OPRIQ

Keyboard layout

Description

OPRIQ (Qwerty OPtional RIght) is multi-layered keyboard layout that can be used either as full left-handed keyboard or as traditional two-handed keyboard.

OPRIQ main features:

  • Both solo-left-handed and two-handed modes are available at any time
  • In left-handed mode all complex hotkeys (like Alt+Ctrl+P) are reachable
  • Layout is based on QWERTY so it requires very little learning
  • It can be used with any ordinary keyboard. Better if it has 6KRO
  • Layout is written with AutoHotKey language for Windows

Layout is based on the idea of automatic differentiating between two modes called Ambivalent and SpeedTyping. See design document for more details:

As of July 2021 layout is still in development, but it already shows big potential. Automatic differentiating between modes feels very natural and behaves as intended. After one week of training in one-handed mode I already typed at 45 wpm speed. 

As of March 2022 speed records:

  • 2-handed: 110 wpm
  • Left-handed (text): 75 wpm
  • Left-handed (coding): 50 wpm

Installation

Download and unzip the file.

You can either run OPRIQ.exe or launch OPRIQ.ahk script if you have AutoHotKey installed.

Either way you’ll see special icon in the tray when it’s launched.

Visit this guide if you experience some troubles.

Russian layout

OPRIQ can be used directly with JCUKEN. It will look like on the picture. The only substantial key is [.,] that can create some difficulties, although on a staggered keyboard it is relatively easy to reach.

I use my own layout called ZHGIEZH. Download KbdEdit file for it here.

Vim keymap for this layout is also attached if you are into those kind of things.