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Keyboard > Windows Start button
This start-menu button from keyboard should be changed. For too long keyboards were dominated by Windows logo on them. It's not like Microsoft produces 90% of all keyboards.
In my opinion the "Windows logo" button from keyboard should state "Start", or "Menu", or have a different standardized icon on them. Keyboards should not be a way to advertise Windows (or some other operating system).
And I don't get any benefit from it, for example if I buy a Windows 10 license, I won't get a 1% discount on all keyboards with Windows button, simply because I advertise Windows whenever I use that specific keyboard.
Comments
Ok.
Some historically grown stuff just can‘t be changed. Removing the „Windows“ key would do more harm than good as the majority would not follow the matter that closely and would just be confused about “the missing key”. Even if the icon would only be altered slightly and is still in the exact same spot. I’ve already seen people getting confused when the keyboard states “Control” vs “Ctrl” (or localized versions such as “Strg”); replacing “Windows” with “Menu” would be even worse.
Sue manufacturers instead of making a thread on LET.
Pretty sure I won't buy a keyboard without the Windows key though.
However probably 90% of all keyboards are used with Microsoft Windows.
Manufacturers respond to the market. If Windows didn't exist, there would be no Windows key. People apparently want them. You can certainly buy keyboards without them.
But if you wish, sure, go strike a blow for the freedom of keyboard users everywhere. I suggest some riots, maybe tearing down monuments, etc.
You poor oppressed man! How long have you suffered with the hob-nailed boot of Microsoft oppression on your neck...
Forget world poverty, climate change, war, or human trafficking. The Windows key is the issue of our times.
BTW, you also advertise for the US Federal Reserve with that dollar sign key. Also Coca-Cola:
Does anybody ever use those Windows keys? I don't, ever. I could remove them and don't be bothered by it.
99% of Windows users do I suppose.
Since it's binned to my xfce terminal I do..quite often.
I am sure we never use it. But I do know more than a few around me who press it as soon as their PC boots up.
I asked one why, she said she wanted to see what ads would show.
There are a lot of tools for boosting your speed without mouse.
For example:
I think all of these tools can dramatically boost your speed without even touching start button.
I don't any other option than suing the keyboard manufactures to oblivion. Viva la resistance. Remove windows key from your keyboard. 🪟
Suing them for...? What?
Do we really need a proper reason?
Yes, but I realize you’re not serious.
Windows key is essential for saving space on my taskbar.I just hide the ugly search bar in taskbar and press windows key and start typing the key word. Manually searching for a program is much easier then finding it on a start menu
I wasn't being serious regarding the suing part. But I'm also curious about the legality of using Windows logo without any permission from M$ on keyboards too.
In all seriousness, there are few manufactures building layouts without windows keys. And including keys with Ubuntu logo, Debian logo etc...
However, to appeal to the mass market, one would need a windows key. Enthusiast will still have to settle with those kind of niche keyboard manufacturers.
If you have a common stem like Cherry, there are custom keycaps which you could buy with windows key removed.
The reason windows key cannot be removed as a whole is due to different key bindings and use cases from customers all around the world. Additionally, operating systems like Ubuntu has some bindings to windows key by default making the matter a bit complicated. If you reference a system 76 keyboard, you'll see the different layout.
I find it essential too. I use Linux Mint and that Windows key is also great for opening the taskbar in Linux.
However, the question still stands: why label it with Windows logo after so many years? We have multiple operating systems with desktop nowadays, and it's not like constantly advertising Windows gets something out of that button.
Who says they don't have permission? I'm sure it's cheap or perhaps free to get it. MSFT may even pay a subsidy.
Not exactly the same, but if you put "Intel Inside" on your PC, you get access to Intel marketing dollars. Microsoft may do the same if you put a Microsoft logo on the box.
Windows market share is still 80%-ish globally. But that number includes laptops...for desktops, it's probably higher since you subtract out Chromebooks, Macs that use Apple-made keyboards, etc. Other operating systems are irrelevant when you're talking about Windows key vs. non-Windows key.
Homer is still waiting for the "Any" key.
Take off the Windows key cap and 3D-print a Linux key?
Scrape off the Windows logo and put on a sticker.
Or... make it all black with a marker, like I did.
You're right
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-hardware-certification/waiver-to-the-windows-logo-license-agreement-for-hardware/ba-p/364840
I bet we all started noticing Windows button after reading this thread.
Windows + V
Then the scraping is redundant if you're just going to cover it with a sticker.
I'm concerned you didn't notice it before and you're a provider.
True...but some people's are worked up to such a pitch that they perhaps want the mental solace of knowing that even if the sticker slips, they won't be exposed to this egregious advertising.
Now that I think about it, on some kind of microscopic level, if you press a Windows key with your finger, doesn't that leave some of impression on your finger? I mean, the paint is raised off the plastic, and your finger strikes the key, so perhaps for a brief moment, you have a 1/1,000,000th of a millimeter impression of the Windows logo ON YOUR BODY.
Only one solution. Cut it off!
Also, when momentarily viewing the key, the logo reflected from your retina and will also need to be cut out.
This Windows button seems to cause multiple issues, way beyond my initial assessment.