I think having a split keyboard so my mouse can be in the middle would really help my comfort at the desk. Is there a style that doubles up the middle keys? My typing style means sometimes I use my right hand to hit T, left to hit Y, etc.
Is this a style already, or would I need to build my own?
I am completely new to this domain and would appreciate advice from knowledgeable enthusiasts.
I had a similar set of typing habits when I started and found that the bfo9000 suited my needs, may be worth a try for you.
It is ortholinear, rather that the row staggered layout you requested, but does allow the “overreaching” typing style.
https://keeb.io/products/bfo-9000-keyboard-customizable-full-size-split-ortholinear
You can also break of sections of the pcb. So you can have a smaller board than what is pictured. That is the ‘customizizable’ part of description.
I fully recommend the ortho layout over staggered, but going from a one piece 5x12 (olkb preonic) to split with two 5x6s (keebio nyquist) I notice that separating my wrists make my thumbs lower on the keyboard. so I think an iris (keebio) would have been better for me.
I had to replace my preonic in a hurry. The nyquist allowed me to get up and running fast because of how close it feels to the preonic.