Technology @beehaw.org David @beehaw.org 2y ago

Please recommend an ergonomic mechanical keyboard

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.

17 comments

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
I'm a big fan of my Ultimate Hacking Keyboard, had one since the original crowdfunding campaign. I think 5 or 6 years now.
- 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.
  
  I've never had a problem with that, there are some pretty tacky rubber feet on the bottom
https://lemmy.world/c/ergomechkeyboards

https://lemmy.ml/c/mechanicalkeyboards

These places might be able to better help.
I would recommend the Kinesis Advantage. It doesn’t use cherry switches IIRC, but they’re similar.
- The Advantage 2 looks pretty good; bit pricey though I expected as much. Thank you!
My next keyboard is going to be the moonlander by ergodox.
- 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
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.
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/
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.
Not pretty, but Kenesis (sp?) is the winner. Tried many available options through work, stuck with their design for years now.
- Thanks; quite a few have recommended this one which is nice to see
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.
- Fantastic; thank you :)
  
  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.

17 comments