A relative of mine has one of those smallish notebook computers created before the time of netbooks. The Ctrl , Shift and Alt keys are so tiny because thay had to make room for 2 (!) "windows keys" and the "right-click button" (which I have never, EVER used). This gave me an idea - notebook keys are usually detachable for cleaning purposes. So why not replace them with a different key - namely, the same as the one next to them? The keys can be had from a computer repair lab, so no need to modify existing keys or make your keyboard look ugly. It just blends in, and software adjustments can be made to allow for the new roles.

note: srimech's comment made me realize it would be much more halfbakeryish if the 2 adjacent keys were replaced with a double-width key. I was getting caught up with being practical... but the key could actually be made with rapid-prototyping equipment (i.e. objet) for a few dollars per key.
-- supershnitzel, May 04 2009

Wouldn't this count as "consumer advice"
-- ye_river_xiv, May 05 2009


Could this also be called Customisable Keyboards with Standard, Replacable Keys? I know this is far too long but it might make things clearer.

The problem is that when you get down to notepad keyboards, squashing of keys and making them less ergonomic is almost a selling feature.
-- Aristotle, May 05 2009


Personally I'd just put a sticker on the key, but then I don't care for appearances much.

Perhaps you could sell double-width keys that replace both?
-- Srimech, May 05 2009



random, halfbakery