I agree. It looks like with this it would be near impossible to press the lower left/right keys with my palm, which is something that helps take the load off my pinkies. It does look like a fun project though.
Sorry for uninvited advice, but you really shouldn't be using the keys in the corners for common actions (so common that you have a need to take the load off you pinkies). Utilise the CapsLock [1, 2]. (This key is so misbalanced in terms of prime key estate to utility ratio!) Better yet, try using home row modifiers [3].
Mostly the offenders are enter and -=[];'./_+{}:">?. My solution was to move \)}>][<({/ to the center (two new columns between G and H) and then to move enter and " to the corners for palm pressing--this is all at the "symbol" layer which I activate by holding the keys where my thumbs go. I rather like it: https://configure.zsa.io/planck-ez/layouts/RgRVl/latest/1
So I guess that means that the position formerly occupied by caps lock is now... 'a'? I haven't bothered to configure a caps lock. Haven't needed it.
Bonus, this is all handled in the keyboard firmware so I don't have to bother reconfiguring the OS. I just plug in the keyboard wherever and I'm all set.
So while I like your advice... I may be too far gone to take it. I can still type on a normal keyboard with their silly staggered rows to prevent typewriter jams, but I don't think I'll ever go back to feeling like it's a good idea to do so.
TBF, I strayed quite far from “normal” keyboard as well [1]: I use a 36 key split (15+3 for each hand); Dvorak layout; all special symbols are on L2; return, escape, tab, and space are on the thumb clusters (along with backspace and language switcher); modifiers are on the home row. All this ensures no finger ever has to travel more than one key away from its resting position. I’m quite happy with this setup and am working on a thinner and more polished version of my keyboard. To each their own, I guess.
[1]: Writing the GP comment I was cautious not to be that rando who goes “you’re doing it all wrong! you gotta reconfigure your whole system and your brain!” to a stranger, so I limited myself to the, IMHO, bare minimum advice. ;)
I like the look of those minimal split setups. I'm currently using a planck half the time and an ergodox the other half. But because my brain has moved into the planck, more than 50% of the keys on the ergodox are just gathering dust.
My next step on this path, if I ever take it, probably resembles your setup. If/when I take it, I'll explore the modifiers on home row approach, it does sound nice :)
