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A Japanese keyboard layout (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout#Japanese http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_layout#Japanese) has a shorter spacebar
by jharsman 16y ago
A 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.