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Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

symboliclogic.io

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Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#221

Post by burlesona »

lolc wrote: post #24
roganartu wrote: post #11

> I tried a few of those Kinesis split keyboards. Too squishy for me. Not far enough apart. The CherryMX Kinesis split keyboard was is too clickey for calls and screenshares. Muscle memory made it difficult to switch. This is a really cool hack, and I’m happy that the author found a solution for their pain that works for them, but this bit confused me. Kinesis are keyboards with separated key clusters, but not split…

I found R-Go Tools Split to be a nice and light keyboard for my mobile rig. The only annoyance was the throbbing light in the corner. But a patch of tape fixed that. The stock cable wouldn't allow placing the parts as far apart as in the article though. https://www.r-go-tools.com/products/ergonomic-keyboards/r-go...

That looks promising, but I heard that model doesn’t work on Macs. Do you know if that’s correct?

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#222

Post by eyelidlessness »

slightwinder wrote: post #28
roganartu wrote: post #11

> I tried a few of those Kinesis split keyboards. Too squishy for me. Not far enough apart. The CherryMX Kinesis split keyboard was is too clickey for calls and screenshares. Muscle memory made it difficult to switch. This is a really cool hack, and I’m happy that the author found a solution for their pain that works for them, but this bit confused me. Kinesis are keyboards with separated key clusters, but not split…

> Kinesis are keyboards with separated key clusters, but not split keyboards. When one says split keyboard I think they are normally talking about things like the Ergodox EZ/Moonlander Kinesis has also their freestyle-line, which are physically splitted keyboard. But traditionally, the name refers to the split of the key-segments, not the whole keyboard. Until a decade ago, there barely where any real split keyboards…

> But even the most silent switch can't compete with the absorption of a normal rubberdome. Stiff matter hitting stiff matter always produces some noise, and most people don't know how to use mechanical keyboards correctly to reduce this.

I mostly agree. That said, my Keychron K1 (red switches, v3 so this may be out of date) is not noticeably louder to my very noise sensitive ears than a similar Apple low profile keyboard. It’s the first mechanical keyboard I’ve owned that hasn’t drawn laughs or ire in remote meetings.

I suspect the quietness is because the low profile keys bottom out inside the case rather than keycaps hitting the casing. There’s still the sound of the switch, but even if I were a better typist with more sensitive reflexes I’d hear that.

I’ve tried a lot of other “quiet” mechanical keyboards. The Matias one was softer at the expense of having a more rubber dome feel while typing (and like every Matias I’ve owned the switches went glitchy and eventually failed). The other “for the office” (brand I can’t recall) red switch keyboard I had… well, I think it was as annoying to me as everyone else.

And, not trying to shill the product (and again I have no idea if v4 has regressed), but I also have a very noise sensitive puppy who hops up and gets distracty if I so much as bump anything on my desk. She’s just as calm with the K1 as my MBP’s built in keyboard.

The switches might not be to everyone’s liking. But there’s definitely room for mechanical keyboards to be less loud than they are even used less effectively than intended (i.e. me).

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#223

Post by eyelidlessness »

JeremyNT wrote: post #140
slightwinder wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Kinesis are keyboards with separated key clusters, but not split keyboards. When one says split keyboard I think they are normally talking about things like the Ergodox EZ/Moonlander Kinesis has also their freestyle-line, which are physically splitted keyboard. But traditionally, the name refers to the split of the key-segments, not the whole keyboard. Until a decade ago, there barely where any real split keyboards…

> Kinesis has also their freestyle-line, which are physically splitted keyboard. But traditionally, the name refers to the split of the key-segments, not the whole keyboard. Until a decade ago, there barely where any real split keyboards, and split segments was the mainstream. Indeed, I saw the title of this post and I wondered if the poster was looking for a setup similar to the Freestyle... and it turns out they we…

> (nominally a gaming keyboard, but I don't use the gaming features)

Yeah I gave up and learned to love that there’s a big gaming market for the keyboard I want, even though I don’t want the flashy backlight colors. It’s weird but now I mostly shop for gaming keyboards and then filter out where I can’t turn off the gaming-specific stuff.

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#224

Post by kitsunesoba »

jagger27 wrote: post #55
slightwinder wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Kinesis are keyboards with separated key clusters, but not split keyboards. When one says split keyboard I think they are normally talking about things like the Ergodox EZ/Moonlander Kinesis has also their freestyle-line, which are physically splitted keyboard. But traditionally, the name refers to the split of the key-segments, not the whole keyboard. Until a decade ago, there barely where any real split keyboards…

This is why the new hot thing in mechanical keyboards is gasket mounting and PCB relief cuts. There is some progress happening here. A good desk mat helps too.

