WOW I'm glad you guys enjoyed the video. Thanks for all the kind words and feedback. I have yet to try vim shortcuts like so many of you have suggested and am still using my archaic methods but I'll try them out and report back. Again thanks for the support :) Also, shameless plug for my mobile puzzle game Zupple zupple.co ;) Toodles😘 Ajackster
I've been using split and other odd keyboards since 1995, beginning with the Lexmark Select-Ease (IBM M15). I've extensively used many different types over the years. What I found is that colstag models are the worst for me, and what I like best is a traditional 65% to 75% rowstag board with QMK and hotswap, and a small touchpad under the space bar. Heavily customized layout with dvorak or colemak-dh. And vim, of course. The biggest ergonomic gain I've found is to push the keyboard back roughly 1 cubit on the desk, and split a wrist rest to use as elbow / upper forearm rests on the front edge of the desk. Also, switching from mouse to touchpad eliminated any pains from mouse use, though I instead use mouse keys (in inertia mode) most of the time.
In all seriousness, you should consider learning either Emacs or Vim-style hotkeys, which allowed for home-row oriented text navigation long before key remapping was a thing ex. In Emacs you can move next and previous line with "Ctrl+n" and "Ctrl+p" respectively This actually makes you significantly less dependent on single purpose keys like "End" that you can then remap to something more interesting (given the Ergodox can have per-key macros)
3:26 In that example, if the cursor starts on the first character of "function", I would do this in vim: jWWevhcld Then press escape to leave insert mode. I've been considering getting a split keyboard, but I don't even use keys like the arrow keys. And sure, I could use hjkl, which is vim's equivalent - and the example I gave does use j and h - but the vast majority of my navigating actually happens with W and B to go forward/backward a whole word. (uppercase to use only space as word separator, lowercase to also separate words on symbols) If you're interested, the breakdown of that sequence: j - down one line W - go to the next word, using only space as word separator W - again e - go to the end of the word, also considering symbols as word separators v - enter visual mode to select text h - go left one - "dl" is now selected c - delete the selected text and enter insert mode ("change") ld - insert "ld" (since we are in insert mode, any characters typed now get inserted at the cursor position) And finally escape to go back to normal mode. I will say, learning vim was one of the best things I could have done. Most other editors/IDEs just feel clunky now, though it does seem they are slowly getting better. It's not even that editing is faster or more efficient, but it's just more comfortable. I don't need to move my hands as much to reach for the arrow keys or, heaven forbid, the mouse. Using a smaller, possibly split, keyboard like that seems to solve a similar issue. Would using one still make my experience better with vim? Probably. I don't think it's really worth it, though. Using an editor that is designed to make editing efficient and comfortable seems to already solve the bulk of the problem - and I would argue better than just using better hardware alone.
Lol “heaven forbid, the mouse” I totally feel you. I spent a little time using VIM a couple years ago but never got near the depth you’ve gotten into. I will say though, on split keyboards, there are still certain keys that don’t have to do with navigation that you don’t have to move your hands at all e.g. backspace, arithmetic operators, etc. that you’d have to move your hand to on a traditional. Because all of these keys are now being utilized by your thumbs. But if you have a system that works for programming already, I think you’d probably get more benefit from other things e.g. you’d probably just be in a more natural resting position on the keyboard. Your arms are split and straight forward rather than coming in together.
As a vimmer myself, I would do it a bit differently: jfdxp j - down one line fd - jump to first "d" on line, which is inside "wordl" x - delete the character under the cursor p - paste the just deleted character. "xp" is a nice trick to swap two characters, one of the more frequent ones I need.
@@LordOfTheDing That's neat! I'll try to remember xp, that does seem really useful. Thanks for that :) Maybe I should consider using f more often, but I've stopped using it for longer jumps to letters. Too many times I end up having the letter appear multiple times before my destination and I end up having to use ; a bunch. So I mainly orient myself on word boundaries and reserve f for short in-word jumps or to jump to characters that are easily findable in a line like symbols. But I will admit, your solution is much shorter. :D My solution can also be made shorter by skipping visual mode and just using ch instead of vhc. I actually noticed this as I was writing the original comment, but if I were to actually do this edit, I would use visual mode there, so I posted that instead.
only 200 views? wtf, from the quality of this vid alone i wouldve expected 30k+, keep it up man, good work edit: It feels good coming back to this video and see it get the attention it deserves, good job
i love your editing and film design of such a simple topic. Usually people just review the product, but i enjoy how you actually involve yourself with the video.
I can ONLY agree with you. I've been using Dygma raise split keyboard for months now with reason of having experiencing wrist pain for over a year. It was so intense at some point that I had to take a break from my pc which meant taking few sick days at work. It did really hurt me as a programmer that I could not continue my work bc of a f'king keyboard. I saved my self, and my body by purchasing a split keyboard. I have NEVER experienced wrist pain since! And that means saying goodbye to normal keyboards. Great video!
Combine this keyboard with vim shortcuts(vim/vim emu/emacs-evil-mode) and you'll improve your workflow even more. Many of the issues you talk about with your regular keyboard are already solved with vim. Like replace word would be c-i-w (change in word)
3:25 I really like the section about being fast when editing mistakes with the split keyboard. That is one of the reason I really enjoy using vim because I don't need to move my hands to the end Key or arrow keys for that matter. I don't own a split keyboard yet, but I am looking into buying one!
This isn't actually a benefit specific to split keyboards, but rather any programmable keyboard with multiple layers. I used a split keyboard (RGBKB Sol) for more than a year, then switched back to a 65% because I disliked needing two hands for hotkeys like ctrl-B and I missed having bracket keys in the standard position. I adapted the layers from my split keyboard back to the 65%. I do occasionally miss my left-hand rotary encoder, the ergonomics of the split, and the thumb clusters. I remain very happy with my decision to switch back.
3:21 is not exclusive to split keyboards. I use a standard, NA 105 (or 104? I forget) key keyboard in emacs (with vim bindings), and I get all of those benefits due to modal editing. If think that one of the benefits of split keyboards is the layered functionality, I strongly encourage you to look at a modal editor like Vim or Emacs, or one of their derivatives.
Do you mean sticky modal or do you have to hold down a key to be in the other layer? I just don't think I can get used to that as you tend to forget what mode you're in. I've spent years remembering VS shortcuts and would have to constantly switch layers to do stuff. Heck I can't even get into the BIOS on a 65% keyboard because there is no delete key and the last time I tried, the combination shortcuts for delete would not work and had to grab my full-size keyboard.
