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geekhack Community => Ergonomics => Topic started by: voodoo6k on Tue, 01 January 2019, 19:29:01

Title: Options w/ left Alt closer to center (Minila, etc.)
Post by: voodoo6k on Tue, 01 January 2019, 19:29:01

Hey all,

I never really asked myself why Alt is easier to reach (with my left thumb) on my Thinkpad... turns out it's much closer to the center than on ANSI layout:

(https://i.imgur.com/R76kILX.png)

I even occasionally use the Windows key, which I never touch on my main board.

This makes me wish there were more keys available for the left thumb on standard boards. I'm starting to get the Filco Minila (https://www.diatec.co.jp/en/det.php?prod_c=1471) layout... Function keys you can reach! The F-row seems super easy access, as well. Perhaps the short space bar would be problematic.

What are some other widely available, left thumb-friendly keyboards for the frequent Alt user? Ideally with an easy to reach F-row; Matias Mini (http://matias.ca/miniquietpro/pc/) would be an example, however reliability seems to be an issue, according to the reviews.

Thanks

Title: Re: Options w/ left Alt closer to center (Minila, etc.)
Post by: voodoo6k on Wed, 02 January 2019, 21:21:05

Okay, so there's a bunch of 60% keyboards with short spacebars and extra thumb keys, in addition to Minila: atom66, Pure Pro, HHKB JP, Z70 ...

I guess most aren't widely available. Also, by definition (of 60%), none of them have an F-row. Minila being the best case due to the Fn key "ready to go".