I might misunderstood some terms here, but I feel like our understanding of what tap-dance is might be different.

That said, here’s an ilustration of what I got on my Minidox. I also use something similar on my QAZ, although that one got 32 keys instead of 36.

Edit: actually, I think the latest version got the whole semicolon and Backspace switched. The semicolon button is backspace by default and P + Backspace gives me semicolon. Main reasoning are: rarely use semicolon and fighting the primal urge of pinky finger to backspace is hard (I rotate between sub40s and 40s at least once a week)

Personally, most of my 36 and below boards are programmed such that i’d rely on tap dance less. I’d rather put it in a layer, explode it inside the layer for things like parantheses and brackets, or arrange a combo for things that are frequently used but cannot be assigned into a designated first layer.

Partially because I already have a layout that works on a bigger 40% boards, but another factor of it is how awkward tapdance have always felt to me.

As for the kanata thing: can’t say I can comment further as I’ve never used it before.

Might have something to do with tap hold configuration, though im not sure which one. This applies to almost all key interactions in qmk, so its worth to at least understand the underlying principle.

You can check the better explanation here

Chances are: they are there on smaller keyboards too. It might not be in the usual spot while also hidden behind a layer but its there.

This used to be a showstopper back when most of the available keyboards are not fully customizable firmware-wise. With the advent of QMK and VIA(L) on a lot of readily available keyboards, however, you can pretty much put any functionalities anywhere on any layer(s) you see fit.

• QMK (rather, “easily” accessible keyboard firmware creator) makes keyboard less and less reliant on having a dedicated button for all of the functionalities provided by full size.
• No need to move out of homerow is super nice, especially if you dont need to use your mouse frequetly.
• its nice

RYM