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Split Keyboard for Professionals

ultimatehackingkeyboard.com

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Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#251

Post by slezyr »

anotherevan wrote: post #70
anotherevan wrote: post #68

I'm a long time MS Natural 4000 user. That said, I think the X-Bows Knight keyboard looks interesting. Thumb keys for enter, ctrl and shift. Still has function keys which a lot of these other keyboards don't (and some of us still use). https://x-bows.com/products/x-bows-knight-ergonomic-mechanic...

I've also gotten very use to the media and additional silver buttons along the top of the MS Natural 4000, which I've set as short-cuts for various things. I almost need a separate little keypad that I can program before I give up the 4000.

Knight Plus comes with the detachable(you can move it to left or right) numpad. And X Bows keyboards support QMK[1]. So you can map any key to any other key or macros and add layout on top of it.

1: https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/xb...

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#252

Post by briangray »

zabil wrote: post #172

I use a MacBook pro and I really want to use a split keyboard for better ergonomics. I tried a few, however I feel that I need lift my arm to use a trackpad (external or the one on the mac) or a mouse, whereas on the mac I don't have to lift by hand I can just move my wrist. The trackpad has a lot of nice features missing in a mouse. I use a lot of keyboard shortcuts but I still need to reach for the pad. Does any bo…

I use the UHK exactly for this. Keyboard commands + mouse layer keys for those UIs that are pointer-only.

While it doesn't replace a mouse completely (I wouldn't use it for games), it does work for all my day-to-day work (development, writing, workflows) with shortcuts and the built in mouse layer.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#253

Post by thecrumb »

Symbiote wrote: post #84

I'm maintaining a gallery of split mechanical keyboards, including the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. Hopefully it's helpful for a quick overview of the options that exist. Many of these keyboards are DIY (available as a kit, or sometimes just a PCB and case plan), but some are available assembled. https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/ (There's also https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/ for direct comparis…

Great list! If you were ever bored would be nice to see programmable and backlit as options.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#254

Post by briangray »

phonebucket wrote: post #238

I hardly ever use a mouse, so having a fantastic keyboard appeals to me. But I have two main concerns: 1) I have no desire to own multiple of these for each of my working environments (home, work, and occasional remote from elsewhere). And no desire to always carry one around. 2) I fear making myself too attached to something which may go out of production. In case it breaks, I'd be sad. To those who use these keyboa…

I use a UHK daily. Can't mitigate those concerns, but I can provide my experience with it:

1) I enjoy it enough to carry it when I need to. I found a softshell case at a music shop that fits the UHK and my laptop surprisingly well. Not addressing preference, simply noting that it is more portable than other split boards I've used.

2) The UHK is built well and very sturdy. I've never questioned its durability as it's constructed better than most of my other keyboards (except for maybe my Leopold).

I use it enough that I've proposed getting a second one. Not because I'm worried about production or failure, but because it is a good keyboard and I use multiple computers. Though with the portability and a few cons (addressed in my other lengthy comment), I've held off from buying another for now.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#255

Post by dotancohen »

eyeball wrote: post #195
kabdib wrote: post #121

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Kinesis Gaming keyboard is my current go-to deck. The key layout is sane (nobody tried to nerf the "useless" ESC key), there are well-done macro and remapping features for light customization, and the LED lighting is actually something I appreciate for once (it's pretty). Microsoft lost me in the 2000s with terrible key feel. I remember bouncing over to the company store for an Ergo 4000 and being incredibly disa…

Upper left key. Remap it to escape. So mod gives you the tilde / tick mark.

Have you a suggestion how to do this on a Linux box? I'm a heavy VIM user and this sounds like a great idea.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#256

Post by briangray »

sasaf5 wrote: post #37

I wish it had a longer interconnecting wire. One issue with normal keyboards is that it forces your shoulders to round forwards. I currently use two normal keyboards side by side, which allows me to type with my chest open.

