Kinesis Advantage2
The PC1 is really an uniquely-shaped ergonomic keyboard that is the best at preventing injuries associated with prolonged, incorrect hand posture and finger strain. The key layout is designed such that it can be used in the most optimal way possible, with a set of keys assigned to each finger. All these facets combine to make the Advantage2 the best option for enjoyable, rested and productive programming.
Advantages
The PC1 is really an uniquely-shaped ergonomic keyboard that is the best at preventing injuries associated with prolonged, incorrect hand posture and finger strain. The key layout is designed such that it can be used in the most optimal way possible, with a set of keys assigned to each finger. All these facets combine to make the Advantage2 the best option for enjoyable, rested and productive programming.
Advantages
- No undesirable movements
Because of its size, this keyboard stands firmly on the desk and doesn't suffer from unwanted movement during use. - Very programmable
This keyboard has several programmable options, like Macro recording, key remapping or keyboard layout (the keyboard can be changed from QWERTY to Dvorak with the touch of a button). - Clusters of keys under each thumb means less reaching
Having multiple keys under the thumbs lets you keep the rest of your hands still, and helps prevent reaching. Like the backspace key on a normal keyboard is way in the very best right corner, while on the Kinesis keyboard it's under the left thumb. So, to hit the backspace button you just need to move your thumb while on regular keyboards you need to move your whole right hand and stretch your pinky to attain it. - Optimized, ergonomic shape that somewhat reduces the risk of RSI
This keyboard is sculpted to fit the curvature of one's hand more naturally than regular flat boards. This helps reduce the risks of suffering repetitive strain injuries. - Comfortable palm rests
The large, raised palm rests provide comfort while typing. - Best for learning how to touch type
This layout, because of its uniqueness, is perfect to learn touch typing. Even for those that were never able to learn it with common keyboards. It still requires practice to get proficient, of course. - Prepared for macOS, Windows and Linux
Aside from the option of easily changing between preprogrammed layouts of these 3 systems, extra OS-specific keycaps come with the keyboard.
- Maybe not great for gaming
This keyboard is amazing for typing, but not great for gaming. Many games make intensive keys like the Arrow keys or the Alt, Control and Shift keys. With this particular keyboard, it's not very comfortable to utilize them so usually. - Quite bulky, therefore not very portable
As a direct consequence of its unconventional ergonomic shape, the Advantage2 is quite bulky. At 16. 5 in’ x 8 in’ x 2. 88 in’ (419 mm x 203 mm x 73 mm), it's not the most portable keyboard. - Different switches for the function keys
The functions keys are maybe not build with the same switches than the other keys: they use Cherry ML switches alternatively of Cherry MX Brown switches. Because of their shorter travel distance, the ML feels quite different. It's awkward to possess such different sensations for various areas of the keyboard. - Proficiency means overcoming a learning curve
Becoming an expert at using this keyboard’s optimized design needs time and patience, since it’s so not the same as what most people are used to. A few of its drastic layout changes could be disorienting at first. For example, the four arrow keys are separated: along on the right side cluster; left and right on the left side cluster. It’s also built to enforce healthier hand posture and movements, that may feel weird at first. For example, the keyboard trains you (using a deactivatable key feedback) to press keys smoothly instead of smashing down, which reduces hand strain. Usually, it takes between two to four weeks of regular use to feel completely comfortable at by using this keyboard. - Can be a bit flakey sometimes
The downside of the keyboard is that it can occasionally act up. The biggest problem is that the up-event for an integral occasionally gets lost and then some key will auto-repeat until you press it again. Or even worse, it is a key that has no visible effect like an Alt key, and then you must figure out which key it is that's in the virtual down position, and press it again. It has had this same problem going back 20 years. You learn to live with it for the sake of your hands.
Kinesis Freestyle2 w/ VIP3
Ergonomic split keyboard. The VIP3 add-on lets you pick from 3 angles of tilt and adds wrist support.
