Gergo Keyboard

Gergo is a Do It Yourself keyboard, came out in 2019. Created by Jeremy Bernhardt.

Typing Demo on Gergo 12g

Gergo Heavy

Gergo Heavy is Gergo with a nice heavy bottom case.

Default Layout

• LT1 means layer one when held down and pressing another key.
• LCtl_T means left Ctrl when held down and pressing another key.
• LAlt_T means left Alt when held down and pressing another key.
• LGui_T means left ❖Window (or ⌘command) when held down and pressing another key.
• Upside down triangle ▽ means the key falls back to a lower layer meaning, if any.
• Mouse 1 means left mouse button.
• Mouse 2 means right mouse button.
• Mouse 3 means middle mouse button.

How to Configure Gergo Keyboard

QMK Configurator Tutorial

Problem of Gergo Keyboard

• No homing tactile tits on the F J keycaps.
• Flat top keycaps.
• Bare PCB with no case.
• 50g keys are too heavy.

One problem with gergo is that there's tactile homing tits on the F J keys keycap. Also, the choc switches has flat top keycaps. So, its been a pain to find finger position.

Also, the no case is a annoying problem. For example, putting it in bag, or typing on bed. The bare PCB with eletronics in the back hitches clothing, and the exposed USB connectors are prone to damage. (there are gergo case design you can 3D print. Also, there are version of gergo with case you can buy.)

Both of these problems can be easily solved.

Another thing is, the 50g keys are too heavy for me. If you buy gergo, i recommend 40g keys or lighter.

Designing a Layout for Gergo

Gergo is a unique keyboard. To design a layout for it, we take advantage of unique gergo keyboard properties. The outer side keys, are easy keys. And the thumb keys, are easy keys.

Ranking of Thumb Keys Ease

For thumb keys, there is the question of which are most easy to press. This depends on your hand size. In order to come up with optimal layout, we need to know which of the thumb keys are easier to press. Let's look at the left hand keypad for example. There are two smaller thumb keys let's call them s1 s2, from left to right, and two vertical ones, call them v1 v2, from left to right. The most easy thumb key may be the right small key, or, the left vertical key.

So, there are two options in layout. If you have smaller hands, then assume the s2 is the most easy thumb key. If larger handes, we assumes the v1 is most easy thumb key.

Xah Fly Keys Layout

Emacs: Xah Fly Keys layout, id x1v2, for gergo keyboard, 2020-06-27.

Features:

• Ctrl key on both sides.
• ⌘command key on both sides.
• The ❖Window key is a dual function key. So no annoying accidental popup. To have the win menu pop up, press Ctrl+Escape
• Designed for both Mac and Windows/Linux, without needing to swap ⌘command Alt [see Modifier Keys Usage Frequency]
• Physical arrow keys. Great for quick navigation.
• Softlayer arrows in a inverted T position. [see Arrow Keys Efficiency: vim HJKL vs IJKL]
• Square layout for the numbers. This is much easier to hit than in a row.
• Backspace key on left thumb. To repeat, hold right thumb down.

Layout file: gergo_layout_xah_lee_x1v2_zx8pg.json

Xah Layout n1

This is the first layout i created with gergo. Created on 2020-06-22. I was trying to quickly come up with a dvorak layout, so i can actually use gergo. I did not know the qmk features much, nor familiar with gergo yet.

This design is more close to traditional layout, but is not close to optimal, and does not take unique advantage of the physical gergo keyboard nor the qmk abilities.

Layout file: gergo_layout_xah_lee_n1_2020-06-23_g5smk.json

Where to Buy

https://www.gboards.ca/