Why I Use These Mechanical Keyboards (You Should Too!)

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  • Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
  • Nearly three years ago, I decided to make a major purchase. I bought an ErgoDox EZ split keyboard from ZSA. It was mechanical and programmable, and that keyboard completely changed the way I thought about keyboards. Later, I purchased a Moonlander keyboard from ZSA. And people keep asking me about my current thoughts on these devices...
    REFERENCED:
    ► www.zsa.io/moonlander/ - Moonlander Mark 1
    ► ergodox-ez.com/ - ErgoDox EZ
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  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 357

  • @zeocamo
    @zeocamo 2 роки тому +140

    400$ / 8 hours a day / 250 days a year / 5 years = 0.04$ per hour, and you need to think about you are saving on Hospital bills too, so it is a win - win

    • @valerianmp
      @valerianmp 2 роки тому +14

      Honestly for something that I'd use daily for hours I wouldn't mind saving up

    • @postychan8466
      @postychan8466 2 роки тому +3

      Ok consoomer

    • @geraldohendriks
      @geraldohendriks 2 роки тому +18

      > Hospital bills
      Most American thing i've heard in a while

    • @NathanHedglin
      @NathanHedglin Рік тому +8

      @@geraldohendriks you still have them too. It's called taxes. Get outta here.

    • @NJ-wb1cz
      @NJ-wb1cz Рік тому

      @@NathanHedglin That's actually false. Paying for healthcare increases tax revenue on account of those people not dying, and saves money on costly operations down the line that people instead spend on other areas of the economy.
      For-profit healthcare system is literally only useful for the people working in healthcare, mostly in the insurance business

  • @sanderd17
    @sanderd17 2 роки тому +41

    4:48 it's just derived from typewriters.
    Typewriters needed a mechanical arm to go from the key to the hammer. If the keys would have been stacked in perfect columns, the arms would physically collide, or the typewriter would have been very tall.
    So they shifted each row a bit to make room for the arms.
    It's totally useless today, but people are used to that layout now.

    • @joshuawjulian
      @joshuawjulian 2 роки тому

      They also made the typewriter layout intentional slow (QWERTY that is)

    • @carpii
      @carpii 2 роки тому +7

      @@joshuawjulian it was to stop commonly paired letters from jamming.
      So whilst people often say it was to force you to type more slowly, it was actually to allow you type faster

  • @elijahpotter7657
    @elijahpotter7657 2 роки тому +83

    Another keyboard that's pretty cool is the Dactyl Manuform. You either have to make it yourself or pay a little more for it, but it's a split keyboard that is actually concave so each key is the same distance from your fingers without moving your wrists. It's a fun project to do if you have the equipment and some time.

    • @_mxvega
      @_mxvega 2 роки тому +5

      +1 Dactyl Manuforms are incredible keyboards.

    • @Belemrys
      @Belemrys 2 роки тому +4

      I love my Dacman with 36 keys using Miryoku layout!

    • @iLiokardo
      @iLiokardo 2 роки тому +1

      also known as “bowl shape”.
      But is that thumb key design better? One thing, the keys are diagonal, so you get less help by gravity.

    • @vatinp
      @vatinp 2 роки тому

      I hope someone would mass produce it.

    • @Demosophist
      @Demosophist Рік тому

      Is there an inexpensive way to have the cases and switch plates fabricated? You could almost buy a 3D printer for the price of the completed board.

  • @erikreider
    @erikreider 2 роки тому +17

    Just got my moonlander because of your video and I’m loving it. I just need to retrain my muscle memory due to the unusual unshifted grid layout

  • @freaek5928
    @freaek5928 2 роки тому +8

    I really like just how excited or amp you can get in your videos. I’m always learning something and your enthusiasm is contagious. It’s not over the top, but it’s still nice to see genuine passion like this.

  • @jotarokujo6099
    @jotarokujo6099 2 роки тому +37

    I am an owner of Moonlander, and it was the first keyboard I learned to touch type. The main reason for that is that traditional keyboards have staggered layout, and it is honestly very illogical for me, every time I tried to learn to touch type on it was a failure. With Moonlander, however, I learned to touch type and in two completely different layouts - Colemak and seif-made Colemak-like layout for my own native language!
    Though the keyboard was expensive - it was totally worth it - very comfortable typing, powerful programmable macro and the convenience of the configurator on their site.

  • @quentincaldway
    @quentincaldway 2 роки тому +7

    Ever since I've discovered your channel I find myself back "daily". I appreciate these extremely well put together in-depth reviews and explanations of technology.
    Wish I could subscribe more than once lol.
    Blessings to you!

