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Ask HN: Any Ortholinear Keyboard Users?

2 points by mistspeaker ↗ HN
I’d like to know your experience with ortholinear keyboards, right now I’m using an HHKB but have considered picking up a kit since I like the idea of a smaller spacebar.

7 comments

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sooheon
I'm using the HHKB JP layout which is not ortholinear but has a smaller spacebar, therefore more thumb keys available for ctrl, alt, cmd, etc.

https://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/direct/hhkb/detail_hhkb-pro-jp.h...

I also use a Kinesis at the office, which has better ergonomics but worse portability.

https://kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage2/

mistspeaker
Thanks, I still want to check out an HHKB JP eventually, both of my HHKBs have the “noisy spacebar” issue unless you flip it around backwards.
spindle
I love my dactyl manuform to bits. Is there a more specific question?
mistspeaker
My main question is are there any glaring issues you’ve had with the ortholinear design? I know there will be an adjustment period due to the layout but figured I’d ask about day to day usage. For example on the HHKB not everyone likes the ctrl position.
spindle
My only issue with it has been excessive happiness. I use it with kmonad to define my own key mappings.
mistspeaker
Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for. I can’t wait to try it out!
spindle
kmonad is the best-kept secret for some reason. Don't tell anybody!