Re: [9fans] The utility of a chording pad

[Lucio De Re <lucio@proxima.alt.za>]

> that's because they're not standard.  you can use them if you map them
> with /dev/kbmap.
> 
> cpu% cat fkeys
> 0	59	'☺
> 0	60	'☹

For some definition of "standard", really.  The thing is that the
letter "a" is a clear concept no one is likely to argue with (and even
there, different keyboard layouts throw a spanner in the works, but at
least one assumes the keyboard has clear labels in place), but using
F1-F2-F3 as mouse buttons is a totally different idea and needs to
gain critical mass (think F1 as the Help key) before developers can
safely commit to it.

Chording itself is not at fault, although Gabriel is perfectly right
when suggesting that remembering more than a few combinations becomes
very difficult.  What is problematic is assigning the type of meaning
to each chord that meets with mass approval.  Given that needs vary
and some chords are bound to be easier than others, this is an
unlikely expectation.  Add the option to fall back to a keyboard
shortcut and the intent is readily defeated.

What may assist a lot would be visual hints, where the mouse pointer
or the colour of the highlight reflects the status of the chord.  But
I doubt that one would come up with a consensus on such meanings where
there are more than a few like in RIO or ACME.

++L