  • @StephenCross
    @StephenCross 2 роки тому +7

    I was having shoulder pain for months. After a week of using the Moondlander the pain was gone. The transition took a month+, but worth the effort and money.

    • @papagoth9412
      @papagoth9412 2 роки тому

      Yeah I got fractures and nerve damage, in shoulders and arms. The moonlander has been a góðs send! 👍🍻💪

  • @nfrid
    @nfrid 2 роки тому +24

    Custom keyboards are the thing. Everybody can find or at least create from scratch the keyboard that suits them best.
    corne is the best for me personally btw 👽

    • @vpr0
      @vpr0 2 роки тому

      Corne is perfect! I have three of them

    • @iLiokardo
      @iLiokardo 2 роки тому

      But what's good general info and best practices? Well, _what's most efficient?_

    • @vpr0
      @vpr0 2 роки тому

      @@iLiokardo I only have my experience, which is to create a keymap which seems logical to you even before trying to use something like corne. As a result I learned mine in less than a week and since then (almost a year) it had very few modifications.

  • @Jeff_Seely
    @Jeff_Seely 10 місяців тому +6

    Absolutely agree with all points! These keyboards make such obvious sense that that makes you wonder what the other guys been thinking all these years. The moon lander forces you into good typing habits, especially for vim. The only downside is you're going to pay significantly more for them. But I love that clicky key moon lander I would like to get one as soon as I can. Peace brother!

  • @patriotic1526
    @patriotic1526 2 роки тому +33

    Never considered a split keyboard.. may be great for gaming as well. Something to consider. Thx, you are a wealth of info.
    EDIT: it is scientific fact RGB keyboards make you 34.2% more productive.

    • @thingsiplay
      @thingsiplay 2 роки тому +11

      Mine support only one color, so at max I can be 11% more productive. Also a few keys do not light up anymore. I am barely 10% more productive.

    • @patriotic1526
      @patriotic1526 2 роки тому +2

      @@thingsiplay lol

    • @earthling_parth
      @earthling_parth 2 роки тому +5

      Yes, I love my Moonlander for gaming as I just use the left half for gaming (you can even unplug the right half, but I just put it away) so my mouse sits comfortably in front of my right hand which is just way more comfortable and consumes way less space on the desk 👍

    • @patriotic1526
      @patriotic1526 2 роки тому +1

      @@earthling_parth outstanding. good to know. i guess ima have to buy one now. thx

    • @vali69
      @vali69 2 роки тому +2

      Nah, when you have a gmk set you paid 200+ dollars for and have waited for like 2 years to get, you'll be 200% more productive.

  • @TolkiCasts
    @TolkiCasts 2 роки тому +3

    I use the Moonlander too after using a few split custom builts ones.
    I also use a Dvorak-inspired layout with home row modifiers, with all this I rarely ever move from the home row!

  • @elyknavillus777
    @elyknavillus777 Рік тому +5

    You inspired me to get my own split keyboard, you and Ben Vallack however, I cannot justify the expense seeing is I'm just starting my journey into computers... So I bought two of the cheapest number pads I could find ($10 a piece). I wrote a custom layout for each one and assigned them accordingly, I now have a twenty dollar ortho linear split keyboard. I'm still working out how to get different levels set up so I can have all 100 keys (minus the Caps lock) that a full keyboard has but I at least have the alpha keys and the modifiers, for now.

  • @KevinBReynolds
    @KevinBReynolds 2 роки тому +1

    Great video DT. Thanks man. Really like the reviews.

  • @an93lofdeath
    @an93lofdeath 2 роки тому +9

    I've had the moonlander for nearly a year, it is hands down the best keyboard I've ever used. My layout has changed so much since the first one I did. I use home row modifiers so my super, alt, ctrl, and shift are bound to the hold function on the keys in the home row on each side so I don't have to move my hands to press those keys. It has changed the way I use the keyboard. I have pretty bad RSI in my wrists and elbows and using this keyboard with a track ball mouse (the elicom huge) between the keyboard halves has eliminated the pain I had using a standard keyboard and mouse.

    • @Mr.Plutonium
      @Mr.Plutonium Рік тому

      Does it accept 5 pin linear switches?

    • @an93lofdeath
      @an93lofdeath Рік тому

      @@Mr.Plutonium I don't know sorry.

  • @mattf1787
    @mattf1787 Рік тому +2

    i work in a lab and split my time between the desk and benchtop. between pipetting a lot and typing up reports, this was a huge game changer! i use the moonlander and can say it helps way more when writing or coding due to the ergonomics. it is quite expensive but well worth it if you type a lot for work/school! my hands dont cramp nearly as much as a trad board. if youre in a similar situation, the split/tented boards are well worth investigating

  • @atimholt
    @atimholt 2 роки тому +1

    I love my Keyboardio Model 01. They're just releasing their upgraded version, the Model 100. It has a wooden enclosure, and the thumb keys are in arcs that make them all easy to reach.

