Toward a better compouter keyboard

[bigpook]

I found this link and thought it was somewhat interesting:

http://lowendmac.com/musings/08mm/better-computer-keyboard.html

Not so crazy about the reworked qwerty keyboard, but at least they got rid of the caps lock key.

[Eclairz]

I think I already was considering alot of reworks but in the end the problem is that once you have programmed yourself to type on a full sized keyboard it becomes extremely difficult to learn a new layout.

I myself use insert and delete keys a lot during programming so removing them would severely cut down on my productivity, i prefer shift+insert and shift+delete vs ctrl+x and ctrl+v much easier to locate and use of two hand keyboarding without trying to put my left hand in the claw shape. And thats the problem once you get used to a certain work flow it becomes difficult to break out of the habit.

I honestly tried using a left hand keyboard and the pointer keys being on the left hand side made my head whirl im sure with a years worth of use i could learn it but due to work time limits and stuff I dont think i will risk my work with that sort of work flow. I rarely use the numpad but when i do alot of numeric entry im also just used to having it on the right side too.

At the end of the day you will need to put much work in to learning a keyboard layout. I think many laptop keyboards give a nice balance of functions. My favourite laptop keyboard layout being the macbook layout, but even I have problems with that since it has a no insert and delete keys in nice positions (maybe unnecessary for most people but very important to me)

I think the way forward is building a programmable keyboard where an FN key can remap a secondary function of a key like how FN key works in many laptops and the happy hacking keyboard. The FN key reduces number of keys and therefore reduces the distance the hand has to move.

Keys i'd be mapping would be
forward arrow + fn = end,
backward arrow + fn = home,
up arrow + fn = page up,
down arrow + fn = page down,
backspace + fn = forward delete,
fn + capslock = activate caps,
capslock = ctrl,
1+fn = f1 -> '+'+fn = f12,
fn+p = printscreen,
fn+win/apple = right click,
fn + a = vol up,
fn + z = vol down,
'['+fn = prev track,
']'+fn = next track,
fn + enter = play/pause,
fn + n = num lock,
fn + m = mute,
fn + q -> fn + y = application shortcuts

This is my opinion on how a nice keyboard would work out like, but if you could preprogram the fn key then the worlds your oyster. Btw the layout is based off my macbook layout

[DMuk]

I'm also a Colemak user. I found this astonishing:

Too many entries in the Million Dollar Keyboard contest fiddled with the QWERTY layout that we're all used to. Regardless of ergonomic and efficiency claims for Dvorak and other layouts, the simple fact remains that people are resistant to learning a new layout.

Anyone considering a better computer keyboard but doesn't want the alphabetical keys moved to more comfortable positions is only doing half a job, IMO.

Anyway, interesting article.

[Korbin]

I'm also a Colemak user. I found this astonishing:



Anyone considering a better computer keyboard but doesn't want the alphabetical keys moved to more comfortable positions is only doing half a job, IMO.

Anyway, interesting article.

I would agree....  in fact I would say that most people should at least try an alternative layout.

As a dvorak user, it really is as comfortable as the say it is and that's important for someone in my career (Software engineering). It's almost funny how annoyed I get that other keyboards don't put the control key where the caps lock key is. That's what I love about the HHKB and my realforce board (via the dip swithch).

[DMuk]

I would agree....  in fact I would say that most people should at least try an alternative layout.

Nowadays it's so easy to try QWERTY alternatives. I tried Dvorak first, then settled on Colemak. I think there are only three groups of people that have a valid reason not to: those who type at ridiculously fast speeds using QWERTY (with no discomfort), those whose employers would not tolerate such a dangerous(!) notion, and finally these guys.

[bigpook]

not for nothing, but that Underwood is sweeet!

in a antique, nostalgic kind of way....