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geekhack Community => Ergonomics => Topic started by: cribbit on Mon, 29 August 2016, 18:30:17

Title: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: cribbit on Mon, 29 August 2016, 18:30:17
Most people only ever use one of their thumbs for spacebar while typing. Which do you use?
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: romevi on Mon, 29 August 2016, 18:35:58
Right. Rarely left.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: cribbit on Mon, 29 August 2016, 18:41:43
Also, approximately between which two keys do you hit? For example, I hit my right thumb betweeen n and m most of the time.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: davkol on Tue, 30 August 2016, 02:40:41
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79049
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79901
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Quaranta on Tue, 30 August 2016, 02:56:28
I hit the space bar with my right thumb between N and M most of the times, but also many times with my left thumb between C and V. My spacebar's dust also says I sometimes hit between V and B, I think with boths  thumbs.

A bit off topic, but recently I've been to three different doctors (MDs) and I was surprised to see that, even they were kind of proficient typing (not typists, but they used most of their fingers), they hit the space bar with their right index finger. I found it interesting, and I can't guess why.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: pieman103021 on Tue, 30 August 2016, 03:14:33
Just did a quick test, I hit it with my right thumb just under the M key, or the B key if I am in vim(programming).
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: fanpeople on Tue, 30 August 2016, 03:22:37
Middle thumb
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 30 August 2016, 05:49:22
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79049
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79901

Thanks :))

Right thumb, btw.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: xtrafrood on Tue, 30 August 2016, 06:44:05
Sadly, I use my left thumb. Quake ruined everything :-[
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: henz on Tue, 30 August 2016, 06:47:03
i can do both, supposedly you should use right thumb when writing qwerty, and left with dvorak.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Salt Peanuts on Sat, 03 September 2016, 20:15:11
Left thumb for spaces in middle of sentences.  For double spacing after a period, I have a terrible habit of using my right index finger.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 03 September 2016, 21:21:32
I know it's wrong for QWERTY based, but left because of gaming. I try to use my right whenever I can but not while racing.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: ReverbSlush on Sat, 03 September 2016, 21:24:11
I know I use both but the shine on my HHKB says:

*more often right thumb, between B and N
*less often left thumb, directly under V
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: deductivemonkee on Sat, 03 September 2016, 21:32:10
Right, and if I am using my usual typing habit which I need to break, my right index finger.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: itzmeluigi on Sat, 03 September 2016, 23:27:26
Left 100% of the time.  Never have used right.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: katushkin on Sun, 04 September 2016, 00:17:27
yeah I am pretty sure I only use my right thumb somewhere between the n and the B key depending on how far cross the keyboard my right hand goes.

I was convinced before I actually looked at myself typing that I used my left thumb to hit the spacebar. I did actually used to use my right index finger to hit the spacebar until a while ago...
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: thatsmrdoctortoyou on Sun, 04 September 2016, 01:17:06
Forehead 90% of the time, right thumb 10% of the time.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: klennkellon on Sun, 04 September 2016, 02:28:11
I use my left thumb for spacebar and also to press V.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: xondat on Sun, 04 September 2016, 07:53:51
Right thumb, when typing on the alphas, but when I want to do something like this - I use my left thumb. Right thumb is always under N, and left thumb is usually resting on the edge or just hovering, but when I use it I press around C and V.

I can understand people using the left thumb, as it's probably been developed through playing games. I'm sure I would've been the same but for jumping I always used scroll up :))
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Giorgio on Sun, 04 September 2016, 07:57:09
The left.

And it is the left for all those who use cad or any software that requires shortcuts, since your right hand is on the mouse.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: nephiel on Sun, 04 September 2016, 08:21:02
In my case it was always left thumb, so I split the spacebar and put Fn on my right thumb.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Shikarikato on Sun, 04 September 2016, 16:54:47
i feel like just to add to statistics
neither
i only use my right index finger and i press right in around n and m pretty consistently
depends on where my hand is at the time
if im typing slow i can sometimes hit the spacebar with my left thumb but i find it so awkward
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Giorgio on Sun, 04 September 2016, 17:17:30
G80-3000 and G80-1800 have the spacebar switch more on the right, this should give more stability when you press it with the left thumb, or with the right?
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Skywalker on Tue, 06 September 2016, 10:44:31
If the next word begins with a letter typed by my left hand, I hit the spacebar with my right thumb. And vice versa. I think that was hammered into my head when I was taught to touch-type.

