Ask HN: What Is the Ideal Keyboard / Layout for Programming
12 comments
The tenkey makes typing /* and */ really quick. Also numbers. Maybe its because most of the time I'm programming I'm working on embedded systems, but I use numbers a lot and would be annoyed if I needed to use both hands to type them in.
I have an external USB keypad that I plug in when I need it (it's been a while to be honest), but I find it to be the best of both worlds. I get to use my preferred TKL most of the time, and when I need the numpad (spreadsheets, mostly), I drag it down from further up my desk into whatever position is best, and slide it back again when I'm done.
Never considered the numpad for block comments though, that's a neat call.
Never considered the numpad for block comments though, that's a neat call.
Navigating in Blender is also a pain without a numpad.
I don’t believe there is an ideal keyboard or layout.
Anyway, I am reminded of Xah Lee, http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html
One of his insights is that Alt and Ctl keys on both sides of the spacebar improves ergonomics (particularly for eMacs). I still find it useful years after I stopped using eMacs. That means I favor Thinkpads.
Which reminds me that keyboard ergonomics include track pads, mice, and other pointing devices in many typical contemporary uses, e.g. if you mouse right hand, the left side of your keyboard needs to do more.
Anyway, I am reminded of Xah Lee, http://xahlee.info/kbd/keyboarding.html
One of his insights is that Alt and Ctl keys on both sides of the spacebar improves ergonomics (particularly for eMacs). I still find it useful years after I stopped using eMacs. That means I favor Thinkpads.
Which reminds me that keyboard ergonomics include track pads, mice, and other pointing devices in many typical contemporary uses, e.g. if you mouse right hand, the left side of your keyboard needs to do more.
I standardized on US ANSI layout (straight Return, not the L-shaped). I'm from a country where the local language has accented chars and while it's nice to be able to chat with correct accents I find it better to be able to code without dead keys (~) and AltGr.
I also solved the lack of accented chars by just mapping RALT+<char> into it's accented version. Took me about a week to learn but now it comes naturally and I'll never go back to my local keyboard layout.
Of course trying to find a laptop locally with US ANSI layout is a pain...
I also solved the lack of accented chars by just mapping RALT+<char> into it's accented version. Took me about a week to learn but now it comes naturally and I'll never go back to my local keyboard layout.
Of course trying to find a laptop locally with US ANSI layout is a pain...
I use a Glove 80 and I don't think I'll ever change keyboard model.
I think the combo of ortholinear, concave shape and multiple buttons for the thumb skyrocket my comfort level. Also, splitted to keep my hands at shoulder width is something I really appreciate.
But I guess that the key feature (that many keyboards share) is the ability to create multiple layouts. A dedicated numpad withouth moving the hand, a symbols layer, improve a lot the typing experience. I go with classic QWERTY with some minor tweaks, and is good enough.
I think the combo of ortholinear, concave shape and multiple buttons for the thumb skyrocket my comfort level. Also, splitted to keep my hands at shoulder width is something I really appreciate.
But I guess that the key feature (that many keyboards share) is the ability to create multiple layouts. A dedicated numpad withouth moving the hand, a symbols layer, improve a lot the typing experience. I go with classic QWERTY with some minor tweaks, and is good enough.
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Whatever keyboard is in front of you or most readily available...
Logitech K120 is ok as a dirt cheap option (you can get several, and not care if you spill a drink on them).
The standard US layout is of course ubiquitous, anything else is kind of annoying to program on, e.g. even UK keyboards have ", @, |, etc in the wrong place.
Logitech K120 is ok as a dirt cheap option (you can get several, and not care if you spill a drink on them).
The standard US layout is of course ubiquitous, anything else is kind of annoying to program on, e.g. even UK keyboards have ", @, |, etc in the wrong place.
I just ordered the ZSA voyager after some investigation into this question, especially relating to ergonomics. Hopefully it will be the ideal layout for me.
For the layout, the one you are used to! Learning a new layout looks cool, but doesn't serve any deep purpose.
The Chicony PS/2 Keyboard Model KB-2961 outperforms most new classic models for hard working.
1. Mechanical - for good physical feedback. Choose silent or clicky or bump to match your auditory and tactile feedback preference.
2. TKL - no 10-key pad for enough mouse space. Still have arrow keys and friends (home, page up/down, end, delete, etc. that can be assigned to stuff or used as-is).
3. Low profile - for shorter finger-typing throws and better wrist/finger ergonomics IME.
Honestly, the HAVIT HV-KB390L was the best IMO, and I don't think there's an equally good mechanical TKL low-profile with which to replace it that is as good in all three categories currently): https://www.prohavit.com/products/hv-kb390l-low-profile-mech...