Slant community chat on Discourse| 7 Recommended Products | Recommendations | Weight | Warranty | USB Hub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Ergodox· · · | 5 | 0 | – | – | – |
| #2 Kinesis Advantage2· · · | 3 | 1 | 1 kg / 2.2 lbs | 3 years | Yes |
| #3 Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000· · · | 3 | 2 | 1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs | 3 years | No |
| #4 Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop· · · | 4 | 3 | – | – | – |
| #5 Kinesis Freestyle2 w/ VIP3· · · | 1 | 0 | – | – | – |
| #6 Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard· · · | 1 | 0 | – | – | – |
Pro Ultimate customizability
You can map any key to any position easily using a simple GUI, including making hardware key layers. And, since the firmware is open source, you can modify it to do anything you want. Many of the hardware components can also be altered/replaced by equivalent parts.
Pro More actions for the thumb
Unlike other keyboards, like the Lexmark M15 and Cherry G80-5000, where the only action performable by the thumbs is punching the spacebar, ErgoDox has extra keys placed near the spacebar, within thumb reach. This prevents the thumbs from being a bit redundant.
Pro Comfortable for those with broad shoulders and large hands
Because of its split design, the ErgoDox lets you optimize the positioning of its halves according to what's best for your body shape, even if you have broad shoulders and large hands.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
Pro Clusters of keys under each thumb means less reaching
Having multiple keys under the thumbs lets you keep the rest of your hands still, and helps prevent reaching. For example, the backspace key on a regular keyboard is way in the top right corner, while on the Kinesis keyboard it's under the left thumb. So, to hit the backspace button you just n...
Pro Optimized, ergonomic shape that significantly reduces the risk of RSI
This keyboard is sculpted to fit the curvature of your hand more naturally than regular flat boards. This helps reduce the risks of suffering repetitive strain injuries.
Con Quite bulky, therefore not very portable
As a direct consequence of its unconventional ergonomic shape, the Advantage2 is quite bulky. At 16.5 in’ x 8 in’ x 2.88 in’ (419 mm x 203 mm x 73 mm), it's not the most portable keyboard.
Con Proficiency means overcoming a learning curve
Becoming an expert at using this keyboard’s optimized design needs time and patience, since it’s so different from what most people are used to. Some of its drastic layout changes can be disorienting at first. For example, the four arrow keys are separated: up and down on the right side cluster; l...
Pro Great value for money
With a retail price of $96.86, this keyboard is considerably more affordable than most ergonomic keyboards on the market. It doesn’t have the same caliber as more premium keyboards, but it’s a top option for those on a budget who are looking for a good ergonomic option.
Pro Ergonomic and comfortable
The 4000 keyboard is designed to be more comfortable to type on than regular rectangular keyboards. Its key rows curve to match the human hands’ angled resting position, eliminating the wrist strain that happens with regular keyboards. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of injury.
Con It’s from Microsoft, which has a track record of being unethical
A lot of people are not very fond of Microsoft for ethical reasons. This con has nothing to do with the technical capabilities of the keyboard, it's just something to keep in mind.
Con Key printing gets erased after a short time
After 2 or 3 months of use, the most used keys loose their printed symbols.
Pro Ergonomically shaped
Our hands naturally rest angled when in front of us, and this keyboard has been built to conform to that, rather than having us awkwardly trying to straighten our hands on a regular flat keyboard, putting strain on our wrists. The keyboard is also curved into a dome shape, which contributes to its...
Pro Quiet
Thanks to the scissor switches used, this keyboard is very quiet.
Con Some keys aren't very reliable
Some keys (like Backspace or Enter), if not pressed perfectly perpendicularly, hit the shelf of the frame and get blocked on their way down. This means the stroke isn't registered and, on top of that, feels awkward. On the (slightly) bright side, this awkward feel acts as feedback that the key...
Con Less durable than flat keyboards
Because of its shape and thin design, this keyboard will break more easily than the typical, flat rectangular keyboards. This makes it less portable, unless you're very careful.
Pro Reduces wrist pain
The wrist support offered by this keyboard alleviates wrist strain.
Pro Ergonomic design
The Freestyle 2 has an ergonomic design, aimed to promote healthier and more comfortable typing.
Con Not very solid
This keyboard's construction is not very sturdy and it feels flimsy.
Con Bad for spreadsheet work
Since it has no numeric pad, the Freestyle 2 is not convenient for spreadsheet work.
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