  • @coolbrotherf127
    @coolbrotherf127 2 роки тому +3

    I ended up making my own dactyl manuform board as I'm studying computer science and needed to upgrade my keyboard from the old gaming keyboard I used to use. It's not fancy like these boards but it's very comfortable to use and it cost a lot less to build it myself.

  • @bangs_edit
    @bangs_edit 2 роки тому +1

    Just got the ergodox ez glad you like it

  • @blissend
    @blissend 2 роки тому

    Wow, very thorough compared to other reviews and excellent points mentioned. Plus linux and open source advocate it seems. Subscribed.

  • @bartek...
    @bartek... 2 роки тому

    About a year ago I've started lookig at those keyboards closer. I was like some of features in Ergodox and some in Kinesis. I've decided to 3d print and handwired Dactyl Manuform that is combining bests features from both of them.
    So much time and money spended on it. NO REGRETS whatsoever!

  • @ifohancroft
    @ifohancroft 2 роки тому +5

    Just to clarify that QMK is also the firmware itself, so the firmware is also open source.
    In the case of the ErgoDox - the hardware is also open source. The Moonlander (as far as I know) is not open source hardware.

  • @ruleofnine5905
    @ruleofnine5905 2 роки тому +5

    I feel like the keymapping and stuff flashing directly to the keyboard without requiring an external program is actually really powerful and for example you can just plug it in to a fresh arch linux install and all the stuff you have basically all still works and is exactly the layout you designed. Mine is a customish Workman layout with custom places for all the symbols so would be a pain if i need to use a default keyboard for a while and install external software onto the system to use the keyboard the way i like. huge plus IMO. Also can just plug into any pc and it just works. really cool feature all by itself excluding all the other excellent features. Only real downside is the Oryx trainer requires a chromium browser which i'm not a massive fan of, but that program isn't required by any stretch to use the keyboard, can configure and everything wihtout ever needing that, but it is very helpful while learning a new layout.

    • @dirkbester9050
      @dirkbester9050 Рік тому

      Well, you can also flash directly to the board from that browser. Click through the steps, hit a key on some layer that does "reset" and puts it into pairing mode, select it from the dialog and done. No Wally required. (Works for Moonlander on a Mac at any rate)

  • @thomaslee9655
    @thomaslee9655 Рік тому +1

    Nice to see you're a user of split keebs. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and one of my first changes was getting a split keyboard and I haven't looked back since.
    Edit: Split keyboard and ergo chair = hours without even realizing you're sitting at a desk.

  • @DoeJohn111
    @DoeJohn111 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you, good and inspiring review.
    How about gaming on this keyboard? Also how about using tracball as a daily driver?

  • @aaronandrews5648
    @aaronandrews5648 2 роки тому +3

    I've used a Ortholinear (preonic) keyboard since summer. I love how easy it is to type after a while first of all, plus the layer functionality is so nice, it makes a 60-key keyboard to how many you like due to the layers. For example, I have a layer key made for shortcuts. This might seem like a lot to remember, but you can adjust to what you like and you'll eventually remember it after a few weeks. The only problem with it is that the software for modifying keys is hard for some people to understand.

    • @iLiokardo
      @iLiokardo 2 роки тому

      Are your wrists bent outward when using it?

    • @aaronandrews5648
      @aaronandrews5648 2 роки тому

      @@iLiokardo Not really because I always type inwards (hands facing diagonally to the right). That does mean that the T, Y and 4,5,6,7 keys are a bit harder to type but at least my typing angle is more ergonomic for me.
      I want the Moonlander Keyboard to solve this issue but it's not that hard to really annoy me.

  • @gogee8510
    @gogee8510 2 роки тому +3

    Love the video. I use the Microsoft 4000 ergonomics keyboard which not quite a split kb but is very comfortable with the split layout. However, it doesn't have backlight and I find it very difficult to find a split keyboard in the UK with backlight. These two looks interesting but I'm not sure if I can get them in the UK. Will go looking. Thanks again for the video.

  • @vatinp
    @vatinp 2 роки тому +3

    I’ve been through multiple split keyboards over the years. But I ended up loving the Planck. Such a good compromise. And even less finger movements.

    • @mathamoz
      @mathamoz 2 роки тому +1

      I have wrist issues that only seem to be relieved by a wide split on my keyboard but have always wondered if minimal movement on a Planck would work as well. Just kinda sucks that I'd have to drop almost $300 to try after already spending so much on various split keyboards

  • @huantian
    @huantian 2 роки тому +11

    I would definitely watch a DT builds a custom split keyboard video, with some nice switches and keycaps, and also a DT showcases QMK and VIA/VIAL, or even an alternative firmware like ZMK or KMK!

