I dream of a more ergonomic keyboard that is something in-between symmetric stagger and Kinesis contoured, and with keycaps in completely custom contoured shapes to form a bowl for each hand's fingers.
The shape would have the ergonomic benefits of the Kinesis without having to relearn too much from a regular typewriter keyboard, and without having to use the "correct" finger for each key all the time.
The keyboard is of course split in two halves, with adjustable tenting, inclination and position and angle of the thumb key clusters. Integrated pointing device, gesture recognition and spaceball-like camera control for 3D modelling and RTS games.
The switches are smooth and stable as Topre, with a force curve like lubed Cherry MX Clear but slightly sharper, more like clicky switches. The force is adjusted for each finger (like Topre Variable or Key Tronic ErgoForce). The key travel of normal keys after actuation is at least twice than normal so that you never bottom out. Thumb keys have lower key travel to a distinct bottom so they are easier to hold down.
You get tactile feedback and very low audial feedback only on the down-stroke when you have reached the actuation point and never otherwise. On the up-stroke, it is linear and dampened silent. (like a mix between Cream Alps and Buckling spring). Also because the switches are so stable, there is also no rattle.
Each key is also analogue after the tactile point, so that it can be used as an analogue gamepad for gaming or for other user-interface enhancing features.
Despite the longer key travel, a switch with keycap can be ~ 1/4" lower profile than Cherry MX. The users fingers will reach down into a bowl somewhat like on the Kinesis, but without the need for a high wrist rest.
If the Caps Lock key is not unmapped, it is latching so that you could feel with your finger when it is active. Like the Shift Lock on the Commodore 64, but unlike Cherry MX Lock/Alps Lock, it is also tactile and clicky so that you can feel when you have activated it. It can be pressed and released by software, with audial feedback.
Keycap texture is coarse like SP or Realforce, PBT plastic with E-ink legends. Instead of homing bar, there are two homing dots in the bar's location (like a split bar) on the D and K keys. The dots allow you to self-diagnose if you have Carpal Tunner Syndrome - if you don't feel the dots under your middle finger as being two distinct dots you should see a doctor.
