
//set_unicode_input_mode(UC_WIN); // Windows (with registry key, see wiki)
//set_unicode_input_mode(UC_WINC); // Windows (with WinCompose, see wiki)
};
```
For instructions on building and installing this keymap, [go to the wiki](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/ergodox#build-dependencies). Below is the command for me; it may be different for you.
1. UCIS Layer: US-International symbols layer, plus —. Accessed by toggling the `SYMB` layer using the UCIS key (bottom of left thumb cluster).
1. UCIS-Shifted Layer: Making shift work for UCIS characters. An ugly workaround. Any ideas? Accessed by holding shift while the `SYMB` layer is active (toggles the `CSYM` layer).
1. Numpad Layer: Right hand number pad. Accessed by toggling the `NUMP` layer using the NUMP key (bottom of right thumb cluster).
1. Function Layer: F1-F12, arrows on ESDF and HJKL, media player controls. Accessed by holding either FN key (center key of each thumb cluster), which toggles the `ARRW` layer. I know, I need to work on my naming conventions.
I'm terrible at this; I have no background in human-computer interaction, kinesiology, or keyboard-ology. Please send comments/issues/pull requests/angry tweets/etc. If you think there is a better way to take advantage of the ErgoDox/QMK comination without straying far from 84/101-key QWERTY, I want to know it.
1. The `CSYM` layer is an ugly workaround. I should write a function for doing different things in the `SYMB` layer depending on whether SHIFT is being held. Or something. Ideas?
1. Right now, the thumb cluster function keys double as slash and whack... this really isnt a great solution.
QMK is licensed ([mostly](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/issues/1038)) under the [GPLv2](blob/master/license_GPLv2.md). Accordingly, to whatever extent applicable, this keymap is licensed under the [GPLv3](../../../../license_GPLv3.md).