  • @pwojtcza
    @pwojtcza 2 роки тому +1

    Bought moonlander because i saw it on your channel, took me 2 years to pull the trigger, and will arrive at my place tomorrow

  • @enritto
    @enritto 2 роки тому +2

    I actually used two 60% keebs for a while, imo its a little bit better due to the fact that you can press several keys with both right and left hand and you have more buttons to reassign.

  • @greatestcait
    @greatestcait 2 роки тому +2

    I've never used a split keyboard, but I use the Preonic (basically the Planck, but with a number row) and I absolutely love it. If I had unlimited money, I'd just get a _reaaaaaaaally_ nice split Planck/Preonic layout board and that would probably be perfection for me.

  • @kylestubblefield3404
    @kylestubblefield3404 2 роки тому +10

    I replace the caps lock key with control in my standard layout. As a programmer I almost never use all caps so it makes more sense for me to use the caps a a ctrl which I use all the time.

    • @wiktorwektor123
      @wiktorwektor123 2 роки тому +1

      I did the same 5 years ago. Never regreted decision.

    • @auntiecarol
      @auntiecarol 2 роки тому

      Same, with the exception that a press-and-release of CapsLock is Escape and a hold of CapsLock is Control.

    • @kylestubblefield3404
      @kylestubblefield3404 2 роки тому

      @@auntiecarol Great idea, I will have to try that one.

  • @iCQ_www.SPCL.tk_
    @iCQ_www.SPCL.tk_ 2 роки тому +1

    Love IT when u get ur hands on hardware every now and then. I'm working on regular keyboard from Bangkok due to characters from "other language" on the keys.. ok ok.. also because the lady of that shop is such a flower. She hunted for me whole IT centre in Bangkok for several exotic products and she found some AWESOME guy who fixed up my HP elitebook Quadro GPU that needed a new ram chip. And yes the price (discount).

  • @eduardosorensen8899
    @eduardosorensen8899 2 роки тому +1

    Hey DT, offtopic: do you use any audio filters to record the videos on OBS? And/or when you edit with kdenlive, do you apply any filter for audio? Thanks!

  • @jonilaakso
    @jonilaakso Рік тому

    Hey DT! How has the moonlander worked for you? Any complaints / any problems ? I have used ergodox ez couple years ago and now I'm thinking to try moonlander. Currently I am using dygma raise paired with Kensington expert wireless mouse (awesome mouse by the way).

  • @Pepperpot666
    @Pepperpot666 2 роки тому +2

    Your last video got me into buying a Dygma Raise keyboard. While not ortholinear, it is available with several ISO-keyboard layouts and keycaps. This keyboard really helps with my shoulder/neck problems. I love it so much that I got a second one for the office.
    I highly recommend split keyboards.

  • @juanpablobolino4049
    @juanpablobolino4049 2 роки тому +1

    your trackball mouse is amazing!

    • @DistroTube
      @DistroTube  2 роки тому +3

      Can't recommend the Kensington Expert highly enough. I even use it when I play 0 A.D. :D

  • @TheStringBreaker
    @TheStringBreaker Рік тому

    *Phenomenal video!*

  • @studiokadaver
    @studiokadaver 2 роки тому +1

    Seems like a cool keyboard. I’m slightly put off by the absence of CTRL key & using the Z. I do love mechanical & hot-swap. I’m currently using a DROP: CTRL. All letters are Brown MX, except w,a,s,d & up, down, left, right they use Red MX . Everything else is Blue MX.

    • @alexschexnayder8624
      @alexschexnayder8624 2 роки тому +1

      Its not gone, just in a different spot now. Plus since the keyboard is configurable you can put it anywhere you think is feasible.

  • @bcfuerst
    @bcfuerst 2 місяці тому

    I just made my first keyboard myself. Took about 6 hours split over several evenings (not including 3d printing time) without any prior soldering experience.

  • @scotth8828
    @scotth8828 2 роки тому

    Hey DT, Are the keyboard layouts stored on the keyboard or on the computer. I get moved around to a few computers at work, mostly running Windows, and if I'm going to invest in these keyboards, I want to use just this and not swap between split to 110.