The exception to this rule is when I am capitalizing words: since the next key after the spacebar is shift, I end up hitting the spacebar with (as an example) the left thumb, then hit shift with the right pinky and and then whatever letter with whatever left hand finger. I think I was taught that this is more efficient, but it seems kind of unnecessary now that I am explaining it.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Niomosy on Tue, 06 September 2016, 17:15:54
If gaming, it's going to be exclusively the left hand.  In normal typing, almost entirely the right hand between the B and N keys.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 06 September 2016, 21:17:22
Well,  Referencing my typing speed guide,   right thumb is the way to go for even distribution of keyload..


But it PROBABLY doesn't matter for Maximum speed because all transitions are pre-emptive .. so, you don't really lose much speed..


It may just be a matter of comfort to use right thumb.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: digi on Tue, 06 September 2016, 21:21:08
Well,  Referencing my typing speed guide,   right thumb is the way to go for even distribution of keyload..

loooolll.. referencing your own speed guide..the game is strong with this one...this public defender of GH.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: tp4tissue on Tue, 06 September 2016, 21:33:46
Well,  Referencing my typing speed guide,   right thumb is the way to go for even distribution of keyload..

loooolll.. referencing your own speed guide..the game is strong with this one...this public defender of GH.

(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/069.gif)
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: MajorMajor on Thu, 08 September 2016, 14:14:14
I just about always use my left thumb.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Nai_Calus on Mon, 12 September 2016, 08:27:29
Left thumb exclusively, under B slightly to the left.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: yowaffle on Mon, 12 September 2016, 09:01:00
right thumb all the way :thumb:
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: jaffers on Mon, 12 September 2016, 09:01:45
I don't think I've ever used my spacebar with my left hand
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: greenteei89 on Mon, 26 September 2016, 08:12:07
Right thumb when typing and left when gaming.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Parva Ovis on Fri, 30 September 2016, 00:10:44
Exclusively left thumb, usually under V, but occasionally as far right as B or as left as between V and C.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: kasakka on Sat, 01 October 2016, 13:54:27
Right thumb when typing and left when gaming.

Same for me. Usually landing somewhere under M key or between C and V when hitting it with my left thumb. I really wish we had more keyboards that supported a split spacebar or one that allows a 1u key between two larger keys. Would give neat options.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Jesse36m3 on Mon, 03 October 2016, 10:41:47
Right thumb when typing and left when gaming.

Same for me. Usually landing somewhere under M key or between C and V when hitting it with my left thumb. I really wish we had more keyboards that supported a split spacebar or one that allows a 1u key between two larger keys. Would give neat options.

I've always thought about the double spacebar, that would be neat. I'd imagine it would go down a bit smoother since you wouldn't be applying force to one corner.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: doom2 on Wed, 05 October 2016, 13:18:45
Left! You can clearly see it on my laptop keyboard.  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 05 October 2016, 15:22:45
Right thumb when typing and left when gaming.

Same for me. Usually landing somewhere under M key or between C and V when hitting it with my left thumb. I really wish we had more keyboards that supported a split spacebar or one that allows a 1u key between two larger keys. Would give neat options.

I've always thought about the double spacebar, that would be neat. I'd imagine it would go down a bit smoother since you wouldn't be applying force to one corner.

It's pretty smooth as long as you're on Costar stabilizers.  Cherry stabs are not as smooth.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: drudru on Wed, 05 October 2016, 23:40:07
Right - I was trained that way in typing class.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: PollandAkuma on Fri, 07 October 2016, 19:20:27
Right thumb! Way more satisfying than my left IMO.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Grona on Fri, 07 October 2016, 23:55:47
Left thumb mostly, even though i'm right handed.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Dyaems on Sat, 08 October 2016, 03:02:25
Left thumb, unless right thumb is needed (in some rhythm games)
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Gatix on Sat, 08 October 2016, 03:36:55
Left thumb. Probably muscle memory from playing games
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 09 October 2016, 04:04:34
Left thumb. Probably muscle memory from playing games

Good point!

I use my left thumb when gaming, but (as OP asked) right thumb for typing.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: captaineleven on Mon, 10 October 2016, 10:33:03
I started out with right thumb for the longest and then I switched to left thumb because why not. But lately with how much more I'm typing, I think I'll switch back to the right so that it evens out the workload.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 10 October 2016, 10:41:52
About 50:50 left:right. Left between V and B; right directly under N.

BTW, would prefer spacebars to be very small and perhaps split. It would be nice to eliminate the need for spacebar stabilizers. Same goes for all the keys that are now large and stabilized.
Title: Re: Which thumb do you hit the spacebar with?
Post by: benderkey on Mon, 10 October 2016, 10:58:34
Right.

You should do a poll.