When comparing ErgoDox EZ vs SuperCoder 2000, the Slant community recommends ErgoDox EZ for most people. In the question“What are the best keyboards for programming?” ErgoDox EZ is ranked 3rd while SuperCoder 2000 is ranked 19th. The most important reason people chose ErgoDox EZ is:
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.
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Pros
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 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.
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.
Pro Open source
The ErgoDox has an open design, so if you want to modify anything at all, you can fork the Github repository.
Pro Many easily accessible keys for touch typists
There are more keys which are easily accessible for touch typists than on common keyboards.
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 Key rows are aligned
Almost all the keyboards have a small row offset (for example, on a standard QWERTY keyboard, the A key is not directly below the Q key. On the ErgoDox, this isn't the case: keys form straight columns. Together with the movability of the two parts you can stretch your fingers straight on, not slightly sidewards. This helps with touch typing, since you just need to stretch your fingers straight onward to reach the key above, rather than stretching it onwards and sideways.
Pro Firmware updates
Because of the nature of ErgoDox, within an open source community, there are advancements in firmware being made continuously.
Pro Customization settings saved on the keyboard
With most programmable keyboards, you have to use their software in order to save and reuse your customizations. Using such keyboards on other systems "degrades" them to their default setting. Since with the ErgoDox the settings are saved directly on the keyboard, no matter the system where you're using it, your macros, tap dances and layers are always available.
Pro Split design forces correct hand position
The Ergodox doesn't allow you to reach over the centerline to hit T and H with a single finger, or whatever other bad habits you might have. The split design forces you to keep your hands in the right position.
Pro ErgoDox EZ offers a 2-year warranty
The pre-assembled version offers an extensive 2-year warranty, provided you haven't taken it apart or physically broken it.
Pro Small to carry
You can put the keyboards together, making it very easy to carry around.
Pro Great for when Assembly offers too much abstraction
Pro Simplicity
The SuperCoder 2000 offers a simple, clean layout without fancy extra features like a numpad or media keys, enjoyed by some people.
Pro Great key spacing for error free code
The spacing between the 0 and 1 keys is larger than traditional keyboards. You'll rarely fatfinger a 0 when you mean to enter a 1.
Pro Minimalistic design
Unlike some other keyboards, the SuperCorder has a clean, simple white look, which can be less distracting and favored over more flashy, gaming-oriented keyboards.
Pro Air cooled
This keyboard is air-cooled, which means there is no noise generated by cooling fans. This makes it great for quiet work environments where fan noise could be a nuisance.
Pro Saves desk space
This keyboard has less keys than a standard 104-key keyboard, and thus is smaller and takes up less space on your desk. This makes it great for compact work environments.
Pro Especially good for professional coding
Pro With fewer keys, you are less likely to hit the wrong one
Pro Programming dream
I managed to recreate GTA V while writing my own engine just using binary in just the space of a week with this keyboard. Would recommend.
Pro Vetted by Jeff Dean
Pro Does not allow for errors
The lack of a delete button forces you to progressively learn how to always produce error-free code. This is an enormous advantage when it comes to the learning process.
Bonus: you can fix logical and mathematical errors with subsequent commands.
Pro Great tool for truly low level programming
Considering the performance overheads of managed code, go beyond assembly, back to basics.
Pro Great for gaming
The 3 key design is perfect for rhythm games such as OSU.
Pro Completely universal cross-platform. Programs in any language.
Pro Can be used for gaming too
Can play Starcraft 2 with this, although only supports playing Protoss.
Cons
Con Expensive
Getting a complete kit from Massdrop costs about $400. Sourcing each part individually ends up a bit under $200.
You can get a preassembled keyboard from ergodox-ez.com from 270$ with 2 year warranty
Con Firmware has some hiccups sometimes
Usually this doesn't get in your way, but sometimes it does.
The repository is actively developed, so errors should be resolved within no time, or at least you get decent help.
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 ErgoDox kit did came with an option allowing one to choose whether to have it pre-made or not.
However, you can order and ErgoDox EZ preassembled here.
Con Tends to move around during use
Due to its split structure and lack of sturdiness, it tends to move during use.
Con Difficult to source individual components
You have to either source the individual components and build it yourself or wait for a Massdrop group purchase.
However, you can order it preassembled here.
Con Hard to use with small hands
Because of its size, it's hard to use for those who have small hands.
Con No backlit keys
Unfortunately in dark rooms this keyboard becomes increasingly challenging to use. Although, assuming you know how to locate the home key you should be fine. More of a nitpick.
Con No Caps Lock key
Con No wireless version available
Would be the perfect keyboard if only it was wireless.
Con Requires powered-on machine for use
Inconvenient for use when you must write code without electrical power or batteries available. Would recommend a pin and magnetic storage medium in that case.
Con Uncomfortable for two-handed use
While working with two hands, this keyboard is too small and key spacing is too narrow.
Con User Security
No password option.
Con No Backspace/Undo
You can't backspace binary code.
Con Can only type binary code
This keyboard is useless for typing anything other than ones and zeros, which makes me wonder why it's even on Slant.
Con No android support
Con No support for Mac OS X
This keyboard offers no software support for Mac OS X. It only works with Windows or Linux operating systems.