PC Peripherals Any 40% keyboard users?

[codelad]

Looking to try out the 40% keyboard layout, mostly just for the sake of trying and to see if I can improve my typing speed and possibly reduce finger strain.

Are there any models available here in India? Any regular 40% users here? Would appreciate thoughts, suggestions.

 

[SunnyBoi]

I've had a few 40% keyboards. The layout can be hit or miss, I liked few and not liked a few. It's best to try out a few if you can and then decide what works for you. You'll need a lot of time getting used to layers if you havent already.

 

[codelad]

I've had a few 40% keyboards. The layout can be hit or miss, I liked few and not liked a few. It's best to try out a few if you can and then decide what works for you. You'll need a lot of time getting used to layers if you havent already.

Presently using a "regular" TKL and have never before used a layout with layers, so I'm certain there's a learning curve involved. Not sure if I can try out several, given the availability and cost involved. Still curious to actually give this a go, being a long-time Emacs user and getting finger-weary having used the same key combinations for years. Just to see if this makes a difference. There's of course a middle-ground of trying a 60-65% layout, but feel 40% could be more interesting ("hit or miss" as you put it).

Please do tell where/how you sourced your hardware.

 

[SunnyBoi]

It's not just about size, its so much more. Ergonomics, column stagger, ortholinear etc. There are tons of different layouts and shapes and sizes, splits, non splits etc etc.

I build these keyboards from scrtach. I source the parts myself and put them together

Here are some of my keyboards, there is the corne on the top, a treadstone48 in the center and a M60 in the bottom right

 

[codelad]

It's not just about size, its so much more. Ergonomics, column stagger, ortholinear etc. There are tons of different layouts and shapes and sizes, splits, non splits etc etc.

I build these keyboards from scrtach. I source the parts myself and put them together

Here are some of my keyboards, there is the corne on the top, a treadstone48 in the center and a M60 in the bottom right ...

Interesting builds. I'm basically looking to dip my toes and try out something I could get hold of, even if at random. Just to see if it works out for me. A pre-built or even a DIY kit would be neat. And willing to learn and be patient (may not actually be able to get started on this "project" in earnest for a couple of months), but not really looking to wade into hardcore builds from scratch - certainly not at this point.

Are these available at all, here? Or is it something I should look to source from abroad? Would appreciate more hints/secrets.

 

[blr_p]

I didn't understand the title so looked it up and found an explainer. Feels like learning how to ride a bike again.

On a regular QWERTY keyboard the number row is 2 keys away, all function keys etc are 3 keys away, modifiers like ctrl are 2 keys away (1 key down, 1 key over). Enter, backspace etc are 3 keys away.

On a normal keyboard your fingers rest on ASDF, JKL; (aka the home row). From this position, you must reach 1 key away to hit the rest of the letters. (ie your pinky finger will reach up 1 key to hit the letter Q). To access the numbers and everything else, you must move your fingers much further than 1 key to reach.

It should be pretty clear by just looking at a 30% keyboard and comparing it to a normal keyboard that the total distance you need to move to access all the keys is much less.

The USP is less finger travel. Worth it if you do a lot of typing.

The options availble these days were not there before.

We all learnt on QWERTY style and every kb we moved to after was like that.

There were options like DVORAK but it meant you had to take that with you each time you moved to a different system.