3 ms·

Disclaimer: Windows/PC user. I chose the opposite of customization: I decided to train really hard on my standard country-specific 104/105-key keyboard layout.

by rho4 3y ago

Disclaimer: Windows/PC user. I chose the opposite of customization: I decided to train really hard on my standard country-specific 104/105-key keyboard layout. After 20 years I can blindly type every symbol, reach every key, grab the mouse and find my way back, thanks to those 2 notches on the letters 'F' and 'J' to position your index fingers. I bring such a wireless keyboard with me wherever I go - even on vacation - as I cannot work with notebook layouts or Mac keyboards. I'm confident that this keyboard type will be available to buy for a long time. Not having to take my eyes off the screen prevents a lot of mistakes.

velosol 3y ago
Those notches are about to turn 50! There's a lot of patents out there for various hand alignment helpers but the one that is closest to what everyone is used to is 3848723 [1] filed 23 July 1973. [1,pdf]: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/3848723 https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloa...
eviks 3y ago
But if cannot work without special hardware, why pick the worst?
- tourmalinetaco 3y ago
  How is a 104-key keyboard “special hardware”? And what makes it the “worst”?
  - eviks 3y ago
    > How is a 104-key keyboard “special hardware”? It's a required extra even when another laptop keyboard exists > what makes it the “worst”? Its awful unergonomic design, both on the hardware size and on the input side (especially for symbols the op mentions) So if you already must carry a special box, why not use a much better one that fixes both of these flaws?
s6ro 3y ago
Same for me, learned to properly touch type with my language layout and with the help of notches on 'f' and 'j' to help me find home row. Being able to keep my eyes on the screen while typing catches a lot of mistakes. When travelling I still like to bring the old trusty Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 [1] (phew :), even though the laptop is a Mac. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Mobile-Keyboard-6000/dp/B002NP8XJ0 https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Mobile-Keyboard-6...

by rho4 3y ago

velosol 3y ago

Those notches are about to turn 50! There's a lot of patents out there for various hand alignment helpers but the one that is closest to what everyone is used to is 3848723 [1] filed 23 July 1973. [1,pdf]: https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/3848723 https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloa...

eviks 3y ago

But if cannot work without special hardware, why pick the worst?

tourmalinetaco 3y ago
How is a 104-key keyboard “special hardware”? And what makes it the “worst”?
- eviks 3y ago
  > How is a 104-key keyboard “special hardware”? It's a required extra even when another laptop keyboard exists > what makes it the “worst”? Its awful unergonomic design, both on the hardware size and on the input side (especially for symbols the op mentions) So if you already must carry a special box, why not use a much better one that fixes both of these flaws?

s6ro 3y ago

Same for me, learned to properly touch type with my language layout and with the help of notches on 'f' and 'j' to help me find home row. Being able to keep my eyes on the screen while typing catches a lot of mistakes. When travelling I still like to bring the old trusty Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 [1] (phew :), even though the laptop is a Mac. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Mobile-Keyboard-6000/dp/B002NP8XJ0 https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Mobile-Keyboard-6...