Trackball in place of arrow keys

[FoxWolf1]

There used to be plenty of mechanical keyboards with this layout. Now none. And I think that's a shame.

Consider, for a moment, an idealized version of the layout: build buttons into the trackball surround (the way trackball mouse buttons are often implemented) that handle the arrow key functions, and then build mouse buttons for the trackball into the bottom of the case. Actually, there was a Focus keyboard that was almost exactly like this, but it implemented the mouse buttons in a weird way, where they were small and offset to the side, whereas I'm imagining them larger, like the EnduraPro's mouse buttons, and directly under the trackball. Now with this layout:

-You could use the number pad with your right hand (your dominant hand, and how the number pad is meant to be used) while your left hand, in just one position, has access to the arrow keys, navigation cluster, and mouse (via trackball) simultaneously. Good for spreadsheets and similar work.
-When typing, the trackball could be used with the right hand, and would much closer than a conventional mouse (for a full-size keyboard), and you once again benefit from simultaneous access to mouse and arrow/navigation keys.

Here's the keyboard that is almost right, configuration-wise...it just needs the mouse buttons moved under the trackball.


Abstracted version:

[johndavis33]

What about a trackpoint along with a CM storm TK style layout? This would still give your right hand easy access to a numbpad, while making the typing even easier because you can move your mouse while keeping your fingers on the homerow.

[FoxWolf1]

What about a trackpoint along with a CM storm TK style layout? This would still give your right hand easy access to a numbpad, while making the typing even easier because you can move your mouse while keeping your fingers on the homerow.

Well, I must admit, I do love TrackPoints, and have occasionally fantasized about the kind of keyboard that you describe. But, at the same time, the more I use the number pad, the more I find that it's really important to have the number pad and the arrow keys available at the same time, rather than switching between the two using num lock. So I've kind of become skeptical about the TK configuration.

Also, with this kind of trackball configuration, if you wanted, you could use the trackball + arrows with your right thumb while the right hand is on the number pad...I often use the numpad and arrows of a regular full size that way if I'm not going to need PgUp/PgDown. And you could do this way without needing non-standard keycaps (since the non-standard buttons are integrated into the case). Plus, I think there might be something to being able to have mouse and arrows simultaneously.

[davkol]

Hmm... Maltron.

[hoggy]

How about having the mouse buttons straddling the trackball diagonally? Left button at the top right and the right button in the bottom left.  Would be more comfortable for use with the right hand, but might take a day or two to get used to using the thumb for right click...

[FoxWolf1]

Hmm... Maltron.

Have always liked the look of these, but my typing style doesn't fit with split layouts, and I think a lot of people get scared off by the general different-ness.

How about having the mouse buttons straddling the trackball diagonally? Left button at the top right and the right button in the bottom left.  Would be more comfortable for use with the right hand, but might take a day or two to get used to using the thumb for right click...

Interesting...

The "traditional" version of this layout has the mouse buttons around the trackball, but there's a lot of variation as to exactly where the buttons go:





The trouble, though, is lack of arrow keys. Seems to be pretty inefficient to have a number pad, but then no separate arrows for easily moving around in spreadsheets or other documents while entering numbers. And I think that a lot of people probably get turned off by the lack of arrow keys, numpad or not.

There's also the IBM M5-1 layout...


Not sure what to think about this one. Trackball looks very small, though, and you lose a lot of swiping room to the arrow keys...

[davkol]

Hmm... Maltron.

Have always liked the look of these, but my typing style doesn't fit with split layouts, and I think a lot of people get scared off by the general different-ness.

I mentioned it mostly because of the trackball in the middle/front. It's ambidextrous and in case of non-split alpha block can be controlled with thumbs without moving other fingers from the home row. A bit like a trackball in a hand rest... like rollermouse.

[CPTBadAss]

I like this idea more than I like the trackpoint keyboards. I like the tactility and control of a trackball more than a trackpoint which I find a bit a clumsy.

What about an 1800 layout? Like the 1800s with the trackball.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

M5-1 layout is bizarre IMO, very odd placement, with the ball being in front of the arrows it would make it very awkward to handle.

M5-2 placement is better, but still takes a lot of movement when switching from typing to trackballing.

[FoxWolf1]

Came across this one on eBay recently. Look at this mouse button placement. Look at it! What were they thinking?

[davkol]

One hand on the ball, the other one on the buttons. Makes sense. Unless you want to use it for various tasks involving tubes and hubs.