HHKB lite alike

[Matt3o]

Is there a mechanical keyboard with the same positioning of the arrow keys of the HHKB lite 2, but with a more "standard" layout?
I find very difficult to reach the arrow keys in a standard layout, you have to move all your right hand to the right and sometimes the forearm. In the HHKB instead they seem very easy to reach.

Thanks

[Djuzuh]

Check out VIM, and all the VIM alike software.

[Matt3o]

you mean the texteditor? wow, pretty hardcore

[dorkvader]

Check out VIM, and all the VIM alike software.

HJKL doesn't make sense in Dvorak.

@OP: Do you mean having the arrow keys nearer to the main block? This isn't really a "standard" layout decision. What about the HHKB lite do you not like?

There are lots of keyboards that have nearer arrow keys. Look up the KBT race or Noppoo choc mini, which have compact layouts and close arrow keys, but also have most keys a larger keyboard does (Like function keys). Smaller keyboards like the poker and pure.

Other keyboards, too, have them. Look at the apple aluminium keyboards: They have the smaller block of arrow keys wedged in under the shift key: Rather like my laptop here.

So what are you looking for?

[Djuzuh]

Check out VIM, and all the VIM alike software.

HJKL doesn't make sense in Dvorak.

@OP: Do you mean having the arrow keys nearer to the main block? This isn't really a "standard" layout decision. What about the HHKB lite do you not like?

There are lots of keyboards that have nearer arrow keys. Look up the KBT race or Noppoo choc mini, which have compact layouts and close arrow keys, but also have most keys a larger keyboard does (Like function keys). Smaller keyboards like the poker and pure.

Other keyboards, too, have them. Look at the apple aluminium keyboards: They have the smaller block of arrow keys wedged in under the shift key: Rather like my laptop here.

So what are you looking for?

yeah I know, it doesn't make any sense in b廧o either.

I just remapped it a little.

[Matt3o]

So what are you looking for?

basically the same layout of an apple wireless keyboard, but mechanical. Most of the compact keyboards have the arrows mixed together with the other keys. The apple keyboard (and the hhkb) has the arrows slightly separated, with no keys over the right and left arrows. This helps you find the correct arrow very quickly without looking.

[jdcarpe]

What you want is the HHKB Pro JP. It has the dedicated arrow keys, just like the HHKB Lite, but it has Topre 45g switches. I think there is currently one for sale in the Classifieds...

[dorkvader]

So what are you looking for?

basically the same layout of an apple wireless keyboard, but mechanical. Most of the compact keyboards have the arrows mixed together with the other keys. The apple keyboard (and the hhkb) has the arrows slightly separated, with no keys over the right and left arrows. This helps you find the correct arrow very quickly without looking.

The Cherry G80-1800 has much closer arrow keys. They're not too badly priced, used.
KBT Race/ noppoo choc mini / keycool 84 also are viable options.

Cherry G84 (ML) might be a good option, too. Mine was pretty cheap, and even had PBT keycap on it.

Infact, it still appears to be available on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cherry-ML4100-PS2-Mini-Footprint-Keyboard-G84-4101SPAUS-/110926744170?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item19d3bfca6a (Although I paid less for mine, he must have raised the price)

HHKB pro jp for people who hate money and like tiny spacebars
---
Lots af compact keyboards have near arrow keys: Here's a siig minitouch on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-SIIG-PS-2-Keyboard-Clicky-ALPS-white-Sliders-Vintage-Excellent-IBM-/290750798083?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item43b2191903

[Matt3o]

The HHKB pro jp is lovely, but a bit pricey. I'd like to test it first.
Maybe the Noppoo Choc mini is the closest I can get. Not 100% what I was looking for, but you have to accept some compromises, right? Thanks a lot for your help.

[jdcarpe]

You could also try to find a used Compaq MX11800. Same basic layout as the G80-1800, Cherry MX brown switches, and a lot cheaper.

[Matt3o]

you guys really know keyboards... I'm not worthy

[jdcarpe]

You will learn. You have come to the right place.

[deleet]

I had to look up what a HHKB was.

[jkercado]

You will learn. You have come to the right place.

* Like *

[dorkvader]

You could also try to find a used Compaq MX11800. Same basic layout as the G80-1800, Cherry MX brown switches, and a lot cheaper.

I looked into it, when making my post, and the Compaq has the arrow keys an extra .25 or so away. I don't think it'd be too much of a difference, though, especially if it's cheaper.