Much has been made in certain circles about the lack of a right-side shift key on certain, typically Asian designed, keyboards. This got me thinking. So I took a look at my own keyboards. The one I'm typing on right now at work has obvious signs of wear, where the textured black plastic has been worn smooth and shiny. Also, some letters are missing. What can I learn by looking at the wear on my keyboard?
Like many people my age, I learned to type on those old IBM clicky keyboards. I don't miss those keyboards, but it does mean I tend to use more force per key-press than I strictly need to. Especially if I'm on a roll with something and let my fingers to the driving. I don't think I could use one of those old keyboards any more, the noise would get to me. I make enough noise as it is, I don't need people two offices down to hear how fast I type.
- I use the left-shift key almost exclusively.
- I use both thumbs for the shift key, with a somewhat preference for my right thumb.
- The M and C key text are completely erased, as well as the entire left-hand home row, and the U and O keys.
- The right Ctrl and Alt keys show almost no sign of use.
Like many people my age, I learned to type on those old IBM clicky keyboards. I don't miss those keyboards, but it does mean I tend to use more force per key-press than I strictly need to. Especially if I'm on a roll with something and let my fingers to the driving. I don't think I could use one of those old keyboards any more, the noise would get to me. I make enough noise as it is, I don't need people two offices down to hear how fast I type.
You use both thumbs for the shift key?