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What does an external keyboard give you that you can't get from a laptop keyboard? I like the macbook pro keyboard. I plug in two monitors and I'm good to go. V

What does an external keyboard give you that you can't get from a laptop keyboard? I like the macbook pro keyboard. I plug in two monitors and I'm good to go. Vim users should remap somewhere closer. I use cap locks. Will that not be possible anymore?

ageektrapped 10y ago
Extra space and ergonomics to keep coding into my seventies is why I use an external keyboard. I'm in my thirties currently. Maybe by the time I'm 70 I'll be talking to my computers, but still: why wreck my wrists?
Vexs 10y ago
The big obvious difference is the numpad, or lack thereof. Plus, mechanical keyboards are a lot more comfortable I find. I know they're a bit of a meme right now, but I definitely prefer them over tiny short press chiclet keys.
reboog711 10y ago
For me; I use a mechanical keyboard; and have not found a laptop w/ a keyboard that offers that same feel. However, that is a preference; when traveling I have no issues doing work while using a laptop keyboard.
justinmayer 10y ago
Not only is it possible, but Apple supports mapping Caps Lock to Escape by default as of macOS Sierra 10.12.1: https://i.imgur.com/2oMcDRg.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2oMcDRg.jpg
- elcritch 10y ago
  It'd be awesome if the caps lock key was led screen as well and showed it's current mapping. That'd be pretty sweet.
jablan 10y ago
For me personally, Home, End, PgUp and PgDown keys. Also, MX switches. I can work without them, but I really think my tools should adapt to me, rather than vice versa.
to3m 10y ago
Split layout (optional); numeric keypad; navigation keys; cursor keys; Print Screen key; 2 control keys; symmetrical meta keys; separate volume and mute keys.
bryanlarsen 10y ago
Another big thing that external keyboards give is the ability to hit the control key with the meat of your hand rather than using a finger.
_ao789 10y ago
A delete button, instead of just backspace
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]
douche 10y ago
Have you never used a quality, full-sized mechanical keyboard? There's something kind of joyful about clickety-clacking away. Maybe my hands are too big, but I am just not really comfortable typing on a laptop keyboard. It's not as bad as trying to do anything on a miniscule on-screen keyboard on a phone, but I still tend to hit at least two or three keys at once far too often.

ageektrapped 10y ago

Extra space and ergonomics to keep coding into my seventies is why I use an external keyboard. I'm in my thirties currently. Maybe by the time I'm 70 I'll be talking to my computers, but still: why wreck my wrists?

Vexs 10y ago

The big obvious difference is the numpad, or lack thereof. Plus, mechanical keyboards are a lot more comfortable I find. I know they're a bit of a meme right now, but I definitely prefer them over tiny short press chiclet keys.

reboog711 10y ago

For me; I use a mechanical keyboard; and have not found a laptop w/ a keyboard that offers that same feel. However, that is a preference; when traveling I have no issues doing work while using a laptop keyboard.

justinmayer 10y ago

Not only is it possible, but Apple supports mapping Caps Lock to Escape by default as of macOS Sierra 10.12.1: https://i.imgur.com/2oMcDRg.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2oMcDRg.jpg

elcritch 10y ago
It'd be awesome if the caps lock key was led screen as well and showed it's current mapping. That'd be pretty sweet.

jablan 10y ago

For me personally, Home, End, PgUp and PgDown keys. Also, MX switches. I can work without them, but I really think my tools should adapt to me, rather than vice versa.

to3m 10y ago

Split layout (optional); numeric keypad; navigation keys; cursor keys; Print Screen key; 2 control keys; symmetrical meta keys; separate volume and mute keys.

bryanlarsen 10y ago

Another big thing that external keyboards give is the ability to hit the control key with the meat of your hand rather than using a finger.

_ao789 10y ago

A delete button, instead of just backspace

deleted 10y ago
[deleted]

douche 10y ago

Have you never used a quality, full-sized mechanical keyboard? There's something kind of joyful about clickety-clacking away. Maybe my hands are too big, but I am just not really comfortable typing on a laptop keyboard. It's not as bad as trying to do anything on a miniscule on-screen keyboard on a phone, but I still tend to hit at least two or three keys at once far too often.