QWERKey-UK OP t1_iwge0m7 wrote on November 15, 2022 at 1:18 PM

Reply to comment by Bennedict929 in We Need More 75s by QWERKey-UK

In my opinion, 75s are the perfect form factor. You have almost all the functionality of a TKL, in something not a great deal bigger than a 65. What's not to like?

NoOne-NBA- t1_iwgxiuj wrote on November 15, 2022 at 3:46 PM

After stuffing all of the functionality of my Wind X into a 60% case, "almost all the functionality of a TKL" just doesn't make the cut anymore, at least for me.

QWERKey-UK OP t1_iwh5tqh wrote on November 15, 2022 at 4:41 PM

Sure... but as you probably knew... I meant actual keys... not layered in any way. With enough layers you can stuff anything into anything.

NoOne-NBA- t1_iwhhwvl wrote on November 15, 2022 at 6:00 PM

The only parts of my keyboard that require layers are the numpad and F-keys.
I could eliminate the layers on the F-keys, by converting the number row to dedicated F-keys, but I don't use them frequently enough to warrant that.

All my layout requires, to activate the numpad, is either bumping the center Fn key with my right thumb, to lock in the numpad completely, or pressing down with my left thumb, where it sits, to activate the numpad momentarily.
Both of those actions are considerably more efficient than moving your hand to a dedicated numpad, or trying to enter the numbers with the number row.

By contrast, a standard 75% has no proper numpad, whether layered or not.
The only way to fix that is to do a full rework, like I've done with my 60%.
Applying that same type of layout to a 75% would result in nothing but a bunch of wasted real estate though.

QWERKey-UK OP t1_iwhw7ps wrote on November 15, 2022 at 7:31 PM

That's my point. You either need layers.... or lose the number row. I use the F row a lot, which is why I like 75s. I also just like them aesthetically, particularly exploded 75s.

I'd rather have a 75 and a separate numpad for the rare occasions I would use it. I have a wireless one that sits in a drawer until its services are called upon.

NoOne-NBA- t1_iwim2f6 wrote on November 15, 2022 at 10:17 PM

As a left-handed graphic designer and gamer, any keyboard without a numpad is literally useless to me.

I do too much number entry at work.
Trying to enter all those numbers on the number row is a literal waste of time, and would make me want to smash the keyboard.
At home, I hold the mouse in my left hand while gaming, so the numpad/arrow/nav cluster are where I do button entry.

From an aesthetic standpoint, I really love my Wind X.
I was equally fond of the HHKB-style 60% I had, coupled with a hand-built macropad that mimics the right side of a traditional 100% board.

Those two boards, viewed together, made up an F-keyless 100%, which worked beautifully for me, until my brain decided it could do even better.
That was the spark that resulted in my current work board.

Unfortunately for me, after using my current work board, even the Wind X annoys me now, if I try to use it for graphics.
I tried to do some work in Illustrator over the weekend, to design a replacement for it, and it frustrated me to the point I didn't make any headway at all, on that project.

How's that for a chicken vs. egg dilemma?

QWERKey-UK OP t1_iwk0clu wrote on November 16, 2022 at 4:52 AM

After reading that I'm just glad my needs are far more basic :)

NoOne-NBA- t1_iwk9tie wrote on November 16, 2022 at 6:36 AM

My "needs" have evolved dramatically, the more I have explored the world of programmable keyboards.

I spent the better part of a decade perfectly happy with the 100% board I had, with Cherry Reds in it.
Then necessity forced me to explore ways to change keymaps on the fly, which ultimately led me to where I am now.

Once you've used something that has been designed specifically for you, and for the way you intend to use it, going back to anything less than that is extremely difficult.