  • @barbietripping
    @barbietripping 2 роки тому

    I’d love to see DT try out some other split keyboards. A Gergoplex, or a let’s split, or a dactyl. They can come out a lot cheaper, more portable, and sometimes even more ergonomic

  • @michaelpalmer2143
    @michaelpalmer2143 Рік тому +1

    My buddy wanted me to build a split keyboard but soldering 60 surface mount diodes and 60 sockets and a dozen other components. But these keyboards seem like a much better choice. But there is one feature that they are missing which would be a game changer. Get rid of the right side thumb cluster and replace it with a trackball. I've been using a Logitech Trackman Marble and its equivalents for 25 years.
    But why move my arm to a mouse when all I need is a trackball at the right position? A mouse ball at my thumb and a couple nearby buttons would be ideal.

  • @chrinaldi
    @chrinaldi 2 роки тому

    I will try to build one myself using the Corne kit.
    They are the "cheapest" ergo-split keyboard that I can think of and it is completely DIY. Just in case one of the electronic components blow up, the parts like diodes are basically as ubiquitous as potato chips on the supermarket.

  • @SocialNetwooky
    @SocialNetwooky 8 місяців тому

    I've now owned a Moonlander for about a month now, and it's easily the best keyboard I've had in 40 years of computing. One point where I feel you kind of miss the point, imo, though is the backlighting : it really helps a lot to remember where key types are (for example, I have a color for modifiers, one for dead keys, one for function keys, etc ..). As a bonus it is great for hinting on which layer you currently are, especially when it comes to 'sticky' layers.

  • @CrispyCircuits
    @CrispyCircuits 5 днів тому

    I use ctrl, mod, alt, shift plus number pad in Fvwm3. Fvwm3 has endless options with keybindings. Write a function, set keybindings for it and you can do endless things you can think of. I hate mice, so that is a big bonus for me. I have a logitech MX Ergo Plus which has multiple angles, two pointer resolutions for quick or fine control for things like picture work, and you can bind two devices, one bluetooth, one with the usb dongle. But I still have to move my hands (I also use a lefty mouse on the left side). Can't wait for my moonlander to arrive.

  • @mke7605
    @mke7605 2 роки тому +1

    Never felt the need for a split keyboard. But I bought a mechanical keyboard which was a game changer.

  • @piotrtalarczyk8987
    @piotrtalarczyk8987 2 роки тому

    Hi, DT. How big screen you use? I know that you use several screens. But what you think is better: bigger screen or several smaller.

  • @ErebuBat
    @ErebuBat 2 роки тому +2

    This is funny I just ordered my moonlander last night

  • @itstoxicqt
    @itstoxicqt 2 роки тому +1

    Yes ! I feel the ctrl key pain! I broke my pinky back In high school, had to have surgery and a temp pin put in. Hitting that ctrl key is a pain

  • @somesalmon5694
    @somesalmon5694 Рік тому +1

    I bought the moonlander on your recommendation and absolutely adore it! I have absolutely no qualms about it :) I greatly appreciate your bringing it to my attention! It's the best investment I've made for my pc comfort and use. Thank you DT!!

  • @blank-mq8ef
    @blank-mq8ef 2 роки тому

    man now that ive been using a 3d printed redox for about a month i have got to agree with the points here, my main selling point imo is the ortho nature i actually touch type properly instead of using 4 fingers and a thumb

  • @slipcurve1410
    @slipcurve1410 2 роки тому

    for me the ergodox wrist rests clean instantly with a little warm water and light rubbing. It doesn't even need soap. The key is not dry it with paper or cloth. Strike the wrist rest against your palm a few times and that takes most of the moisture off. Rest will dry off fast.

  • @saab_9
    @saab_9 2 роки тому +1

    Colemak did it for me. And am finally fluent in it.

  • @darkarie
    @darkarie 2 роки тому

    I bought the Moonlander recently and I can wait to use it 😁😁 the Advantage360 from kinesis looks pretty good too

    • @sandeepr7141
      @sandeepr7141 2 роки тому +1

      bought

    • @darkarie
      @darkarie 2 роки тому

      @@sandeepr7141 thanks for the correction 👌

  • @sqwert654
    @sqwert654 Рік тому

    With the Zoolander . Once you find the right tenting angle I would 3D print a platform to hold it there using TPU. The legs look flimsy also you could get the best thumb pad angle that way

  • @charlessmith5465
    @charlessmith5465 2 роки тому

    15:54 the "second layer" of keybindings reminds me of a [Nostromo N52 gamepad] or something (I forgot the exact name, it might've been made by Belkin). I think Razor or one of those gaming brands acquired the rights and still produce a similar model. It had a thumb button which cycled between 3 modes, each could have its own bindings. It had less keys than _half of a keyboard_ though; this looks like a much higher-end version of such a device. Edit 19:15 those extra modifier keys older models (like Sun keyboards) used to have, "Meta" key, etc, are awesome for Emacs bindings. A whole set of keychords which aren't bound to anything by default!

