Keybee: a new keyboard layout designed specifically for touchscreen devices

Programmer Dvorak or Colemak are alternatives to QWERTY but they suffer from a lack of widespread adoption. Keyboard shortcuts might still be awkward, you're still going to meet a massive learning curve (less with Colemak though since it deviates only 6 key positions from QWERTY). See this post on SO for an in depth, anecdotal comparison between the 3 [2]. A new keyboard layout is going to suffer from these issues as well. Most of these are chicken-egg problems. But that doesn't mean it isn't better in the long run.

Without having used Keybee some things to keep in mind, apart from not being programmer/sysadmin friendly, are that some users use a smartphone with one hand whilst others use two. Another one seems that the screen is being used more than with QWERTY.

I've sticked to SwiftKey because it can support multiple dictionaries, and I like that there's a lot of themes available. However they got bought by Microsoft recently. I also got Hacker Keyboard installed, so if I'm using CLI (local via Termux or SSH) I can easily use common UNIX keybinds. So I'm certainly interested trying something better, even if there's a learning curve attached and even if its only going to be usable during touchscreen usage.

The keyboard you linked seems akin to what I had on a Nokia N900 / Nokia N950 or a Nokia Communicator. Its keys are small, it adds weight/space or takes time to pull in/out. Plus, you're stuck to a Motorola Z (Motorola doesn't give software updates for long). Take for example the iPad Pro case which includes a keyboard. Its not a bad keyboard given its size but even that layout isn't standard given the key spaces are different (small shift for example!). Both very much not ideal IMO. Another thing one can consider is a Bluetooth keyboard for situations where one ends up having to type a lot, or short, quick bursts such as during keynote taking f.e. student during seminar. I'd say that is a very viable use case. Disadvantage is these use batteries which get eventually depleted and cannot be recharged. Plus the insecurities of Bluetooth being wireless & sniffable.

Also important in these comparisons is how people use their keyboards (touchscreen and physical). Which exact layout version do they use? Do they swipe on their touchscreen? How long have they used layout X or Y? For example, I never really got into swiping even though it has been available for a decade. And finally, there's voice dictation which has taken some ground past years.

[1] https://computer.howstuffworks.com/question458.htm

[2] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/23078626/are-alternative...

If I am a right hand user, the right part of my keyboard is covered by my hand, and is easier to be used. I've seen this in keyboard which don't have any keys on a 1/4th circle on the bottom right of the screen.

If I am a left hand user, the left part of my keyboard is covered by my hand and is easier to be used. But the left part of the keyboard has less important keys than the right part.

Essentially, a mirror of the keyboard would be more optimal for left hand users. Although the issue is less important than on say QWERTY. Because the amount of space on the outer rings (most strain) is still the same for left and right hand users. And that's Marco's point.

The amount of space your fingers can move back is smaller than the amount of space they can reach up. Going back puts more strain on the fingers. (Anecdotal experience.) (EDIT: and the arm, as well.)