Some context: I write code and play videogames, primarily on Windows and currently on a Logitech K860, which I've been thinking of replacing with something that is less wide and/or two-piece. In looking into this I have discovered that there's quite a number of keyboards that fit my criteria, so I could use some help figuring out what's more likely to be a good choice.
What do I desire:
- US-like QWERTY layout
(LShift next to Z, horizontal or otherwise reasonable-sized Enter)
- TKL (or otherwise not too wide)
- Split
(ideally two-part, but the classic 15(?)-degree triangle in the middle is also okay)
- Probably a normal staggered layout
(I touch-type, but it's not strict home-row typing)
- Normal arrow keys
(read: separate keys not requiring an Fn press/layer switch; Up-arrow being above Down-arrow)
- Home/End keys next to arrow keys, or accessible via Fn+arrow
(or a couple useless keys next to arrow keys that could be remapped)
- A Delete key somewhere in that area
(or another useless key that can be remapped)
- Digit keys
- A Windows/Option key
Nice to have:
- F-keys (to use for keyboard shortcuts)
- Tenting
- (detachable?) palm supports
- Wired connection or optional cable.
Things that don't mean too much:
- Lighting
- Key labels and their durability
- High-end macro recording (key codes can be remapped on PC side)
Misc:
- I've not owned enough mechanical keyboards to have a switch preference beyond "shouldn't take much force to press / shouldn't be too loud".
- I can assemble and disassemble devices, but probably wouldn't find time to solder.
- Not particularly limited in terms of budget - been a few years since I've last got a fancy keyboard.
- I'm used to low-profile keyboards, though it's more about travel time and how much the keys poke out of the keyboard than actual key cap height.
What else I've used that's worth noting:
- MSI GK-701 (non-split)
Bought to see what was the fuss with Cherry MX brown switches, but couldn't get used to how tall this thing was (~4cm).
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
Very good keyboard layout, somewhat stiff (?) keys and clicky F-keys.
- HAVIT HV-KB390L (non-split)
A pretty pleasant TKL low-profile keyboard with Kailh white switches that I used for a little while before going back to split keyboards.
- Logitech K860
Better keys than Sculpt, but full-sized.
- Perrixx/MoKo/etc. Foldable Keyboard (aka B.O.W. keyboard)
It's a pocket comedy split keyboard. Not very high-quality, but beats typing on the phone, you know?
- Logitech K280e (non-split)
A curious low-profile, quiet (rubber-domed?) office keyboard that I use with secondary devices.
Considerations so far
Sculpt-likes (one-piece ~75%):
- Perixx PERIDUO-606
A mouse wheel in the middle?
- Perixx PERIBOARD-613 B
This one has a 4:1 Enter key. I think it's for people that like their RShift keys.
- Perixx PERIBOARD-335 (TKL)
A mass-market-ish keyboard with mechanical switches? That's neat. Not hot swap, but still!
- Lenovo Go Wireless Split
Apparently Lenovo made a conventional TKL split keyboard once.
- BC Split Ergonomic
Seems like an almost 1:1 replica of Sculpt layout, except for distribution of F-keys. UK layout only, I think?
- X-Bows Knight
Column-staggered, has a 2x2 Backspace key, and the most obnoxious website I've seen as of late.
- Truly Ergonomic 229 Mechanical Keyboard
A similar design to X-Bows, but with a more symmetrical layout.
-Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE
A slightly different design with a handful of large keys for your thumbs.
Two-piece (pre-assembled):
- Goldtouch V2 (>75%)
A seemingly normal rubber-domed keyboard.
- Kinesis Freestyle2/Pro/Edge (>75%)
A similar layout. I guess this one made it big because every other split keyboard post I find includes a sponsored listing from Kinesis.
And what's the difference between these? Switches, programmable buttons, and lighting?
- Matias Ergo Pro (>75%)
That's a quirky layout, but technically has all the buttons.
- Cloud Nine ErgoTKL (>75%)
A fairly Sculpt-like layout with a couple extra buttons.
- Core Mechanics Project: 0001 (>75%)
Pretty good layout and a couple macro keys too. A clean look.
- Perixx PERIBOARD-524B (75%)
A perfectly normal two-piece layout.
- Goldtouch Go!2
The wireless/scissor edition of the seemingly normal keyboard, now with a couple sacrifices and navigation keys on the left.
- R-Go Split Break
This is a different kind of a compact comedy keyboard, except it's a wired PC keyboard.
Two-piece (kits):
- Mistel MD770 (75%)
An (almost) perfectly normal layout that's split into two halves.
650L seems similar sans the f-key row.
- YMDK Split 64/75/84
All QMK-based I believe?
- Keychron Q11 QMK (75%-ish)
Also a pretty normal layout featuring two knobs.
- Keebio collections (65%..>75%)
I've not even heard of some of these switches before, but Cepstrum looks intriguing.
- Sinc R3 (>75%)
One-piece (kits):
- Keychron Q8
That's not how you curve a keyboard.
- Feker Alice 80 (65%)
A very sensible layout sans the relocated Win-key.
As far as options for replicating the layout go, I think ErgoArrows would be the closest - you can get it as a kit.
If it's more about the middle keys than the a bunch extra keys on the bottom, there are many keyboards like that - Ergodox/derivatives, Kinesis Advantage360, Moonlander, Redox, Dygma Defy, and Keyboardio Model 100 all have 2-3 keys in the middle and can be bought pre-built. ErgoDash, Ergo68, and Pinky4 can be bought as a kit.