Thank you so much for making this video! I am learning to be a game dev in unreal engine and when I saw this video I got intrigued and clicked on it. This video eventually lead me to getting the Ergodox-ez and it changed everything. Thanks for making this!
The biggest reason to use a split ergo keyboard as a programmer is for the thumb clusters. We use so many keys that aren't reachable by homerow when it comes to keybindings (that some call "shortcuts"), if you saw what it takes to hit CTRL sequences in terms of movements it's quite clearly suboptimal. Thumb cluster lets me use tmux/neovim, code in Rust, and my hands do not leave resting position to navigate anywhere. If you don't go split ergo, and have a regular keyboard -- or even if you do, please please please remap your CAPSLOCK key to CTRL if you're a programmer. That's where it should be for just about everyone.
Would love to see your layout for your ergodox. I've been having a hard getting used to my moonlander for programming... Would love any tips.. great vid btw
A keyboard review has no business being this hilarious 😂Love it! I'd love a comparison video between the different split keyboards! I have an ergodox, but I've been wondering about how it compares to a few of the others you mentioned using
As a PC gamer, I'm often using wasd and don't go to much further right than 5tgb. I also like to have my left and right hands close together when I play but the usual solution I have for that is to have my keyboard in my lap with my mouse hand directly above my wasd hand. A split keyboard would simply give me more options there. Your other arguments, including the drink one, lol, are all compelling.
Man, I came here after watching a ton of split keyboards video and I can't stop laughing from the editing and everything! This is amazing, thanks! Hahahaha! Very enjoyable! :)
At 4:22 , how about use a mouse to move the cursor to the right place? I know that would mean your right hand move out of the keyboard to the mouse, then jump back in, BUT it does not have that much jumping like what you did with the keyboard.
Hi. I’m a translator and also use keyboard a lot. I’ve been through several split keyboards and now using a Planck for several years and am looking to return to split once more.
love the video! do you think you could post a link to your oryx layout? i just got a moonlander and could use some inspiration on making my layout better and more convenient!
i am looking forward to the model that sticks two touchpads under the spacebar/thumb cluster area so all i have to do is stretch my thumb to access one or two cursor. that would be nice. Whenever a thumb touches a pad the keyboard instantly switches to the 'mouse' layer to access the right and left mouse buttons and much much more.
Great video! I've been thinking about a split keyboard for sometime now. You've helped me make up my mind. I'm going to take the plunge and give one a try. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks! It's awesome you're starting the journey :) It may feel weird at first but you just have to persevere for a week or two and it'll start to click
take it from someone who was in your position as well, definitely do it. i built a lily58 pro as the gateway to the hobby of split keyboards and havent looked back since
@@Ajackster @mk8ez I've been using my ErgodoxEz for more than 2 years now, and I will never go back to a normal keyboard. The natural position of the hands and arms really helps to prevent injuries from bad positions. i use my keyboard for 8 to 16 hours per day for work and hobbies.
There’s EPKL out there from dreymar, it’s got an extend layer that does exactly that. I tried it and am convinced. I’ll build a skeletyl + Charybdis Nano soon, that’ll be the end game.
Speaking about minimising hand movement, and maximising the enjoyment of working with text, I think you would really love a modal editor like vim; or equivalent plugin for your IDE. It's so neat doing something simple like replacing some text in between brackets, and feeling clever for doing it in a cool way.
I'm so glad I finally found a video about a split keyboard from somebody who actually has deep experience with them (not somebody who tried it out for 7/14/30 days). Thanks so much!
hey bro, I'm a programmer too and am considering getting one of these split keyboards for the exact same reasons as you. I was worried about not being able to use the arrow keys, but they way you showed how to do it was so bad ass. thanks for making this video, it was super helpful for me.
I would suggest learning vim keybindings too, alongside getting an ergo keyboard. it allows for less layer switching to get to single use keys like the arrows, home, end by using the alpha keys (letters) for both inserting text and navigating it. It also allows for more expressive actions like selecting everything inside parenthesis, cutting a whole string instantly, jumping to a closing brace. inside real neovim i.e. not in an IDE extension, using plugins you can even add more semantic "text objects" so you can select/delete/replace a whole function, expression, parameter with just one key combination. I think all programmers should spend at least an afternoon going through the vim tutor (search for it, yt doesn't allow links) even if you are not willing to leave your IDE behind. You might like it and stick with it but if not, at least now you are aware that there are better ways of doing what you are already doing. And from knowledge come power.
What was the website used to do the typing test? Update: it was TypeRacer. I just did a race on the site while using an Arteck wireless "Ultra slim keyboard" (not a split keyboard) and got 115wpm. I notice that the "normal" keyboard he used in the video seemed to have high keys with a lot of travel distance. I hate typing on keyboards like that, I find it's a lot slower to type.
Thanks for video, Im also programmer and has some pain for both wrists so I’ve watched how do I use keyboard and found that my hands too close to each other and wrists are doing a lot unnatural movements during the day so would like to try splitted keyboard
For traditional keyboards cntrl and arrow keys and shift and cntrl+shift with arrows do a lot of the same text navigation stuff. Home and end keys aren’t needed.
Mu dude, loved the video, I share your desire to move as little as possible my hands and finger, that's why I would very highly recommend installing the Vim (or Nvim) Extension for VSCode. I know it takes some time to get used to, but believe me, it's magical how much you limit your keystrokes and movement.
ok the coffee placement sold it to me! XD Im also a PC power user, ive a custom keyboard build but now im interested into split and ergonomic keyboards. Ive already issues with my right hand and tuned down on gaming because i dont want pain in my hand from playing games.
None of the editing benefits gained from using a split keyb are capable of surpassing Vim keys. As a programmer, one should seriously consider learning it if they're spending most of their time banging on a keyb. Good for the health.
Hey, why hasn't anyone come up with a keyboard that's split in half and has the numpad right in the middle? Wouldn't that make things way more efficient?
agreed but I think one of the problems is, less movement means spending more time with unhealty posture when it comes to normal keyboards. and... thumb keys and QMK support are the big ones! I tried to program my normal keyboard with AHK and KMonad but I coudn't make my desired layout without extra thumb keys and QMK.
keyboard / mouse are insanely bad for your shoulder and elbow-tendon. Moving back and forth etc. Also non split keyboards make you curve your right arm in more than left. It adds up big time over time. Get a nice keyboard like ultimate hacker keyboard and have mouse built into keyboard..
Great video, it was fun to watch. Which is your favourite split keyboard and why? I’m slowly looking into getting one (probably moonlander based on reviews).
