Awkward timing for me. I recently bought an Ergodox EZ and the main problem I have with it is that many of the thumbpad keys are too far away to comfortably use. I never thought of myself as having Trump-like tiny hands before but this keyboard looks perfect.
ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
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Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#72It still doesn't compare to a Kinesis Advantage 2 [1]. It’s concave! [1]: https://kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage2/
Woof that thing is huge.
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#73Is there a similar keyboard in the $100 range? I do not need changeable keyswitches or an ARM processor in my keyboard. Currently I have the Microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard 4000 and I am quite happy with that. I just do not need a num block and think a split keyboard is easier for travelling. Are there any good split keyboards with hand rests in the $100 range?
Try the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic, $60, works well and looks nice, but not mechanical.
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#74I highly recommend the kinesis freestyle edge keyboard which costs around $200 but has roughly all the same features besides the thumb module. I also highly recommend a split keyboard in general: my shoulder issues are noticeably better when using them. A split keyboard may not help with wrist pain. Personally I was able to get rid of any wrist pain by strengthening through climbing.
I'm not sure if I agree with the Freestyle being an equivalent alternative. The Freestyle uses a traditional row-staggered layout while this keyboard uses a column-staggered layout. A column-staggered layout IMO is much more comfortable since your fingers are given their own dedicated column without having to awkwardly twist your wrist.
I agree this might be significantly better for some. The tenting is probably also better than the Freestyle Edge (which has only a couple settings).
If someone wants a first split keyboard though I think the Freestyle Edge is a much better starting point given the price difference and the fact that the non-letter/number keys don't have normal placements on the Moonlander.
Personally I tried the ErgoDox EZ and had to return it because it damaged my productivity since it doesn't support just using a normal keyboard layout. With a closer look this keyboard seems fundamentally the same actually so I wouldn't recommend considering to try it unless you use a keyboard all day long and even then be prepared to return it if it doesn't work out. The Freestyle Edge on the other hand is a sure bet.
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#75Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes, I'm disappointed to see that this isn't a contoured keyboard -- still waiting for a contoured keyboard (e.g. Advantage2) with the customization of the ErgoDox without having to build it myself (e.g. Dactyl Manuform).
This. After using Advantage2 for 10ish years I can't really go back to a flat keyboard. I liked my Keyboardio Model 1 but the Advantage2 is just more comfortable. I love the idea of customization but the flatness has me looking at all these as non-starters.
I hate to add to the Advantage2 fan club, but Kinesis absolutely knocked it out of the park in terms of ergonomics. Makes constant typing ridiculously comfortable.
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#76I wish people would just copy the MS Natural Ergonomic 4000, but with better keyswitches. As things stand, every split keyboard with nice keyswitches has a different layout from every other, which is odd, considering how much this type of device relies on muscle memory to work.
(Also, most of them miss one or more of F keys, symmetrical meta keys, standard navigation cluster layout, volume buttons - it's like they want their devices to be less useful, not more!)
Particularly annoying when there's such a wide range of non-split keyboards with nice keyswitches. You've got all the bizarre layouts you can eat, but you still get the option of a more standard one too.
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#77I've been eyeing the Ergodox-EZ for a few months and this was an instant buy for me. Lately I've been rotating between TKL keyboards and the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic, but my right wrist is still getting worse.
I looked at over a dozen split keyboard options. Seems like no matter if you build or buy, it'll cost around $300. I decided I didn't want to also buy a soldering kit and wait months for parts to arrive.
Here's a comparison site between all the known split keyboard layouts (no moonlander yet though): https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#78Earlier quoted context omitted.
The three most impactful things you can do to avoid wrist injuries are: (1) Ensuring your chair, desk, and keyboard are set up so your wrists are straight when typing (2) Using a split/tilted keyboard so your wrists do not need to rotate as much when you type (3) Using a vertical mouse so your wrist does not need to rotate as much when mousing You can accomplish all of this for very cheap. A bit more than you're spen…
While I have an ergodox, I completely agree with this. I'm still suffering from some RSI, but following this has helped me tremendously. I also want to add, just as you're suppose to turn away from the monitor every once in a while, make sure you stretch out your hands/arms and return it into the neutral position. For those looking for a cheap split keyboard, a used microsoft sculpt can be found around $40 on eBay.
I second the Microsoft Sculpt as one of the most comfortable keyboards I have ever found. Unfortunately, I seem to destroy one in about two years.
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#79One thing I have never been able to understand about split keyboard designs is why they don't put the characters on the split ("Y/T G/H V/B/N") on _both_ sides of the keyboard. I mean, are key caps a high cost? There's a correct way to type, but it doesn't need to be so strict. Sometimes (often) the natural use of a keyboard (like holding down a control character for a sequence of keys) makes it so that we type on th…
This keyboard, and the Erdogox EZ I bought a month ago are reprogrammable! There's a slick web UI that can generate firmware for you so you can reflash a keyboard's firmware.
You can also download the source code of your keyboard;s layout, program it and flash it yourself. It's called QMK
Here's mine: https://configure.ergodox-ez.com/ergodox-ez/layouts/64YXl/la...
Last but not least, on this keyboard and most mechanical keyboards you have the ability to change keycaps to whatever you want.
I'm a touch typist, so i switched to blank keycaps https://pimpmykeyboard.com/dcs-blank-keysets/
Re: ZSA Moonlander: A next-generation ergonomic keyboard
#80Is there any science when it comes to ergonomy and tall keys? I would expect tall keys to be more damaging to wrists over time due to awkward position and longer travel time.
I don’t know any science off the top of my head, but professional stenographers generally prefer low profile keys and short key caps. As someone who is recovering from RSI, short keys and light switches have been a god send.