For example, without having to move my hand, my thumbs can reach Esc, Tab, Backspace, and Enter as well as having to push space. That's a benefit from the thumbs being able to hit 2-3 keys each.
I think that's much nicer than having to move the hand or stretch with the pinky in order to hit backspace.
Whereas with the standard keyboard layout, you can't keep your hands rested on home row & reach those keys.
Certainly don't let some rando on the internet tell you that this isn't worth doing. I just also don't expect folks to believe that you get measurable gains from this. Outside of the joy it brings having set this up. Which is huge and not to be discarded.
Ah, I'm not necessarily arguing that "having a better keyboard will make you a more effective typist". I'm suggesting that "for keeping your hands on home row, it's much nicer if your thumbs are able to reach 2-3 keys each, than if your thumbs are only able to reach the spacebar".
Maybe "whether it's worth having such a keyboard" is down to personal preference or whatever, sure.
I think that's much nicer than having to move the hand or stretch with the pinky in order to hit backspace.
Whereas with the standard keyboard layout, you can't keep your hands rested on home row & reach those keys.