Why ZXCV Undo Cut Copy Paste Keys Are Bad?

Many programers think that the keys {z, x, c, v} used for {undo, cut, copy, paste} is perfect as is, and many new keyboard layout designs specifically want to have these keys remain the same positions as QWERTY. On this page, i tell you my experiences, and i think the key choices {Z, X} are actually hazardous to your hand health.

In 2012, using a ergonomic keyboard but with rubber dome key-switch (the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000), i actually developed RSI syndrome. My hand tingles. RSI cause is often very hard to trace. After weeks, eventually i traced it to be caused by pressing the x key for Cut too much by the ring finger, while my hand remains in touch-type positions. Why do i suddenly press the x too much? It's a bit complex story, but in short, it's because we introduced a new feature in ErgoEmacs Keybinding so that the cut command will cut current line when there is no text selection, and i find this so convenient and start to use it even for deleting several lines. The complete story is here: The Roadmap to Completely Replace Emacs's Key System, Part 1 .

The {undo, cut, copy, paste} keys are better remapped to {F1, F2, F3, F4}. These keys require you to reach out, and may be slower to hit than pressing Ctrl+z, but they are better for your hand health.

because:

• The F1 key is single key. Doesn't require key combination such as Ctrl+z.
• The {z, x} are ergonomically bad keys. They require your weak fingers to curl.

Many keyboard layouts, such as Colemak Layout (2005) Norman, Capewell, Minimak, Asset, want {undo, cut, copy, paste} keys to remain in the same position as QWERTY's {Z X C V}. The reason they cite is that people are reluctant to change, so having these keys same as QWERTY increases adoption. That's a bad design decision.

Also, on Mac OS X, Apple created a Dvorak layout but with QWERTY modifiers, again because many people want that, DUE TO HABIT. This is bad.

On Dvorak Keyboard Layout, the positions for {Z X C V} are not better.

Here is comparison of the {Z X C V} keys positions.

• Z is about the same for both. On QWERTY it's left pinky, on Dvorak it's right pinky.
• C is about the same. Both are index finger.
• X is worse on QWERTY. It's the ring finger. For Dvorak, it's ergonomically better. Index finger, but long jump.
• V is worse on DVORAK. On Dvorak, it's ring finger. On QWERTY, it's pointing finger.

So, basically, on QWERTY the {Z X} is a problem, and on Dvorak the {Z V} is a problem.