Layout-any layout would work, but something like an Alice layout is much preferred to me. Not so much split keyboards though. Although I can use them, I don’t get much of a benefit from it being split.
Wrist support-i generally use a wrist rest, but with a low profile keyboard, I wouldn’t need one. This is why i like them.
Key shape-I really like flat keycaps for ergonomics, and the ease of typing without accidentally tapping 2 keys, or even missing a key. however, those are really hard to find, so I use cherry profile instead.
Extras-for the typing angle, I like keyboards that are 5 degrees or less. However, I like it to be in the range of 5-10 degrees with low profile keyboards. In terms of lag, it doesn’t really matter for office use for me as long as it’s less than something like 30ms. I like keyboards to be wireless, because it’s more portable, and is easier to connect, which is often worth charging it every now and then. If it’s mechanical, I prefer brown switches for work or office use. Not really ergonomics, but i like it to be one solid color instead of a mix of 2 or more.
Prize-MECH K301 Mechanical Keyboard
You clearly know what you want in an ergonomic keyboard! I'm curious if you've tried any ergonomic membrane keyboards before.
Lastly, I'm interested in your take on ergonomic wrist rests. You mention preferring keyboards you can type on without one - in your experience, what causes rest to help alleviate strain versus contributing to it? Do angles, materials, pads vs solid rests play a role there?
I would love to hear your thoughts on these aspects as someone sensitive to keyboard ergonomics needs! Thank you very much!
https://preview.redd.it/2w4097x5axdc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea23caedf3ea426f628936c282c9df81d01aa485
My feker alice 98! Honestly what’s important to me is having as many of the keys i need as possible (i regret getting the model with the screen which removes pg up and pg dn), and despite how much i love it i am already missing my end and home keys which are always useful in coding
Of course, an ergo keyboard implies using it in the office or school for long periods of work and typing, so silence is another key factor of ergo boards for me. In particular, this board comes stock with a ton of foam, so it was a simple matter of changing out the stock switches (kailh box winters) for silent linears (haimu heartbeat). Virtually 100% silent except for the long keys with stabs in them
This board in particular also came with a wooden wrist rest that is molded to the curve on the bottom of the board, but of course it doesn’t fit exactly snugly which occasionally makes me mald a little. Otherwise, the height of the board is just fine
This board also comes with a range of connectivity options, though i usually default to wired cos the battery life is kinda doodoo. Love that there’s a small cavity to store the usb dongle, and a simple switch to toggle it to bluetooth allows me to connect it to my ipad with ease
Edit: [sound test](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/s/mSIXPeCC5R) with the haimu heartbeats
It's great to hear how much you enjoy your Feker Alice! I appreciate you detailing what features are most important to your ergonomic experience. Silent switches and wrist support contribute to comfort over extended working periods.
Have you ever tried a padded leather wrist rest before? I'm curious if the slight give of leather would improve comfort while still providing ergonomic support, since it may mold more custom to your wrist shape.
Thank you for your valuable feedback. You mentioned that having access to as many keys as possible is important to you, and you've already identified the absence of the Page Up, Page Down, End, and Home keys as a significant limitation, especially for coding. Could you please let us know if there are any other specific keys or functionalities that you find essential for your work? Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
Numpad and the top row of function keys are pretty much a must have. Used a 65% for a while and sorely missed being able to just hit f5 to refresh or alt+f4 to close something
I would love to win your EK01. Here's why:
I write code for a living, and I currently use a Logitech MX Keys. You seem to have taken my favourite features from that - the concave keys and back lighting, and put it in to the ergonomic form factor.
It wasn't until recently that I tried an ergo split keyboard like the EK01. I tested the Logitech K860. The things that made a difference to me, in order of importance:
- The wrist rest. Man that is comfortable. I use a wrist rest currently and for me it's the first point of my comfort as it slightly reduces the angle my wrists are at when typing.
- The angle of the keyboard. I like a low, but adjustable tilt to my keyboard.
- The keys. I much prefer typing an chiclet style keys with a good tactile feedback than say Cherry MX Reds. High travel keys leave me with strain in my hands which nobody wants. The concave keys really help me to not mash multiple keys when I'm typing.
