Re: suggestion for an open letter to keyboard manufacturers

Dragomir T wrote:
>
> Here's my suggestion for an open letter to all keyboard
> manufacturers. I would be happy to see it reach as many keyboard
> manufacturers as possible but before "releasing" it, I need your
> feedback on the draft. Please share your criticisms and suggestions.
> Corrections in English are more than welcome as I am not a native
> speaker.
>
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A couple of additional suggestions:

Keycaps which are the same shape (not different shapes in each row).  
This would allow users to re-arrange the keys in a different layout if 
they wished (such as the Dvorak simplified layout).
Learning curve: None
Models on the market with this feature: www.apple.com/keyboard

[ Most of the older Apple keyboards also had the same feature, as did 
the old IBM Model M keyboards ]



Keep left-shift next to the Z key if at all possible... even on foreign 
layouts.  If the extra key contains symbols (\ | on UK keyboards; < > on 
many foreign-language keyboards) find some other place to put it.  (If 
the extra key contains a latter it may have to remain in the "usual" place).
Learning curve: Minor.
Models on the market with this feature:


 [ This annoying extra key is a real pain when touch-typing.  It makes 
it more of a stretch to the left shift key, which is a lot smaller and 
harder to hit.  There are a few UK keyboards that put the extra key 
elsewhere... but I can't think of any names


-- 
*Tom Heathcote*
Software Developer
*Petris Technology* www.petris.com <http://www.petris.com>
+44 20 8202 2433