Advantages
Ergonomic split keyboard. The VIP3 add-on lets you pick from 3 angles of tilt and adds wrist support.
Advantages
- Reduces wrist pain
The wrist support offered by this keyboard alleviates wrist strain. - Ergonomic design
The Freestyle 2 comes with an ergonomic design, aimed to promote healthier and more comfortable typing.
- Not very solid
This keyboard's construction isn't very sturdy and it feels flimsy. - Bad for spreadsheet work
Since it has no numeric pad, the Freestyle 2 is not convenient for spreadsheet work.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
This is the best ergonomic non-mechanical keyboard out there, given the comfort it provides and how it positively impacts user’s overall posture and health. This is mainly due to its key layout designed to adapt to the natural shape of the hands. It’s a perfectly affordable non-mechanical option for code writers who want to code faster, easier and healthier.
Advantages
This is the best ergonomic non-mechanical keyboard out there, given the comfort it provides and how it positively impacts user’s overall posture and health. This is mainly due to its key layout designed to adapt to the natural shape of the hands. It’s a perfectly affordable non-mechanical option for code writers who want to code faster, easier and healthier.
Advantages
- Can be used with a negative tilt
As the 4000 keyboard can be raised at the back like traditional keyboards, in addition, it comes with a detachable platform that raises the front of the keyboard. This creates a negative tilt more natural to the arm-hand alignment. - Ergonomic and comfortable
The 4000 keyboard is designed to be more comfortable to type on than regular rectangular keyboards. Its key rows curve to match the human hands’ angled resting position, eliminating the wrist strain that happens with regular keyboards. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of injury. - Great affordability
With a retail price of $96. 86, this keyboard is dramatically more affordable than most ergonomic keyboards on the market. It doesn’t have the same caliber as more premium keyboards, but it’s a top option for those on a budget who are looking for a good ergonomic option. - Ergonomic wrist support
Foam cushions support one’s wrists while typing, preventing “hanging hands, ” which can cause fatigue over extended periods. - Several additional, personalizable keys
This keyboard has hotkeys for things such as media control, zoom or launching applications. The function keys also have secondary functions, activated by an F-lock key. Some of them are customizable with a companion app (for Windows and macOS) that ships with the keyboard. - Great for people with big hands
Due to its size, this keyboard is great for those who have big hands. - Key swapping for macOS
On macOS, users have the choice of swapping the Windows and Alt keys, so they match the choice and Command key order entirely on standard Apple keyboards, even if no alternate keycaps or stickers are given for use with this OS.
- Most of the extra functionality keys are not supported on macOS
This keyboard has a lot of extra functionality keys useful for daily tasks, like media controls or back/forward keys. Unfortunately, most of them are not supported on macOS, even after driver installation. - It’s from Microsoft, which has a track record of being unethical
A lot of people are not very fond of Microsoft for ethical reasons. This con has nothing to do with the technical capabilities of the keyboard, it's just something to keep in mind. - Key layout is hard to reconfigure
It's hard to reconfigure the 4000's default key layout. Some users wish to have the option of moving a few keys around, which is very difficult with this keyboard. - The space bar is hard to press
While it's new, the space bar needs a relatively good force to be pressed down.
Ergodox
Open-source split keyboard based on the Kinesis Advantage's layout. This keyboard can be acquired as a DIY project. Some commercial clones exist.
Advantages
Open-source split keyboard based on the Kinesis Advantage's layout. This keyboard can be acquired as a DIY project. Some commercial clones exist.