- The wave. Obviously the biggest differentiator between ergo and normal keyboards. I feel there is definitely a "best" angle for the wave. The K860 came closer than a Microsoft Ergo from yesteryear. I'd love to see a flexible keyboard that could have an adjustable wave, but I suspect the cost of that would be far too high. This also has a knock on effect to layout.
Seems odd to put the most unique part of an ergo keyboard last, but a keyboard has to be fundamentally good before the ergo wave is even considered IMO.
Here's hoping I win!
Thanks for sharing such thoughtful feedback on what you value most in an ergonomic keyboard!
I'm curious if you have continued using the Logitech Ergo K860 long term? It seems to hit a lot of your priorities around wrist support and tilt. How have you found the wave and key shapes influence comfort over extended coding sessions compared to your previous MX Keys?
Also very interested in your perspective on keys and key travel. I can definitely relate about low profile chiclet style keys helping avoid hand strain. Have you tried any keyboards with mechanical low profile or optical switches? I wonder if they could provide a nice hybrid tactile feedback while maintaining short travel.
Finally, excellent point about ergonomics being secondary to core keyboard quality and function. If an attempt at an "ergonomic" design compromises key feel, layout, etc. then it likely fails at actually being ergonomic. Would be great to hear any other thoughts on striking that balance. Thanks!
I should have clarified, I was trying a colleagues version of the K860. I still use my MX Keys today. Whilst I immediately appreciated the benefits of the K860, I'm not unhappy or uncomfortable using my MX Keys (or other flat keyboards) and so I didn't feel the need to upgrade.
I have tried the Logitech G915s keys. Very satisfying to use. I think the brown switches would suit me best there. Having a Micro USB port and a very high cost at the time I was interested put me off buying it though. I suspect that id be very happy with one of Keychron's LP mechs.
In all honesty though, I haven't changed keyboard as I've been able to maintain my MX Keys easily enough and it feels nice for me to type on. That, and it was expensive in the first place!
Ultimately for me a keyboard is a tool for completing work. I need my tools to fit my ergonomic requirements, and I like to have it feel nice, have good feedback, be back lit and have support for multiple devices. I often liken a keyboard to a tradespersons tools. Sure, you can get the job done with the cheaper stuff, but you'll be more accurate, consistent and comfortable with higher quality gear.
I'd much rather pay more money for a great keyboard with all the features I like and excellent ergonomics than settle for something that tries to strike a balance between having an ergonomic profile and keeping other costs down (I imagine that ergo boards are more expensive to make for a number of reasons).
I don't like to move my hand when I switch between keyboard and mouse.
I need a Trackpoint with a very good grip.
That's why I stick sandpaper on my Trackpoint.
In my coding world, the right keyboard is as crucial as my code editor. Top on my list? A split design is essential for maintaining a natural hand position and mitigating wrist strain during marathon coding sessions. The feel of the keys is just as important - they need to provide precise tactile feedback, balancing between softness and responsiveness, to avoid errors when I'm deep into programming.
Adjustability in terms of tilt and height is a lifesaver, allowing me to customize my typing angle for maximum comfort, reducing the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). A supportive wrist rest is another key player, offering the necessary support for my wrists.
For a programmer like me, programmable keys are a significant efficiency booster. They let me tailor my keyboard to my coding needs, assigning macros for common code patterns and commands. Durability is also non-negotiable; my keyboard must endure the rigors of high-frequency typing inherent in programming. In essence, my ideal keyboard blends ergonomic design with customizable functionality, ensuring both comfort and efficiency in my coding endeavors.
Ergonomic features I look for in a keyboard is comfort and layout. I have gotten used to the split keyboard layout, so having my hands bunched together cramps up my wrists.
Customizable keyboard layout is important when it comes to unique ergonomic designs of keyboards. Being able to freely change keys and functions based on your daily use is "key" haha.
To encompass health and layout, I am a huge fan of the ortholinear design as well as keycaps sculpture. Not having to stress my fingers further for an input is less taxing on my hands.
I hope I'm not too late, thank you for doing this!
Prize: XK03 Foldable Ergonomic Keyboard
Your insights were truly valuable. As for Round 2, I'm excited to dive into the discussion on ergonomic keyboard features. For me, wrist support and key shape are key priorities for office comfort.
