One of the most common conflicts is with the command set-mark-command, which default binding is C-SPC~(Ctrl+Space)¹. On Windows, Ctrl+Space is often used to toggle between English and Chinese input methods, which can makeCtrl+Space unusable for marking in Emacs.

To resolve this issue, you can either use the alternative binding forset-mark-command, C-@, or disable the Ctrl+Space functionality in Windows. Additionally, since the spacebar can be operated easily with either thumb, there is a “third option”: you can configure the Ctrl+Space so that one side Ctrl+Space is reserved for Windows, while the other side Ctrl+Space is available for Emacs or other applications. This is the solution I adopted because it allows me to maintain my habit of using both thumbs for operation.

In the latest version of Windows 11, you can achieve this as follows:

1. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & region > Options > Microsoft Pinyin > Keys, and uncheck the Ctrl + Space box while leaving Shift checked.

2. Open PowerToys (install it if you don’t already have it). In the Keyboard Manager section, add a key remapping: map Ctrl(Left) + Space to Shift orWin(Left) + Space.

For older versions of Windows, where there’s a UI bug preventing such changes ², you can solve this by manually editing the registry:

1. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method\Hot Keys\00000010. Modify the value of Key Modifiers to 02 80 00 00, or 02 40 00 00 ³.
2. If you want to apply this change for all new users, make the same modification under HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Input Method\Hot Keys\00000010.

After making these changes, restart your computer to take effect.

It seems that only Ctrl+Space can be “split,” as other key combinations are naturally easier to reach with one hand. For example, Ctrl+a inherently impliesRight Ctrl+a.

This is an essential configuration for all the computers I use, all because of Emacs.

Emacs was originally developed as a set of macros for the TECO editor (Editing MACroS). At that time, the keyboard layout used by the developers placed the Ctrl key next to the spacebar¹, making it convenient for operation with the thumbs. For some reason, standard keyboards that became widespread with personal computers moved the Ctrl key to the outermost position, which forces usage with the pinky finger. This design easily fatigues the pinky.

Therefore, I choose to swap the Ctrl and Alt keys, returning the Ctrl key to a thumb-operable position, alleviating pinky strain and significantly improving efficiency.

Here’s how I do it:

• Windows: Using SharpKeys for key remapping.
• Linux (GNOME desktop): GNOME Tweak Tool makes this easy to configure².

This is a “once-you-use-it-you-can’t-go-back” configuration. It also has a‘hidden feature’ - driving others crazy when they try to use my keyboard.