Vortex Pok3r layout

This is a guide for configuring a keyboard layout that is great for developers on Linux. The layout is basically featuring the following:

• Use fn+hjkl for navigation
• Use l_ctrl as function
• Map caps lock to l_ctrl
• Swap the l_win and l_alt keys
• Swap the r_alt and fn, and map fn to super.

I'm using this layout actively when developing with the Pok3er on Arch Linux with NeoVim as my weapon of choice.

The great thing is that you can pick and choose from the settings below. Treat this guide as an example, not the Truth of a great set up.

The layout I have looks like this (the red keys are the modified ones):

Keyboard Layout Editor

Basics

Only layers 2-4 are programmable, the default layer is not. So when following this guide, make sure you are on any of layers 2-4 (fn + ,, . or /).

Entering programming mode

To enter the programming mode on the keyboard, press fn + r_ctrl. The right LED under the space bar will now light up.

Note again that this is not possible in the default layer.

Exiting programming mode

To exit the programming mode on the keyboard, press fn + r_ctrl or wait for 15 seconds.

Configuration

Use fn+hjlk for navigation

1. Start by entering programming mode, fn + r_ctrl
2. Map fn + h to left:
   1. fn + h (set target)
   2. fn + j (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
3. Map fn + j to down:
   1. fn + j (set target)
   2. fn + k (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
4. Map fn + k to up:
   1. fn + k (set target)
   2. fn + i (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
5. Exit programming mode: fn + r_ctrl

Map caps lock to l_ctrl

1. Start by entering programming mode, fn + r_ctrl
2. Map caps lock to l_ctrl:
   1. caps lock (set target)
   2. l_ctrl (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
3. Exit programming mode: fn + r_ctrl

Swap left alt and super (win)

R_CMD: R_Alt then: R_FN (Win) then: PN
R_Option: R_FN (Win) then: R_Alt then: PN

1. Start by entering programming mode, fn + r_ctrl
2. Map l_alt to l_win:
   1. l_alt (set target)
   2. l_win (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
3. Map l_win to l_alt:
   1. l_win (set target)
   2. l_alt (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
4. Exit programming mode: fn + r_ctrl

Swap right alt and fn

1. Start by entering programming mode, fn + r_ctrl
2. Map r_alt to r_fn:
   1. r_alt (set target)
   2. r_fn (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
3. Map r_fn to r_alt:
   1. r_fn (set target)
   2. r_alt (set source)
   3. pn/menu (save)
4. Exit programming mode: fn + r_ctrl

Map l_ctrl to fn

1. Unplug the keyboard
2. Switch DIP switch 4 (the hardware switches on the back of the keyboard to ON)
3. Plug the keyboard back in again
4. Press fn then l_ctrl, then pn and then pn
5. Switch DIP switch 4 back to OFF

Special thanks

Special thanks to David Jenni for his great guide to configuring the Pok3r on macOS and Windows. You can find it here.