  • @ohmyv3gatron
    @ohmyv3gatron 2 роки тому +1

    The planckez is my go to… not split but it’s really saved my hands

  • @chuck-snow
    @chuck-snow 2 роки тому

    I own the Erdox EZ I bought it long ago even before you could get LED's I do love it took a while to get use to it.. for my Second Kyeyboard I got the Dygma Raise and I love it Too maybe even a bit more becasue it has LED becasue Im in the dark a lot ..
    the Dygma pad are very easy to clean ,, once you get use to using these keyboarrd you should try thter tenting feature that little bit of twist to the wrist is a more natural position and sopon become comfortable fast .. My track ball I got the Huge and replaced the bearing..

  • @McDuffington
    @McDuffington 2 роки тому

    Good follow up could be talking about keyb. config in linux distro's. Like xset for speed (increase for power scrolling using vim keys) and xmodmap etc, like how you set z-long to Ctrl ( I presume you set that in software?) and re-mapping Esc to Caps

  • @marekchudy8893
    @marekchudy8893 Рік тому

    Thank you and best regards

  • @ruleofnine5905
    @ruleofnine5905 2 роки тому

    I also use the Black Moonlander, pretty big fan myself.

  • @aayush5474
    @aayush5474 2 роки тому +1

    That Gnome on the background

  • @lafdez
    @lafdez 2 роки тому

    Wouldn't you know by any chance about the same kind of approach (open source firmware and so highly programmable) but for a "gaming" mouse? BTW, great video... so great that I'm think about purchasing one Moonwalker keyboard. Thank you so much DT.

  • @papagoth9412
    @papagoth9412 2 роки тому

    I only use primary colour LED backlights, because I grew up using PCs and Macs in dark rooms, through the late 80s and early 90s. Not to mention when I got into LAN Parties 🤣
    I find the best backlight for a dark room is a deep or dark purple, as it leans more in the red colour gamut; which is therefore easier on the eyes, whilst still giving good visibility, if you need to find a function/super/meta key.
    Honestly though, I only need that for gaming, as each game has different control schemes. Otherwise it is muscle memory all the way

  • @jacksystems
    @jacksystems 2 роки тому +18

    I just can't seem to find the right keyboard after mine broke : (
    I can't spend a lot (definitely not as much as the Moonlander)
    Do you have any experience with less expensive keyboards, DT? Is there any other that you can recommend.
    BTW, You convinced me to use a trackball, been using it for around three months, love it.

    • @DistroTube
      @DistroTube  2 роки тому +10

      I haven't used any other brand of split keyboards. But I'm sure others will respond with recommendations, so I'm pinning this comment.

    • @jl_woodworks
      @jl_woodworks 2 роки тому +9

      You should look into DIY keyboards. Like the Corne or the Iris. The Corne is great and you can customize the layout with QMK.

    • @andynull2183
      @andynull2183 2 роки тому +4

      Ergodone, Ms natural ergonomic (not quite the same but way cheaper) and sculpt ergonomic.
      Sofle and dactyl manuform for more diy approach.

    • @joe_ferreira
      @joe_ferreira 2 роки тому +1

      @@jl_woodworks the ergodox and moonlander also work with QMK. Just mentioning it for others that might see this.

    • @jl_woodworks
      @jl_woodworks 2 роки тому

      @@joe_ferreira Ah, good to know. That's new information for me. Cool.

  • @harryvendryes
    @harryvendryes 2 роки тому +2

    DT, take a look at the X-Keys L-Trac trackball by P.I Engineering (blue glow is fab!) You can also add two plug in switches; forward/back for web browser, and I'm sure configurable for emacs too. Next on the list of my efficiency improvements... foot switches made by same company. Edit to say, the L-Trac is made in the USA. Quality is top notch and substantial.

    • @MichaelVash7886
      @MichaelVash7886 2 роки тому

      Will be looking into this one.. I picked up the elecom huge and have really liked it.

    • @harryvendryes
      @harryvendryes 2 роки тому

      @@MichaelVash7886 Prepare for price shock. Also, the scroll barrel is superbly smooth, but some say too far forward. I previously had the Kensington SlimBlade. Components on that were to say the least lightweight. L-Trac has top quality components and the feel is heavy. And... if you do want the two switches to plug in, they ain't exactly cheap either.

  • @casachezdoom2588
    @casachezdoom2588 2 роки тому +1

    If Z is your CTRL key... how do you do CTRL-Z ? Seems like an important key combo that would be needed daily

  • @ksoonsoon
    @ksoonsoon Рік тому

    Try the Dygma Raise yet? Also the Dygma Defy is coming soon as well. Another step forward in split key, ortho linear ergonomics. All the best.

  • @aaronepperson4041
    @aaronepperson4041 2 роки тому

    I need a video about that trackball that also looks like a dinosaur egg!

