configuration of the Pn layer allows mapping keyboard and function key combinations to provide the shortcuts necessary to emulate a full 104 key keyboard. Such a setup allows typing with minimal hand movement and actually, IMO, is more efficient to use!
the Colemak keyboard layout uses the CapsLock as a backspace key. Also, moving the *nix common grave/tilde to its own key avoids the otherwise necessary Fn + Esc key combination. To do so..
| action | setting | key |
|---|---|---|
| Power | off | |
| Dip Switches 1,3,4 | off | |
| Dip Switch 2 | on | |
| Power | on | |
| Fn + right Ctrl | ||
| Caps Lock | Backspace | |
| Pn | ||
| Right Ctrl | Fn + Esc | `~ |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + right Ctrl | ||
| Fn + right Shift |
Dip switch 2 moves the grave/tilde to the right Ctrl which is convenient for frequent usage. However, the right Ctrl also needs to programmed for the Pn layer, hence, the assignment of Fn + Esc to the right Ctrl.
The Fn + right Ctrl key combination initiates and terminates programming mode. The single Pn key action stores the defined mapping. The Fn + right Shift enables the Pn layer permanently so you do not need to press Pn key to invoke the new mappings.
is easy enough to obtain in Linux via the keymap settings. Then the qwerty keyboard layout is mapped to Colemak. But you can easily configure the Pn layer to convert the Poker 2 into a Colemak keyboard so it can be used with any computer as such..
| action | setting |
|---|---|
| Fn + right Ctrl | |
| e | f |
| Pn | |
| r | p |
| Pn | |
| t | g |
| Pn | |
| y | j |
| Pn | |
| u | l |
| Pn | |
| i | u |
| Pn | |
| o | y |
| Pn | |
| p | ; |
| Pn | |
| s | r |
| Pn | |
| d | s |
| Pn | |
| f | t |
| Pn | |
| g | d |
| Pn | |
| j | n |
| Pn | |
| k | e |
| Pn | |
| l | i |
| Pn | |
| ; | o |
| Pn | |
| n | k |
| Pn | |
| Fn + right Ctrl | |
| Fn + right Shift |
and you now have a Colemak keyboard enabled. Any layout can be defined!
a left hand Fn key can be useful for the upper F-key ranges, other Pn layer programming, and avoiding awkward Fn key combinations and finger stretches with the Shift, Ctrl, Win (Super), and Alt keys.
Not surprisingly, the Poker 2 can assign a left hand Fn key. Dip switch 3 turned on turns the Win key into a left hand Fn key, but then the Win key needs to be mapped elsewhere (the right Alt key is an option) or is lost. A solution is to map the Fn key to the CapsLock, preserving the Win key (position). To do so..
| action | setting |
|---|---|
| Power | off |
| Dip Switches 2-4 | off |
| Dip Switch 1 | on |
| Power | on |
| Fn + right Ctrl | |
| Win | CapsLock |
| Pn | |
| Fn + right Ctrl | |
| Power | off |
| Dip Switch 2-3 | on |
| Power | on |
| Fn + right Shift |
Done! Dip switch 3 enables the left Fn key, normally to the Win key, but since the Win key is mapped to the CapsLock, the left Fn is now the CapsLock and the Win key remains a Win key. Whew!
Doing so loses the CapsLock as a backspace key above, something which, as a Colemak user, I have come to appreciate—especially with all the inadvertent key presses while acclimating to new ultra light linear Cherry Red key switches!
enter the GuiFn function key layout which eliminates the need for a left hand Fn key.
GuiFn implements a right hand (activated with thumb on the Fn key) navigation key cluster which is, IMO, more effective than the split left hand Fn + WASD cursor layout—that gamers are used to—and right hand Fn + Home/End/PgUp/PgDn (assigned to the semi-colon, period, quote and slash) keys.
In fact, once your muscle memory is established, it is quicker to use than the dedicated navigation control cluster of a tenkeyless or full keyboard. To configure the Pn layer..
| action | setting | navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Fn + right Ctrl | ||
| Fn + ; | Fn + a | Right |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + ‘ | Fn + s | Down |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + Enter | Fn + d | Left |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + [ | Fn + w | Up |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + p | Fn + ; | Home |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + ] | Fn + , | End |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + Backspace | Fn + ‘ | PgUp |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + \ | Fn + / | PgDn |
| Pn | ||
| Fn + / | Fn + Backspace | Del |
| Fn + right Ctrl | ||
| Fn + right Shift |
Flip the Fn key around so it slopes downward (the “Fn” legend will be upside down) as this will feel more natural to the thumb and can be located by feel.
Now the Poker 2 is really beginning to feel customized (just need to add an anodized milled aluminium base!)..
with Fn +</span> right Shift enabled..
` Esc 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - = Backspace
Tab Q W F P G J L U Y ; [ ] `
Backspace A R S T D H N E I O ' Enter
Shift Z X C V B K M , . / Shift
Ctrl Win Alt Space Alt Fn Pn `~
with Fn (thumb) held down..
` Esc F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 PgUp
Tab Q W E R T Y U I O Home Up End PgDn`
CapsLock A S D F G H J K L Left Down Right
Shift Z X C V B N M , . / Shift
Ctrl Win Alt Space Alt Fn Pn `~
with Pn held down..
` Esc 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - = Backspace
Tab Q W E R T Y U I O P [ ] `
CapsLock A S D F G H J K L ; ' Enter
Shift Z X C V B N M , . / Shift
Ctrl Win Alt Space Alt Fn Pn `~
For completeness, all remaining default Poker 2 Fn keys can be programmed to be indifferent to the Fn key to allow modifiers on those keys to work even if the Fn key is held down..
| action | setting |
|---|---|
| Fn + right Ctrl | |
| Fn + w | w |
| Pn | |
| Fn + a | a |
| Pn | |
| Fn + s | s |
| Pn | |
| Fn + d | d |
| Pn | |
| Fn + z | z |
| Pn | |
| Fn + x | x |
| Pn | |
| Fn + c | c |
| Pn | |
| Fn + v | v |
| Pn | |
| Fn + b | b |
| Pn | |
| Fn + r | r |
| Pn | |
| Fn + y | y |
| Pn | |
| Fn + f | f |
| Pn | |
| Fn + g | g |
| Pn | |
| Fn + h | h |
| Pn | |
| Fn + n | n |
| Pn | |
| Fn + m | m |
| Pn | |
| Fn + , | , |
| Pn | |
| Fn + . | . |
| Pn | |
| Fn + right Ctrl | |
| Fn + right Shift |
The possibilities are endless with the programmable function layer of the Poker 2. You can easily roll your own..