Any (most?) phone chords work for this. I wanted a longer one and it made for a good laugh when I asked my partner for one as a gift.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#257

Post by thomas »

smoyer wrote: post #112
Symbiote wrote: post #84

I'm maintaining a gallery of split mechanical keyboards, including the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard. Hopefully it's helpful for a quick overview of the options that exist. Many of these keyboards are DIY (available as a kit, or sometimes just a PCB and case plan), but some are available assembled. https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/ (There's also https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/ for direct comparis…

A friend of mine is one of the nerdiest guys I know but has suffered from RSI most of his life. He exclusively uses DataHand keyboards (which he buys used and refurbishes or parts out). I notice you don't have a picture of those in your gallery. It's an interesting idea (having 5 switches per finger without moving your hand) but I'm more hopeful that chording will become the default. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dat…

Yes, exactly right. If you are going to make the jump it's smart to do it all the way. Intermittent steps will help some people, but won't always solve the RSI problem fully.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#258

Post by Nition »

dkdk8283 wrote: post #15

I used the microsoft natural keyboard for years and now the kinesis freestyle. I don’t know why split keyboards aren’t more popular. Proper ergonomics are important or your career could be interrupted due to RSI.

I wish there was something readily available like the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 but with mechanical keys. Change the spacebar into two pieces to avoid the need for custom keycaps if you like. Most/all of these fancy split keyboards are missing something, like this Ultimate Hacking Keyboard has no numpad or multimedia keys.

I'm currently using a Varmillo 110% mechanical keyboard that has all the fancy keys (music/mail/calculator/My Computer keys, numpad, and multimedia keys on Fn-pressing the F keys). But it's not ergonomic; there's no curve, wrist rest, or option for a negative tilt.

A lot of mechanical keyboard options are more for show than practicality, which is a bit sad considering mechanical keys are nicer to type on.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#259

Post by throwaway34241 »

bradly wrote: post #149
jjkaczor wrote: post #79

Myself, I have been using a Kinesis RGB Edge with the "lift-kit" for about a month. Have never been a perfect, trained touch-typist - so there has been a learning curve, but it is worth it. My wrists feel so much better, and I am almost back to full speed. (Previously, I would just use laptop KB's). The only complaints... Not from me, but when I am on web meetings, I have to be on mute, because everyone finds the KB…

> when I am on web meetings, I have to be on mute, because everyone finds the KB noise too loud when I am typing Have you looked into swapping out the switches? It looks like they aren't hot-swappable, but de-soldering switches isn't too difficult and there are a ton of amazing silent switches out right now. Check out Zealios for a great silent tactile switch.

It's too bad they don't offer them on the Edge, but if RGB lighting isn't essential they have the 'quiet red' switches available on the Freestyle Pro, which is basically the same model without the backlit keys.

Re: Split Keyboard for Professionals

#260

Post by XenophileJKO »

ahelwer wrote: post #247
atoav wrote: post #224

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I see it like this: if there is anything you use more than a an hour a day, get a thing that feels good, is functional and makes you happy. Just like different guitars play differently, just like different shoes feel differently, different keyboards feel differently too. If you are fine with a non-mechanical one, no need to defend yourself. Some people like clicky mechanical keyboards, some like linear ones, some wan…

People talk a big game about how durable these pricy mechanical keyboard are, how they can be repaired and last forever, etc. I don't think it works out that way. Looking through these comments you can see people with the Ergodox EZ asking whether they should "upgrade" to something slightly newer. Once you start chasing keyboarding perfection, the journey is endless. Minutae loom large; you're never quite satisfied.…

Yep.. I bought a second hand Kinesis Advantage off ebay to "see if this would work for me". I used that one for almost 10 years and it was old when I got it. I had to use a usb adapter plugged into a ps/2 adapter into the original AT keyboard plug. Currently I have an advantage pro. Thinking about getting an advantage 2, but would only to get upgraded function keys.
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