Some very small layouts can in fact be used, and quite effectively. I have a co worker who types using stenography (and develops with it as well) and the absolute minimum keys he really needs is around ~25.
He also absolutely dumpsters me at typing speed, be it normal text or special character heavy code, and I type around 90wpm with an ergodox and 110wpm with traditional layout.
He also absolutely dumpsters me at typing speed, be it normal text or special character heavy code, and I type around 90wpm with an ergodox and 110wpm with traditional layout.