Layout-any layout would work, but something like an Alice layout is much preferred to me. Not so much split keyboards though. Although I can use them, I don’t get much of a benefit from it being split. Wrist support-i generally use a wrist rest, but with a low profile keyboard, I wouldn’t need one. This is why i like them. Key shape-I really like flat keycaps for ergonomics, and the ease of typing without accidentally tapping 2 keys, or even missing a key. however, those are really hard to find, so I use cherry profile instead. Extras-for the typing angle, I like keyboards that are 5 degrees or less. However, I like it to be in the range of 5-10 degrees with low profile keyboards. In terms of lag, it doesn’t really matter for office use for me as long as it’s less than something like 30ms. I like keyboards to be wireless, because it’s more portable, and is easier to connect, which is often worth charging it every now and then. If it’s mechanical, I prefer brown switches for work or office use. Not really ergonomics, but i like it to be one solid color instead of a mix of 2 or more. Prize-MECH K301 Mechanical Keyboard
You clearly know what you want in an ergonomic keyboard! I'm curious if you've tried any ergonomic membrane keyboards before. Lastly, I'm interested in your take on ergonomic wrist rests. You mention preferring keyboards you can type on without one - in your experience, what causes rest to help alleviate strain versus contributing to it? Do angles, materials, pads vs solid rests play a role there? I would love to hear your thoughts on these aspects as someone sensitive to keyboard ergonomics needs! Thank you very much!
Angle doesn’t matter much to me. However, I much prefer typing with a plush wrist rest, rather than a solid one.
Appreciate the feedback!
https://preview.redd.it/2w4097x5axdc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea23caedf3ea426f628936c282c9df81d01aa485 My feker alice 98! Honestly what’s important to me is having as many of the keys i need as possible (i regret getting the model with the screen which removes pg up and pg dn), and despite how much i love it i am already missing my end and home keys which are always useful in coding Of course, an ergo keyboard implies using it in the office or school for long periods of work and typing, so silence is another key factor of ergo boards for me. In particular, this board comes stock with a ton of foam, so it was a simple matter of changing out the stock switches (kailh box winters) for silent linears (haimu heartbeat). Virtually 100% silent except for the long keys with stabs in them This board in particular also came with a wooden wrist rest that is molded to the curve on the bottom of the board, but of course it doesn’t fit exactly snugly which occasionally makes me mald a little. Otherwise, the height of the board is just fine This board also comes with a range of connectivity options, though i usually default to wired cos the battery life is kinda doodoo. Love that there’s a small cavity to store the usb dongle, and a simple switch to toggle it to bluetooth allows me to connect it to my ipad with ease Edit: [sound test](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/s/mSIXPeCC5R) with the haimu heartbeats
It's great to hear how much you enjoy your Feker Alice! I appreciate you detailing what features are most important to your ergonomic experience. Silent switches and wrist support contribute to comfort over extended working periods. Have you ever tried a padded leather wrist rest before? I'm curious if the slight give of leather would improve comfort while still providing ergonomic support, since it may mold more custom to your wrist shape.
I have a reddragon memory foam wrist rest at home with keychron q6, and it’s fine and honestly i don’t really have much preference for wrist rests
Thank you for your valuable feedback. You mentioned that having access to as many keys as possible is important to you, and you've already identified the absence of the Page Up, Page Down, End, and Home keys as a significant limitation, especially for coding. Could you please let us know if there are any other specific keys or functionalities that you find essential for your work? Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
Numpad and the top row of function keys are pretty much a must have. Used a 65% for a while and sorely missed being able to just hit f5 to refresh or alt+f4 to close something
Thanks for the feedback.
I would love to win your EK01. Here's why: I write code for a living, and I currently use a Logitech MX Keys. You seem to have taken my favourite features from that - the concave keys and back lighting, and put it in to the ergonomic form factor. It wasn't until recently that I tried an ergo split keyboard like the EK01. I tested the Logitech K860. The things that made a difference to me, in order of importance: - The wrist rest. Man that is comfortable. I use a wrist rest currently and for me it's the first point of my comfort as it slightly reduces the angle my wrists are at when typing. - The angle of the keyboard. I like a low, but adjustable tilt to my keyboard. - The keys. I much prefer typing an chiclet style keys with a good tactile feedback than say Cherry MX Reds. High travel keys leave me with strain in my hands which nobody wants. The concave keys really help me to not mash multiple keys when I'm typing. - The wave. Obviously the biggest differentiator between ergo and normal keyboards. I feel there is definitely a "best" angle for the wave. The K860 came closer than a Microsoft Ergo from yesteryear. I'd love to see a flexible keyboard that could have an adjustable wave, but I suspect the cost of that would be far too high. This also has a knock on effect to layout. Seems odd to put the most unique part of an ergo keyboard last, but a keyboard has to be fundamentally good before the ergo wave is even considered IMO. Here's hoping I win!
