I want to buy a new keyboard. My use case for this particular keyboard will be as what you might consider a tertiary keyboard. I do not need a new primary keyboard that I spend most of my time with on my main computer. I also do not need a new secondary keyboard to keep at my other workstation that I interact with often when not using my primary workstation. What I need is a keyboard that will be my go-to for miscellaneous tasks. When I need to plug into some server temporarily, I want to use this keyboard. When I need to set up a new computer that will later be used by another user with a “normal” keyboard, I want to use this keyboard. Currently, I use a basic office keyboard for this task. I can move it from computer to computer, and it works reliably for these occasional miscellaneous tasks. But after having switched to using split ergo as my primary/secondary keyboards, using this traditional keyboard even occasionally does feel off. If I can, I would like a split ergo that can fill this use case.
This means I want a few specifications that are not common for split ergonomic keyboards:
- Unibody. I will often not be using this keyboard at a desk or other optimal position. As such, having two halves to the keyboard can be cumbersome. I might be just resting the keyboard on my knee or something for a few minutes while I type on it. For this purpose, it would be simpler to have a keyboard that is just one single unit with one single cable.
- 100%. Most split ergos have just a few dozen keys. This makes sense for a keyboard that I am going to use often and can memorize the layout and all the various layers. But this is a keyboard that I plan to only use occasionally. As such, I want to be able to look at the keys to hunt/peck if I need. I do not want to have to remember what sequence of keys is used to press
Alt+F4. I want to look at the keyboard, find the key that is labelledAlt, find the key that is labelledF4, and press those two keys.
There are also a few other relevant specs that it seems are very common, but I wanted to mention them anyway:
- USB C. Preferably, a detachable USB C cable. I do not mind if the keyboard also has Bluetooth/2.4GHz. That will not be a problem if it has the feature, I will just almost certainly never use it. With that said, not needing a battery generally has a list of pros (smaller, lighter, cheaper, etc.).
- Ortholinear. The big thing that I am trying to get away from here with my current keyboard is its staggered key layout.
- Swappable caps. I want to be able to have this keyboard clearly labelled in Colemak layout.
- VIA compatible. At the very least, I should be able to reprogram keys somehow. QMK, ZMK, whatever.
Can you think of any suggestions of a good keyboard that fits these requirements? I came across a few that seem like they might fit:
Kinesis Advantage2
$399
https://kinesis-ergo.com/keyboards/advantage2-keyboard/
Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE
$299
Hazel Cut Slope
https://shop.hazel.cc/products/cut-slope
ErgoHaven Planeta
https://ergohaven.xyz/shop/tproduct/339856256-880659810681-planeta
I’m on Naya and I like it. Haven’t tried any others.