catonmat.net/blog/why-vim-us … rrow-keys/

I never fully realised that the home row keys used were all on the same latitude and shifted eastward one key from home row positioning.

Kind of prefer duplicating the cursor key geometry with j for left, l for right, i for up and k down.

[quote]And while we’re at it, notice where the ESC key is positioned:

Lear Siegler’s ADM-3A computer terminal’s full keyboard.

That’s why the ESC is used to change between vi modes! Because it’s so close and easy to reach.

Also ever wondered why home directory is ~ in UNIX? Look at the HOME key in upper right corner![/quote]