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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bbbbqq on Wed, 19 October 2011, 01:18:22

Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: bbbbqq on Wed, 19 October 2011, 01:18:22
Does it even exist ? the left alt key on every keyboard I can see is between the Z and the X. I'm looking for a keyboard with the left alt closer to the middle, say, between X and C. I use it a LOT, and having to stress my thumb the extra half inch or so is already killing my wrists, with less than hour on this keyboard.

The only board I can find with that is the MS natural 4000, which isn't mechanical (and what I'm switching from)

halppppp
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: RColinTaylor on Wed, 19 October 2011, 01:22:54
Off of the top of my head, no. And from the skimming of popular keyboard's designs, no. In my opinion the best option would be to remap the key to something else or become more accustomed to using the right-alt key.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 19 October 2011, 02:37:49
Noppoo Choc Mini possibly...
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: RColinTaylor on Wed, 19 October 2011, 03:05:06
Quote from: TheProfosist;434305
Noppoo Choc Mini possibly...

The choc mini has a standard alt-key placement.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: TheProfosist on Wed, 19 October 2011, 03:05:57
Quote from: RColinTaylor;434311
The choc mini has a standard alt-key placement.
but isnt the spacebar shorter
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: RColinTaylor on Wed, 19 October 2011, 03:18:19
Yes, but the Windows Key is a 1x and not a 1.25x. And on the right side of the spacebar 3 of the modifiers are 1x and one ix 1.25x. All of this extra space goes towards fitting the arrow keys into the bottom row.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: biochem on Wed, 19 October 2011, 08:22:54
Although it isn't mechanical, the Microsoft Natural keyboard has the left alt key below the X and C.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]28999[/ATTACH]
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: RColinTaylor on Wed, 19 October 2011, 08:25:52
Quote from: biochem;434392
Although it isn't mechanical, the Microsoft Natural keyboard has the left alt key below the X and C.

(Attachment) 28999[/ATTACH]

That is the keyboard that OP is referencing in the first post. I think he wants a keyboard that would operate like a MS Natural but is mechanical.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: Brodie337 on Wed, 19 October 2011, 08:26:12
If you're using alt alot, maybe try using AutoHotKey to map caps lock to left alt?
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: biochem on Wed, 19 October 2011, 08:59:07
Quote from: RColinTaylor;434394
That is the keyboard that OP is referencing in the first post. I think he wants a keyboard that would operate like a MS Natural but is mechanical.


My mistake, should have read the whole post.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: duncan on Wed, 19 October 2011, 09:10:19
How about a JP layout board like this one:
http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/hhkbprojp/

You could map those extra command keys as you like.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: Khenra on Wed, 19 October 2011, 09:27:52
As Brodie said, you could remap Alt to a different key. I'd recommend the Windows key and use your pinkie to hit it.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 19 October 2011, 13:58:41
I also think a JIS board would be best since it has extra keys between alt and space, it should be ideal assuming they can be remapped. This Filco (http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=833) is another example.
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: bbbbqq on Wed, 19 October 2011, 20:18:20
Don't think a JP layout is for me, I like regular enter keys and not the backwards r shaped ones (and especially not the L shaped ones)
4 keys to the left of the spaceba would be nice though :(
Title: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ?
Post by: flyball on Wed, 19 October 2011, 20:32:27
do you use alt more than control? try mapping it to caps lock