Windows key size.

[andrewjoy]

I was just sitting hear looking at my SSK and i was wondering . When keyboards started to get windows keys and later app key. Why did they make them bigger than 1x1? On the standard IBM layout that everyone used at the time there was a 1x1 space between the Ctrl and Alt keys, why not just put a 1x1 windows key one side and a 1x1 menu/app key the other?

I mean think about it, less rework of caps less rework of PCB or membrane matrix, only small modifications to the moulding for the plastic needed. And with this the space bar has become smaller for no good reason.

Stepped caps lock keys is also something that i find confusing. I could never understand why it is that it has a step in it. You could claim that oh its so you don't press it by mistake, but then why move the control key from where it should be and replace it with caps? Its not as if real touch typists use it anyway.

Just something to think about.

[Muirium]

As usual, Apple was there already. Macs had the Command key since 1984. And by the Apple Extended Keyboard days, they had the full roster of Control, Option and Command that they still use today.



Nice picture of a nasty keyboard! But the late eighties through nineties Apple Extended Keyboards were the same. The mods aren't an even group of 1.25u as became the standard in PCs with the Windows key. But they're not exactly 1.5, 1, 1.5 like you suggest either.

Back when Windows keys first appeared, I thought the same as you. In fact I'd like to do that to some of my winkeyless boards! It works well on the Kishsaver which is exactly as you describe.

[andrewjoy]

It looks so much better as well with a 1x1 i just tried it out with my SSK and placed some F keys there to see what it looked like, and its nice !

Apple could have put the command key where the caps lock is and moved caps lock to right control and then made the space bar bigger !!!!!

EDIT

At least apple split the + key on the number pad !