Are keyboard layouts inherently flawed for programmers?

Posted by Craige on Programmers See other posts from Programmers or by Craige
Published on 2011-01-11T18:12:03Z Indexed on 2011/01/11 18:59 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 319

Filed under:

Productivity

|

ergonomics

Lately I've been noticing my keyboard usage more and more and how it affects my productivity. It brought to mind a question/problem that I believe has not been truly solved in the programming community (partially based on individual preferences).

Are all/most keyboard layouts inherently flawed for programmers?

What changes to your keyboard layout do you feel would increase your productivity most?

Edit

Remember when answering that there are a number of different factors that could make a keyboard layout flawed. For instance, if you type as fast as you believe you need to, but hitting common keys is uncomfortable, said keyboard layout could be considered flawed.

© Programmers or respective owner

Related posts about Productivity

Python productivity VS Java Productivity

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
Over on SO I came across a question regarding which platform, Java or Python is best for developing on Google AppEngine. Many people were boasting of the increased productivity gained from using Python over Java. One thing I would say about the Python vs Java productivity argument, is Java has excellent… >>> More
Python productivity VS Java Productivity

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
Over on SO I came across a question regarding which platform, Java or Python is best for developing on Google AppEngine. Many people were boasting of the increased productivity gained from using Python over Java. One thing I would say about the Python vs Java productivity argument, is Java has excellent… >>> More
Upcoming UPK Events

as seen on Oracle Blogs - Search for 'Oracle Blogs'
February 15th: UPK: Follow Panduit's Lead and Leverage Oracle's User Productivity Kit To Achieve Your Goals - Join us for a live webcast to learn how Oracle's User Productivity Kit can help you meet and exceed your goals. The webcast will feature Jim Boss, from the Panduit Corporation, who will… >>> More
The Art of Productivity

as seen on ASP.net Weblogs - Search for 'ASP.net Weblogs'
Getting things done has always been a challenge regardless of gender, age, race, skill, or job position. No matter how hard some people try, they end up procrastinating tasks until the last minute. Some people simply focus better when they know they’re out of time and can’t procrastinate any longer… >>> More
Productivity Improvements in Mono 2.4: Components and Architecture

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
Take a look under the hood of the latest version of Mono, the open source .NET development framework. Find out how its components and architecture help make developers more productive. >>> More

Related posts about ergonomics

The Unspoken - The Why of GC Ergonomics

as seen on Oracle Blogs - Search for 'Oracle Blogs'
Do you use GC ergonomics, -XX:+UseAdaptiveSizePolicy, with the UseParallelGC collector? The jist of GC ergonomics for that collector is that it tries to grow or shrink the heap to meet a specified goal. The goals that you can choose are maximum pause time and/or throughput. Don't get too excited… >>> More
Laptop stand for better ergonomics?

as seen on Super User - Search for 'Super User'
I have a MacBook Pro but my neck is hurting from looking down all day - is there a good laptop stand I can buy and then get an external keyboard? >>> More
What is the best keyboard/mouse for ergonomics or to prevent wrist pain?

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
I have had pain in my wrists in the past, and as someone who types all day, I was wondering what are some keyboards or mice that have helped for this sort of pain. Update: Many answers have recommended examining chairs/desks for ergonomics. As someone who isn't able to work from home and therefore… >>> More
Physical effects of long term keyboard use- what does the science say and what factors affect it?

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
This question asks about the ergonomics of a particular keyboard for long programming hours, what I would like to know is about the ergonomics of using a keyboard in general. What are the most significant risks associated with it and how can they best be mitigated? Do the "ergonomic" keyboard designs… >>> More
ergonomics: what's better; trackball, ergonomic mouse or some other pointing device (a-la touchscree

as seen on Stack Overflow - Search for 'Stack Overflow'
So I bit into the hype and recently purchased an apple wireless keyboard and that evil bar-of-soap thing apple makes for a mouse. Couple of hundred dollars later and this is where I begin to worry about RSI. Go figure. Don't get me wrong, this apple mouse is genius and looks pretty as hell, but my… >>> More