LEA Keyboard Layout

The LEA Keyboard Layout is a modified keyboard layout inspired by Oxey Strdy and optimized for Vim users on EU ISO keyboards.

Table of Contents

• Background
• Features
• Key Layout
• Vim Key Modifications

Background

The LEA Keyboard Layout is the result of experimenting with various layouts, including:

• Colemak: A significant improvement over QWERTY, but it sparked a search for an even more efficient layout.
• Colemak-DH (and other Colemak variants): Offered slight improvements, but some key placements, like F, Y, and A, could be further optimized. C is on an horrible position.
• Canary: A fast layout with T in a strong position and A on the right hand. However, Y, W and V placements are not ideal.
• STRDY: A highly efficient layout that should be be the standard for English ortho typing. However, T on the ring finger takes some time to get used to.

Key Modifications

• M: Moved to the right side. While this slightly increases the load and redirects on the right hand, it improves typing rolls, stabilizes the left hand, and facilitates combinations like "MAKE" (where M and K are close). Decreases left ring finger workload.
• Q: Moved back to the left hand.
• V: Better position.
• J: Placed to the left of F.
• Some other small adjustments optimized for staggered keyboard on a wide setting.

Key Layout

• Normal mode:

• Shift mode:

• AltGr mode:

Vim Key Modifications

Navigation Keys

• B: Left movement
• N: Down movement
• E: Up movement
• I: Right movement

Other Key Remappings

• L: "Let" replaces I (insert mode)
• K: "Bookmark" replaces M (mark)
• J: Replaces O
• M: "Minus" replaces B
• O: Replaces E
• H: "Hop" replaces N

Positive Aspects of the Layout

• V for visual mode is in an optimal position.
• Y and P are conveniently located next to each other.
• D is in an excellent position.
• A is in the perfect position.
• S and T are on the home row and in great positions.
• O is positioned on the right middle finger for easy reach.