Got my trackball today.
this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2024
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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
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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/
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2025 is the year of the ~~Linux desktop~~ ergomech keyboard
I think I'd be in to try at $200.
I'll just have to wait I guess until the prices aren't "enthusiast only"
I use a Kinesis Advantage 2. Also very expensive, but a bit older and a monoblock design instead of two halves. Despite being only a single piece, this thing alone reversed the developing RSI in my wrists thanks to the superior ergonomics.
The vertical mouse I resisted a lot longer but eventually I got tennis elbow so I caved. But where I love my Kinesis 2, I hate the vertimouse. It's comfortable, but imprecise, and too tall so I always accidentally knock it over switching between keyboard and mouse. Still, my elbow is healing, so I cannot and will not go back to a traditional mouse. I've been seriously considering a trackball though...
For those reasons, I would class these devices as medical requirement rather than luxury. If you have pain from computer work with non-ergonomic hardware, you deserve to spend the money on these things. You're taking care of yourself.