I rarely have to look down at my keyboard at all when I use it, and with
HOTAS everything should be straightforward.
I would agree with you about the keyboard, certainly for any fps I'm playing I pretty much can use wasd without ever glancing down. What I'm talking about is with sims.
One thing I really enjoy using is an instrument screen in DCS ( and hopefully soon in CLOD! ). Even with trackIR and I doubt OR you just don't get the same effect of having instruments there in front of you. No matter how much I play about with the trackIR settings actually moving your whole head to scan an instrument panel is not the same ( or as realistic ) as just being able to glance down with your eyes.
Also the 3 way controller for prop sims ( mixture prop throttle ) isn't the type of controller you would necessarily want to keep your hand on throughout the flight and you have the prospect of flying with what amounts to a reversed instrument hood, where you can see outside the cockpit but inside your blind and have to rely on touch rather than site! Certainly the hog throttle is a different ball game and would allow you to quite comfortably keep your hand there.
So for those that like a separate instrument screen ( the likes of HELIOS ) or those that have invested in extra dedicated instrument solutions then OR and the like won't be a perfect match.
Don't get me wrong, I'm really looking forward to this type of product and I hope I will be able to adjust to it, I just wonder how well it will all gel together.