Whoneedsaspacebaranyway?
You need the space bar to be where you tend to press your thumb - and different people have learned to type in different ways so they tend to press in different places.
Some people may have their hands move left and right over the keyboard while typing letters, so they may need 2u of space bar because the hand's position when pressing the space bar "key" is not entirely consistent.
But I have never heard of anyone ever saying that they alternate between using the left or the right thumb. It is always one or the other.
You need the space bar to be where you tend to press your thumb - and different people have learned to type in different ways so they tend to press in different places.
Some people may have their hands move left and right over the keyboard while typing letters, so they may need 2u of space bar because the hand's position when pressing the space bar "key" is not entirely consistent.
But I have never heard of anyone ever saying that they alternate between using the left or the right thumb. It is always one or the other.
I do alternate :)
As for the debate - imho, when splitting a keyboard, one half should be space, the other - backspace. 1u-3u per half is fine. 4u is too much.
As for old terminal keyboards, I think it's reasonable to sometimes use both thumbs for a faster action since it takes a lot of force. If the force is small, short space is the way to go.
You need the space bar to be where you tend to press your thumb - and different people have learned to type in different ways so they tend to press in different places.
Some people may have their hands move left and right over the keyboard while typing letters, so they may need 2u of space bar because the hand's position when pressing the space bar "key" is not entirely consistent.
But I have never heard of anyone ever saying that they alternate between using the left or the right thumb. It is always one or the other.
My shiny area is probably 1.5u under N-M so a split spacebar with backspace sounds a great idea, but the lack of caps has always put me off (not a fan of blanks so they'd have to have shift legends)
And to add to the discussion, check out this board made by NMB back in the day:Show Image(http://www.stifflerssurplus.com/images/product/large/12756_1_.jpg)
According to the site that it was for sale on (zero stock now), the part number is 121422-001:
http://www.stifflerssurplus.com/p-12756-nmb-rt8255cw-121422-001-121422001-computer-keyboard-with-5-pin-connector.aspx (http://www.stifflerssurplus.com/p-12756-nmb-rt8255cw-121422-001-121422001-computer-keyboard-with-5-pin-connector.aspx)
Yes it is. I ran into this while searching for something else and it took me a day to find this thread again to post it here, lol.And to add to the discussion, check out this board made by NMB back in the day:Show Image(http://www.stifflerssurplus.com/images/product/large/12756_1_.jpg)
According to the site that it was for sale on (zero stock now), the part number is 121422-001:
http://www.stifflerssurplus.com/p-12756-nmb-rt8255cw-121422-001-121422001-computer-keyboard-with-5-pin-connector.aspx (http://www.stifflerssurplus.com/p-12756-nmb-rt8255cw-121422-001-121422001-computer-keyboard-with-5-pin-connector.aspx)
It is very interesting to know that there were splitted space bars on old designed keyboards.
NMB introduces Erase-Ease back space feature for Right Touch Windows 95-compatible keyboard; Enhanced key functionality provides improved comfort, speed and efficiency.
CHATSWORTH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 1995--NMB Technologies Inc., the world's highest volume computer keyboard manufacturer, is now shipping its Right Touch Professional Series keyboard with Erase-Ease, model number RT-8200WIN.
This clicker mechanical keyswitch keyboard is designed to save keystrokes in operating Microsoft's Windows 95 software using the three Windows 95 function keys. NMB recently introduced its first standard Windows 95-compatible keyboard with a membrane keyswitch version, model number RT-6600WIN.
Erase-Ease
The backspace key is one of the most frequently used keys; yet it is located in one of the hardest to reach places on the keyboard. Erase-Ease tackles this problem by moving the backspace key from its traditional location in the upper right to a split space bar, easily accessible by the thumb.
The right part of the space bar is used by the right thumb for normal spacing; the left part is used by the left thumb to backspace/erase. The user's eyes and hands never have to leave their accustomed places, resulting in improved comfort, speed, and efficiency.
"With Erase-Ease, we've added functionality to our Right Touch Windows 95-compatible keyboard product line to enhance user productivity," said Myron Jones, president of NMB Technologies. "The Erase-Ease, coupled with our Windows 95-compatibility and special keys, makes this keyboard a strong productivity tool," Jones added.
Customized Windows 95 Keys
In addition to Novell Netware compatibility, the RT-8200WIN is approved by Microsoft Compatibility Labs. The keyboard's function keys are: application, left Windows, and right Windows. These keys simplify existing combination keystrokes like Alt, Tab, Ctrl-Esc, or right mouse button clicks to single key operations when using the Window 95 software.
The application key brings up the content (pop-up) menu at the current select position. This is the equivalent of pressing the right mouse button in some applications today. Pressing the application key will not disturb the current mouse pointer position.
The lift Windows key sets focus to the Windows 95 user interface. The right Windows key has the same functionality as the left Windows key.
Price and Availability
The Professional Series Windows 95-compatible keyboard with Erase-Ease is available for the 1995 holiday season through Ingram Micro and Almo Distributing, and at retailers nationwide. With a three-year manufacturer's warranty, the RT-8200WIN model of the Professional Series carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $69.99. For further information regarding availability, call the NMB Information Hotline at 800/662-8321.
NMB Technologies is a subsidiary of NMB (USA) Inc., the North American headquarters and operating center of the Minebea Group of companies. NMB Technologies offers its customers a full line of state-of-the-art products including keyboards, fans, step motors, audio speakers, and other electronic components.
NMB's Right Touch keyboards are available in OEM quantities and through the reseller/distribution channel.
NOTE: Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.
CONTACT: NBM Technologies Inc.