Advantages
- Many accessible keys
You can find more keys which are easily accessible for touch typists than on the usual keyboards. - Split design enables you to optimize positioning
It is possible to arrange each side of the keyboard to match your hand positions. Helps maintain your human body straight and improve your posture. Additionally, you can (for gaming) move the right half out of the way in order to place the mouse in a more comfortable position. - Firmware updates
Because of the nature of ErgoDox, in an open source community, there are advancements in firmware being made continuously. - More actions for the thumb
Unlike other keyboards, like the Lexmark M15 and Cherry G80-5000, where the only action performable by the thumbs is punching the spacebar, ErgoDox has extra keys placed near the spacebar, within thumb reach. This prevents the thumbs from being a bit redundant. - Open source
The ErgoDox has an open design, if you want to modify anything at all, you can fork the Github repository. - Many accessible keys
There are more keys which are easily accessible for touch typists than on the most common keyboards. - Comfortable for those with broad shoulders and large hands
Because of its split design, the ErgoDox lets you optimize the positioning of its halves according to what's best for your human body shape, even if you have broad shoulders and large hands. - Ultimate customizability
It is possible to map any key to any position easily using a simple GUI, including making hardware key layers. And, since the firmware is open source, you can modify it to accomplish anything you want. Many of the hardware components can also be altered/replaced by equivalent parts.
- Expensive
Getting a complete kit from Massdrop costs about $400. Sourcing each part individually eventually ends up a bit under $200. - Needs to be assembled
This can be fun, but some people just want an operating keyboard without having to spend three hours with a soldering iron. It's tricky to find pre-assembled ErgoDoxes, and they are not mass-produced. It is also possible to commission an enthusiast to build one up as well. Some Massdrops of the ErgoDox kit did was included with an option allowing one to choose whether to have it pre-made or maybe not.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
Advantages
Advantages
- Slider witch for using special functions or media controls
Rather than the usual Fn key that needs to be pressed in combination with other keys to activate said key's secondary functions, the Sculpt has slider switch that does this. This makes it easier to default to those functions. - Quiet
Because of the scissor switches used, this keyboard is very quiet. - Number pad can be placed where it is far more convenient
Since the number pad is a separate part from the primary keyboard, its position can adjusted and it can be moved out of the way when it isn't being used. This allows for a far more ergonomic mouse use, since it could be placed closer to the keyboard, exactly like in a tenkeyless design. - Ergonomically shaped
Our hands naturally rest angled when before us, and this keyboard has been built to conform to that, rather than having us awkwardly trying to straighten our hands on a regular flat keyboard, putting strain on our wrists. The keyboard is also curved into a dome shape, which contributes to its ergonomic shape. - Clean look and flexible positioning due to wireless connection
This keyboard connects wirelessly to the computer. This offers many benefits, such as a clean, tidy look (no cable mess) or a flexible positioning (greater use range). In addition, it does not occupy one of the ports. - Cushioned palm rest
This keyboard has a comfortable, cushioned palm rest.
- Functions keys are not easy to use
The function keys are too small. - Some keys are not very reliable
Some keys (like Backspace or Enter), or even pressed perfectly perpendicularly, hit the shelf of the frame and obtain blocked on their way down. This implies the stroke isn't registered and, on top of that, feels awkward. On the (slightly) bright side, this awkward feel acts as feedback that the key wasn't fully pressed. - The wireless dongle is not replaceable
The wireless dongle is pre-paired with the keyboard and mouse from the factory. If it stops working, or you lose it, or you break it, you have to throw away the whole set. Also if you buy the keyboard alone, and decide to add the mouse afterwards, you will not be able to pair the mouse with the existent dongle and need to have 2 dongles, occupying 2 USB ports. - Bad separation of key clusters
The Page Up, Page Down, Home, Insert, End, Delete and Arrow keys are squeezed together, right next to Enter, right Shift and right Control, without any physical barrier/marker to separate the two key clusters. Since this is maybe not an usual layout, it is disorienting for users. - The main element switches used aren't ideal for long typing sessions
The switches used are scissor switches, which are the ones used in many laptops. They provide shallow keystrokes which don't give the same feedback as a mechanical keyboard. These keys need to be bottomed out in order to activate, which creates some strain on your own finger's joints as they are constantly hitting the bottom of the stroke. Scissor switches are also known to be less accurate than other keyboards.