gsinclair

Karabiner layouts for symbols and navigation

Gavin Sinclair, January 2022

Introduction

I use Karabiner (configured with Gosu) to make advanced key mappings on my Apple computer. Karabiner allows you to create “layers”, perhaps simulating those on a programmable mechanical keyboard. I make good use of these layers to give me easy access (home-row or nearby) to all symbols and navigational controls, and even a numpad.

The motivation is to keep hand movement to a minimum. Decades of coding on standard keyboards has unfortunately left me with hand and wrist pain. I will soon enough own a small split keyboard which will force me to use layers to access symbols etc., so this Karabiner solution, which has evolved over months, is a training run for that.

justinmklam

{
    "title": "Change caps_lock to Esc and Control",
    "rules": [
        {
            "description": "Post Esc if Caps is tapped, Control if held.",
            "manipulators": [
                {
                    "type": "basic",
                    "from": {
                        "key_code": "caps_lock",

ismyrnow

sudo rm -rfv /Library/Caches/com.apple.iconservices.store; sudo find /private/var/folders/ \( -name com.apple.dock.iconcache -or -name com.apple.iconservices \) -exec rm -rfv {} \; ; sleep 3;sudo touch /Applications/* ; killall Dock; killall Finder