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> The author seems to want to use symbols instead of words on keys, so I feel I have to inform them that “^” is not the proper symbol for the “Control” key; rat

• teddyh 4y ago
  > I don't think it very much matters what the "proper" symbol is if no one uses it and almost no one knows about it. Well, they used the ⎇ symbol for the “Alt” key, which is also very rare, in my experience. But it is the standardized symbol. So I thought I’d contribute information about what the standardized symbols are, in the cases where other symbols were used. You sound a bit like a language descriptivist, arguing that any word or spelling is OK so long as it is understood. I personally prefer standardized spelling and words being a bit more strict in their definitions. And, similarly, I give some weight to an ISO standard for keybord symbols, since such a standard does exist (especially when the author actually used one of those symbols already). I am also loath to use company-specific words or symbols; I prefer neutral terms which does not have quite as much drift. I.e. I try not to “Google” or “Xerox” things. Likewise, I would avoid using a keyboard symbol exclusively used by Apple, since another symbol exists which is used by others.
  • least 4y ago
    > Well, they used the ⎇ symbol for the “Alt” key, which is also very rare No, they used the ⌥ symbol, which is the option/alt key symbol also established by Apple. All of the symbols they used for their keyboard layout are Apple's symbols for a particular key. > I personally prefer standardized spelling and words being a bit more strict in their definitions. In order for something to be a standard it actually has to be used. A dictionary doesn't make up its own words then add it to the dictionary, then tries to tell everyone that's what they have to use. They add words that they find to be broadly used by the general public. Countries like France try to control this sort of thing, but I don't think it works all that well. People ultimately decide the language they use, especially when it comes to new phenomena. > And, similarly, I give some weight to an ISO standard for keybord symbols, since such a standard does exist (especially when the author actually used one of those symbols already). The author is using the symbols established by Apple. Any overlap with the ISO standard is coincidence. > I am also loath to use company-specific words or symbols What symbols aren't company-specific when it comes to symbols on keyboards? You even suggested in your original post to use "◇" as one of the symbols which is, shocker, company-specific. I've at least used a keyboard with such a symbol on it, but it is not used at all on keyboards today. The symbol they use in the ISO spec you're pointing towards is the "⌘." Are you sure you don't just have a distaste for Apple? > Likewise, I would avoid using a keyboard symbol exclusively used by Apple, since another symbol exists which is used by others. It's not used by others, though. It's not used on MacOS, Windows, Linux, or BSD in any of its menus. It's not printed on keyboards. It's not known by anyone but someone looking up ISO standards for keyboard layouts, which isn't even the established standard for keyboard layouts in a lot of the world!
    • teddyh 4y ago
      > No, they used the ⌥ symbol, which is the option/alt key symbol also established by Apple. Fair enough; I did not notice the difference. > which is, shocker, company-specific. I would not have proposed it if I thought it was. > It's not printed on keyboards. It’s printed on some keyboards: https://hhkeyboard.us/hhkb/pro-classic/sku/cg01000-296201 https://hhkeyboard.us/hhkb/pro-classic/sku/cg01000-296201