this post was submitted on 06 Jul 2023
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I'm looking to replace my Logitech Wave with an ergonomic mechanical keyboard and would appreciate any recommendations from the community here.

Prefer cherry brown or red switches and a single piece design (not a fan of the 2-piece keyboards). Also prefer a number pad though not required as I can always add one separately if needed.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm a big fan of my Ultimate Hacking Keyboard, had one since the original crowdfunding campaign. I think 5 or 6 years now.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Very cool design; how well do they stay put on the desk? My last split keyboard would nudge slowly during use and had to be moved back which I found annoying.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I've never had a problem with that, there are some pretty tacky rubber feet on the bottom

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

My next keyboard is going to be the moonlander by ergodox.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

This is the answer imo if you have the budget. This completely cured my carpal tunnel. Opened up my shoulders, let me get better posture and it's a dream for people who like to tinker with tech

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I took a gamble on the Moonlander by zsa. It's expensive but a really nice keyboard and instantly helped wrist aches and pains from long days developing.

There are alternatives that are cheaper, and even DIY ones which are cool too - but if you want a prebuilt split ergo I highly recommend it.

Took me roughly 1-2 days heavy use to get used to it and I've never looked back - I'm a huge fan of the ortholinear (technically columnar on moonlander) layout, it really does make natural sense imo with less finger movements laterally at awkward angles.

Happy to answer any Qs

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I would recommend the Kinesis Advantage. It doesn’t use cherry switches IIRC, but they’re similar.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

The Advantage 2 looks pretty good; bit pricey though I expected as much. Thank you!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

DIY is cheaper for this. I'm building a Corne board, but you'd probably like a Reviung if you only want one piece. Pair with a (matrix version) layout like Nerps (Google Docs link) for best results.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Here is a thread where someone asked this question a month or so back and a lot of people weighed in, myself included.

I am a kinesis advantage 2 enjoyer, myself.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Ayy that was my post. I ended up going with the Moonlander and am trying out the Colemak-DH layout. Definitely not up to speed from my qwerty layout.

I do really enjoy it though and have been tinkering with different strategies like tap-dance and home row mods for modifier keys.

Ben Vallack has been a great resource in determining what's what in the ergo keyboard space.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Not pretty, but Kenesis (sp?) is the winner. Tried many available options through work, stuck with their design for years now.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks; quite a few have recommended this one which is nice to see

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

You could checkout keeb.io, I have the Iris and it’s fairly ergonomic, and you can customize the switches you want.

Trying to tent it for even more ergonomic is a little weird, but I think it is doable.

There’s also (not from keeb.io) ergodox keyboards.

Link to the Iris: https://keeb.io/collections/iris-split-ergonomic-keyboard

Ergodox: https://ergodox-ez.com/

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I use Ferris Sweep. It's an ergo-split with a vertical key stagger, 34 keys, low profile. Open source, you can assemble it wired, or with some nice!nano controllers and batteries - completely wireless.

If you're not into soldering and flashing controllers, you can order it pre-made from crafty persons on the internets.

I started using it because most other keyboards give me wrist pain due to a medical issue I have. 34 keys might be tight for most people, but if you're ok with configuring some layers, you'll be good.