Agreed. I feel like HHKB hits that sweet spot where it is minimalistic, but still very usable without messing with layers. If it had just a few more buttons (left Ctrl + arrow keys; though I personally don't care for left Ctrl, as I have remapped it to CapsLock, just Like I do on every keyboard), then I wouldn't even need to use the Fn key at all either.
Part of the reason I’ve stuck with the HHKB for a few years now is that I like its default arrow key layout better than regular arrow keys.
Using your right pinkie to hit function and then having the arrows right there is nice. I also use caps lock as control and it’s nice to have it as a hardware default in the HHKB too.
Oh yeah, totally agreed, I absolutely love how the arrow keys work on HHKB. I would be lying if I said there wasn't a learning curve to it, however. First few weeks, i was definitely missing the correct keys, but once it got into my muscle memory, it became great.
It's not for me. I like fewer keys because I find that it's easier/more comfortable to use layers rather than have to do a weird reach for some key I need.
Re:28-Key Mechanical Keyboard
by Waterluvian on Tuesday January 21, 2020 @06:34PM
(#22112958)
Maybe it's my big lanky adult male meat stick hands but "weird reach" isn't a concept I would have ever perceived as being a thing. That's interesting. Is it uncomfortable or painful or just weird?
Well, I think that any keypress that requires you to move your wrists in any way is weird basically. How do you reach 5, 6, or 7 on your number row for example? what about 1 or ` or esc? I like making it so that I can reach all of these buttons without moving my wrists and with the "correct" fingers.
Re:28-Key Mechanical Keyboard
by Waterluvian on Tuesday January 21, 2020 @06:40PM
(#22113001)
Today I realise that I have mutant hands. None of those things require much movement at all from me.
I find the cognitive load of having to memorize multiple functional layers outweighs any perceived benefit.
I type pretty fast (100 wpm or so), but when programming typing speed is rarely the bottleneck. I suspect people just rationalize fashion to themselves by pretending it’s also better, but everyone is different so maybe some people actually prefer the complexity.
It's not about typing speed. It's more about comfort and accuracy. Also the cognitive load is really not a thing once you're used to it. Maybe you should learn to accept that some people might be more mentally flexible or skilled than you are rather than assuming people are lying to themselves.
I like the HHKB because of its default layout and how it feels in addition to the way it looks. I wouldn't use these smaller ones, but I understand why people like to play with them.