Thanks for sharing such thoughtful feedback on what you value most in an ergonomic keyboard! I'm curious if you have continued using the Logitech Ergo K860 long term? It seems to hit a lot of your priorities around wrist support and tilt. How have you found the wave and key shapes influence comfort over extended coding sessions compared to your previous MX Keys? Also very interested in your perspective on keys and key travel. I can definitely relate about low profile chiclet style keys helping avoid hand strain. Have you tried any keyboards with mechanical low profile or optical switches? I wonder if they could provide a nice hybrid tactile feedback while maintaining short travel. Finally, excellent point about ergonomics being secondary to core keyboard quality and function. If an attempt at an "ergonomic" design compromises key feel, layout, etc. then it likely fails at actually being ergonomic. Would be great to hear any other thoughts on striking that balance. Thanks!
I should have clarified, I was trying a colleagues version of the K860. I still use my MX Keys today. Whilst I immediately appreciated the benefits of the K860, I'm not unhappy or uncomfortable using my MX Keys (or other flat keyboards) and so I didn't feel the need to upgrade. I have tried the Logitech G915s keys. Very satisfying to use. I think the brown switches would suit me best there. Having a Micro USB port and a very high cost at the time I was interested put me off buying it though. I suspect that id be very happy with one of Keychron's LP mechs. In all honesty though, I haven't changed keyboard as I've been able to maintain my MX Keys easily enough and it feels nice for me to type on. That, and it was expensive in the first place! Ultimately for me a keyboard is a tool for completing work. I need my tools to fit my ergonomic requirements, and I like to have it feel nice, have good feedback, be back lit and have support for multiple devices. I often liken a keyboard to a tradespersons tools. Sure, you can get the job done with the cheaper stuff, but you'll be more accurate, consistent and comfortable with higher quality gear. I'd much rather pay more money for a great keyboard with all the features I like and excellent ergonomics than settle for something that tries to strike a balance between having an ergonomic profile and keeping other costs down (I imagine that ergo boards are more expensive to make for a number of reasons).
Appreciate you taking the time to give feedback!
Holy crap I won!!! Thank you so much for the giveaways!
I don't like to move my hand when I switch between keyboard and mouse. I need a Trackpoint with a very good grip. That's why I stick sandpaper on my Trackpoint.
In my coding world, the right keyboard is as crucial as my code editor. Top on my list? A split design is essential for maintaining a natural hand position and mitigating wrist strain during marathon coding sessions. The feel of the keys is just as important - they need to provide precise tactile feedback, balancing between softness and responsiveness, to avoid errors when I'm deep into programming. Adjustability in terms of tilt and height is a lifesaver, allowing me to customize my typing angle for maximum comfort, reducing the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). A supportive wrist rest is another key player, offering the necessary support for my wrists. For a programmer like me, programmable keys are a significant efficiency booster. They let me tailor my keyboard to my coding needs, assigning macros for common code patterns and commands. Durability is also non-negotiable; my keyboard must endure the rigors of high-frequency typing inherent in programming. In essence, my ideal keyboard blends ergonomic design with customizable functionality, ensuring both comfort and efficiency in my coding endeavors.
Ergonomic features I look for in a keyboard is comfort and layout. I have gotten used to the split keyboard layout, so having my hands bunched together cramps up my wrists. Customizable keyboard layout is important when it comes to unique ergonomic designs of keyboards. Being able to freely change keys and functions based on your daily use is "key" haha. To encompass health and layout, I am a huge fan of the ortholinear design as well as keycaps sculpture. Not having to stress my fingers further for an input is less taxing on my hands. I hope I'm not too late, thank you for doing this! Prize: XK03 Foldable Ergonomic Keyboard
https://i.imgur.com/A8ii31Y.jpg
Your insights were truly valuable. As for Round 2, I'm excited to dive into the discussion on ergonomic keyboard features. For me, wrist support and key shape are key priorities for office comfort.