Recommendation for keyboard with trackpoint

[hibiscus]

I've been searching without much luck for a keyboard that has Cherry MX blue or brown switches and an integrated Trackpoint.  Ideally i'd like it to have Windows keys too, but I can live without.

Currently I'm using a Das Ultimate with MX blues and I like the feel.  I considered an M13 but I fear that the key response isn't as light as what I'm used to.

Any suggestion?

[mkawa]

does not exist

your best bet is a unicomp endurapro

[docomoz]

Does anybody know why Kinesis or other guys don't integrate a trackpoint into their keyboards? I think it would be a great ergonomic improvement for them.

[FoxWolf1]

A microswitch keyboard with a good trackpoint is something often desired, but not realized.

There was a project a while back that aimed to develop a small form factor Cherry keyboard with trackpoint-- the MiniGuru-- but production was ultimately cancelled.

[tp4tissue]

Track point is better than touchpad for sure. But NOTHING is greater than da' moose. Response is far superior and more intuitive.

Trackball is closer to the moose, but there is no way to change directions as quickly with a trackball.

[FoxWolf1]

The advantage of a trackpoint is that it can be used without taking your hand out of keyboard position. This is quite handy if your workflow involves frequent switching between mouse actions and typing.

Even if I had a trackpoint keyboard, I'd probably still use a proper mouse as well. But that doesn't make me want a trackpoint keyboard any less...

[dorkvader]

Track point is better than touchpad for sure. But NOTHING is greater than da' moose. Response is far superior and more intuitive.

Trackball is closer to the moose, but there is no way to change directions as quickly with a trackball.

With a larger trackball, wouldn't you be able to do that closer to a mouse?
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People have modd'd touchpoints into their keyboards. See the miniguru, and the kinesis projects that input nirvana has made up. That would be your best bet if you don't go with the unicomp.

[newtrekemotion]

A microswitch keyboard with a good trackpoint is something often desired, but not realized.

There was a project a while back that aimed to develop a small form factor Cherry keyboard with trackpoint-- the MiniGuru-- but production was ultimately cancelled.

It is funny you mention this. I recently contacted the guy who came up with that project and apparently the kit is still in the works. The MiniGuru could be my ultimate keyboard, especially for taking with me.

The reason we don't have any trackpoint keyboards is probably from this:

The pointing stick is an idea perfected by IBM and Lexmark; and owned by Unicomp since it was patented in 1996. The EnduraPro is the perfect solution for space constrained work environments.

Which came from http://pckeyboard.com/page/category/EnduraPro So hopefully the patent runs out in 4 more years and we can get someone like CM to make a 87/84 keyboard with a trackpoint.

[davkol]

That's weird, because Dell, HP and quite a few other companies use trackpoints in their laptops, only call it differently. But they might be paying licensing fees to IBM.

[tp4tissue]

Track point is better than touchpad for sure. But NOTHING is greater than da' moose. Response is far superior and more intuitive.

Trackball is closer to the moose, but there is no way to change directions as quickly with a trackball.

With a larger trackball, wouldn't you be able to do that closer to a mouse?
---

People have modd'd touchpoints into their keyboards. See the miniguru, and the kinesis projects that input nirvana has made up. That would be your best bet if you don't go with the unicomp.

The problem with changing directions on a track ball, is because you cannot use your larger arm muscles which responds faster and are far more robust than fingers.

The trackball can't be handled so quickly because fingers don't provide enough surface contact with the ball for quick snaps.

Now if you had something that's volleyball size. Yea no problem, but I've yet to see such a giant trackball.