ENTER key position and size Message #21 Posted by Eric Smith on 11 Dec 2012, 9:58 a.m., in response to message #1 by Alexander Oestert
I don't think the size and position of the ENTER key is purely aesthetic in nature. While it may not be more "important" in the sense that you describe, it is probably used more frequently than any other key, with the possible exception of Sigma+ under some circumstances. By having ENTER somewhat centrally located (on one axis), it reduces necessary finger movement as compared to having ENTER in one of the corners (typical on non-RPN calculators).
Having the size of ENTER significantly different than other keys (double wide), it makes it a good tactile reference for finger position, facilitating operation of the calculator without requiring as much direct visual confirmation of finger position.
I'm right-handed, and I routinely use the HP-41 one-handed, in my left hand, doing many entries and operations without looking at it, while using my right hand and eyes to deal with other stuff (the problem at hand that I'm using the 41 to solve). The position and size of the ENTER key may this work quite well.
When the HP-35 was designed, I don't think they determined the size and position of the keys for purely aesthetic reasons, though that was probably a consideration. I think they put a lot of thought, and probably a lot of experimentation, into coming up with a highly functional design. Having not been involved, I'm obviously only speculating.
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