Do mechanical keyboards really need arrow keys? 

Which keys are absolutely essential for a keyboard? Many will tell you it’s all numeric keypad, while others need macro keys. I personally insist on a volume knob for the home office. And as someone who has tested 60% keyboards that don’t have a numeric keypad or arrow keys, I would add that for productivity and my sanity, arrow keys are a must as well.

Arrowless keyboards have their market, but for the vast majority, not having arrows on a keyboard is a deal breaker. However, the Angry Miao mechanical keyboard announced today requires us to consider an alternative. Instead of arrow keys or keyboard shortcuts for typing with arrows (as most 60 percent keyboard users do), it has a capacitive touchpad on the front edge for typing arrows and other functions with your thumbs.

Is Evil Miao up to something here?

it’s not the keyboard

Before we dive into this intriguing touchpad, let’s get one thing straight: you probably don’t want to buy the Angry Miao AM Compact Touch wireless keyboard. First, the peripheral is still in the crowdfunding phase (Indiegogo launches February 2 , according to The Verge). Angry Miao is a well-known company among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, having launched several high-end limited edition products in recent years and has had successful crowdfunding campaigns. Other mechanical keyboard makers, such as Keychron, tend to launch products through crowdfunding and some publications including The Verge and TechCrunch.tested AM Compact Touch samples. But investing in any crowdfunding campaign comes with risks.

In addition, the AM Compact Touch has a niche layout with no arrow keys, numeric keypad or function row. Those who are still interested will also face a hefty price tag, reportedly ranging from $398 to $615.

However, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the AM Compact Touch because it challenges the way we normally navigate the keyboard. It also gives functionality to a part of the keyboard that is almost never used.

Do I find the arrow keys essential on a keyboard because they are essential for day to day computing, or because I’m used to it? Now is the perfect time to consider whether you need a keyboard shake.