My first split keyboard was the Matias Ergo Pro, I quickly got used to it and it helped so much with the wrist pains. I tried the Kinesis Advantage and I don't know why it made my RSI much worse, I tried the Ergodox as well and for some reason the ortholinear layout really increased my wrist pains as well. I was thinking about one of the Mistels Barocco but I am not sure. I honestly wish Nuphy would make a split keyboard as I love their quality the most.
You my good sir, have gained a subscriber. Was considering a split keyboard myself since I'm a Computer engineering student, and I spend A LOT of time using a keyboard. You have convinced me! Keep up the good work!
I am a split keyboard user and agree with most of the points on this video, though I do have one argument against the navigation argument stated earlier here. Most of that is remedied by learning a tool like vim and using vim commands on most ide's. The learning curve of the ergodox ez is pretty high so investing that time into learning vim commands is probably equivalent in effort and won't cost you anywhere from $250-$350
I remember when the first "ergonomic" keyboards came out... which was the "beginning" of "split keyboards"... but it was hard to consider spending like $100 for a keyboard when a regular keyboard was "free" (because I knew so many people with old or broken computers)... I've also kinda always wanted to try one of those "no move" keyboard things... where there aren't really individual keys, but toggles or rockers... like... basically your hand stays completely still and each finger has like movement for "downward, down, up, left, right" so each finger is actually like 5 keys? i know i'm rambling and sounding confusing... but if you know what i'm talking about, have you ever tried one of those? and if so... what did you think? (i'm leaving now to see if I can google an example name)(ok I'm back... The Azeron line of keyboards is an "example" of what I'm talking about... but the idea itself has been around for a long time... and the original one I remember seeing seemed a little less "confusing")
Using the navigation keys from the home-row is not something related to a split keyboard. I made a custom layout, based on the standard layout, in 2008 and ever since can do all navigation from the home-row. I use the CapsLock-Key as an additional modifier, which gives me close to 30 extra keys (with the right hand) to use 🙂I have assigned the arrows to the Vim / Linux-like hjkl keys and so on. I work on Windows only and use Autohotkey to realize the additions to a standard layout. When someone uses my computer they do not even notice that my keyboard has "double power", because everything works like normal. I just have additional options! That makes it also easier for me to switch to a keyboard which does not have my additions. But honestly. Whenevery I work more than a few minutes on another PC I will launch my keyboard script, because it is so frustrating to have to leave the home row for basic keyboard tasks, once you got accustomed that this is not needed! :-)
Thanks for an interesting take on the split keyboards! What I was lacking a bit was some kind of "challenges/issues/things to look out for" part since I don't believe you 5-year experience was ALL sunshine and roses. I'd be curious to know some of the limitations and/or misses you had during this time - how log did it take you to switch for example? Or why you prefer this model over the other (it doesn't have to be a in-depth review or anything, but high-level considerations to take into account while choosing a split keyboard) etc. Would be great if you could consider making a "part II" or something :) Anyways - great, chill video with obvious food for thought. Thanks again! :)
I've been using a split keyboard for two years and I've run into a few challenges: 1: The learning curve. Not only is it going to take a while, about one month for me, what isn't said in that video is that you're basically going to have to setup your layout yourself for your specific work use. The default one really won't cut it. Think those people using Colemak or Workman are being a bit too loud in the back? You've made your own layout! Some people dig that but it's undeniably work. And you'll always end up with something only you can use. Speaking of... 2: Being the only person in the house able to use that thing. If someone wants to type a song during a party or your significant other wants to use the beefy computer, they'll struggle. If this is a common scenario for you, you'll need a secondary keyboard. 3: Price. They're expensive. No two ways around it. You can go prebuilt with an Ergodox or a falbatech premade, or custom with a splitkb, but it's not going to be cheap either way. And the build quality won't be excellent either. The Ergodox EZ is as plasticky as they come. 4: Support for keycaps and customization. If you're a keyboard nerd, you're going to have to work extra hard to have something nice looking, ESPECIALLY if you're going with something more obscure than an Ergodox. Keycaps will be restricted to either blanks or uniform profiles. Legends will be hard to come by. Key sizes are inconsistent with the traditional offering. It'll also be impossible to have something as nice sounding as a really premium custom mechanical keyboard. You'll have to make your peace there. 5: Support for non-english languages. Making an Ergodox work nicely with my native language was hard work and a lot of trial and error. Handling a lot of accents on a keyboard with less keys is a challenge and you'll need to do double the work of an English speaker to really make your split yours. I haven't heard from Thai split users but I imagine it's the worst case scenario. 6: Thumb support on the Ergodox specifically. The Ergodox has a six key thumb cluster. If your hands are not larger than average there is realistically only two of those keys that are truly accessible to you. The other keys cannot be "common" hits in your layout or you'll ruin the experience. Some other layouts addressed that problem better. I still recommend going for it, I think they're worth it and a wise investment. But it's not a 100% pure win kind of deal.
@@hugolavaill6579 Wow - thanks for the interesting, thorough and in-depth description! It certainly makes for a great counterweight to all the positives raised in the video. I must say that some of the issues you mentioned I'd never think of myself (like the one about the problems such keyboards cause when other people randomly need to use your machine). Your comment certainly adds another dimension to the question whether to try an ergo keyboard or not - I am glad I read it before foolishly jumping head-in - thank you again good sir! :)
What, you didn't mention configurability! (And it occurs to me that I don't know whether a Kinesis is configurable.) A year ago I decided my next keyboard should be fully split; and what a rabbit-hole I found.
2:30 your regular typing for is slower because your pinky is at the top row of keys. That’s because you have the keyboard too close to your body, so you’re bending your elbows out to get your hands to fit. Just FYI
I’m curious about your key mapping of your mistel. I own the same keyboard, but I’ve only remapped the left spacebar to be the FN key. Couldn’t come up with other useful ones.
I love explain real life Problems and why like or dont like it. I am wonder whats your opinion on the CharaChorder Lite / CharaChorder One...? ;) I just startet learn typing and i dont wanna waste time by learing an very old typing method from the time before digital life (Typewriter Layout), like standard Keyboards.
Would you be open to sharing which MATRIX EMULATOR Screen Saver program you used on your videos? Thank you for the video experience on split keyboards. I am seriously considering
This was really helpful. Untill now I've never thought much about split keyboards but this is definitely an eye opener. I hard agree on the top comment that you are talking about something you actually use.
