Author Topic: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ? (Read 2532 times)

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

RColinTaylor · « **Reply #1 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.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed, 19 October 2011, 02:37:49 »

Noppoo Choc Mini possibly...

RColinTaylor · « **Reply #3 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.

TheProfosist · « **Reply #4 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

RColinTaylor · « **Reply #5 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.

biochem · « **Reply #6 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.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 28999[/ATTACH]

RColinTaylor · « **Reply #7 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 Link) 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.

Brodie337 · « **Reply #8 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?

biochem · « **Reply #9 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.

duncan · « **Reply #10 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.

Khenra · « **Reply #11 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.

IvanIvanovich · « **Reply #12 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 is another example.

bbbbqq · « **Reply #13 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

flyball · « **Reply #14 on:** Wed, 19 October 2011, 20:32:27 »

do you use alt more than control? try mapping it to caps lock

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Author Topic: Keyboard with left alt closer to the middle ? (Read 2532 times)