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@improbablynotarobot I own several split keyboards at this point and very much prefer them. I have RSI and it's much more comfortable to type and helps keep my wrists at a comfortable angle.
As for tenting I haven't experimented with it much, but I know that a lot of people swear by it.
I have bi-lateral carpaltunnel (Mild left, moderate right) and have found it greatly managed in my life as a heavy computer user for work and pleasure by changing my keyboard to the Kinesis Advantage 2. This is an expensive keyboard that definitely isn't in a lot of people's range but thankfully work was able to get it for me to prevent further RSI.
I swear by this damn keyboard though. The split and boxy design perfectly aligns to my shoulder width, and my arms out in front of me rest very comfortably on the pads below each hand-well. The keys are ortholinear meaning instead of the usual QWERTY keyboards having a slight staggering of the keys (and thus, at least for me, I have a lot of micro-adjusting of my hands and wrist as I'm typing) the keys being aligned straight up and down where my fingers are resting means all I have to do is flex my fingers foward and back to hit the proper key. Having the very often used keys on my thumbs (backspace/delete/enter/control/alt/windows+CMD key) mean no more stretching out my pinky to push it.
Far more affordable options include the Iris split keyboards that are DIY in a kit (you provide your own key switches), which I've had my eye on for a long while but could never seem to tear myself away from the advantage 2. Since I've been issued a new laptop with work that is a lot thinner and easier to work out of a coffeeshop or drop-in desk somewhere with, I might start revisiting that conversation.
For completeness sake - I use a logitec Ergo M575 trackball mouse. I grew up laughing at a family member who worked in tech for using this kind of mouse back when it was that ball of clay and an optical sensor. I'm not laughing anymore now that I have to use it so my hands don't hurt from work at by the end of the day 😭
I'm a DevOps Engineer and thus, I spend 8+ hours at a keyboard a day... I finally decided that I should spend some money on a device i was going to use that much of my life and I now have two Iris's I built. I'm using one to write this that I made last year so i could leave the one I built back in 2019 at the office. Both were v2's. I can't recommend them enough. Takes a little getting used to as you'll want to figure out your layers and play with QMK for things like adding a numpad under a layer and adding in special keys and macro's and such, but It's been well worth it. My wrist pain completely went away. Between that and either logitech trackball, It's been a great setup for 4yrs now and I can't go back to normal keyboards for any decent amount of time before starting to feel sore. FWIW, the new Iris Rev 7's make it so there's almost no soldering or anything.
My setup is Tented as well, and I made matching wrist wrests to match the contour and tenting angles.
Technical Details:
I used my original Iris for 3 yrs before deciding I should use what I had laying around to make this one. I bought two sets of PCB's when I originally got the v2's as it was my first mechanical keyboard build and I didn't want to worry about screwing it up. But I didn't have any issues, so I had another set of PCBs laying around that whole time. I decided for this one I'd go all out and make a custom bottom of walnut and I had laser cut brass top plates. I also used Millmax sockets for the keyswitches so they're hot-swappable. Then, since the v2's still require your to solder your own Arduino Pro Micro's, I swapped those out for nice!nano's so it's fully BlueTooth wireless both between the halves and to the PC. I've filled it with Hako Trues and MT3 White-on-Black doubleshot keycaps. So far, I'll say the True's are a bit stiff sometimes, but I still quite enjoy typing on this thing.
Yeah the split seems more justifiable but tenting seems ergonomic too. Curious at to if you leverage extra thumb keys or dynamic switching of rows too. Seems like it has a learning curve but I like the idea of keeping closer to home row
@improbablynotarobot I do! My main keyboard is an Ergodox, and I make heavy use of the extra thumb keys. Having enter/del/backspace on my thumbs alone is really nice, and I also keep a layer toggle next to them. Commonly used keys, like my navigation cluster and a numpad stay close to the home row on two different layers.
The one thing I don't make much use of is symbols on layers, which takes a bit more getting used to than I've put time in for. Instead I just use the dedicated number row.