  • @zeocamo
    @zeocamo 2 роки тому +1

    5:16 a normal got there keys like that because the keyboard come from typewrites, and they get small arms they use to write with, and to make sure the arm did not hit each other, that is why vi get the qwerty layout too, it is design to be slow so the arms do not hit each other...

  • @SriHarshaChilakapati
    @SriHarshaChilakapati 2 роки тому

    I tried this only once with a keyboard from a senior, and it was a disaster. I couldn't get to type anything properly without taking a look at the keyboard for 2 days straight and hence went back. Instead, I started taking my hands off the keyboard when I'm not using it and when I need to use the keyboard (I'm a software engineer, and I have to connect to a server which is a Linux machine with TMUX installed) I started to move the arm rest of my chair to be wider, so my hands on the keyboard will look like a triangle with equal distance. I only type continuously when I code, and that is for 2-3 hours a day. The rest of the day I'll be having meetings with team and other planning sessions where I don't need to touch the keyboard at all so it works fine. Maybe I will give these one more try, but can't say I'll stick to them yet.

  • @charlesbronson2701
    @charlesbronson2701 Рік тому

    Using moonlander each day for about 15 minutes for about a month now, im taking a slow approach to learn dvorak, and not to destroy my qwerty muscle memory, so far working fine, and im up to about 20wpm. Wonderfull keyboard, will do a switch once i get up to 35wpm

  • @lollllloro
    @lollllloro 7 місяців тому

    Almost three years ago I went the cheapest route I could find (a 40% Keebio Levinson/"Let's Split" PCB kit) and the only thing I would choose differently would be something with those extended thumb clusters (I can currently only really use three keys per thumb with these 6x4 rectangles.)
    There's absolutely no going back to a non-QMK keyboard and non-split ones would only be for travel.

    • @lollllloro
      @lollllloro 7 місяців тому

      As regards to that [ctrl/outermost bottom row]-key thing, once I started using [the side of my palm/the "0th joint" of the pinky] instead of contorting the pinkies has really made them nice keys to use, not to mention things like ^A or ^Q, which I can now do very ergonomically without shifting or rotating my hand AT ALL.
      (For me the shifts and backspace have a similar (but less severe) pinky contortion problem as my pinkies are by far my worst fingers by dexterity, making me have to move the whole hand a bit every time, I really should make those keys' positions to something more rarely used)

  • @luxucn
    @luxucn 2 роки тому +1

    Will it be harder to play games on this keyboard? If you want to press a key on the right half, it's hard to locate it with the left hand (your right hand might be holding the mouse).

    • @DistroTube
      @DistroTube  2 роки тому

      I'm not a hardcore gamer but this keyboard hasn't negatively impacted me at all in games (I typically play FPS and RTS).

  • @crzyruskie86
    @crzyruskie86 2 роки тому +1

    I want to try one of these

  • @justanotherpxrson
    @justanotherpxrson 2 роки тому

    im into custom keyboards, really fun hobby!

  • @djd34d14
    @djd34d14 2 роки тому

    The Oddball or Keyball46 would be right up your alley I think. I love my Oddball.

  • @carstenschmitt1563
    @carstenschmitt1563 Рік тому +1

    "I like having some click." You da man!

  • @bek7562
    @bek7562 Рік тому

    Just wanted to say, you sold another Moonlander (I was halfway to pushing the buy button already and this pushed me over the edge). Wish me luck improving my typing skills.

  • @arch4life306
    @arch4life306 2 роки тому +2

    Hi Derek, do you have any trick for setting up that Kensington Expert trackball? Because the Kensington software only work on Windows and MacOS, and I really want one to play with the ball.

    • @charlessmith5465
      @charlessmith5465 2 роки тому

      I'm not familiar with that brand but I've used multi-button Logitech trackballs in Linux/Xorg without issue. If you want to use one of the buttons to turn the trackball into a scroll wheel (one of the few features I remember from the official Logitech software) that could be a bit more complicated to configure, but I think most mice are pretty well supported in general, and there should be workarounds for any particular proprietary feature. 🤔

    • @DistroTube
      @DistroTube  2 роки тому +1

      I've never even considered changing anything on the Kensington. The default settings work just fine for me, and I would guess would probably be fine for most people.

  • @Demosophist
    @Demosophist Рік тому

    One of the things that has always bothered me about split keyboards was the fact that they don't really fit into my typing style. I like to place the keyboard in my lap, and have been typing that way since the '80s. So to use a split keyboard that way requires some kind of lap table, which is just another piece of kit that gets in the way. I use a Kinesis Advantage which is now getting kind of old so I'm in the process of refurbishing it using the Stapelberg controller board. I'm keeping almost nothing from Kinesis except the case itself.

