{"id":549,"date":"2020-02-28T08:32:44","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T16:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.joshlee.com\/blog\/?p=549"},"modified":"2020-02-28T08:32:46","modified_gmt":"2020-02-28T16:32:46","slug":"right-size-keyboards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.joshlee.com\/blog\/right-size-keyboards\/","title":{"rendered":"Right Size: Keyboards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We live in a time where avenues for personal exploration and expression have never been greater: in a similar vein to when I was investigating smaller sizing options for pianos<\/a>, I recently started looking at another kind of keyboard. Computer keyboards are still the default entry device for the digital world we live in, and chances are, you used one today. The mechanical keyboard space has many hobbyist fans and benefits from an innovative, tech-native community; given my experience with the Steinbuhler piano keyboard, I leaned in the direction of smaller form factors and better efficiency. And keyboards have been shrinking over time: the only keyboard I used when working was on the company-issued laptop, while the last full-sized keyboard I can remember seeing on a desktop was an entire decade ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Considering how the Shift modifier key allows each alphanumeric key to act bi-functionally, the many single-purpose keys on a 104 key-regulation keyboard can seem somewhat extravagant. All that real estate means more distance for hands and fingers to move – anathema if you’re a touch typist – and requires the mouse be shifted farther right than is optimal for arm and shoulder. Smaller keyboards address this issue, and are designated by a percentage that compares their footprint against a full-sized keyboard; they overcome the problem of fewer keys by using modifiers to make more keys multi-functional. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n