davkol said:There are plenty of fully programmable point-of-sale keyboards, look for some Access-IS, Tipro, Elcom, Cherry,...
Thanks, I'll check them out!
pinkyache said:One of the problems of the standard keyboard is that the home row isn't perpendicular to the arm. Removing the stagger doesn't address that. The ergodox makes much more sense to me, in that you could position each pad more comfortably.
You know, I hadn't thought of that… That makes a lot of sense to me. It seems both the Kinesis and TE address this in different ways: The Kinesis by having more space between the hands and the TE by having angled keys in the direction of each arm. Interesting, I wonder why more keyboard manufacturers don't make keyboards with a complete split between left hand and right hand like the ErgoDox.
Admittedly, regarding the stagger, since my TE got bricked (note that I don't say I bricked it, I followed their instructions!), I've been typing on the standard layout again and after a little bit of an adjustment period I don't really notice the stagger anymore.
What has made a big difference to me is that the modifier keys are comfortable to use again. Since the TE places them in a vertical line on top of each other, I was toggling them with the pinky and ring-finger, which required the rotation of the wrist in an unnatural/uncomfortable way. It's likely I didn't use it long enough to find a more ergonomic way to reach those keys and get used to it. I would still be using the TE today if it didn't die on me, but as it stands I'm sending it back.
eviltobz said:Depending on how dangerous you feel you could always design it and get it built yourself. If you check out the geekhack and deskthority forums in my previous post, there are various guides for how to get custom PCBs and cases made. It's just a factor of how much time and money you want to put in.
Good point! The money I don't mind nearly as much as the time, and I have laughable soldering skills. I really appreciate all these people trying to be innovative and make better keyboards! If and when they come to market I will gladly show support with my wallet :). Until then, I'll just make do.