The end result of this is that all my sites are now running Nginx. It just feels faster, even though it probably isn’t really. The big difference is the lower RAM consumption, which means more reliable server performance. This is on Slicehost, BTW.

Today, I received the TypeMatrix 2030. This keyboard offers a number of enhancements over your typical keyboard, particularly if you are interested in ergonomics and flexibility.

The Goods

1. The keys are arranged in a grid pattern, abandoning the staggered arrangement that has plagued typists since the advent of the typewriter in the 1800s.
2. The Enter, Backspace, and Delete keys are now in the middle of the layout (accessible with the index finger of either hand, instead of just the right pinky).
3. There is a hardwired Qwerty-Dvorak toggle switch.
4. Very compact form factor for a USB keyboard. The TypeMatrix is basically the size of the economical keyboard built into a laptop, leaving plenty of extra space for a mouse.
5. Customizable key labels at order time. In my case, I ordered a keyboard with blank keys, but I could have ordered one with Qwerty, Dvorak, Azerty, or a number of other international key layouts. I appreciate the attention paid to non-English-speaking users and internationalization.

I am quite enjoying my new typing experience thus far, and I have a few initial observations about using the TypeMatrix.

Learning Curve

It will take a few hours of typing on this keyboard to adjust to both the subtle and drastic differences from a normal keyboard. For example, I have the bad habit of hitting the X key (B for you Qwerty users) with my right index finger. However, on this keyboard, the Enter key is now where the X would have been. Ultimately, although it’s a bit of a pain right now, this should force me to type correctly, and use my left index finger to hit X.

I’ll be honest, having the Enter and Backspace keys smack dab in the middle of the keyboard is just plain weird at first, but I’m already starting to get used to that. Likewise, the grid layout introduces subtle changes to where keys sit relative to one another, but it’s not as jarring as you’d think. It actually feels nice.

Fit and Finish

I’m pretty impressed with the build quality of the 2030. The keys are responsive, not too hard to depress, but sturdy. There is no inherent tilt to the TypeMatrix; it sits perfectly flat.

I did order a silicone Dvorak skin to cover my blank keys, but I definitely prefer typing without the skin. The main reason for this is that the skin does not sit exactly right over the keys, and as a result, keystrokes feel very loose and imprecise with the skin on. I expect I’ll probably kick it to the curb.

Geek Appeal

After seeing the infamous Happy Hacking keyboard and its blank keys, I knew that I had to someday get a keyboard with this “feature.” Since I have been touch-typing in Dvorak on a Qwerty keyboard for years, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that I don’t need to have labels on my keys.

On a purely superficial and selfish level, I kind of love the thought of nobody knowing how to use my keyboard except for me!

A Word on Macs

This keyboard is clearly made for a Windows-centric world, and it includes a fair number of keys that are absolutely useless on a Mac. This is really of little consequence to me, since I have never been one to use proprietary keyboard buttons, but it might be a concern to others, and is worth pointing out.

The Command key on a Mac (mapped to Home on the 2030) is used much more often than Ctrl or Alt. However, on the TypeMatrix keyboard, there is only one Home key, and two each of the others. Furthermore, on a Mac, the Command keys are where the Alt keys are on the TypeMatrix. This was easily remedied in my MacBook’s system preferences, where I switched the mapping of the Command and Alt keys for USB keyboards.

Overall Thoughts

Although it’s clearly still the honeymoon phase, I’m terribly impressed with the TypeMatrix 2030. Despite its quirks, I am a big fan of the design of this keyboard, and I can’t wait to use it more.

If you do a lot of typing and are interested in keyboard ergonomics, and/or alternative keyboard layouts such as Dvorak, I’d readily recommend this piece of gear to you.