I really liked my Keebio FoldKB, which I wrote about here, although for me the main attraction was its similarity to a standard keyboard, which sounds like it isn't a consideration for you. I currently have a Moonlander, and the last time I was going on a trip, I packed it up but said "f*ck it" because it was just too cumbersome, and just relied on my laptop's keyboard. I've taken my FoldKB on trips before, though, and it was much easier to take along. I think I will continue to use it on trips.
this post was submitted on 21 Sep 2024
32 points (94.4% liked)
ErgoMechKeyboards
5876 readers
1 users here now
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
- EMK wiki
- Split keyboard compare tool
- Compare keycap profiles Looking for another set of keycaps - check this site to compare the different keycap profiles https://www.keycaps.info/
- Keymap database A database with all kinds of keymap layouts - some of them fits ergo keyboards - get inspired https://keymapdb.com/
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
For a silent and portable keywell you’ve basically only got the Glove80. Their new Cherry Blossom silent switches is where I would go. Voyager is also an option but only slightly less expensive than the glove and you lose the keywell. I’d definitely go for that if you’re willing to drop the cash. There’s usually a few used ones up for sale on the MoErgo discord
Ergodox EZ is fantastic, I've got zealpc zilents installed in mine for silent tactile. Expensive switches, but I've been transplanting them between new keyboards. I got the EZ from a friend when he wanted to go to a moonlander.
Ergodox
I've been looking for a photo of a ergodox ez and a voyager side-by-side. Trying to figure out how luggable the EZ will be.
Voyager looks amazingly luggable, but I'm not sure if I can live with so few keys.
I think kinesis nicked the design?
Idk which is older but didn't they both blatantly copy the Ergodox layout?
I have commuted with an Ergodox and I honestly just find it a bit too large. If you are set on that many keys I'd suggest you check out SliceMK since they made a low profile Ergodox. I'm not a fan of ZSA since they are overpriced (cheap plastic) and haven't really ever done anything innovative IMO. Although I don't use it often my SliceMK wireless Ergodox is really solid.
Thanks for the slice mk suggestion.
I dont know when the M3D was first manufactured, but I assumed maltron were the first with that design since they've been in the game since the 70s.
Ah, it says on their website that the first revision was developed in 1976:
The first keyboard, (top image), was shown at the News Tec exhibition, Brighton, in December 1976
The thumb cluster was different back then, but the ortholinear scoop was there.
Glove80 is probably the best commercial option, but is very expensive. For the combination you are looking for, DIY might be a good solution, depending on how adventurous you want to go. Linear choc/low-profile switches are not loud, but hard to silence. If you want silent, you'll need to tape mod and lube them (search up how). That isn't difficult, but is time-consuming. If your time is too valuable, there are sites available where you can pay people to do it before sending keys to you.
I recently designed a super easy-build portable board that I put together in an hour, for $80 and only very basic soldering skills. Shipping takes a while though. The low cost comes from having few switches/keys and using a chinese microcontroller. If you aren't ready for that few keys, there are options like the kyria or Lily that are bigger.
For portability, I'm just in the final stages of completing this 3D printed case generator that holds the two halves of a split keyboard together magnetically, protects the PCB, and has quick-unfold tent legs that you can customise at design time for your desired tenting. You could use this for whatever custom PCB you chose.
I specifically selected the Moonlander because I travel often and needed the small form factor, while also retaining the split design and large number of keys.
Can you tell me about your experience with it?
Do you find it easy to lug around in a backpack? Is it easy to set up after you've ported it?
I'm slightly worried that the layout configurator is web-based and could disappear at any moment. Is there an offline tool you can use for the same purpose?
I enjoy it, though there is a little effort friction with deploying the tilt legs, but beyond that it’s a delight, and highly configurable, and well-supported both in the community and from the company. For example, the USB port on mine had some demonstrable connection issues after I received it; I contacted the company and they replaced it immediately under warranty.
While Oryx is a convenient online configuration tool, the firmware is open-source, called QMK (https://qmk.fm/guide), and it seems the project also has a GUI configurator.
When folded and stored in its case, the Moonlander is quite compact, though it’s not tiny. It will fit in a regular-sized backpack if it’s not already packed to the brim.
Thanks!
The Keyboardio Atreus is very inexpensive and portable, relative to your other considerations. I have used this board for 3 years and it gets my personal recommendation.
I recommend a Cornish Zen if they ever get a restock.
I use this as my office keyboard and it's been great.
Pretty sure they aren't making these ever again. Honestly, kinda sad.
Darn. That's a shame.
way smaller, but a good compact package as an ortho, is the reviung41. here is the kit. I couldn't get used to it though, I prefer more keys.