Z30 keyboard experience -- 2nd visit to Telus store

Today I went Telus store to check out the Z30 again. I was sold last time on the speed, screen and the battery life, but didn't test the keyboard specifically.

This time I tried the keyboard in both one and two thumbs mode. I have to say that my Z10 suits my hand size better.

Even for two thumbs mode I can feel the need to make an effort to move my thumbs across distance on Z30, while on Z10 the distance are perfectly tuned to my hands so I can type so much faster.

For one thumb mode, even though the auto correct and predict functions are still there, the speed of doing things is just not there anymore. It takes me 1-2 seconds to provide one key stroke or swipe on average, which is stone age comparing to what I can do on a Z10.

While I was typing on Z30, I wish BlackBerry provides an option that, instead of using the full width of the screen, maybe shrinking the size of the keyboard to be similar to what's on Z10. For one hand operation, maybe put the keyboard closer to the left or right side of the screen for left or right handed operation. And for two handed operation, maybe split the keyboard into two and put them closer to the edges. This way Z30 user with smaller hands can also enjoy the fantastic typing experiences as Z10 users.

BTW, the sales rep told me that they didn't sell any of the BB these days. And for the ones did move, it was Q10 for them.

Must be a hand size thing... for me the Z30 keyboard is superior to my old Z10. Less errors. And the Z10 has an awesome keyboard...

Definitely a hand preference thing. I love the side of this screen for both one handed and two handed typing. Either way I am fairly quick, no delays really, and the auto-correct has its major helps in instances.

Posted by my Z30 via CB10

Originally Posted by aha

Today I went Telus store to check out the Z30 again. I was sold last time on the speed, screen and the battery life, but didn't test the keyboard specifically.

This time I tried the keyboard in both one and two thumbs mode. I have to say that my Z10 suits my hand size better.

Even for two thumbs mode I can feel the need to make an effort to move my thumbs across distance on Z30, while on Z10 the distance are perfectly tuned to my hands so I can type so much faster.

For one thumb mode, even though the auto correct and predict functions are still there, the speed of doing things is just not there anymore. It takes me 1-2 seconds to provide one key stroke or swipe on average, which is stone age comparing to what I can do on a Z10.

While I was typing on Z30, I wish BlackBerry provides an option that, instead of using the full width of the screen, maybe shrinking the size of the keyboard to be similar to what's on Z10. For one hand operation, maybe put the keyboard closer to the left or right side of the screen for left or right handed operation. And for two handed operation, maybe split the keyboard into two and put them closer to the edges. This way Z30 user with smaller hands can also enjoy the fantastic typing experiences as Z10 users.

BTW, the sales rep told me that they didn't sell any of the BB these days. And for the ones did move, it was Q10 for them.

You have a good idea there. I find one handing a bit of a reach. That would be an interesting and unique feature.

Posted via CB10

If an option to split the keyboard was available, it would be nice if the space between the two halves wasn't blank but had some commonly used symbols, etc.

Posted with my BlackBerry Z10!

A body can get used to anything. Anything except a Pebble in your shoe. So, I wouldn't worry about the new accustomizing that my digits would go through.

Originally Posted by J Morehouse

If an option to split the keyboard was available, it would be nice if the space between the two halves wasn't blank but had some commonly used symbols, etc.

Posted with my BlackBerry Z10!

Isn't there an app for that?

Originally Posted by scienceboy

Must be a hand size thing... for me the Z30 keyboard is superior to my old Z10. Less errors. And the Z10 has an awesome keyboard...

i agree with u totally. different people different hand size.

I was using the keyboard on a Z30 tonight at a Verizon store. It's my second time checking out the phone. I thought it was easy to type due to its larger keys. I don't use two hands so I don't know about that. I currently have a Z10 which I love.

One thing is definite: I played with some other phones while I was there and to me nothing comes close to the BB10 experience. The home buttons on those phones make me want to tear my hair out!