I use a TypeMatrix 2020 and I consider that to be pretty much the pinacle of ortho split layouts. (It's no longer in producion, quite low quality and not split) I'm a programmer. There is not a single superfluous key on my keyboard. All (non-DIY) split ortho drop an entire row of keys on the right. And they usually drop the ~` key as well. For me that is unacceptable. I urgendly need a replacement for my TypeMatrix. But I can't find one. I just got my Sol3 delivered. And it's basically unusable. :(
5:15 Isn't the angle of the wrist relative to the keyboard and table surface dependent on the table height relative to standing/sitting height? This has nothing to do with split keyboards.
@@sabbath9503 That is true. But that is also not the angle I was talking about. I was talking about the angle of the wrists that is influenced by the table and chair height and the recline angle of the keyboard.
@@raytsh I see, I agree I don't think that is infuenced by split keyboards but rather the case height and switch profile, unless you tend to hover a bit without your palms resting on something. The ergodox comes with wrist wrests and gives you an elevated position so perhaps that's what they were referring to? Although of course you can just do the same with a non-split.
Good review. I've been using a split keyboard (Kinesis Freestyle 2) for about 7 years now. I did it to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome (cured now). Everything you said was true. I'd like to add a few things that you may not have thought of: 1. Home Row Computing. Useful for any type of keyboard if you want to move around the screen faster w/o moving your hands away from the home row. 2. Colemak. I switched to this from QWERTY and I love it. Yes, the transition was hard, but it was well worth it. My QWERTY speed went from 120 to 80 wpm, but my Colemak speed is about 90 wpm with noticeably less finger fatigue at the end of the day. 3. Glasses. I've been wearing glasses since I was in 1st grade. People only think there are 2 types of glasses: reading and driving. WRONG! There's mid-distance. If you are in the 40+ age bracket and use the computer extensively during the day, you should consider getting mid-distance (computer) glasses. Measure the distance from your eyes to your monitor and have your optometrist make special glasses for this mid-distance. This will reduce eyestrain and make you hate your computer less. 4. Misc Helpful Gadgets: silicon wrist rests, corded lightweight gaming mouse, USB volume knob. Background. I've been typing since about 1979 and used to do programming back in the day but now mostly general computer tech stuff.
I just got rid of 2 Ergodox, now have a Corne. Way smaller and lighter, choc key caps, you can easily put in a bag and you never have to reach more than 1 key away for all the keys. Just better all round.
I'm a big split keyboard fan (just ordered a new Kinesis Freestyle Pro yesterday!) and this video immediately made me sub despite not knowing a thing about game dev or programming
Great video, thank you. I think it would be great if you did reviews and comparisons of individual ergonomic/split keyboards. Many other channels on UA-cam focus on the gaming aspect - when all I really care about is navigating my shell and code efficiently and ergonomically.
split keyboards for programming are nice I can agree, but I never could find my self using a split keyboard as it just feels off I'm not used to it, I found I could get good performance if not better by making use of a smaller keyboard (The one I use today is the system76 launch lite with my own modified version of the key layout mainly just rearranged shortcuts), I also make use of the colemak layout instead of qwerty and also some macros.
10 місяців тому
I'm about moving to one of this popular split keyboard and listen your 5+ years exp helped me a lot. My only question is which one should I pick to start with no previous experience? I was considering the Kinesis freestyle 2 but still checking reviews.
currently (3 years for now) im using mic's sculpt ergonomic keyboard (badass skeleton design!) .. ive bind some of the right-hand utility buttons to the mouse (10 extra programmable buttons but i still need two more buttons to fully cover my necessity) to solve same issue - minimizing hand shuttling but your method of navigation without moving right arm at all is priceless!... but my pain is cords.. i hate em all.. so im searching something splittable but wireless .. still no luck
WOW I'm glad you guys enjoyed the video. Thanks for all the kind words and feedback. I have yet to try vim shortcuts like so many of you have suggested and am still using my archaic methods but I'll try them out and report back. Again thanks for the support :)
Also, shameless plug for my mobile puzzle game Zupple zupple.co ;)
Toodles😘
Ajackster
I've been using split and other odd keyboards since 1995, beginning with the Lexmark Select-Ease (IBM M15). I've extensively used many different types over the years. What I found is that colstag models are the worst for me, and what I like best is a traditional 65% to 75% rowstag board with QMK and hotswap, and a small touchpad under the space bar. Heavily customized layout with dvorak or colemak-dh. And vim, of course. The biggest ergonomic gain I've found is to push the keyboard back roughly 1 cubit on the desk, and split a wrist rest to use as elbow / upper forearm rests on the front edge of the desk. Also, switching from mouse to touchpad eliminated any pains from mouse use, though I instead use mouse keys (in inertia mode) most of the time.
I'm waiting on part 2. Tell me more bout the splits bro!
Hi Ajackster. Thanks for the high quality content, bro!
Can you share your Ergodox or Moonlander layouts? Maybe you have a link from Oryx.
it's been a whole year! I don't see a video on your channel about you learning vim motions 🤔
Vim motions
Dude your video quality is amazing.. I thought I was watching a youtuber with 500k+ subs
Thank you, it means a lot! I’m learning new things every video I make lol I still have a lot to improve on but content will keep getting better :)
Second this
Same
In all seriousness, you should consider learning either Emacs or Vim-style hotkeys, which allowed for home-row oriented text navigation long before key remapping was a thing ex. In Emacs you can move next and previous line with "Ctrl+n" and "Ctrl+p" respectively
This actually makes you significantly less dependent on single purpose keys like "End" that you can then remap to something more interesting (given the Ergodox can have per-key macros)
I came here just to say this. It definitely is worth it.
I respect my pinkie vi-motions are way to go.
Good advice. Time to use some Autohotkey.
Lmao a windows dev
@@noomade bruh
I came here for the keyboards and stayed for the expert level eyebrow manipulation
3:26 In that example, if the cursor starts on the first character of "function", I would do this in vim:
jWWevhcld
Then press escape to leave insert mode.
I've been considering getting a split keyboard, but I don't even use keys like the arrow keys. And sure, I could use hjkl, which is vim's equivalent - and the example I gave does use j and h - but the vast majority of my navigating actually happens with W and B to go forward/backward a whole word. (uppercase to use only space as word separator, lowercase to also separate words on symbols)
If you're interested, the breakdown of that sequence:
j - down one line
W - go to the next word, using only space as word separator
W - again
e - go to the end of the word, also considering symbols as word separators
v - enter visual mode to select text
h - go left one - "dl" is now selected
c - delete the selected text and enter insert mode ("change")
ld - insert "ld" (since we are in insert mode, any characters typed now get inserted at the cursor position)
And finally escape to go back to normal mode.
