Comment by j1elo
1 day ago
One thing that usually doesn't get mentioned is what happens when someone else needs to quickly use the computer for whatever. Like a coworker helping you to check something, for which I just leave them the controls; or a partner doing a quick google while we discuss about where to travel next. I'm just making up scenarios, but the point is that not having an additional backup keyboard effectively makes the machine unusable for anyone else; this could jokingly be a pro, but more seriously it seems to be a hidrance for collaboration. And unless living in a cave, we collaborate with other human beings sooner or later. So an additional keyboard it is...
the same happened to me when I used the Elecom Huge trackball... I'd want someone to check something and they wouldn't even know how to left click :) (it's done with the thumb)
It's funny that you mention this because in my discussions on this subject (Svalboard, ergo keyboards in general) it's the first thing that numerous people have mentioned. The thing is, I'm the only person who's used my computer in many years.
I have a non-standard layout and keep a second (small wireless) keyboard around for exactly this reason but to date it hasn;t been needed.
> to quickly use the computer for whatever
I prefer to be the only person using my computer.
As a plus, split keyboard with a custom layout and a minimal window manager kinda act as a lock screen.
For quick use people no longer need a computer, most of these quick use cases can be handled by a phone.
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