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Advice on how to start/test
(sh.itjust.works)
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this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards
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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards
Rules
Keep it ergo
Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)
i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²
¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid
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Some useful links
- EMK wiki
- Split keyboard compare tool
- Compare keycap profiles Looking for another set of keycaps - check this site to compare the different keycap profiles https://www.keycaps.info/
- Keymap database A database with all kinds of keymap layouts - some of them fits ergo keyboards - get inspired https://keymapdb.com/
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Since you're looking at non-ergo mechanical keyboards, you have way more options and flexibility.
I would get a quality hotswap board (Keychron boards are the usual recommendation, if you go Aliexpress you can find cheaper options too) and a set of any switches you like. Switches maintain resale value well (some even raise, because broken in switches tend to work better than non broken-in) so get a set you're interested in, daily drive it for a bit, and then see what you'd want changed.
You can also think about your current keyboard setup, what you like about it and what isn't working for you.
Good advise. Given my job, I will need a numpad, so that will limit it somewhat, but I'll have a good look around.
Also thanks for the tip on the resale-value of switches. I thought they would be worthless once used indeed, so that is good to know.
There exist external mechanical numpad/macro pads that you cna use if you wanna downsize the board. Then you can hook up the numpad only when you need it
Pro-tip: getting rid of the numpad is good for you long term. Num pad existence is associated with RSI pain. I would consider a 60-80% keyboard and a separate numpad that you can pull out when you need it.