2 min to read
Ergonomic keyboard showdown
First world problems are the worst
Must haves
- tenting
- neutral or downward angle from wrist rest
- split
- low activation force keys
- quiet
Candidates
Ergodox EZ
• with blank keycaps, tenting and armrests
• 325 USD + customs
• 15 degree
• can be increased with https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1433117/comments
• wrist wrest for tenting https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2600560 to have downwards angle
• Have to reach for keys via thumb
• have to learn new layout
• width is variable
• multiple layers so you could have the same key do multiple things by switching the layer
• https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3104741 riser for wrist rests when using tented
Kinesis Advantage2
• Brown Keyswitches: Activation Force 45g, Peak Force 55g, Travel 4.1mm
• Red Keyswitches: Activation Force 45g, Peak Force 45g, Travel 4.1mm
• Tenting: 20 degrees
• wrist angled downwards
• concave layout for shorter travel
• have to learn new layout
• width is fixed
Kinesis Freestyle 2 Edge / Gaming
• standard layout
• wrists angled upwards
• red keys so can get blank keycaps (DSA blanks)
• blank space bar 3u for Mistel Barocco
• silver mechanical switches even lower than reds
• red mechanical switches
• 45g with shorter travel
• 25 + 3 = 28 degrees
• + tenting kit https://gaming.kinesis-ergo.com/product/lift-kit/ 15 degrees
Matias Ergo Pro Low Force
• Mac: US (FK403R)
• https://matias.ca/ergopro/
• Price 26K
• Tenting: 9 degrees
• standard layout
• no blanks because non standard keys
• width is variable
• Actuation force: 35±5 gf
• poor quality switches
• Travel distance: 3.5 mm
• + 2 tripods for 90 degree tent
Kinesis Freestyle
• 20 degree max
• don’t have to learn new layout
• Price: 18K
• width is variable
• 45 grams
• 3.9mm travel
Kinesis Freestyle Pro
- Edge comes with Palm Supports where as the Pro they are optional. Pro also has preconfigured hot keys and Mac and Dvorak layouts, and Mac keycaps
Maltron
- less concave than Kinesis
Key Switches
Kailh Silver 40±10gf 1.1±0.3mm Linear This is an extremely smooth keyswitch. Light enough not to tire your fingers, and quiet, too. Ideal for soft typing in an office environment.
Kailh Copper 40±10gf 1.1±0.3mm Tactile Quite similar to the Kailh Silver, only these are tactile. Think “Brown lite”.
Conclusion
I ended up selecting the Kinesis Gaming keyboard and since broke the V key so now I’m back to the Apple Keyboard 😏
