Discussions

In a previous post here on the WePC site, I presented some thoughts about notebook performance. In the post, I explained that a notebook's software configuration can be almost as important as the hardware that powers the system, in terms of its overall performance and usability. The simple fact of the matter is a clean, streamlined, up to date  software installation complete with current drivers can have an enormous impact on performance and ultimately the end-user experience.

I'd like to write about another oft neglected aspect of notebook computing that also greatly affects the end-user experience in this post--the keyboard. Unfortunately, there have been some negative trends in the design of notebook keyboards as of late. A couple of major players in the notebook space, who shall remain nameless, have begun placing more importance on form over function. And now, we're beginning to see absolutely horrible rubber membrane / rubber dome keyboards in some machines, that are completely flat, with nary a thought given to ergonomics, comfort, or usability. I can only hope consumers speak with their wallets and leave these machines with terrible input devices sitting on store shelves collecting dust.

I am a bit of keyboard aficionado and prefer high-quality, heavy keyboards equipped with mechanical key switches. Of course, it isn't realistic to expect notebook manufacturers to begin using some of the more popular mechanical key switch technologies currently on the market, but that doesn't mean there aren't suitable alternatives to the rubber membrane keyboards that pollute many modern notebooks. Quality scissor-type switches, which are a significant step up from rubber membranes for example, offer excellent durability and the low profile and low weight necessary for most notebook designs. In fact, scissor switches are already in use on many notebooks. They used to be much more pervasive, however. Using quality scissor switches, with more durable, and properly shaped keycaps would significantly improve a notebook keyboard's reliability and usability. I'd also like to see better materials used in the manufacture of the keycaps to prevent lettering from rubbing off and to eliminate the "shininess" that usually appears on plastics after extended use.  And putting more thought into the key layout would be good too--there's no reason function or other proprietary keys need to be in positions normally reserved for CTRL, Shift, etc.

These may seem like unimportant requests to some of you, but as someone who makes a living behind a computer, I have grown to appreciate the benefits of a quality keyboard. A good keyboard can reduce fatigue, minimize the risks of RSI, and help you get work done faster. I'm all set on my desktop machine--thanks Filco--but my notebook leaves something to be desired. I'd like that remedied and suspect many of you out there would too.