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.
So what do people do with thumb clusters?
In my current setup, I have a little tool to have remapped RAlt act as a faux mod layer (so that I can quickly enter symbols like · — ➜ or have two-key shortcuts that don’t conflict with anything), but most of the objective improvement comes from good auto-completion, snippets, and editor features (e.g. multi-cursors can be a blessing to both edit a bunch of lines at once and to create N constructs out of a list of names/signatures).
Your pinkies are weak, yet they have the most keys to handle on a traditional board. Your thumbs are strong, yet only operate one key on a traditional board.
Thumb clusters are used in many different ways, but most basic: put your modifiers there (particularly shift and ctrl), your pinkies will thank you ;) When you go for a smaller layout, layer modifiers become more relevant as well, which typically are put in thumb clusters as well. (but when you go down to small layouts, there is a whole deep rabbithole of layout design to get into).
On my Moonlander, I have:
I use 2 thumbs on each side, and they’re layer changing keys when held and backspace, tab, enter, space when tapped. My mods (shift, ctrl, etc) are under my home row when held (tap D for D and hold for shift) mirrored on each half.
At that point it’s getting very customized but I’ve found it to be extremely comfortable. As other people have said, you’ll find what works for you, but a thumb cluster will open a lot of doors for you I think.