I will say, learning vim was one of the best things I could have done. Most other editors/IDEs just feel clunky now, though it does seem they are slowly getting better.
It's not even that editing is faster or more efficient, but it's just more comfortable. I don't need to move my hands as much to reach for the arrow keys or, heaven forbid, the mouse.
Using a smaller, possibly split, keyboard like that seems to solve a similar issue. Would using one still make my experience better with vim? Probably.
I don't think it's really worth it, though. Using an editor that is designed to make editing efficient and comfortable seems to already solve the bulk of the problem - and I would argue better than just using better hardware alone.
Lol “heaven forbid, the mouse” I totally feel you.
I spent a little time using VIM a couple years ago but never got near the depth you’ve gotten into. I will say though, on split keyboards, there are still certain keys that don’t have to do with navigation that you don’t have to move your hands at all e.g. backspace, arithmetic operators, etc. that you’d have to move your hand to on a traditional. Because all of these keys are now being utilized by your thumbs.
But if you have a system that works for programming already, I think you’d probably get more benefit from other things e.g. you’d probably just be in a more natural resting position on the keyboard. Your arms are split and straight forward rather than coming in together.
As a vimmer myself, I would do it a bit differently:
jfdxp
j - down one line
fd - jump to first "d" on line, which is inside "wordl"
x - delete the character under the cursor
p - paste the just deleted character.
"xp" is a nice trick to swap two characters, one of the more frequent ones I need.
@@LordOfTheDing That's neat! I'll try to remember xp, that does seem really useful. Thanks for that :)
Maybe I should consider using f more often, but I've stopped using it for longer jumps to letters. Too many times I end up having the letter appear multiple times before my destination and I end up having to use ; a bunch. So I mainly orient myself on word boundaries and reserve f for short in-word jumps or to jump to characters that are easily findable in a line like symbols.
But I will admit, your solution is much shorter. :D
My solution can also be made shorter by skipping visual mode and just using ch instead of vhc. I actually noticed this as I was writing the original comment, but if I were to actually do this edit, I would use visual mode there, so I posted that instead.
@@LordOfTheDing that "xp" is saver for people like me still using "xi[correction]". Thanks a lot.
Wow! Thanks for the info! I'm a vim noob and I had no idea I could do such things. Time to dig in!
This video was amazing! I have been using a split keyboard for over a year, and it has been a 100% game changer.
Thank you for the compliment! I’m glad you enjoyed :)
Which are you using?
only 200 views? wtf, from the quality of this vid alone i wouldve expected 30k+, keep it up man, good work
edit: It feels good coming back to this video and see it get the attention it deserves, good job
Thanks man appreciate it 🙏
6k views now! lets go lets go
13k now. Let the algorithm bless us all, 🙏
May the algorithm be with you
22k+ views now. May the algorithm bless us all!
i love your editing and film design of such a simple topic. Usually people just review the product, but i enjoy how you actually involve yourself with the video.
Thank you! It means a lot - I plan to keep that vibe and improve quality for future videos :)
Not nice - mialeading thumbnail...
04:00
BRO USE VIM BRO AND SAVE YOUR SOUL.
I can ONLY agree with you. I've been using Dygma raise split keyboard for months now with reason of having experiencing wrist pain for over a year. It was so intense at some point that I had to take a break from my pc which meant taking few sick days at work. It did really hurt me as a programmer that I could not continue my work bc of a f'king keyboard.
I saved my self, and my body by purchasing a split keyboard. I have NEVER experienced wrist pain since! And that means saying goodbye to normal keyboards.
Great video!
Amazing story :) I’m glad they’ve impacted you in such a positive way
May I know which split keyboard you purchased? Thank you.
@@sikavistasipal5968 He mentions Dygma Raise. A staggered split keyboard.
Combine this keyboard with vim shortcuts(vim/vim emu/emacs-evil-mode) and you'll improve your workflow even more. Many of the issues you talk about with your regular keyboard are already solved with vim.
Like replace word would be c-i-w (change in word)
@homerdummy5639 I love seeing the different ways people do the same thing in vim, I never would have thought of this combo
3:25 I really like the section about being fast when editing mistakes with the split keyboard. That is one of the reason I really enjoy using vim because I don't need to move my hands to the end Key or arrow keys for that matter.
I don't own a split keyboard yet, but I am looking into buying one!
This isn't actually a benefit specific to split keyboards, but rather any programmable keyboard with multiple layers. I used a split keyboard (RGBKB Sol) for more than a year, then switched back to a 65% because I disliked needing two hands for hotkeys like ctrl-B and I missed having bracket keys in the standard position. I adapted the layers from my split keyboard back to the 65%. I do occasionally miss my left-hand rotary encoder, the ergonomics of the split, and the thumb clusters. I remain very happy with my decision to switch back.
Your video delivery and presentation is hilarious. Definitely sold on the idea of the split keyboard.
this is an amazing video! so glad it got recommended to me after ~2hrs of split keyboard binge-watching
Thank you! I’m glad I was a part of your binge lol
3:21 is not exclusive to split keyboards. I use a standard, NA 105 (or 104? I forget) key keyboard in emacs (with vim bindings), and I get all of those benefits due to modal editing. If think that one of the benefits of split keyboards is the layered functionality, I strongly encourage you to look at a modal editor like Vim or Emacs, or one of their derivatives.
Do you mean sticky modal or do you have to hold down a key to be in the other layer? I just don't think I can get used to that as you tend to forget what mode you're in. I've spent years remembering VS shortcuts and would have to constantly switch layers to do stuff. Heck I can't even get into the BIOS on a 65% keyboard because there is no delete key and the last time I tried, the combination shortcuts for delete would not work and had to grab my full-size keyboard.
Anywhere we can find the layout mapping your using?
Dudee, the quality of this video is amazing, you're underrated af, I'm subscribing
Thanks appreciate it homie
Thank you so much for making this video! I am learning to be a game dev in unreal engine and when I saw this video I got intrigued and clicked on it. This video eventually lead me to getting the Ergodox-ez and it changed everything. Thanks for making this!
The biggest reason to use a split ergo keyboard as a programmer is for the thumb clusters. We use so many keys that aren't reachable by homerow when it comes to keybindings (that some call "shortcuts"), if you saw what it takes to hit CTRL sequences in terms of movements it's quite clearly suboptimal. Thumb cluster lets me use tmux/neovim, code in Rust, and my hands do not leave resting position to navigate anywhere.
If you don't go split ergo, and have a regular keyboard -- or even if you do, please please please remap your CAPSLOCK key to CTRL if you're a programmer. That's where it should be for just about everyone.
