Japanese Keyboard
Hello, I am in the market for a new macbook pro.
I have been offered one with a Japanese keyboard and the option of using an english keyboard cover.
I want to know if this is a good option.
Thank you.
7 replies
regulator9000 wrote:
Hello, I am in the market for a new macbook pro.
I have been offered one with a Japanese keyboard and the option of using an english keyboard cover.
I want to know if this is a good option.
If you do not type in Japanese, I would not recommend it. The Japanese JIS keyboard is fundamentally different from the ISO or ANSI keyboards normally used for English. Have a look at them here
https://www.topteksystem.com/blog/apple-tutorials/identifying-keyboard-localization/
It's not clear to me how a "cover" would make up for this.
Of course there is no technical problem typing English on a Japanese or any of the other keyboards.
The cover does not appear to change anything. Everything on the cover is already on the original keyboard, isn't it?
Most people not used to the Japanese version would find the small space bar and the shape of the return key difficult to get used to. Plus the absence of a key to the left of the ONE key.
You should also consider whether a cover could cause any problem with the closing the laptop or possible damage to the screen.
regulator9000 wrote:
I guess my question ultimately is 'would you consider this option"
Personally, no. But I have been touch typing for 50 years, and the issues with the keys shapes and locations would be crippling for me.
Thank you for the prompt and very helpful replies.
I had noticed the issues you mentioned. I think I would be able to handle the smaller space bar and the lack of a key next to the 1.
I guess the cover was just aesthetic. I had not considered the issue of damaging the screen.
I guess my question ultimately is 'would you consider this option"
I have attached a picture of the keyboard and the proposed cover. The Japanese keyboard does have english characters also.
Thank you.
Japanese Keyboard