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ShawnMilo
1
Apr 9, 2018
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Is there an option where the keys are in a grid? This one has the pointless and anti-ergonomic design from the 1800s necessitated by manual typewriters. For the last 12 years I've used a keyboard that doesn't have this annoying staggered design. Just saying; it's 2018 and better arrangements have been available since at least 1990.
ShawnMilo
1
Apr 10, 2018
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TheMagickConch1A computer keyboard should be in a grid. For example, on a QWERTY keyboard, Q, W, E, and R should be aligned precisely above the A, S, D, and F. However, for a reason that has not been valid since before the invention of computers, they're staggered (offset) so that mechanical arms didn't block one another.
This requires the touch-typist to not only reach at an angle (which is different on every row) when leaving the home row. There have been keyboards which corrected this mistake since at least 1990, and I've enjoyed one (The TypeMatrix 2030) since 2006. I don't understand why manufacturers continue to copy the antiquated design. At some point "that's what people are used to" has to stop being mindlessly followed.
This requires the touch-typist to not only reach at an angle (which is different on every row) when leaving the home row. There have been keyboards which corrected this mistake since at least 1990, and I've enjoyed one (The TypeMatrix 2030) since 2006. I don't understand why manufacturers continue to copy the antiquated design. At some point "that's what people are used to" has to stop being mindlessly followed.
Greenshardware
5
Apr 10, 2018
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ShawnMiloThe term you are looking for is Ortholinear. A TKL ortholinear would be 20x6, or 120 keys! That is WAY too many keys. The largest you will ever see an Ortho is 60%; 15x5 for a manageable 75 keys.
ShawnMilo
1
Apr 10, 2018
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GreenshardwareI think you must be confused. I'm not talking about the number of keys; just the way they're aligned. Exact same number of keys. Just not offset from row to row. Do a Google search on "TypeMatrix 2030" to see one example.
In fact, look at this example from this very site (it was visible on this page as I typed this comment).
In fact, look at this example from this very site (it was visible on this page as I typed this comment).
overunique
4
Apr 10, 2018
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ShawnMiloFor the last couple of years I've never come across a person bitching about keyboard arrangements. Just saying; it's 2018 and the majority of people doesn't bitch about this.
Balooga
24
Apr 10, 2018
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ShawnMiloThe point folks are making is that commenting about the layout of this keyboard in this thread is like walking into an Audi dealership and complaining that they have no BMWs. If you prefer an Ortho layout (I too like Ortho), then purchase a keyboard with an Ortho layout.
ShawnMilo
1
Apr 10, 2018
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BaloogaNot really. It's more like going to a Audi dealership and finding that their cars don't have windshields so the horse's reins can be easily held by the driver, despite the fact that they now have engines and no horses.
I didn't choose this drop to come complain about keyboards in general -- I chose this drop to ask my question because it otherwise looks like a really awesome keyboard and it's not produced yet, so I was hoping there's a chance they'd make it better, or at least make that an option. And I'm still hoping there's a chance.
I didn't choose this drop to come complain about keyboards in general -- I chose this drop to ask my question because it otherwise looks like a really awesome keyboard and it's not produced yet, so I was hoping there's a chance they'd make it better, or at least make that an option. And I'm still hoping there's a chance.
erto
493
Apr 10, 2018
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ShawnMiloThis isn't the keyboard you are looking for. You are describing an ortholinear board as was already explained. The example you provided is a planck but a preonic style is slightly larger with more rows/keys. Check out https://olkb.com/. It is fully programmable with the same f/w just like CTRL in this drop. If nothing like that matches what you are looking for, I suggest http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/ where you can design your own layout and then machine your own plate and hardwire the switches in to get exactly what you want.
XiNAVRO
26
Apr 11, 2018
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ShawnMilo@Greenshardware already explained the terminology and you are the one who misunderstood what they meant. The key layout in “grid” format, as the way you describe it, is called “ortholinear”. Before asking someone else to do so, you could’ve done a Google search yourself to find out what that term meant if you were unfamiliar with it.
Regarding your latter analogy using windshields, that’s not even close to the situation. Consider that numerous people had learned how to type on the standard layout and it remains dominant. Ortholinear, while it may be more ergonomic / effective (which I have one myself but don’t have any particular preference or opinion, if you insist this to be a fact then citation is needed), remains a minor option because changing the paradigm is not going to happen overnight disregarding compatibility issues (in this case, muscle memory).
Perhaps comments would’ve been more favourable if you did not insist that ortholinear is an objectively “better” layout and dismiss the current one as a “mistake”, “antiquated“ or “mindlessly followed”. Especially so, considering an ortholinear layout would require a different design of PCB — and you are asking for something that has to be accounted for from the very early stages of development.
It won’t happen with (at least this version of) CTRL. I’d suggest carry on and find other options. I have an ErgoDox EZ for example and am quite happy with it myself, although I frequently switch boards / switches.
Regarding your latter analogy using windshields, that’s not even close to the situation. Consider that numerous people had learned how to type on the standard layout and it remains dominant. Ortholinear, while it may be more ergonomic / effective (which I have one myself but don’t have any particular preference or opinion, if you insist this to be a fact then citation is needed), remains a minor option because changing the paradigm is not going to happen overnight disregarding compatibility issues (in this case, muscle memory).
Perhaps comments would’ve been more favourable if you did not insist that ortholinear is an objectively “better” layout and dismiss the current one as a “mistake”, “antiquated“ or “mindlessly followed”. Especially so, considering an ortholinear layout would require a different design of PCB — and you are asking for something that has to be accounted for from the very early stages of development.
It won’t happen with (at least this version of) CTRL. I’d suggest carry on and find other options. I have an ErgoDox EZ for example and am quite happy with it myself, although I frequently switch boards / switches.
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