It’s been pointed out already, but portability is the issue. I could design a keyboard better suited to me, but it would wreak havoc on my workflow if i was ever without my beloved layout, hence it’s best to stick to the status quo and create custom shortkeys and hotkeys. AHK is awesome for this as it allows you not only to remap keys (any keys) and key combo’s, but you can also set up hot-keys to trigger a function or series of functions (eg. launch an app, send text, etc)

Some examples. I created an alternate clipboard, for when I want to copy something else, but keep what’s on my clipboard. To do this I us Win+C and Win+V. I’ve got numlock mapped to : for entering times, MAC address, etc… I’ve got Win+LMouse mapped to “Ctrl-A, Ctrl-C” for quickly copying all text in a field. Plus much more that improve my workflow. Plus you can configure hotkeys to only trigger inside specific apps, so you can use the same hotkey in multiple apps but have it perform different tasks.

Rather than completely change the layout, I merely extend it… so that when I’m at another persons PC, it’s just a minor inconvenience rather that a complete readjustment. Plus, AHK scripts can be compiled into an EXE so you can carry your mappings around with you easily.

@Ron

Except for “Fn” keys that don’t transmit a keycode, or (thankfully rare) physically locking caps lock keys.

I personally use cheap logitech keyboards (deluxe 250 something atm).

These keyboards are almost indestructible and even if they break its so cheap to buy a new one. Also the most important thing: the key layout has been the same for logitech.

Buying this “code” keyboard would result on a lot of typos for me, killing my productivity with the “wrong” layout. Also I don’t think there is a Scandinavian version of that keyboard…

Also, I find it weird that you don’t use the alt + tab combo. I use it all the time, and I actually use the windows key a lot. Win + is very useful and fast way to start / switch to specific application, while win + arrow is really nice way to move windows around multiple screens.

@Pollux

All keyboards are totally remappable in software

What modern keyboards need is simple: a few modifier keys below the space bar (see Jef Raskin’s Leap keys on the Canon CAT), function keys to the left of the main block, and of course decent mechanical keyswitches and total remappability.

The super/windows is insanely useful, just not by default, rebind it to something else under Linux I use AwesomeWM and its my window manager modifier key, which is really great in that it doesn’t conflict with any other program I use.

@ Craig A. Betts:
Sorry for my hanging link. Hopefully Luke can fix that. I blame the ANSI keyboard on my laptop. ;-)

I am one of those freaks who still use a traditional UNIX keyboard layout.

SInce I live in vi most of the time, I use control and escape a lot. having those two keys closer together saves a lot of strain on my left pinkie.

I don’t understand why all the best keyboards still use the rectangle o’ keys layout. As someone who deals with moderate wrist pain after a decade of professional programming, I *need* an ergonomic keyboard. Every time I see a post entitled ZOMG NEW KEYBORD JUST FOR HAXORS!!!1111 I read just enough of it to see that it still retains the same wrist-shattering form factor and then close the tab. Why not a keyboard that exists in two pieces and affixes to the arms of my chair? Why not a two-piece keyboard that straps to my wrist and lets me type with my hands wherever I bloody well want them to be, with an optical mouse sensor on the bottom so I can use the mouse without unstrapping my keyboards? Where’s the innovation in actual typing comfort?

Have you ever looked at the german layout? If you want to type any of {[]}\ ,you have to use Alt Gr. Good thing that I wrote my thesis in LaTeX. You don’t have to use these in LaTeX at all. NEVER.

There is an alternative layout that targets programming, the german language and english to a degree: http://neo-layout.org/ . I used it for a couple of years and was mostly happy with it. I found it a lot better than the standard qwertz layout. It uses caps lock and other keys as modifier key to realise six layers. With the first three layers you have a lot of the special characters close to the home row. With the fourth layer you have the numbers and arrow keys right there. The last two layers I never used.

I recently switched back to the standard layout because I want to get into system administration, potentially working on a lot of different machines. And that is the main porblem with non standard layout. You are completely hampered when you dont have it at your fingertips.