Would love to see your layout for your ergodox. I've been having a hard getting used to my moonlander for programming... Would love any tips.. great vid btw
A keyboard review has no business being this hilarious 😂Love it! I'd love a comparison video between the different split keyboards! I have an ergodox, but I've been wondering about how it compares to a few of the others you mentioned using
It would be really cool to see your keyboard layout - like what keys you've mapped and to where. Thanks! loved the video
As a PC gamer, I'm often using wasd and don't go to much further right than 5tgb. I also like to have my left and right hands close together when I play but the usual solution I have for that is to have my keyboard in my lap with my mouse hand directly above my wasd hand. A split keyboard would simply give me more options there. Your other arguments, including the drink one, lol, are all compelling.
what do you mean in your lap. im scared to imagine the unergonomic horrors youre unfolding upon yourself
Amazing video. Can’t believe it doesn’t have more views. Quality was amazing!!
Thank you! Hopefully the algorithm will start picking it up more :)
Man, I came here after watching a ton of split keyboards video and I can't stop laughing from the editing and everything! This is amazing, thanks! Hahahaha! Very enjoyable! :)
4 minutes in, I'm sold! - you just got a subscriber :)
At 4:22 , how about use a mouse to move the cursor to the right place?
I know that would mean your right hand move out of the keyboard to the mouse, then jump back in, BUT it does not have that much jumping like what you did with the keyboard.
Hi. I’m a translator and also use keyboard a lot. I’ve been through several split keyboards and now using a Planck for several years and am looking to return to split once more.
love the video! do you think you could post a link to your oryx layout? i just got a moonlander and could use some inspiration on making my layout better and more convenient!
i am looking forward to the model that sticks two touchpads under the spacebar/thumb cluster area so all i have to do is stretch my thumb to access one or two cursor. that would be nice. Whenever a thumb touches a pad the keyboard instantly switches to the 'mouse' layer to access the right and left mouse buttons and much much more.
Great video! I've been thinking about a split keyboard for sometime now. You've helped me make up my mind. I'm going to take the plunge and give one a try. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Thanks! It's awesome you're starting the journey :)
It may feel weird at first but you just have to persevere for a week or two and it'll start to click
take it from someone who was in your position as well, definitely do it. i built a lily58 pro as the gateway to the hobby of split keyboards and havent looked back since
@@Ajackster @mk8ez I've been using my ErgodoxEz for more than 2 years now, and I will never go back to a normal keyboard. The natural position of the hands and arms really helps to prevent injuries from bad positions. i use my keyboard for 8 to 16 hours per day for work and hobbies.
4:30 The use of layers for accessing the arrow keys and home/end etc via shortcuts and layers would be possible on many non-split keyboards as well.
There’s EPKL out there from dreymar, it’s got an extend layer that does exactly that. I tried it and am convinced. I’ll build a skeletyl + Charybdis Nano soon, that’ll be the end game.
Your great sense of humor is a wonderful way to make keyboard nerdery more accessible.
Bro the music, the poor acting (I like it better that way), the information you're giving makes this video a W video. You just got another subscriber.
Speaking about minimising hand movement, and maximising the enjoyment of working with text, I think you would really love a modal editor like vim; or equivalent plugin for your IDE.
It's so neat doing something simple like replacing some text in between brackets, and feeling clever for doing it in a cool way.
I'm so glad I finally found a video about a split keyboard from somebody who actually has deep experience with them (not somebody who tried it out for 7/14/30 days). Thanks so much!
This is a really well made video. I’m surprised it doesn’t have more views
3:45 lmfao some people will literally do ANYTHING to not just use vim
😂😂😂
Great video. Thank you for sharing your experience. Very detailed and I hope you get more views.
Most fun review and good to hear the benefits.
hey bro, I'm a programmer too and am considering getting one of these split keyboards for the exact same reasons as you. I was worried about not being able to use the arrow keys, but they way you showed how to do it was so bad ass. thanks for making this video, it was super helpful for me.
I would suggest learning vim keybindings too, alongside getting an ergo keyboard. it allows for less layer switching to get to single use keys like the arrows, home, end by using the alpha keys (letters) for both inserting text and navigating it. It also allows for more expressive actions like selecting everything inside parenthesis, cutting a whole string instantly, jumping to a closing brace. inside real neovim i.e. not in an IDE extension, using plugins you can even add more semantic "text objects" so you can select/delete/replace a whole function, expression, parameter with just one key combination.
I think all programmers should spend at least an afternoon going through the vim tutor (search for it, yt doesn't allow links) even if you are not willing to leave your IDE behind. You might like it and stick with it but if not, at least now you are aware that there are better ways of doing what you are already doing. And from knowledge come power.
What was the website used to do the typing test?
Update: it was TypeRacer. I just did a race on the site while using an Arteck wireless "Ultra slim keyboard" (not a split keyboard) and got 115wpm. I notice that the "normal" keyboard he used in the video seemed to have high keys with a lot of travel distance. I hate typing on keyboards like that, I find it's a lot slower to type.
Agreed. The 4mm travel on my switches is just way too much
6:10 curved vs flat, which one would you guys use? And why?
This is a better AD for split keyboards than any AD i have ever seen, now i want one for programming!
OK, I've been using the advantage 2 for a while and love it. Have you tried the advantage 360 pro? If so, what do you think?
putting carpet on the wall, is the correct application of the carpet
using Vim with Split keyboards will make ur work flow way faster , I'm using vim with my alice layout keyboard and it so comfor for my hand
I’ll have to test out VIM - maybe make a vid of me learning it too :)
Thanks for video, Im also programmer and has some pain for both wrists so I’ve watched how do I use keyboard and found that my hands too close to each other and wrists are doing a lot unnatural movements during the day so would like to try splitted keyboard
For traditional keyboards cntrl and arrow keys and shift and cntrl+shift with arrows do a lot of the same text navigation stuff.
Home and end keys aren’t needed.
Mu dude, loved the video, I share your desire to move as little as possible my hands and finger, that's why I would very highly recommend installing the Vim (or Nvim) Extension for VSCode. I know it takes some time to get used to, but believe me, it's magical how much you limit your keystrokes and movement.
Great video! Love the editing and personality
You're so funny and talentful, I came for the review but stayed for you :D
ok the coffee placement sold it to me! XD
Im also a PC power user, ive a custom keyboard build but now im interested into split and ergonomic keyboards.
Ive already issues with my right hand and tuned down on gaming because i dont want pain in my hand from playing games.
