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ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

ergodox-ez.com

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Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#31

Post by throitallaway »

laweijfmvo wrote: post #23
gregwebs wrote: post #2

I love split keyboards but had to return this one because after using it for a week my brain was still unable to adapt to the different key placements.

Same. Turns out don’t know how to touch type, so in addition to the learning curve of the new layout I also had to learn which fingers were even supposed to type each key. It’s much more difficult and counterproductive to cheat with an ergo keyboard.

Learning to touch type will definitely pay off in the long run, especially if you're in the tech field.

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#32

Post by lrvick »

throitallaway wrote: post #28

I had an EZ a few years ago. It took a few weeks to get used to it but I grew to like it quite a bit. I didn't have issues switching between traditional keyboards and it. The build quality was questionable, and judging by the pictures it doesn't look like a whole lot has changed. Mine failed after approx 25 months. I believe the Mini USB (!) port failed, and unfortunately it couldn't be replaced due to the way the sh…

By contrast friends and I have beat the hell out of our EZs and never had a problem. Way more durable than any of our hand-built Ergodox.

That said, I switched to the Moonlander a couple of years ago and can attest the build quality is much higher though. I could hardly see myself using anything else now.

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#33

Post by ledauphin »

throitallaway wrote: post #28

I had an EZ a few years ago. It took a few weeks to get used to it but I grew to like it quite a bit. I didn't have issues switching between traditional keyboards and it. The build quality was questionable, and judging by the pictures it doesn't look like a whole lot has changed. Mine failed after approx 25 months. I believe the Mini USB (!) port failed, and unfortunately it couldn't be replaced due to the way the sh…

I've had one since 2017 and have used it literally every work day, and have experienced no issues. It's been a great keyboard. I wish I could justify the slimmer Moonlander. I also wish somebody would make a compelling wireless version of a split ortholinear mechanical board.

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#34

Post by vvilliamperez »

seltzered_ wrote: post #20
vvilliamperez wrote: post #8

I've had an Ergodox EZ for 4 years and it's awesome. Once you learn to type on it and take advantage of the multitude of macros, it's almost telepathic. But I end up using an inexpensive bluetooth keyboard most of the time because I work between a macbook (that doesn't like USB-A without a dock or dongle) and a windows desktop. I've thought about getting a USB switcher hub or a bluetooth dongle for the ergodox, but a…

I curate more mobile ergonomic setups at https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMobileComputers/ . After a year of looking at different designs I'm starting to explore something based on the Atreus but with about half the keys being chopped down a bit.

This is the kind of niche community that brings joy. Thanks!

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#35

Post by ledauphin »

arnvald wrote: post #4

I've been using Ergodox EZ for 2 years now and I love it. It has a certain learning curve due to columnar layout, but I used this opportunity to change my keyboard layout to Colemak. It took a while to get used to it, but not only I find typing more comfortable now, it's also healthier for my wrists - I used to feel pain quite regularly, and changing from Apple Magic Keyboard to Ergodox helped a lot

hah, I changed to the EZ and to something called "Norman" at the same time. Not sure if it was the best or worst decision I've ever made. It took me a solid month to get to where I could be productive again.

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#36

Post by uticus »

throitallaway wrote: post #28

I had an EZ a few years ago. It took a few weeks to get used to it but I grew to like it quite a bit. I didn't have issues switching between traditional keyboards and it. The build quality was questionable, and judging by the pictures it doesn't look like a whole lot has changed. Mine failed after approx 25 months. I believe the Mini USB (!) port failed, and unfortunately it couldn't be replaced due to the way the sh…

Alternate data: been using my Ergodox EZ (original, not shine or anything) for six years with heavy use, no problems. And I bought the thing used six years ago.

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#38

Post by uticus »

ledauphin wrote: post #33
throitallaway wrote: post #28

I had an EZ a few years ago. It took a few weeks to get used to it but I grew to like it quite a bit. I didn't have issues switching between traditional keyboards and it. The build quality was questionable, and judging by the pictures it doesn't look like a whole lot has changed. Mine failed after approx 25 months. I believe the Mini USB (!) port failed, and unfortunately it couldn't be replaced due to the way the sh…

I've had one since 2017 and have used it literally every work day, and have experienced no issues. It's been a great keyboard. I wish I could justify the slimmer Moonlander. I also wish somebody would make a compelling wireless version of a split ortholinear mechanical board.

https://www.slicemk.com/pages/ergodox-wireless perhaps? Can't personally attest tho

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#39

Post by lrvick »

patel011393 wrote: post #24

I bought and use two Moonlanders. I’d like future versions to integrate a small trackball and to be wireless. That said, this helped my shoulder and wrist pain tremendously. I recommend it for those with injuries and unique needs. This year, I’m trying the Halmak layout to type even more efficiently. Pair it with an Evoluent mouse or similar vertical mouse for a great setup.

Since switching to Moonlander+Colemak I went from daily shoulder neck and wrist pain to the point I could not work... to it being basically nonexistent.

YMMV but getting those hands spread apart to push the shoulders back and getting 30% less finger travel were major helps for me. My wife made the same switch and says similar.

Re: ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

#40

Post by ledauphin »

bioemerl wrote: post #3
gregwebs wrote: post #2

I love split keyboards but had to return this one because after using it for a week my brain was still unable to adapt to the different key placements.

A week isn't quite long enough. I think it was about a month before I got proficient, and you have to unlearn some bad typing form, like typing Cs with your index finger. If you (meaning you speak to onlookers more than you here OP) want a more radical split, buy a dactyl manuform. They're tough to get, but worth it.

agreed, it took me about a month as well. the result is that I now absolutely hate the experience of typing on non-columnar layouts...
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