The keyboards that have odd key location and odd key spacing are those that do not follow an ISO layout. You'll see them called "60%", or the like (the numbers vary.) They often have fewer keys than ISO TKL keyboards, and are also much smaller. I do not like those either. A few people do swear by them though, such as the Happy Hacking keyboard ( https://happyhackingkb.com/ ), but I certainly do not.
Numbers and symbols are upside down on the top row.
Well, all decent "TKL" keyboards just have the exact same layout (ISO layout), except no numeric keypad. All other keys are exactly at the same location. So there is absolutely no learning curve. (Except getting used to entering numbers with the upper row instead of numeric keypad. Which turns out to be more comfortable, except maybe when you're entering a large quantity of numbers in a spreadsheet, for instance, that's why I have a separate keypad (but even that I can do without now...)
The keyboards that have odd key location and odd key spacing are those that do not follow an ISO layout. You'll see them called "60%", or the like (the numbers vary.) They often have fewer keys than ISO TKL keyboards, and are also much smaller. I do not like those either. A few people do swear by them though, such as the Happy Hacking keyboard ( https://happyhackingkb.com/ ), but I certainly do not.
I don't understand the hype around these horrible beige, noisy relics from the 80s, almost like you're not a proper "programmer" unless you use a keyboard from an old terminal. I've got a Dell KB4021 because I got it for nothing brand new and it types just fine. As an added bonus, it doesn't drive everyone bananas - especially the other half when she's trying to sleep.
At this price, I'd be surprised if the keyswitches were genuine Cherry ones, although they use the "blue" and "brown" naming. Probably clones with a similar "feel".
Note that the whole keyboard construction plays a big role in both the tactile feel and noise. You can get pretty different results with the same keyswitches depending on keyboard construction (particularly materials, rigidity, weight...) So, two different keyboards using the Cherry brown KS for instance, which are pretty popular (my keyboard has them too), can feel pretty different.
I don't understand the hype around these horrible beige, noisy relics from the 80s, almost like you're not a proper "programmer" unless you use a keyboard from an old terminal. I've got a Dell KB4021 because I got it for nothing brand new and it types just fine. As an added bonus, it doesn't drive everyone bananas - especially the other half when she's trying to sleep.
I lot of research from IBM backed up the human factors engineering of the Selectric keyboard, and this carried over to the feel of the IBM PC keyboard.
The "higher-end" keyboards have scissor keyswitches (same as on decent laptop keyboards), which can be pretty good, especially if you prefer shorter key travel. But the keycaps, usually all flat à la Apple, are absolutely atrocious from any ergonomic POV.
Keycaps were curved for a good reason.
Glossy screens are a good example too. They are clearly designed just for the looks while their usability is awful due to reflections.
Coming late to this (as usual), I just returned a Logitech MX Keys keyboard as unsuitable. I wanted a wireless affair, backlighting would be cool (the glare from my monitor light obscures keys that aren't backlit), full size, good feedback. The Logitech seemed to fit the bill, I lurrve the MX mice, and just about every review was positive.
But now it is gone because:
* keys were flat. Yes, the entire thing is on a slope but the keycaps are all the same without any profiling.
* Lack of movement. Less than I am used to, and the tactile feedback was OK, but it just didn't feel right.
* Lack of separation between keys. Sure, there is a gap and the keys are dished but, perhaps because of the lack of travel, it was hard to tell when your finger was just out of bound and therefore the hand placement automatically corrected. Worst case was not feeling I was stabbing the right key when using the number pad (more on this in a mo).
It was a very nice keyboard indeed, and I was sorely tempted to keep it anyway, except it costs far too much. So now I am back to my trusty Dell SK-8115:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003CO171C
I realise there is a certain amount of muscle memory involved, but I think I gave the MX a fair trial. In typing this I haven't once looked at the keyboard - even when I press the wrong key I know where the right one should be and there it is. The number pad, as noted above, is the worst case example that turned me off. I never use it as a number pad, only as cursor keys. Yes, there is a set to the left, but I never use those for anything! Reason being, the number pad has the 5 in the middle and the + - * / all around, and the enter key next to it. Just a better cursor pad than the cursor keys, IME.
The SK8115 is pretty damn good. A bit rattly, I suppose, but I can type pretty fast and error free with it. Coding with the MX was just a slow pain. So my plan now is to convert a spare SK8115 to wireless somehow. One option is to embed a bluetooth doobrey, but I can see battery life being annoying. Another is to gut a sacrificial wireless keyboard and wire the clever parts to the Dell keys. Could end up a mess.
Just today, though, I noticed there is a TOM680 DIY keyboard. That kind of thing might work, but I expect it would be very costly and I couldn't spot a 108-key option. Anyone know of a reasonable source for that?
it's sharp and digs into your wrist.
apparently Adafruit is selling keyboard kits now
That non-standard layout would drive me nuts!
Take a look at https://www.modelfkeyboards.com
Anyways, all keyboards I've seen come with layouts not optimized for programming. With a totally customizable keyboard though, you can add a layer for the symbols you use for the language you program in. So, for instance, the various braces/parentheses, and operator symbols which are often a stretch for your fingers on a standard keyboard, and may need to be shifted to access, can all be placed in the home row or just up/down from the home row, in easy to reach places.
Anyways, all keyboards I've seen come with layouts not optimized for programming. With a totally customizable keyboard though, you can add a layer for the symbols you use for the language you program in. So, for instance, the various braces/parentheses, and operator symbols which are often a stretch for your fingers on a standard keyboard, and may need to be shifted to access, can all be placed in the home row or just up/down from the home row, in easy to reach places.
I've never found typing speed to be any kind of limitation on my programming speed. Maybe I just think slower than average, I dunno.
The very great disadvantage of getting used to a customised layout is you can't use anyone else's computer. You'd have to carry your own KB with you everywhere you go.