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> What does that numpad offer that is not already on the rest of the keyboard Navigation using one hand, allowing even different body positions. Those who don’
by acqq 7y ago
> What does that numpad offer that is not already on the rest of the keyboard
Navigation using one hand, allowing even different body positions. Those who don’t use it have to do Ctrl-this Shift-that. I press singe keys with a single hand allowing me to have less of constant strain in both hands than if they were always at effectively same position. Like some other posters here I believe “always everything in same position” during longer work times is worse.
During my work hours I spend more time navigating than typing, so that’s what I optimise for.
- Lio 7y agoThat's an interesting take on it. Thanks for sharing. I mostly live in a terminal all day and most of that time is in Vim. So I have the whole keyboard to use as shortcuts for movement but I do have to use two hands. Like you I'm more geared up for navigating code. For me small, light movements committed to muscle memory have been the key to me getting round RSI a couple of years ago. I also use the Colemak layout so there's no real point to looking at the keyboard for me.
- acqq 7y ago> I do have to use two hands If I’d have to use such programs I’d try the programmable numpads also mentioned here. Even in the middle of nineteen eighties I was able (to my luck) to use a programmable keyboard (independent of the computer and the OS).
- Lio 7y agoI’m still not convinced that I’d give up a narrow central, symmetrical keyboard layout for a few extra keys I have to take my hands away from the home row to use.