None of the editing benefits gained from using a split keyb are capable of surpassing Vim keys. As a programmer, one should seriously consider learning it if they're spending most of their time banging on a keyb. Good for the health.
Hey, why hasn't anyone come up with a keyboard that's split in half and has the numpad right in the middle? Wouldn't that make things way more efficient?
You can do whatever you want
Keyboard expert and comedian! LOVE THIS!
3:52 stuff like this is not exclusively inherent to split keyboards. "Normal" keyboards can be programmable too.
agreed but I think one of the problems is, less movement means spending more time with unhealty posture when it comes to normal keyboards.
and... thumb keys and QMK support are the big ones! I tried to program my normal keyboard with AHK and KMonad but I coudn't make my desired layout without extra thumb keys and QMK.
keyboard / mouse are insanely bad for your shoulder and elbow-tendon. Moving back and forth etc. Also non split keyboards make you curve your right arm in more than left. It adds up big time over time. Get a nice keyboard like ultimate hacker keyboard and have mouse built into keyboard..
Great video, it was fun to watch. Which is your favourite split keyboard and why? I’m slowly looking into getting one (probably moonlander based on reviews).
Dude, you're amazing. Such pleasant people are scarcity these days.
My first split keyboard was the Matias Ergo Pro, I quickly got used to it and it helped so much with the wrist pains. I tried the Kinesis Advantage and I don't know why it made my RSI much worse, I tried the Ergodox as well and for some reason the ortholinear layout really increased my wrist pains as well. I was thinking about one of the Mistels Barocco but I am not sure. I honestly wish Nuphy would make a split keyboard as I love their quality the most.
Hi Ajack! Wondering what this outro song is? Inspiring video! Thanks.
You need to try out the new Dygma Defy split columnar keyboard!
You my good sir, have gained a subscriber. Was considering a split keyboard myself since I'm a Computer engineering student, and I spend A LOT of time using a keyboard. You have convinced me! Keep up the good work!
motorola check
I am a split keyboard user and agree with most of the points on this video, though I do have one argument against the navigation argument stated earlier here. Most of that is remedied by learning a tool like vim and using vim commands on most ide's. The learning curve of the ergodox ez is pretty high so investing that time into learning vim commands is probably equivalent in effort and won't cost you anywhere from $250-$350
I know nothing at all about keyboards but watching this video was so informative and entertaining. Love your visuals and the script!
I remember when the first "ergonomic" keyboards came out... which was the "beginning" of "split keyboards"... but it was hard to consider spending like $100 for a keyboard when a regular keyboard was "free" (because I knew so many people with old or broken computers)... I've also kinda always wanted to try one of those "no move" keyboard things... where there aren't really individual keys, but toggles or rockers... like... basically your hand stays completely still and each finger has like movement for "downward, down, up, left, right" so each finger is actually like 5 keys? i know i'm rambling and sounding confusing... but if you know what i'm talking about, have you ever tried one of those? and if so... what did you think? (i'm leaving now to see if I can google an example name)(ok I'm back... The Azeron line of keyboards is an "example" of what I'm talking about... but the idea itself has been around for a long time... and the original one I remember seeing seemed a little less "confusing")
back in our day 100 dorra was a lot more due to inflation
1mil used to a lot of money lmao
You have opened my eyes bro. Now i just need a spilt keyboard now. Thank you😌
thank you for the comprehensive coverage of the benefits of a split keyboard. for the kinesis 2, would you recommend the 9 or 20inch separation?
4:52 Name of the relaxing spanish guitar music in the background?
Using the navigation keys from the home-row is not something related to a split keyboard. I made a custom layout, based on the standard layout, in 2008 and ever since can do all navigation from the home-row. I use the CapsLock-Key as an additional modifier, which gives me close to 30 extra keys (with the right hand) to use 🙂I have assigned the arrows to the Vim / Linux-like hjkl keys and so on. I work on Windows only and use Autohotkey to realize the additions to a standard layout. When someone uses my computer they do not even notice that my keyboard has "double power", because everything works like normal. I just have additional options! That makes it also easier for me to switch to a keyboard which does not have my additions. But honestly. Whenevery I work more than a few minutes on another PC I will launch my keyboard script, because it is so frustrating to have to leave the home row for basic keyboard tasks, once you got accustomed that this is not needed! :-)
Can you share your Autohotkey preset, please? I used Capslock for layout change only
Thanks for an interesting take on the split keyboards! What I was lacking a bit was some kind of "challenges/issues/things to look out for" part since I don't believe you 5-year experience was ALL sunshine and roses. I'd be curious to know some of the limitations and/or misses you had during this time - how log did it take you to switch for example? Or why you prefer this model over the other (it doesn't have to be a in-depth review or anything, but high-level considerations to take into account while choosing a split keyboard) etc.
Would be great if you could consider making a "part II" or something :)
Anyways - great, chill video with obvious food for thought. Thanks again! :)
I've been using a split keyboard for two years and I've run into a few challenges:
1: The learning curve. Not only is it going to take a while, about one month for me, what isn't said in that video is that you're basically going to have to setup your layout yourself for your specific work use. The default one really won't cut it. Think those people using Colemak or Workman are being a bit too loud in the back? You've made your own layout! Some people dig that but it's undeniably work. And you'll always end up with something only you can use. Speaking of...
2: Being the only person in the house able to use that thing. If someone wants to type a song during a party or your significant other wants to use the beefy computer, they'll struggle. If this is a common scenario for you, you'll need a secondary keyboard.
3: Price. They're expensive. No two ways around it. You can go prebuilt with an Ergodox or a falbatech premade, or custom with a splitkb, but it's not going to be cheap either way. And the build quality won't be excellent either. The Ergodox EZ is as plasticky as they come.
4: Support for keycaps and customization. If you're a keyboard nerd, you're going to have to work extra hard to have something nice looking, ESPECIALLY if you're going with something more obscure than an Ergodox. Keycaps will be restricted to either blanks or uniform profiles. Legends will be hard to come by. Key sizes are inconsistent with the traditional offering. It'll also be impossible to have something as nice sounding as a really premium custom mechanical keyboard. You'll have to make your peace there.
5: Support for non-english languages. Making an Ergodox work nicely with my native language was hard work and a lot of trial and error. Handling a lot of accents on a keyboard with less keys is a challenge and you'll need to do double the work of an English speaker to really make your split yours. I haven't heard from Thai split users but I imagine it's the worst case scenario.
6: Thumb support on the Ergodox specifically. The Ergodox has a six key thumb cluster. If your hands are not larger than average there is realistically only two of those keys that are truly accessible to you. The other keys cannot be "common" hits in your layout or you'll ruin the experience. Some other layouts addressed that problem better.
