[Pkg-nethack-devel] Re: nethack popularity contest - number_pad?

[Matt Zimmerman]

On Thu, Oct 16, 2003 at 06:30:26PM -0700, Joshua Kwan wrote:

> Searching for a general consensus here...
> 
> These days Debian's nethack packages contain default nethackrcs which
> enable number_pad style controls (instead of hjkl keys) by default, due
> to a bug filed on the packages a long time ago. Of course, there are some
> who like it and some who don't. It's too trivial to ask a debconf question
> about it upon install so it boils down to a popularity contest.
> 
> Which is better? I like the default keys because you learn how to use
> nvi very efficiently knowing the hjkl-style keys :) I'm searching for as
> many opinions as possible so please speak up!

I use number_pad exclusively, because (in approximate order of importance):

1. The diagonal movement keys used with the vi layout have always seemed
awkward to me

2. I use a dvorak layout, so the vi keys are not a particularly appealing
arrangement, and the diagonal keys are completely unusable

3. I like 'k' for kick better than the alternatives

I could understand laptop users wanting to run without number_pad (not
having a number pad), but I very much prefer having it turned on.

-- 
 - mdz