Hacker News Reader

Comment by BossingAround | Hacker News Reader

Personally, I found the perfect keyboard in Ergodox [0][1]. Ortholinear, split, programmable (and open-source) keyboard with hot-swappable switches.

I've had my Ergodox EZ [2] for ~7 years now. The biggest problem that happened was that some of the switches started malfunctioning - fixing which was a matter of literally 5 minutes.

I don't think I would want to go back to non-split, non-ortholinear keyboards nowadays. 00Key looks cool though, that's for sure! :)

[0] https://github.com/Ergodox-io

[1] https://www.ergodox.io/

[2] https://ergodox-ez.com/

View on HN

> I don't think I would want to go back to non-split, non-ortholinear keyboards nowadays.

Same for me but even further, after using the Glove80[0] I don't want to go back to non-colstag, non-keywell keyboards.

[0] https://www.moergo.com/pages/glove80-ergonomic-keyboard-desi...

I'm afraid to try keywell keyboards since that would drastically limit layout options.

For a split column-stagger kb I can just order a PCB, MCUs, switches, keycaps and after minor soldering it's ready to go.

With concave boards you need a case of non-trivial design.

Thanks for this! My current mechanical keyboard is great, but doesn't have an ergonomic layout. I tried a different split mechanical keyboard once and it was way too small for my hands, and didn't have built-in tenting, so it ended up being horrible for me. This appears to be a much better option & I'm going to check it out now.

And for those reading this thread, if you need a mouse, I've been extremely satisfied with Evoluent's vertical mouse[0]. Unlike most mouse manufacturers, they're very serious about selling what customers actually need - durable hardware, multiple sizes options for every model, just enough extra buttons, and a wired/wireless option for each model. Can't possibly recommend them enough - I went through 3 other vertical mice and absolutely hated all of them (all of them too small, and shockingly Anker's is very low quality; but really I don't trust any with a cheap BT connector).

[0] https://evoluent.com

For pointing devices.. I've really loved using a trackball. I got an Elecom Huge.

I had exactly the same experience.

After using the Ergodox since around 2020 it is hard to see going back to a non-split keyboard. It helps that I also swapped to a trackball at the same time and I find the ergo of having a trackball between a split keyboard to be excellent.

Also, having the backspace key as the "home" key for my left thumb has greatly increased my typing speed....I make a lot of mistakes.

that you make a lot of mistakes isn't a good compliment for a keyboard :-)

I have bad news about every keyboard I have ever used....

Which trackball do you use?

Logitech MX Ergo.

I always feel the first thing I would do with a split keyboard is 3D print a baseplate to keep the two halves aligned. Which.might.just.work.

good move... but some rubber like pad at the table make them 99,9% fixed! and dust marks your ideal position that MAY is changed/adjusted slightly after some time spend with the keyboard

Thanks for the input, appreciated!

The problem with Ergodox (and Moonlander) are the horrific thumb cluster that only makes sense if you have very large hands/fingers.

My favorite is Mitosis, which has large thumb clusters very close to the alphas.

I personally find the two large buttons in the thumb clusters to be easy to access. I don't think the entire thumb cluster is designed to be used commonly while touch typing. There are plenty of pinky reachable buttons you can map needed keys to.

I also had similar concerns. Their voyager keyboard should solve that concern and I’m strongly considering using it. I’ve had their Planck EZ for maybe 2 years now (on Dvorak) and later got their Moonlander but I think it was too much for me and went back to the Planck shortly after.

Ben Vallack has a good video on the voyager[^0] and many other setups and workflows

[0]: https://youtu.be/dg2TT1OJlQs?si=vNM6fOK7ua9KCIky

I backed ergodox-ez on indiegogo in 2016. I moved to the moonlander mostly for the built in wrist pads. support has been amazing. I just got a replacement for a cracked piece of plastic that I can repair myself. https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/teardown

The thing I like most is the split and I have customized the layout to my working style. I really should learn to use layers or try some of the "hacks" https://www.zsa.io/moonlander/printables.

I came really close to buying the Moonlander, but I couldn't get over the fact that they limit macro length because otherwise, they claim, people would put their password in. I'm not going to, but I have lots of other reasons for long macro outputs.

Had ergodox for 3 years, moved to moonlander using their base mounts to float on gas arms. Huge fan

I will add having very wide shoulders makes a split that much more ergonomic for someone of similar body type. Cool project btw

What are gas arms? Any pics of this?

Neat but no good place for arrow keys.

Typically with split keyboards like this, you'd put the arrow keys on home row (or ijkl or esdf etc.), and access the arrow keys by holding a Fn key.

On a traditional keyboard, you can't access the arrow keys with your hands rested on home row. You have to move your hands to reach those keys.

Holding a Fn key brings more of the keyboard's functionality to within easy reach of the hands, at the cost that the keyboard is somewhat more complicated to use.

Good summary. I wouldn't buy one without obvious arrow keys however.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com