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Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

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Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#21

Post by Marsymars »

I used an MS Ergonomic for 10+ years at the office and a Kinesis Advantage for a similar amount of time at my home office. I'm now entirely home-based, and plan to use the Kinesis Advantage until it's no longer an option.

I'm on my second Kinesis. Something about the function key connection (they're on separate boards internally) made them start failing intermittently after 3-4 years. After the third failure Kinesis had discontinued the replacement parts and I replaced the whole keyboard with a newer revision that has redesigned function keys which are going strong so far.

Kinesis supports key remapping if that's a thing you need.

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#23

Post by cx42net »

unfixed wrote: post #22

I went down to the path of split, tented, columnar keyboards and bought myself a Glove 80. Despite expensive, I think the purchase was definitely worth it. I use it every day for 6-8 hours (I have a very keyboard centric workflow) and I have not a single regret.

Yeah, Glove80 is one I consider, along with the Moonlander.

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#24

Post by cx42net »

sandreas wrote: post #20

You could either try to repair it (it has probably only worn out switches that can be replaced by soldering new ones) or you could build one yourself (search for "github split keyboard choc v2"). There are many projects like Corne, lily58 and others. Beware: Deep rabbit hole with hardly any escape... I built myself a non-ergo modded Logitech G515 with mill maxed Lofree Kailh Ghost switches (I eventually change this t…

I saw that the rabbit hole is deep, and I don't want to fall into that one (already slipped a bit). I don't want to solder mine, so buying one already built (such as the glove80 or the moonlander) is already taking too much time for me.

Repairing mine is not possible, it's the wrist support that is worn out and it's glued to the keyboard...

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#25

Post by cx42net »

solardev wrote: post #17

I spent many years typing on the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard (which is slightly different, with laptop-style keys), but it completely eliminated my typing pain. I can now type comfortably at about 120-140 wpm for hours on end with no discomfort. Once they discontinued it, InCase picked it back up: https://www.incase.com/collections/productivity-accessories/... Along with maybe what looks like a replacement fo…

Wow, thank you for all these. I didn't knew Incase picked up the Microsoft keyboard but that's a good news (too bad they haven't restarted the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000", this one was my absolute favorite!

One thing that makes me hesitant to buy one of these, is that I'm hoping that with one such as the Moonlander or the Glove80, I can replace the used part easily, which should cost less in the long run (but maybe I'm wrong here).

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#26

Post by cx42net »

fckgw wrote: post #19

Incase has purchased/assumed Microsoft's accessory business and is manufacturing their ergonomic line of keyboards again, if that's your thing. https://www.incase.com/collections/keyboards

Thanks! That was one idea yes. Unfortunately it appears they don't support AZERTY keyboard :/

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#27

Post by solardev »

cx42net wrote: post #25
solardev wrote: post #17

I spent many years typing on the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard (which is slightly different, with laptop-style keys), but it completely eliminated my typing pain. I can now type comfortably at about 120-140 wpm for hours on end with no discomfort. Once they discontinued it, InCase picked it back up: https://www.incase.com/collections/productivity-accessories/... Along with maybe what looks like a replacement fo…

Wow, thank you for all these. I didn't knew Incase picked up the Microsoft keyboard but that's a good news (too bad they haven't restarted the "Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000", this one was my absolute favorite! One thing that makes me hesitant to buy one of these, is that I'm hoping that with one such as the Moonlander or the Glove80, I can replace the used part easily, which should cost less in the long…

> I can replace the used part easily, which should cost less in the long run (but maybe I'm wrong here)

I'm not sure there. Keyboards are naturally consumables with moving and friction parts that will eventually need replacement. I'd be worried about whether those companies will still be around in a few years and still offer parts for older keyboards. I'm also not sure if replacing parts makes sense if the original one is 3x or 4x more expensive to begin with.

Personally, I'd just go with what feels most comfortable, and maybe buy two or three of them and store the extras. Paying a hundred or two for something you'll use every day for years isn't a big deal (hopefully), but comfort is!

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#28

Post by cx42net »

wojciii wrote: post #16

I bought one of the keyboard from https://ergodox-ez.com/ and I hate it. I stopped using it as I could not get used to it. I use a wired MS split ergonomic keyboard for daily work and seem happy with it. I use a simple logitech trackball as a pointing device. I don't have any issues with this keyboard ..

hum! That's an interesting point of view.

I agree that the best thing would be to buy all the various keyboard I hesitate, use them for a while, and finally decide which one is best ... but it's costly :p

Re: Ask HN: Recommandation for an Ergonomic Keyboard?

#29

Post by brudgers »

If the Natural Ergonomic keyboard works for you, why not put in an eBay search and buy a spare or two?

Even one new in box is unlikely to cost more than a current alternative if you are a little patient.

Since you mention "wired" there are boatloads of 4000's on the market all the time. Good luck.

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