Ouch, that doesn't sound fun. I'm not sure how much a different layout would help your fingers, but I want to get a non-staggered design for just about the same reason. I have some pretty sever tendinitis in both my hands, and the odd stretching that a staggered keyboard makes you do can be painful after a while.

But, if you are a serious programmer, they do make quite a few keyboards that emphasize less pinky movement. They are pricey, but you might want to check some of them out. On I posted earlier is the TypeMatrix:

http://typematrix.com/

EDIT: Actually, I just realized the TypeMatrix probably emphasizes just as much right hand pinky movement. The Kinesis I also posted earlier might be a more suitable choice:

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/ (click on "ergonomic", then "contoured")

There are also a few other interesting looking keyboards if you google around. I even found one very odd, spherical shaped keyboard that has something like 80% of the keys on whichever hand you prefer, and 20% of the keys on the other hand. I can't seem to remember the name of it, however... "Malrod" or something.

Yes, in situations where being VERY slow and having to think about typing is OK, like writing this small post.

That's enough. What didn't need to be said was said anyway and what needed to be said has been said already. Order restored. So please cut it out now and keep this thread on topic.

I never could accept the compromise made when switching to a divided keyboard. As a result of years of having my actions be interrupted by one thing or another, I became ambidextrous and skilled at typing one handed with either hand (though it is notably slower than with two hands). A divided keyboard slows that process down a bit.

Come to think of it, the shift key, space key, control key, return key, backspace key, and the number keys are fine, and the letters are fine.

What then, if the remaining keys (with the exception of the function keys) were located elsewhere entirely? At first, I might think to suggest switches controlled by the feet, but in the interest of being able to use the computer no matter what clothing you're wearing, I hereby forbid that idea.

Actually, I think the real solution is to move the special characters away from the letters entirely, similar to the numpad. The home/end/insert etc keys don't ever get used, and they would accommodate (){}[]. The access requires moving the hand a long distance, but that's better than typos.

Are you referring to the HOME, INS and END keys in the little 6-key block above the cursor arrows? Yeek :O I like those where they are and they get used quite a bit on my kbd, as do the other 3 in that block.

The numpad though..... Hmm, I wouldn't mind seeing that entire end of the keyboard become something more useful, like maybe a trackball with some buttons and stuff. For those who *need* a numpad, those external stand-alone ones seem the perfect thing!


Sasha

@Dogs

When programming, you need parens almost every few characters. I think they should be even closer than shift-9 and shift-0!

Try putting the parentheses after P. Then you can have the square brackets on shifted parentheses and the braces on shifted 9 0, or just rely on "Compose ((" and "Compose -(".

By rewriting the driver files and relabeling the keyboard, I've evolved my own layout over the years: 21 changes out of 105!

What, you've made your own keyboard layout?

On the subject of keyboard preferences, I'm happy with QWERTY but much prefer a small keyboard -- so the mouse is nearby and all keys are within easy stretch without moving my wrists. It leaves more desk space on the other side of the keyboard from the mouse for <whatever>, too.

The model I've been using for a couple of years now is the Cherry G84-4100PTMUS, picture here. In size and layout it is like a laptop keyboard but more robust and a very positive key action.

What is the Compose key? My keyboard doesn't have one.

How do you write the keyboard "driver"?

I hope i don't get blasted for posting in this this thread again but:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compose_key

old mechanical typewriters work mechanically similar to an upright piano when you press a key a series of levers strikes the letter against the ribbon and the paper forcing the ink out of the ribbon onto the paper, then a spring mechanism pulls the letter back once the key is released, the keys are of course staggered so that the levers dont interfere with each other
same with the querty setup, for one reason or another to prevent jamming

i would have to agree after looking at the picture of the non staggered keyboard that it would probably be more difficult to type on that then a staggered one but to each their own i suppose, whatever works best, i personally dont like ergonomic keyboards that split down the middle either but thats just my opinion anyone else is of course entitled to theirs

@smeezekitty

That seems like a nice feature.

@freiza

I noticed that the staggered keys really get in my way trying to learn Dvorak. I tend to think of the keys as in three-key columns, and the offset throws me off when I'm not looking, especially on the two middle rows to whitch the fingers have to reach out to.

Ŧhåt'§ ṕrëttỳ cøøł...

Additionally, here's a pretty extensive list of sequences.

Depending where you live. I get em for $2.00 to $3.00 from Salvation Army or Goodwill.