I still recommend going for it, I think they're worth it and a wise investment. But it's not a 100% pure win kind of deal.
@@hugolavaill6579 Wow - thanks for the interesting, thorough and in-depth description!
It certainly makes for a great counterweight to all the positives raised in the video.
I must say that some of the issues you mentioned I'd never think of myself (like the one about the problems such keyboards cause when other people randomly need to use your machine).
Your comment certainly adds another dimension to the question whether to try an ergo keyboard or not - I am glad I read it before foolishly jumping head-in - thank you again good sir! :)
Man! You're not just talking about split keyboard, the way you deliver the content is so amazing. Great video tho.
What, you didn't mention configurability! (And it occurs to me that I don't know whether a Kinesis is configurable.)
A year ago I decided my next keyboard should be fully split; and what a rabbit-hole I found.
2:30 your regular typing for is slower because your pinky is at the top row of keys. That’s because you have the keyboard too close to your body, so you’re bending your elbows out to get your hands to fit. Just FYI
I’m curious about your key mapping of your mistel. I own the same keyboard, but I’ve only remapped the left spacebar to be the FN key. Couldn’t come up with other useful ones.
These do seem really good for typing. I wonder how they feel with gaming on several different genres?
I love explain real life Problems and why like or dont like it.
I am wonder whats your opinion on the CharaChorder Lite / CharaChorder One...? ;)
I just startet learn typing and i dont wanna waste time by learing an very old typing method from the time before digital life (Typewriter Layout), like standard Keyboards.
Plus ultra!
You made an amazing video :3
4:21 you can use nvim by the way
Would you be open to sharing which MATRIX EMULATOR Screen Saver program you used on your videos? Thank you for the video experience on split keyboards. I am seriously considering
Ive got the Kinesis Freestyle RGB gaming keyboard.
It is really good, but I do wish I had a thumb cluster.
I've been using the Mistel Barocco for years as well! Might be time to upgrade to another version of the split style
I enjoyed this video. Informative and just about exactly as nerdy as I’d expect 😂
watching this, i'm surprised this has 8.5k views and not several hundred thousands. Great video!
This was really helpful. Untill now I've never thought much about split keyboards but this is definitely an eye opener. I hard agree on the top comment that you are talking about something you actually use.
I use a TypeMatrix 2020 and I consider that to be pretty much the pinacle of ortho split layouts. (It's no longer in producion, quite low quality and not split)
I'm a programmer. There is not a single superfluous key on my keyboard.
All (non-DIY) split ortho drop an entire row of keys on the right. And they usually drop the ~` key as well. For me that is unacceptable.
I urgendly need a replacement for my TypeMatrix. But I can't find one.
I just got my Sol3 delivered. And it's basically unusable. :(
I wonder how it would feel with a dvorak split keyboard.
5:15 Isn't the angle of the wrist relative to the keyboard and table surface dependent on the table height relative to standing/sitting height? This has nothing to do with split keyboards.
@@sabbath9503 That is true. But that is also not the angle I was talking about. I was talking about the angle of the wrists that is influenced by the table and chair height and the recline angle of the keyboard.
@@raytsh I see, I agree I don't think that is infuenced by split keyboards but rather the case height and switch profile, unless you tend to hover a bit without your palms resting on something.
The ergodox comes with wrist wrests and gives you an elevated position so perhaps that's what they were referring to? Although of course you can just do the same with a non-split.
Good review. I've been using a split keyboard (Kinesis Freestyle 2) for about 7 years now. I did it to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome (cured now). Everything you said was true. I'd like to add a few things that you may not have thought of:
1. Home Row Computing. Useful for any type of keyboard if you want to move around the screen faster w/o moving your hands away from the home row.
2. Colemak. I switched to this from QWERTY and I love it. Yes, the transition was hard, but it was well worth it. My QWERTY speed went from 120 to 80 wpm, but my Colemak speed is about 90 wpm with noticeably less finger fatigue at the end of the day.
3. Glasses. I've been wearing glasses since I was in 1st grade. People only think there are 2 types of glasses: reading and driving. WRONG! There's mid-distance. If you are in the 40+ age bracket and use the computer extensively during the day, you should consider getting mid-distance (computer) glasses. Measure the distance from your eyes to your monitor and have your optometrist make special glasses for this mid-distance. This will reduce eyestrain and make you hate your computer less.
4. Misc Helpful Gadgets: silicon wrist rests, corded lightweight gaming mouse, USB volume knob.
Background. I've been typing since about 1979 and used to do programming back in the day but now mostly general computer tech stuff.
The space between for coffee. love that. Really practical. Thank you.
After watching this, I feel like you would love vim/neovim or at least vim motions within your editor (VSCode) to remove hand movements
I just got rid of 2 Ergodox, now have a Corne. Way smaller and lighter, choc key caps, you can easily put in a bag and you never have to reach more than 1 key away for all the keys. Just better all round.
I'm a big split keyboard fan (just ordered a new Kinesis Freestyle Pro yesterday!) and this video immediately made me sub despite not knowing a thing about game dev or programming
Haha thanks! 🙏 I hope you like your Freestyle :)
Great video, thank you. I think it would be great if you did reviews and comparisons of individual ergonomic/split keyboards. Many other channels on UA-cam focus on the gaming aspect - when all I really care about is navigating my shell and code efficiently and ergonomically.
split keyboards for programming are nice I can agree, but I never could find my self using a split keyboard as it just feels off I'm not used to it, I found I could get good performance if not better by making use of a smaller keyboard (The one I use today is the system76 launch lite with my own modified version of the key layout mainly just rearranged shortcuts), I also make use of the colemak layout instead of qwerty and also some macros.
I'm about moving to one of this popular split keyboard and listen your 5+ years exp helped me a lot. My only question is which one should I pick to start with no previous experience? I was considering the Kinesis freestyle 2 but still checking reviews.
i really like the infomercial style of coffee cup advantage :D awesome review!
Haha thanks glad you liked it :)
I would be interested at looking at you're keymap setup.
Suscribed!
Brother thank you for the video 😎 so relatable and love your humor
currently (3 years for now) im using mic's sculpt ergonomic keyboard (badass skeleton design!) .. ive bind some of the right-hand utility buttons to the mouse (10 extra programmable buttons but i still need two more buttons to fully cover my necessity) to solve same issue - minimizing hand shuttling but your method of navigation without moving right arm at all is priceless!... but my pain is cords.. i hate em all.. so im searching something splittable but wireless .. still no luck