Yes, the board I'm currently using is gasket mount and sitting on a nice thick pad which helps, but what takes it to the next level is U4 Boba Silent linear switches, which are ridiculously quiet. Altogether I barely even hear myself typing, I can't imagine it's terribly audible over video calls.

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#225

Post by lpghatguy »

wussboy wrote: post #206
cma wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Switching to ortholinear can really mess you up when you have to use a laptop or colleague's keyboard.

In my experience, you learn how to use a regular keyboard. Then you learn to use an ergonomic keyboard. Then you finally also need to learn how to switch back and forth. Three separate skill sets. But all very learnable.

This resonates with me. I purchased a Moonlander around a month ago. I'm finally starting to reach the typing speed I had on a regular keyboard, but I haven't learned how to switch back to a normal keyboard yet.

That said, I don't really want to use normal keyboards anymore. This feels like how computer keyboards should've been designed from the start.

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#226

Post by rtkaratekid »

asciimov wrote: post #181
Izikiel43 wrote: post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Trackball gang unite (?) I got the ergo one[1] and my wrist pain went away, the key is that now I don't move my wrist anymore. [1] https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/mice/mx-ergo-wireles...

I've got a love hate relationship with the ergo. I love the tilt, and the improved build quality. But I wish it had better battery life, was a size bigger, and had Linux drivers.

Man I love it, and my battery lasts weeks! Sorry to hear yours doesn’t. And yeah, I wish it had Linux drivers. I thought I found some software somewhere that allowed this (I don’t really use Linux as a desktop, just terminals). Maybe I’ll try and find it and put a link here.

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#227

Post by binoct »

JeremyNT wrote: post #140
slightwinder wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Kinesis are keyboards with separated key clusters, but not split keyboards. When one says split keyboard I think they are normally talking about things like the Ergodox EZ/Moonlander Kinesis has also their freestyle-line, which are physically splitted keyboard. But traditionally, the name refers to the split of the key-segments, not the whole keyboard. Until a decade ago, there barely where any real split keyboards…

> Kinesis has also their freestyle-line, which are physically splitted keyboard. But traditionally, the name refers to the split of the key-segments, not the whole keyboard. Until a decade ago, there barely where any real split keyboards, and split segments was the mainstream. Indeed, I saw the title of this post and I wondered if the poster was looking for a setup similar to the Freestyle... and it turns out they we…

If you don’t mind a little DIY effort and effect you can cut the cable between the halves and splice in a longer cable. Had a coworker who did that and was very happy.

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#228

Post by cbHXBY1D »

Everyone here is talking about RSI but the author is probably talking about a shoulder impingement due to rounded shoulders. To fix this issue you need to strengthen the back, especially the infraspinatus. There's a bunch of youtube videos that can teach you how to do this. I recommend AthleanX.

I had this issue for years and studied the issue. Did a bunch of band exercises, worked out at the gym, and suddenly it disappeared.

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#229

Post by cesarb »

LAC-Tech wrote: post #216
dotancohen wrote: post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That is half the answer. When I let people try my mechanical keyboards, especially the Cherries, I emphasize that the goal isn't to mash the key until it no longer goes down. Rather, the goal is to stop mashing somewhere between the actuation point (usually ~2mm) and the end of key travel (usually ~4mm). This corresponds to 45-60 grams of force depending on switch type, and staying in this range makes for a relativel…

> But nothing is going to quiet the sound of switches designed to give audio feedback, such as the Cherry Blues. I do not recommend those for use in an office or even at home with other people at home. Do people really get that upset about a keyboard that clicks a bit? Back when I was in open offices the annoyances were people yelling to each other with me in between, people singing, private phone calls etc. A click…

> > [...] I do not recommend those for use in an office or even at home with other people at home.

> Do people really get that upset about a keyboard that clicks a bit? [...] A click wouldn't even have registered.

Am I the only one who still remembers when typing, even in offices or at home, meant sharp hitting noises with a DING at the end of each line?

Re: Using two keyboards at once for pain relief

#230

Post by dharmab »

ethanmad wrote: post #85

If you're interested in split keyboards, check out the Keyboard.io Model 100[1], which will be shipping in January. They're a reputable company, having already successfully sold the Model 01 and Atreus with great success. Jesse and Kaia are great folk and send regular updates on the production. Why Model 100 over other split boards like the Moonlander or Ergodox? 1. Sculpted keycaps take the ortholinear split board t…

In regards to point 1, ortholinear sculpted keys are available for the Ergodox. I use one due to a wrist injury.
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