Hopefully I can make this clear with an example. On my current keyboard, Alt is directly under X and Win is directly under Z. On most of the models of mechanical keyboards I have looked at, those keys are shifted well to the left of where I am used to. The bottom row layout is often (3 keys, spacebar, 4 keys). If I could switch it to (4 keys, spacebar, 3 keys), that would match what I am used to.
I am testing out an Aula F87, and I’ve found that the difference is not just cosmetic. I use the Alt and Win keys a lot between video games and my window manager, and it is substantially less comfortable to have to reach the additional distance so frequently.
How much work would I have to do to, or is it even possible at all, to move things around as described? If it’s not possible, does anyone have suggestions for finding a keyboard that matches what I want (other than just looking at pictures of lots of keyboards until I find one that looks comfortable)?
The distinction that helped me think about this is between moving the function and moving the physical key. Remapping can change what a key does, but it cannot move where your thumb lands, so if the issue is reach distance rather than which label is where, remapping alone may still feel awkward. One cheap test is to remap a key that is already under your thumb to the function you use most, use it for a few days, and see whether the problem goes away or whether you still miss the old spacing. If you still miss the spacing, look specifically at the bottom-row layout in the specification, not just photos, because spacebar length and modifier sizes decide whether a four-key, spacebar, three-key arrangement is even possible on that board. That is a much narrower filter than general layout photos, and it saves a lot of trial and error.