this post was submitted on 05 Jul 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

Rules

Keep it ergo

Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)

i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²

¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid

No Spam

No excessive posting/"shilling" for commercial purposes. Vendors are permitted to promote their products/services but keep it to a minimum and use the [vendor] flair. Posts that appear to be marketing without being transparent about it will be removed.

No Buy/Sell/Trade

This subreddit is not a marketplace, please post on r/mechmarket or other relevant marketplace.

Some useful links

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Ximi:

  • integrated RP2040 controllers
  • left Cirque trackpad
  • right trackball (golden trackball from Perixx)
  • dual rotary encoders
  • dual haptic feedback
  • audio buzzer
  • 3 way thumb switches
  • Gazzew U4 switches
  • MT3 Pulse keycaps
  • MJF nylon case printed by JLCPCB
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[–] Wheeljack@nerdbin.social 2 points 1 year ago (8 children)

I never found anything that I considered "budget". Even the cheapest split mechs on ebay are $100, and I don't think I'd trust any of those.

If you give up the mechanical part and just want to try a split, I'm seeing those starting around $40 shipped.

[–] Holyginz@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Would something like this be good to give the whole thing a try? Kinesis Bluetooth Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard for PC (20" Extended Separation) https://a.co/d/34ydGWq

[–] cly@mastodon.social 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

@Holyginz @Wheeljack

I’ve been using a Kinesis Freestyle/Freestyle 2 for years now (perhaps even for a decade?) I’ve worn the bumps off the f/j keys on the first keyboard.

I have two primary gripes. First the number 6 is on the left keyboard half. From a correct touch typing standpoint it should really be on the right half.

Second, between the original Freestyle and the 2, the insert key was moved to the ‘fn’ layer so you now have to hold down two keys to send insert.

[–] cly@mastodon.social 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

@Holyginz @Wheeljack

I started with the Freestyle because that’s what my workplace had available for split keyboards without a built in number pad. (I wanted to move the mouse in closer)

[–] Holyginz@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Awesome! Thanks for the advice! I think I will give the freestyle a try and see how I like it then.

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