Split Keyboard for Professionals(ultimatehackingkeyboard.com)
ultimatehackingkeyboard.com
Split Keyboard for Professionals
https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/
328 comments
I used the microsoft natural keyboard for years and now the kinesis freestyle. I don’t know why split keyboards aren’t more popular. Proper ergonomics are important or your career could be interrupted due to RSI.
I have used several split keyboards. The matias ergo pro, the ergodox ez and finally the Kinesis gaming k975. Honestly the kinesis so far is hands down the best. Matias was great at the start but the pads are expensive to replace and repairs were difficult. Not only that but the non standard switches meant that as soon as one went I had to buy expensive switches from matias and look at opening up the keyboard myself.
Couldn't get used to the layout of the ergodox even though it was very nice.
The kinesis hits all the marks an is incredibly programmable.
Couldn't get used to the layout of the ergodox even though it was very nice.
The kinesis hits all the marks an is incredibly programmable.
It's such a shame that the TrackPoint module is once again a "let's lure those freaks" kind of extension -- an essential feature of any modern TrackPoint is the middle mouse button for scrolling. Anyone creating a Trackpoint with only two buttons either hasn't used a TrackPoint at all or hasn't really understood it. Apart from that, a TrackPoint should be located at a different relative position than a trackball or a touchpad to be of any use. So a hard pass on this one for now :(
Any split keyboard out there for $50 or less?
I am puzzled why there aren't more split keyboards on the market, they are such a good idea.
I use a Kinesis Advantage and it's great (not quite split, but close). I'll look into getting an actual split keyboard that's more portable. The Kinesis is massive and terrible for travel.
You can easily switch between Kinesis key placement and regular keyboards. It's like training your brain to be multilingual.
Try Emacs keybindings on a keyboard that has modifier keys easily accessible for your right and left thumbs. Emacs keybindings didn't make any sense to me till I tried them on a split keyboard.
You can easily switch between Kinesis key placement and regular keyboards. It's like training your brain to be multilingual.
Try Emacs keybindings on a keyboard that has modifier keys easily accessible for your right and left thumbs. Emacs keybindings didn't make any sense to me till I tried them on a split keyboard.
I have a cloud nine split mechanical keyboard. I really enjoy it. It is the closest I’ve found to the Microsoft Ergo 4000. I use it primarily for working on my MacBook.
Pros: very similar to ergo 4000. No immediate drop in typing speed like with an ergo dox ez.
Cons: easy to workaround: left alt is too left due the spacebar and the strange dial button in the middle. I ignore the dial and mapped the cmd key to ctrl and ctrl to capslock.
Pros: very similar to ergo 4000. No immediate drop in typing speed like with an ergo dox ez.
Cons: easy to workaround: left alt is too left due the spacebar and the strange dial button in the middle. I ignore the dial and mapped the cmd key to ctrl and ctrl to capslock.
I love my keyboard.io Model 01. I think a refresh is coming later this year (Model 100?). Worth the price IMO.
I just picked up a moonlander that i'm really living.
https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/
https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/
The trackball thumb module is a great idea - being able to mouse without moving my right hand off the keyboard would be ideal (you can buy an actual mouse to use for FPS games if you want that). For anyone who is seeing this and thinking they need to upgrade though, know that you really don't have to spend $300 to get a good-quality ergonomic keyboard. The Goldtouch GTN-0099 can be found in like-new condition for $60 on ebay. The Kinesis Freestyle2 is around $100-130. Neither of these have mechanical keyswitches, but I've had a mechanical keyboard before and can tell you the tactile novelty wears off within a couple of weeks. High-quality non-mechanical keyswitches are just dandy these days. So do question whether you really need to plunk down $200 extra for mechanical.
Separately, if you care about ergonomics enough to be interested in your keyboard, don't neglect your mouse - usually a much worse culprit for wrist issues. I recently switched from a vertical-style ergonomic mouse to a trackball and it's enough of a difference to make me a zealot! I bought the Kensington vertical model with a thumb trackball. My small remaining wrist issues are no more.
Separately, if you care about ergonomics enough to be interested in your keyboard, don't neglect your mouse - usually a much worse culprit for wrist issues. I recently switched from a vertical-style ergonomic mouse to a trackball and it's enough of a difference to make me a zealot! I bought the Kensington vertical model with a thumb trackball. My small remaining wrist issues are no more.
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I wish it had a longer interconnecting wire.
One issue with normal keyboards is that it forces your shoulders to round forwards.
I currently use two normal keyboards side by side, which allows me to type with my chest open.
One issue with normal keyboards is that it forces your shoulders to round forwards.
I currently use two normal keyboards side by side, which allows me to type with my chest open.
I assembled a Quefrency (https://keeb.io/products/quefrency-rev-2-60-65-split-stagger...) by myself and loving it. Also it costed me a lot less.
