+1 I really do like my new Moonlander, which I purchased in November. However, as a former Kinesis Advantage user, I miss the contoured shape, I think it helped a lot with carpal pain.
That said, I'm not sure I can justify another keyboard.
That said, I'm not sure I can justify another keyboard.
I agree; I can't justify yet another keyboard. But there's the continuous itch to go ham and design my own split contour keyboard with QMK...
(For anyone reading this, you literally can't go wrong with either of these keyboards and they'll last 10+ years, so get one if you can.)
https://i.imgur.com/6H3vZoY.jpg
Thinking about getting on the Dactyl or similar train eventually, maybe in around a decade or so :)
On a flat keyboard, hitting that top row (especially edge keys like the 5 and 6) required either moving my entire hand or doing some weird reaching motion. And I wear a 4XL glove so I don't even know how other people deal with the top row at all. Being able to not move your hands as much doesn't sound like a big thing but it helped a lot with my wrist issues because I can find a comfortable position when I get started and never leave it until I stand up.
I'm currently on a scooped and fully split KB from bastardkb.com which is kind of the best of both worlds (scooped for reach, split for my shoulders, and custom firmware so I can use less keys overall). But if Kinesis offers that out-of-the-box it's a pretty easy choice for my next keyboard.
- QMK is second to none. With the moonlander specifically I can flash my keyboard from any OS with nothing but a browser and a paperclip.
- Tenting is easy, adjustable, and feels good to use. I liked the thumb cluster tenting (over the ergodox) because it felt more natural.
- Excellent build quality, wrist rests are comfy, and it's pretty portable (it's in my carryon bag right now).
- High quality switch and cap choices (mostly, the custom thumb buttons are obviously nonstandard. But I strongly disliked the rubber function key row of the advantage 2)
- I occasionally play FPS games, and like that I can disconnect the right half of the keyboard and gain more mousepad real estate.
Kinesis pros:
- Mainly the shape. I think the kinesis is probably the most natural device to type on. The moonlander is comfy, but I think the kinesis is still more natural overall. The sculpted key-well is ideal, IMHO.
Both keyboards have eliminated my carpal tunnel symptoms, so I don't have any issues recommending either. If you're going to travel with a keyboard, definitely get the moonlander. But I think from a pure ergonomic standpoint - the kinesis wins.
If I ever switch jobs and have a keyboard stipend, I'll purchase the Advantage 360 and write a full review. But I'm very happy with my present position :)