There is a key command list at the very end of the pdf manual.
The cockpit is cluttered because you start the game off flying a crappy ship that was designed for space exploration, not combat; it is rather slow, it has a horrible field of view, and it is not that survivable. It's supposed to be that way.
If you want to, you can use the HUD-only view. Access it by pressing F1 a few times once you're in the cockpit.
