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What are the best keyboards with customizable hardware?

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3 Options Considered

3 Options ConsideredPriceLast Updated
ErgoDox
Sep 19, 2017
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
Sep 18, 2017
DIY keyboard
Sep 17, 2017
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ErgoDox

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Francisco
Top Pro

Firmware updates

•••
Because of the nature of ErgoDox, within an open source community, there are advancements in firmware being made continuously.
Francisco
Top Pro

Open source

•••
The ErgoDox has an open design, so if you want to modify anything at all, you can fork the Github repository.
Francisco
Top 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.
Francisco
Top 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.
Francisco
Top Pro

Many accessible keys

•••
There are more keys which are easily accessible for touch typists than on the usual keyboards.
Francisco
Top 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.
Francisco
Top Pro

Split design lets you optimize positioning

•••
You can arrange each side of the keyboard to match your hand positions. Helps keep your body straight and improve your posture.
Francisco
Top Con

Hard to use with small hands

•••
Because of its size, it's hard to use for those who have small hands.
Francisco
Top Con

Tends to move around during use

•••
Due to its split structure and lack of sturdiness, it tends to move during use.
Francisco
Top Con

Can't return it if you don't like it

•••
As the Ergodox is an open source design, you'll either get each component individually or purchase it from Massdrop. Either way, it's not possible to return if you don't like it.
Francisco
Top Con

Expensive

•••
Getting a complete kit from Massdrop costs about $400. Sourcing each part individually ends up a bit under $200.
Francisco
Top Con

Difficult to source

•••
You have to either source the individual components and build it yourself or wait for a Massdrop group purchase.
Francisco
Top Con

Needs to be assembled

•••
This can be fun, but some people just want a working keyboard without having to spend three hours with a soldering iron. It's tricky to find pre-assembled ErgoDoxes, and they're not mass-produced. It is also possible to commission an enthusiast to build one up as well. Some Massdrops of the...
See 11 more Pros & ConsSee 11 more Pros & Cons

Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

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Francisco
Top Pro

Feature customization via add-on modules

•••
You can attach trackpoint, trackball, trackpad and additional key clusters to the board. This allows for extensive feature customization, for increased productivity and convenience.
Francisco
Top Pro

Ergonomic design

•••
The UHK has a split design, since two keyboard halves result in a more natural typing posture. The halves are connected by a bridge cable, which expands and contracts as needed, occupying minimal desk space. The halves can be merged together as one, which is useful for transportation purposes or if...
Francisco
Top Pro

No need to leave the home row

•••
For maximum touch-typing productivity, one's hands should not leave the home row frequently. With conventional keyboards, this is not the case when navigation and function keys need to be used. On the HKB, via a thumb key press, several function layers can be activated, turning the home row ke...
Francisco
Top Pro

Programmable

•••
Through the use of an app called Agent, users can configure the UHK to their liking.
Francisco
Top Pro

Modular and disassembly friendly

•••
The UHK is modular and has disassembly instructions embossed onto components and even printed on the circuit board. It records use data, so when key switches have reached the end of its lifespan, users can replace them.
Francisco
Top Con

Not shipping until Spring 2017

•••
The HKB is not shipping yet. Manufacturers predict they will start shipping during Spring 2017.
See 4 more ProsSee 4 more Pros

DIY keyboard

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Francisco
Top Pro

Users can create their own design

•••
You can create your own design, hence guaranteeing that it will be one you like.
Francisco
Top Pro

Easy access to information for the building process

•••
There are many online sources that give comprehensive information on how to build your own keyboard.
Know any negative aspects of this option?
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24 Community Recommendations

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