Your recommended thumb cluster

Left ⌫ Backspace: Commonly used for deleting text and navigating back. ctrl Ctrl: Frequently used in many combinations (e.g., Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V) and provides quick access. ⇧ Shift: Used for many modifier combinations, particularly for text manipulation. alt Alt: Valuable for navigating menus and used in combinations like Alt + Backspace. ⌘ Command: Commonly used on macOS as a primary modifier for many shortcuts.
Right ⌘ Command: Essential for macOS users for a variety of shortcuts, including tab management. ⇧ Shift: Important for editing and other frequent combinations. ctrl Ctrl: Useful for navigating and manipulating text; can also be used for commands. alt Alt: Helpful for additional functions like menu navigation. space Space: Used for spacing and can be combined with Shift for quick access.

Left Cluster

  • Top row:
    • Backspace: Commonly used for deleting text and navigating back.
    • Ctrl: Frequently used in many combinations (e.g., Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V) and provides quick access.
    • Shift: Used for many modifier combinations, particularly for text manipulation.
  • Bottom row:
    • Alt: Valuable for navigating menus and used in combinations like Alt + Backspace.
    • Command: Commonly used on macOS as a primary modifier for many shortcuts.

Right Cluster

  • Top row:
    • Command: Essential for macOS users for a variety of shortcuts, including tab management.
    • Shift: Important for editing and other frequent combinations.
  • Bottom row:
    • Ctrl: Useful for navigating and manipulating text; can also be used for commands.
    • Alt: Helpful for additional functions like menu navigation.
    • Space: Used for spacing and can be combined with Shift for quick access.

Reasoning behind the layout

The left and right clusters are designed to optimize access to the most frequently used modifier keys. By balancing the distribution of modifiers between both clusters, users can avoid the congestion of frequently combined keys on the same side. Placing Ctrl and Alt in close reach ensures access to navigation and editing commands efficiently. Given the patterns, Command is placed in both clusters to cater to macOS users, ensuring that essential shortcuts are easily reachable.

Next steps

Start using this recommended thumb cluster layout in your keyboard design! You can use your keyboard manager software to remap keys to match the recommended layout. But remember, while this is a personalized recommendation, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Feel free to experiment and adjust the layout to your liking.