Re:Can a 3D printed keyboard last three years?
by rgoulter on Wednesday July 19, 2023 @03:29AM
(#36783120)
> it's hard to find split mech KBs that haven't dropped a lot of keys in favour of layers, or haven't moved keys like [] away from their original locations.
I think once a keyboard design strays from the 'traditional' layout, it becomes harder to justify features like having a big spacebar, having an asymmetric layout, having a row-stagger.
Especially with a focus towards ergonomics, it's nicer to reduce hand movement and hand stretching; and reduce usage of the pinky fingers in favour of allowing the thumb to be used more. -- Albeit, yeah, layers do trade that reduced hand movement for additional complexity.
I see many designs retain the number row. It's very rare to see designs which retain a row stagger, but clearly intend for the thumb to have 2-3 keys within reach.
I think once a keyboard design strays from the 'traditional' layout, it becomes harder to justify features like having a big spacebar, having an asymmetric layout, having a row-stagger.
Especially with a focus towards ergonomics, it's nicer to reduce hand movement and hand stretching; and reduce usage of the pinky fingers in favour of allowing the thumb to be used more. -- Albeit, yeah, layers do trade that reduced hand movement for additional complexity.
I see many designs retain the number row. It's very rare to see designs which retain a row stagger, but clearly intend for the thumb to have 2-3 keys within reach.