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> Uncomfortable pinky movements Any keyboard layout that leads to more ulnar deviation is simply a no-go for me. So Dovrak and Colemak are out, evidently (nev

> Uncomfortable pinky movements Any keyboard layout that leads to more ulnar deviation is simply a no-go for me. So Dovrak and Colemak are out, evidently (never tried them, but TFA says they use the pinky more, so if I believe that then I must not use them). Ideally the pinky should not be used at all for typing. I've had to teach myself to not use one-handed modifier keystrokes that involve ulnar deviation. The key to this, for me, has been the sticky keys accessibility feature -- it works fantastically well for me. If you've never heard of sticky keys before then I highly recommend you look it up and try it. It's not that that I type every modifier combination keystroke using sticky keys, but that using sticky keys helped me unlearn bad habits. Another key to this, for me, is to use vim and not emacs. Modal editing means not relying on modifier keys -- conversely, non-modal editing means being extremely dependent on modifier keys. IMO reaching for modifier keys is probably half the RSI picture, with resting wrists while typing being the other half.

Symbiote 5y ago
I think if you rule out Dvorak and Colemak due to pinky use, you should also rule out Qwerty. The best option would be to buy a keyboard with multiple thumb keys, so you can press e.g. enter and backspace with your thumb. (Not using one-handed combinations is the general advice on any typing course -- A and M should use the shift keys on the right and left hand, respectively, as should ^A and ^M.)
- cryptonector 5y ago
  I have learned to minimize pinky use on QWERTY, but you're right about thumb keys: I could really use control, shift, and alt modifiers right below the space bar. And you're right about typing courses, but.. I never took one, and I think that's true of most people. Perhaps more education would suffice to avoid most typist RSI.

Symbiote 5y ago

I think if you rule out Dvorak and Colemak due to pinky use, you should also rule out Qwerty. The best option would be to buy a keyboard with multiple thumb keys, so you can press e.g. enter and backspace with your thumb. (Not using one-handed combinations is the general advice on any typing course -- A and M should use the shift keys on the right and left hand, respectively, as should ^A and ^M.)

cryptonector 5y ago
I have learned to minimize pinky use on QWERTY, but you're right about thumb keys: I could really use control, shift, and alt modifiers right below the space bar. And you're right about typing courses, but.. I never took one, and I think that's true of most people. Perhaps more education would suffice to avoid most typist RSI.