... Only thing I'd complain is that the bottom row should actually move 1 units left, because typically B is directly under G, and N is directly under H. But I guess then the left shift wouldn't fit in this ISO layout. Won't be a problem for ANSI layout though.
Wouldn't be this linear design too much of a change in typing/thinking?
Can someone point out why this is good?
I was thinking of this mod as well:Show Image(http://piratery.net/temp/cherry-keyboard-aligned.jpg)
That hurts my fingers just thinking about typing on it.
As others have said - you will probably need to design a new PCB with the switch positions you want, while ensuring spacing works for the keycap sizes.
Also brings to mind boards like these :
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49680.0
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36064.0
Found some pictures of the Cherry G86 63400 series online: http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/downloads/CID/G86/G86-63/G86-63400/300%20dpi/G86-63400%20AV%20300%20dpi.jpg
Looks like it could fit the bill, but you will probably have to either settle for an arrow cluster and edit keys OR a numpad at the right hand end. Could just use an external numpad next to it I guess. Who knows, maybe there is an even bigger POS keyboard out there for you.... Also, not sure what type of switches it has.
I was considering rolling my own board, I can do some electronics, but a full size keyboard PCB is quite large. Can anyone recommend a cheap PCB fab house that can do a full 105 keyboard (I believe it's around 20x45cm) at a reasonnable price?
... Only thing I'd complain is that the bottom row should actually move 1 units left, because typically B is directly under G, and N is directly under H. But I guess then the left shift wouldn't fit in this ISO layout. Won't be a problem for ANSI layout though.
Actually, it's precisely halfway between G and H, same as the difference between the number row and top alpha row, since the stagger goes rows 2,3,1,4 in 1/4 key divisions. In other words, the original levers would be in this order from left to right for the 3rd column: W,S,3,X. So actually Z (or Y for a QWERTZ) is more in line with W than X is.
Most wouldn't dispute that G is under T, but is V or B more in line with the "same" row letter T? The whole layout is a mess and I think his version of a vertical column layout is just fine, even though it would take some time for a touch-typist to relearn the bottom row.
... Only thing I'd complain is that the bottom row should actually move 1 units left, because typically B is directly under G, and N is directly under H. But I guess then the left shift wouldn't fit in this ISO layout. Won't be a problem for ANSI layout though.
Actually, it's precisely halfway between G and H, same as the difference between the number row and top alpha row, since the stagger goes rows 2,3,1,4 in 1/4 key divisions. In other words, the original levers would be in this order from left to right for the 3rd column: W,S,3,X. So actually Z (or Y for a QWERTZ) is more in line with W than X is.
Most wouldn't dispute that G is under T, but is V or B more in line with the "same" row letter T? The whole layout is a mess and I think his version of a vertical column layout is just fine, even though it would take some time for a touch-typist to relearn the bottom row.
Oh I say B is under G because it's how you type, you type that entire column with index finger. So I'd assume we should align all the letters based on how you type. :D
Refer to this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Touch_typing.svg
I was considering rolling my own board, I can do some electronics, but a full size keyboard PCB is quite large. Can anyone recommend a cheap PCB fab house that can do a full 105 keyboard (I believe it's around 20x45cm) at a reasonnable price?
... Only thing I'd complain is that the bottom row should actually move 1 units left, because typically B is directly under G, and N is directly under H. But I guess then the left shift wouldn't fit in this ISO layout. Won't be a problem for ANSI layout though.
Actually, it's precisely halfway between G and H, same as the difference between the number row and top alpha row, since the stagger goes rows 2,3,1,4 in 1/4 key divisions. In other words, the original levers would be in this order from left to right for the 3rd column: W,S,3,X. So actually Z (or Y for a QWERTZ) is more in line with W than X is.
Most wouldn't dispute that G is under T, but is V or B more in line with the "same" row letter T? The whole layout is a mess and I think his version of a vertical column layout is just fine, even though it would take some time for a touch-typist to relearn the bottom row.
Oh I say B is under G because it's how you type, you type that entire column with index finger. So I'd assume we should align all the letters based on how you type. :D
Refer to this: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Touch_typing.svg
I usually just bottom out
Wouldn't be this linear design too much of a change in typing/thinking? I would think that after relearning to type on your desired keyboard you cannot type on any other keyboard as the layout is different to yours you've learned.
Can someone point out why this is good? I'm not here to judge badly about this, I'm just curious as I never saw something like that other than pads to make music or stuff like that.
There's one flaw in this idea. Hand separation. Angle on the right side of standard staggered layout reduces thtat need a bit, but you lose that with a grid layout. Thus, you'd be better of with a wide mod just like DreymaR's one (http://forum.colemak.com/viewtopic.php?pid=12863).
I don't see what's the point then...
....
A POS-style keyboard might sound appropriate, but I think I would quickly get lost on it for several reasons. I like having several key clusters for different things (arrows for small range navigation, the home/end/pgup/pgdown for large range navigation, the numpad when I need to enter large series of numbers), and having big keys for functions I use most often (mostly enter, backspace, space and tab). Also when I enter text, I don't use my pinkies to type, but to align my hands on the main keyboard area: they just reach for the left and right edge. I never managed to use the bumps on F and J for that. So to keep my pinkies permanently on the edge of the main text cluster, it cannot be too large.
I don't see what's the point then...
I explained my reasons in my previous posts. I'm not a native english speaker, so maybe I'm not communicating my intentions properly. Please tell me what's not clear.
I've read your posts once again, more carefully, but I still fail to understand why you insist on grid layout, if you don't really care about typing comfort.
Have you seen those "accessible" keyboards for kids and elderly people? Those often have grid layout.
The first thing I've found is Chester Creek Visionboard2, but there are better looking ones, some even mechanical.
However, two other major problems with the traditional plank-keyboard remain..
No ability to "tent the keyboard in the center for striaght-wrist comfort.
However, two other major problems with the traditional plank-keyboard remain..
No ability to "tent the keyboard in the center for striaght-wrist comfort.
Tented design isn't the best thing for one-handed typing or pressing hotkeys without mirrored layout.
What? The OP only has 1 hand? I didn't know this..
What? The OP only has 1 hand? I didn't know this..
I have 2 hands, but I use my keyboard to control my computer, not typing text, and a lot of the time one of my hands is busy on another device (be it the mouse or the thingy I'm currently working on).
While it may sound good to you in theory, you may find that in practice you hate it. Part of the reason why, is angle of your hands. with a grid like layout, your hands are best suited to be not angled on the keyboard, and that can make things be a bit cramped when doing your home keys. My hands are too big to even let me do that. When you angle things, you can fit in a little better. Not only that, but as you move around the keyboard, you it is difficult to not angle them, without moving your arms.