April 16, 2024

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Do mechanical keyboards really need arrow keys?

Do mechanical keyboards really need arrow keys?
Zoom in / A recent keyboard ad explores a space-saving alternative to dedicated arrow buttons.

Sharon Harding

What are the absolutely necessary keys for a keyboard? Many will tell you that the entire numpad is, while others will ask for macro keys. Personally, I stick to my volume knob home office prove. And as someone who’s tested 60 percent of keyboards, which don’t have a number pad or arrow keys, I’d like to add that for the sake of productivity and sanity, the arrow keys are also mandatory.

Stock keyboards have the lowest market for them, but for the vast majority, no stock keyboard is a deal-breaker. mechanical keyboard Miao angry The one announced today asks us to consider an alternative, though. Instead of arrow keys or relying on a key combination to enter arrows (like most 60 percent keyboard users do), it has a capacitive touchpad on the front edge for entering arrow and other functions using your thumb.

Is Miu angry at something here?

It’s not about the keyboard

Angry Miao's AM Compact Touch technology saves space by replacing the arrow keys with a thumb-controlled touchpad.
Zoom in / Angry Miao’s AM Compact Touch technology saves space by replacing the arrow keys with a thumb-controlled touchpad.

Before we dive into this interesting touchpad, let’s get something out of the way: You probably don’t want to buy the Angry Miao AM Compact Touch Wireless Keyboard. First, the peripheral is still in the crowdfunding stage (Indiegogo It launches on February 2, according to the edge). Angry Miao is a well-known company among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts with many high-end offerings Product versions In recent years and successful Crowdfunding campaigns. Other mechanical keyboard companies, such as Quezontend to start products through crowdfunding, and some publications, including The Verge and Techcrunch, I tested the AM Compact Touch samples. But investing money in any crowdfunding campaign carries risks.

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Furthermore, the AM Compact Touch has a snug design with no arrow keys, number pad, or function row. Those still interested will run into a hefty price tag, reportedly $398 to $615.

However, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the AM Compact Touch because it challenges the way we normally navigate a keyboard. It also gives functionality to a part of the keyboard that is not actually being used.

Do I find the arrow keys necessary on my keyboard because they are necessary for everyday computing or because that’s what I’m used to? Now is the time more than ever to consider whether or not consoles need a makeover.