I’ve had one of these for over a year now and couldn’t recommend it more dearly. Excellent build quality, powerful and intuitive customization software and just generally a nice atmosphere around the company.
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I've been looking for a "blank" mechanical keyboard with cherry mx silent red switches — is it possible to add those to the options?
I was looking forward to this keyboard a few years ago.
But i'm not willing to pay that kind of money for a keyboard with cheaper Kailh brown switches and without an option for cherry mx brown.
I do assume they can't make it that much cheaper but for me personally thats just a no go.
But i'm not willing to pay that kind of money for a keyboard with cheaper Kailh brown switches and without an option for cherry mx brown.
I do assume they can't make it that much cheaper but for me personally thats just a no go.
I'm a long time MS Natural 4000 user. That said, I think the X-Bows Knight keyboard looks interesting. Thumb keys for enter, ctrl and shift. Still has function keys which a lot of these other keyboards don't (and some of us still use).
https://x-bows.com/products/x-bows-knight-ergonomic-mechanic...
https://x-bows.com/products/x-bows-knight-ergonomic-mechanic...
I started using a dactyl manuform about two months ago and now I can't imagine typo on anything else.
I'm already planning on order a second one for the office, assuming we ever return to it.
I'm already planning on order a second one for the office, assuming we ever return to it.
Myself, I have been using a Kinesis RGB Edge with the "lift-kit" for about a month.
Have never been a perfect, trained touch-typist - so there has been a learning curve, but it is worth it.
My wrists feel so much better, and I am almost back to full speed. (Previously, I would just use laptop KB's).
The only complaints... Not from me, but when I am on web meetings, I have to be on mute, because everyone finds the KB noise too loud when I am typing... Lastly, very expensive, but much like my Ergotron monitor arms, this will likely outlast generations of equipment it is currently used with.
Have never been a perfect, trained touch-typist - so there has been a learning curve, but it is worth it.
My wrists feel so much better, and I am almost back to full speed. (Previously, I would just use laptop KB's).
The only complaints... Not from me, but when I am on web meetings, I have to be on mute, because everyone finds the KB noise too loud when I am typing... Lastly, very expensive, but much like my Ergotron monitor arms, this will likely outlast generations of equipment it is currently used with.
I'm maintaining a gallery of split mechanical keyboards, including the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard.
Hopefully it's helpful for a quick overview of the options that exist. Many of these keyboards are DIY (available as a kit, or sometimes just a PCB and case plan), but some are available assembled.
https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/
(There's also https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/ for direct comparison of ergonomic (with thumb keys) keyboards.)
Hopefully it's helpful for a quick overview of the options that exist. Many of these keyboards are DIY (available as a kit, or sometimes just a PCB and case plan), but some are available assembled.
https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/
(There's also https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/ for direct comparison of ergonomic (with thumb keys) keyboards.)
I've got two ErgoDox Infinity keyboards that I believe are about as ergonomic as you can get until you're willing to have only one key per finger. I'm in the process of forming the mold for a chording keyboard (and hacking platform). My intention is to create separate left and right hand molds based on a spherical-section that match the shape of a relaxed hand (think of watching an accomplished pianist). I'm going to start out with a layout/chording scheme something like ASETNIOP (http://www.asetniop.com/) using some of the stenography techniques I've read about to make it more universal.
I should note that after using the Ergodox keyboards for a while, I definitely believe in letting the thumbs do more work!
I should note that after using the Ergodox keyboards for a while, I definitely believe in letting the thumbs do more work!
I've had a UHK for a couple of years now, and I'm really enjoying it. The things I enjoy the most are the mouse layer (controlling the cursor through the keyboard), and the fact that macros and other changes to the keyboard layout are saved directly to the keyboard, so that they go with me no matter the computer.
The only thing I don't like is the long wait for the modules. It's been about 3.5 years since I ordered and the ETA keep shifting. (They were supposed to ship in July, and then September. We haven't gotten the monthly update yet, but I'm doubtful they'll ship them all out this week.) With that said, they're doing something new, so I try to be mindful of the delay, and others won't have to wait for the keyboard, at least.
The only thing I don't like is the long wait for the modules. It's been about 3.5 years since I ordered and the ETA keep shifting. (They were supposed to ship in July, and then September. We haven't gotten the monthly update yet, but I'm doubtful they'll ship them all out this week.) With that said, they're doing something new, so I try to be mindful of the delay, and others won't have to wait for the keyboard, at least.
I've had Ergodox EZ for 5+ months, and not loving it at all! It's unnatural and uncomfortable. Tried changing switches a few times, armrest changed, angels and keyboard layout adjusted many times and it's not any better.
I feel I have to force myself to keep trying to use it because of the cost! I'm not sure if it's worth it at all, none of the parts are that expensive but I guess novelty cost money.
I bought it because of the reviews, I now realize no reviewer is ever 100% honest because candid honesty doesn't get you free samples from manufacturers to review! I will be getting rid of it soon. I definitely DO NOT recommend!
