In Search of Compact Keyboard That Doesn't Suck?

dlaur asks: "I am a right-handed programmer who doesn't use the numeric keypad. While some may appreciate it, I find that it forces me to place my mouse too far away and I would prefer a more compact keyboard. I depend upon easy access to the navigation keys (arrows/ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdn) while programming, and I find that, while compact keyboard layouts do eliminate the numeric keypad, they also cram the navigation keys into unnatural places. Does anyone manufacture a 'standard layout' keyboard sans keypad? Tip for entrepreneurs: I'll pay a lot for one."

Comments

Re:Just switch to left handed mousing!

[TeknoHog]

I second this! You have two hands so why not use both of them efficiently at the same time -- right hand on the keyboard, left hand on the mouse. This is the way for right-handed people, because the keyboard requires more dexterity IMHO.

Oddly enough, I've done this for about six years, without swapping the buttons. I'm aware of the sense of symmetry in muscle memory, but I never felt the need. It's also easier for other people to use my machine, and vice versa.

Yeah try it.

[TheLink]

(the enter keys are on the right side too...)

I switched some years back when I got a bit of RSI on right hand. So it's not for the same reason, but there's no real disadvantage.

Now I can use the mouse with both hands, but left hand is more for normal desktop mousing, right hand is for games - FPS etc ;).

Some of my colleagues thought I was left handed...

Oh yeah, I suggest you don't change the mouse button settings, that way you can use most people's mouse configs with either hand.

Re:Many choices

[IntlHarvester]

I know that Happy Hacking is the knee-jerk response to any keyboard question -- but it doesn't come anywhere near his requirements for the navigation keys -- It doesn't even have dedicated keys!

Also, the Apple PowerBook keyboard was obviously designed by Happy Hacking-using crackbabies.