  • @andresmpa
    @andresmpa 2 роки тому

    I use a Corne Keyboard, I see that yours could be a good option too; thanks for the video bro

  • @Gepeto213
    @Gepeto213 2 роки тому +3

    Sometimes I can't avoid typing on a classical keyboard but what a relief to come back to my Ergodox!

  • @mclang5932
    @mclang5932 2 роки тому

    I have been looking mechanical split keyboard to replace my old ducky tenkeyless, but finding one that fits on the drawer under the table has been hard. There are some like e.g Keyboardio Atreus, but from pictures I feel they might be even too small for comfort. And if I spend such a large sum of money, I'd like to have my keyboard wireless.

  • @aehjr1
    @aehjr1 2 роки тому

    Hey DT, is there ANY split keyboard which is wireless? I keep my keyboard on a slide tray under the desk, perfect height for me, but that means it would be a real pain for anything but wireless. I've looked, but cannot find any wireless split keyboards.

    • @boembab9056
      @boembab9056 2 роки тому

      A lot of diy keyboards can be build wirelessly. Something like a crkbd with nice nanos

  • @c99kfm
    @c99kfm 2 роки тому +1

    Unfortunately, the only even halfway decent split keyboards available with a layout usable to me (ISO/swedish) are the Matias Ergo Pro and the Kinesis Freestyle. I prefer the Matias, but neither is perfect.
    Tip: If you use both a split keyboard and a trackball, try placing the trackball between the two parts of the keyboard. It allows you to move your mouse hand inwards, rather than outwards.

    • @luimu
      @luimu 7 місяців тому

      What is limiting you from just putting your regional characters to any qmk supported keyboard? Nothing. On boards like the moonlander there are plenty of free keys to add your ä and ö. Even on small boards like 36 sweep you can use tap dance, combos or different layers for them. You are limited by your thinking, not by the keyboards.

  • @gogogogogogogogogogog9
    @gogogogogogogogogogog9 2 роки тому +2

    we want a video on that mouse

  • @prakash.vishwakarma
    @prakash.vishwakarma Рік тому

    Mistel Barocco MD770 is the best ergonomic split keyboard if one doesn’t want to compromise on the TKL layout.

  • @bobbyv3
    @bobbyv3 2 роки тому

    Just an FYI, QWERTY layout was invented to actually slow the typist down. Typewriters would jam using other layouts as the key presses were too fast.

  • @YannMetalhead
    @YannMetalhead Рік тому

    Good video.

  • @TrolleyMC
    @TrolleyMC 2 роки тому +3

    I definitely need one of these now.
    Edit: 300 dollars? Sure it’s a great keyboard but good lord I can just build and 3D print one at that point.

  • @noam65
    @noam65 2 роки тому

    A little pricy, but that it's linux compatible programmable, yes the that feature be important for some. If you do numerical work, a separate number pad is wonderful.

  • @supahvaporeon
    @supahvaporeon 2 роки тому +1

    I wish these boards came with Gateron or Tecsee switches as a premium upsell. They are so much better than their competitors. The cynic in me suspects they had a deal to only offer Kaihl switches as a "premium" option to get a deal on their hotswap sockets.
    I also wonder if they properly lube their switches and stabilizers, or they leave it dry for users to handle themselves.

  • @voswouter87
    @voswouter87 Рік тому

    How to configure the caps-lock key to light up while it's active?
    I haven't found how to change that, other than that it's great.

  • @leadwithtech
    @leadwithtech 4 місяці тому

    Hey, whats the brand/make of your chair?

  • @replicant8532
    @replicant8532 2 роки тому

    I would love to get either ergodox or moonlander only if they came with aluminium cases.

  • @DanielTateNZ
    @DanielTateNZ 2 роки тому +2

    I'd be interested to know your hand size / finger length. I unlike you don't have small hands so a standard keyboard doesn't give me reach issues, however I do hunch a lot I could probably benefit from one of these.

    • @DistroTube
      @DistroTube  2 роки тому +3

      On a piano, I can stretch exactly one octave.

    • @DanielTateNZ
      @DanielTateNZ 2 роки тому

      @@DistroTube Thanks for the reply! now i just have to get my hands on a piano :D

  • @supersloth1667
    @supersloth1667 2 роки тому

    I really never considered these. I knew about the kinda half split ones that are sold for gaming but never cared for them. But as I thought about it like you say, you can put them shoulder width and that alone makes all the sense to get one if anything. Yeah the price is a bit much, but it's like a good office chair, it's worth the investment.

    • @iLiokardo
      @iLiokardo 2 роки тому

      There needs to be cheap split keyboards.