2007-05-21

If we can't come up with something better than the keyboard they should at least add the little reference dots/bumps to some other keys other than just the "F" and "J" (U and H if you're on dvorak) and the "5" key on numpads.

I'm not sure if there's a more technical term for these, but I can't find it anywhere, so henceforth they will be called reference bumps or just bumps.

The number row, F row and page navigation cluster (ins/del/home/end/pgup/pgdn) all need these. My suggestions are as follows:

  • Number Row - on the 3 and the 8 or on the 3 and 9. Not only do your fingers need to know how to find the numbers, but also the rest of the things on this row.
  • F Row - This row isn't a universal problem. On many keyboards this row is separated out into sections allowing for much easier finding of keys. There are still quite a few keyboards though, particularly on laptops, that bunch them all together. These could use bumps on the F4 and F8.
  • Navigation Cluster - Again, on fullsized keyboards this is not much of an issue, but laptops still have this area un-sectioned. I recommend one bump on the "end" key.

One Response to “Keyboard reference bumps/dots”

  1. stef Says:

    i notice you put that roll-up cloth keyboard picture up.. ive heard that things a pos and cant typ right. i read a review in some pc magazine where the guy typed it with that keyboard and half the letters showed up wrong- the question marks were upsidedown! thats just bad keymapping.

    anyway, my point was, i bought a camera. tiny, cheap, and apparently really good. it should arrive in about a week.

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