Literally my only complaint about column stagger is with strafing with shooters since I need to drop my ring and index finger a bit too far for where A and D is on QWERTY. This is where ortholinear boards actually do better at but I digress.
ESDF isn't optional with columnal stagger, it is much more comfortable.
ESDF isn't optional with columnal stagger, it is much more comfortable.
I technically use the equivalent of ESDF but it's because I have my QWERTY gaming layer shifted over one column.
the magic of QMK!
Honestly, It's kind of incredible. I use Vial which is even more amazing since you can edit layouts without reflashing.