ZMK config for a custom Ferris Sweep keyboard

This is the configuration for a custom-built Ferris Sweep kit sold by Mechboards UK using nice!nano v2 controllers.

The PCB uses a different pin layout than other Ferris Sweep boards so a custom shield is needed (see config/boards/shields/).

Layout

Base layer:

"       ,       .       p       y           f       g       c       r       l
a ALT   o GUI   e SHIFT u CTRL  i           d       h CTRL  t SHIFT n GUI   s ALT
:       q       j       k       x           b       m       w       v       z

        ARROW_LAYER   SPACE / MEH           ARROW_LAYER     NUM_LAYER

Num layer:

'       _       &       {       }                   7       8       9       BACKSPACE
+       -       =       (       )           0       4       5       6       ENTER     
;       @       |       [       ]                   1       2       3

                              TAB           CAPS_WORD       

Arrow layer:

ESC     %       #       <       >                           PG_DN   PG_UP   DEL 
!       /       *       $       ^                   LEFT    DOWN    UP      RIGHT
        \       ~       `       ?                   A+LEFT                  A+RIGHT 

        NUM_LAYER                                           F_KEY_LAYER

F-key layer:

 >>|    |<<     PLAY                        F12     F7      F8      F9    
 VOL+   VOL-    MUTE                        F11     F4      F5      F6
                                            F10     F1      F2      F3

                     SYSTEM_LAYER

System layer:

RESET                           BT_SEL_0                                    RESET
BOOTLOADER                      BT_SEL_1                                    BOOTLOADER
                        BT_CLR  BT_SEL_2

The ideas behind the layout

This is a general-purpose Dvorak layout featuring:

No shifted keys besides alpha keys

We have to use layers to support all keys on a 34-key layout. I always struggled with shifted keys (like : and ;) and keys on a separate layer. You constantly use different modifier+key combinations, which messes up the flow.

That's why this layout only uses SHIFT for alpha keys. (Technically, you can use SHIFT on any key, and it will work, but you don't have to and should not.)

Home row mods (ALT, CONTROL, GUI, SHIFT)

Coming from QMK (Moonlander), I was amazed at how uncomplicated and stable the hold-tap behavior is in ZMK. No more accidental modifier+key presses when rolling over the home row. And no delays either.

No double tapping

As with everything, this comes down to taste. I like alternating keys and dislike double tapping.

All key combinations are available

It's easy to produce a layout that only supports some combinations of modifiers and keys. I've been there. :-)

Deviation from standard Dvorak

Because I type double quotes much more often then single quotes and colon much more often than semicolon (VIM user here :-) ), I switched those keys.

How to type certain symbols

• € ALT+SHIFT+2
• £ ALT+3
• § ALT+6