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ErgodoxE EZ – an ergonomic keyboard with open source firmware

ergodox-ez.com

131–140 of 177 posts

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

#132

As someone who owns the Moonlander, ZSA's proprietary successor to the Ergodox EZ, I consider the soon-to-be-released Dygma Defy ( https://dygma.com/pages/defy ) to be superior to either in every respect save perhaps for the maturity of its firmware platform.

This looks nice. I don't have a Moonlander, so why do you expect this to be superior, apart from being wireless (which, I think, is awesome, since I hate having random cables running across my desk)? However, what's missing, for me, is the Fx row or direct access media keys. I know about layers, not moving the fingers too far, etc, and think this is a great approach for when I'm in "full-on working mode". But I often…

In addition to wireless, more customization options and a more sensible thumb cluster position, was why I regarded the Defy as better.

I, too, feel that a lack of dedicated keys for less-used keys including function keys is a problem with these keyboards, and also consider the general community's philosophy of reducing finger travel by transforming such keys to chords problematic. But I don't see much change to this anytime soon.

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

#133

Is there anything like the ergodox ez, but fully wireless? I don't care about lighting (which would reduce battery life). But truly wireless split keyboard just makes sense to me.

There is the Redox wireless: https://falbatech.click/19644-2-v9b7d173b068d/ (not affiliated, just a happy customer)

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

#134

My filterable gallery of split keyboards is here, should anyone want a quick overview of the range of keyboards that are available. https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/

Nice work! There's no filter for hot-swap sockets and none for the various types of light, though. Maybe also add firmware options?

Not that I need all that from your site, it's just an idea for improvement.

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

#135

My filterable gallery of split keyboards is here, should anyone want a quick overview of the range of keyboards that are available. https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/

Just a heads-up, missing a few; https://golem.hu/boards/ seems to be a bit more complete.

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

#136
I have LONG been wanting them to do a low-profile Bluetooth Planck, but “there are no plans”.

I can get a decent conventional, somewhat ergonomic mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth and support for 3 devices for half the price (and actually got a niche gaming keyboard with linear reds for $30 on sale), but all the orthos (or sweeps) I can find are custom builds (although instructions and designs are plentiful and I am handy with a soldering iron and MCUs, sourcing and assembling them is something I am hesitant to do given all the other stuff I want to do with my time…).

That said, the people I know with one of their keyboards are generally happy, although they all point out there have been no major changes or improvements in the past couple of years.

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

#137
post #76

Another alternative is the kyria from splitkb.com (they are from the Netherlands) It also runs on qmk. Their stuff is really good, and a perfect/easy solder project. Their discord and support staff is super friendly. (Not to mention you get a sticker and stroobwaffle with each order) I'm rocking two of them, one for work and one for the home office. My first one took around 4-5 hours to build, and second one was arou…

I’ve got a kyria as well. Can’t recommend highly enough. Splitkb.com is great

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

#138

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.

I keep an Apple touchpad in the middle of my Ergodox EZ. Yes I need to move my hand to it, but much less so than with a traditional mouse on the side setup.

same! I find that works very well. I also sometimes put a notebook or a plate between the halves.

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

#139
post #115

How are these split keyboards for gaming? I guess not great in many fast paced FPS or MOBAs which is a bit of a deal breaker for me. The size of the Kinesis Advantage is another big problem in gaming I reckon, with very little space left for the mouse - I have a full keyboard with numpad and I'm already thinking of going tenkeyless for more space. EDIT: ah... nevermind, these comments have convinced me to splurge on…

I am unable to feel comfortable WASD-ing with my moonlander, so I switch back to a "traditional" keyboard for gaming. I think it's mostly the ortholinear aspect that makes it not great for me in this context. I never really tried to get used to it anyways since I don't play keyboard games much. I've had my moonlander for two years now, it's my primary keyboard that I use almost every single day.

However, lately I've been using a traditional keyboard more, mostly because i keep mixing more between home office and not, and leaving my moonlander at the office. I have no issues using the one over the other anymore since starting biking to work.

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

#140

Does ortholinear/columnar actually feel better? I feel like I see many comments about how there's a bit of a learning curve that can be overcome after a while, but very few comments about whether overcoming that learning curve is actually worth it and it's really more comfortable. Is it supposed to be better for your wrists? Or your fingers? The "split" aspect of these keyboards is definitely more comfortable imo - I…

ortholinear works very well when you use a split keyboard, but i find it worse for non-split keyboard. The angle of your hands factor in here. With split they're parallel, so fingers are also "straight". However, the traditional layout isn't symetric anyways, so your right hand gets the best ergonomics vs your left.
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