I played around with Keyboardio 001 and it's better, but my play time was too short to judge more accurately, didn't like the switches at all. I want to consider Kinesis Freestyle Edge but again the key switches are not my favorite, I like heavier tactile switches, Cherry MX Clear or similar.
My full CODE keyboard with Clear switches from 6-7 years ago is still the KING!
EDIT: LOL, people are down voting because this comment "hurt" their feelings. There's a small niche group that love ergodox, but it's not for general population. I code a lot and absolutely HATE it when missed key hits, looking for keys and typos distract my train of thought. I'm still in the hunt for a proper split keyboard but ergodox and family are not it!
I feel I have to force myself to keep trying to use it because of the cost! I'm not sure if it's worth it at all, none of the parts are that expensive but I guess novelty cost money.
I bought it because of the reviews, I now realize no reviewer is ever 100% honest because candid honesty doesn't get you free samples from manufacturers to review! I will be getting rid of it soon. I definitely DO NOT recommend!
I played around with Keyboardio 001 and it's better, but my play time was too short to judge more accurately, didn't like the switches at all. I want to consider Kinesis Freestyle Edge but again the key switches are not my favorite, I like heavier tactile switches, Cherry MX Clear or similar.
My full CODE keyboard with Clear switches from 6-7 years ago is still the KING!
EDIT: LOL, people are down voting because this comment "hurt" their feelings. There's a small niche group that love ergodox, but it's not for general population. I code a lot and absolutely HATE it when missed key hits, looking for keys and typos distract my train of thought. I'm still in the hunt for a proper split keyboard but ergodox and family are not it!
Whilst this looks interesting, as someone with RSI (who already uses a split keyboard), just thinking about those thumb modules is giving me anxiety.
Ergonomic setups are specifically meant to immobilise both your thumb and wrist joints.
Ergonomic setups are specifically meant to immobilise both your thumb and wrist joints.
Can somebody compare the UHK to the Ergodox-Ez/Moonlander?
I've just started a new job and hope to use the initial downtime to adapt to an ergonomic keyboard. Since I understand it'll be a major adjustment, I've been considering alternative layouts as well. I've never learnt touch typing, so why not start from scratch on a better system?
I'm leaning Colmak mod DH for the Moonlander, but I'd appreciate any insights on this. I plan to learn Vim keybindings as well, so a layout that works well with vim would be the cherry on the top.
I've just started a new job and hope to use the initial downtime to adapt to an ergonomic keyboard. Since I understand it'll be a major adjustment, I've been considering alternative layouts as well. I've never learnt touch typing, so why not start from scratch on a better system?
I'm leaning Colmak mod DH for the Moonlander, but I'd appreciate any insights on this. I plan to learn Vim keybindings as well, so a layout that works well with vim would be the cherry on the top.
I looked at this, then tried and Ergodox and now I use a 40% split ortho Corne keyboard which I love and type 15 wpm faster on then my old Happy Hacker keyboard.
I recently shopped for split keyboards, and the only real reason I didn't go with the UHK was price. It isn't exactly an Apples<->Apples comparison since I would have gotten accessories like the touchpoint for the UHK, but I went with a Kinesis Freestyle Pro instead and I have liked it a lot.
The biggest benefit to me wasn't the split, it was the programmability which both the UHK and the Freestyle Pro offer. I use the right half of the spacebar to change layers and have mapped the arrow keys to IJKL on the function layer. This plus remapping Caps to backspace has let me keep my hands on the home row MUCH more than typical and has made me more comfortable and a little more efficient.
My only complaint about programming the Kinesis Pro keyboard was the the order of key presses matters when using my remapped arrows in combination with command or option to move by a word, or to the beginning of the line: I must press the Fn shift key (the right half of my spacebar) before any of the modifier keys. This was very annoying at first, but my muscle memory caught up with it fairly quickly. I really like the fact that the UHK has fully customizable firmware and that would add some value to me, but maybe wouldn't matter too much to most people.
The biggest benefit to me wasn't the split, it was the programmability which both the UHK and the Freestyle Pro offer. I use the right half of the spacebar to change layers and have mapped the arrow keys to IJKL on the function layer. This plus remapping Caps to backspace has let me keep my hands on the home row MUCH more than typical and has made me more comfortable and a little more efficient.
My only complaint about programming the Kinesis Pro keyboard was the the order of key presses matters when using my remapped arrows in combination with command or option to move by a word, or to the beginning of the line: I must press the Fn shift key (the right half of my spacebar) before any of the modifier keys. This was very annoying at first, but my muscle memory caught up with it fairly quickly. I really like the fact that the UHK has fully customizable firmware and that would add some value to me, but maybe wouldn't matter too much to most people.
I have one of these. I bought because of the disappointing mac keyboard I had at the time. Took some time to arrive, not cheap but worth every cent. I love using it. Also a major conversation piece.