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I have a somewhat strange requirement which seems to be rather rare in stand-alone keyboard layouts (as opposed to laptops). I like to hit Alt_L and Alt_R (whi
by jedbrown 16y ago
I have a somewhat strange requirement which seems to be rather rare in stand-alone keyboard layouts (as opposed to laptops). I like to hit Alt_L and Alt_R (which I remap to Control) with my thumbs because it makes Emacs chording far more comfortable. This is very awkward with a long spacebar. The MS Natural keyboards are good with key placement, in my opinion, but I prefer the lighter activation of a notebook. I definitely like mechanical switches, but don't want to change my chording technique to deal with a long spacebar. Any recommendations?
- jharsman 16y agoA Japanese keyboard layout (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout#Japanese http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout#Japanese) has a shorter spacebar and some extra keys instead. You might be able to remap them to extra modifier keys with suitable software. The Kinesis Advantage (http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/advantage.htm http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/advantage.htm) also has a unique layout where you hit modifier buttons with your thumbs, and it uses brown Cherry mechanical switches. It's $300 though.
- jedbrown 16y agoThanks for the Japanese layout tip. I've always thought the Kinesis looked neat, but not enough to order one without trying it. I also worry about using something that is so different that I forget how to type on a "normal" keyboard, though I don't have much trouble switching between dvorak and qwerty so my concern is likely unfounded.
- jfb 16y agoI've been using a Kinesis for ten years, and while it took some time to get comfortable with it, I've never lost my ability to touch type on a regular flat keyboard; probably because I've had laptops around the whole time, and have done plenty of coding on the sofa/train/&c.