I was the IT Director for a company that had a lot of data entry people. I had noticed that the keyboards that they were using were mostly plane jane, mismatched, membrane keyboards. After a bit of back and forth with purchasing I convinced the company to purchase a ton of mechanical (cherry reds), split ergonomic keyboards.
Within a month RSI reports were down by 95% and after 2 months were essentially nonexistent. I also noticed that people had stopped wearing wrist braces as well. I paired this with good, well shaped mice that would hopefully lead to less fatigue with repetitive motion.
My sample size is tiny, but there are 30 some odd people who if asked, would back me up on this. So while not thoroughly scientifically proven, I am willing to say that ergonomic keyboards do make a big difference. I think mechanical makes a pretty big difference too. Cherry reds activate with very little pressure and, imo, make typing long documents or notes much less annoying/stressful/painful/
I'm not a big fan. I am somewhat of an outsider with a preference for trackballs over mice, though. MX ERGO FTW
I've been using a Microsoft natural keyboard since 1998. I switched over to the Elite when they came out and I have several spares stockpiled. They helped a lot with the wrist comfort and honestly they improved by typing by enforcing which fingers press which keys.
I have a hard time using a straight keyboard, not because I can't adapt but because they're just plain uncomfortable. So when a thing hurts when you do it then you stop doing it. You'll see.
I printed out and mostly built a Dactyl keyboard but never got around to finishing it because work is super picky about what USB devices can be hooked up to our machines and QMK firmware will absolutely look like a mouse jiggler to their security scanning software. I had to unplug a frickin' volume knob because it was alerting every day as a security risk or something.
Same here. People give me a hard time for having a 15 year old Dell-branded Natural Pro keyboard and a stockpile of spares but they seem to last forever and fit me so well, ergonomically.
My first split was a Moonlander which I still have and use, and I love it. Then I got a Rollow and a Waterfowl (both on group buys) and I absolutely adore them.
It does take some reprogramming the muscle memory to get used to a split ortho, but it's been worth it. I can type longer without my wrists hurting, and the freedom in key customisation is awesome.
Using a split lets me keep my hands further apart, so my shoulders are back in a more natural position. That has helped quite a bit with upper back pain.
I tent the Moonlander, but not my other two. Tenting is really comfortable, but I'd recommend starting flat and increasing angle gradually since the split ortho is already a lot to get used to.
Switching to a split is also a good time to switch to another layout like colemak if you have any interest. Your fingers will be slightly confused anyway. Doing that helped me keep my QWERTY muscle memory for normal keyboards.
While I do not use tenting or physically split keyboards, I have been using ergonomic split keyboards for ~16 years. Not sure if that exactly fits the category you are looking at.
The specific keyboards have been the Microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard 4000, Microsoft Sculpt, and Logitech ERGO K860. I've been gaming on the PC since the early 90s and have been in IT and software development for ~26 years.
I have had no issues with carpal tunnel or RSI. While I obviously cannot say it was 100% due to the split keyboard design I believe it has likely helped to keep those issues at bay. Once you are used to a split keyboard design you can feel the pitch and stress on your wrists when using a standard keyboard. I have also always used the riser that rises the wrist end of the keyboard so you fingers are sort of "falling" down toward the keys.
I used that Microsoft 4000 keyboard for years, cleaned out the membrane on it 2 or 3 times before I had to replace the entire keyboard. Then was left hunting for something to replace it; I tried a lot of keyboards. In the end I've settled on the Logitech K860.
I don’t have experience with either, but I find a keyboard tray with negative tilt very helpful ergonomically. (That is, the space bar is elevated relative to the F-keys, in contrast to the “normal” tilt of keyboards.) It’s far easier for me to keep my wrists in a neutral position with one. It might be a great compliment to a split keyboard if you opt for one.
Interesting! I've dropped from the positive tilt that I had to flat/zero and liking it so far (could just be the change of pace though). Never thought of the negative tilt. Feel like I wouldn't be able to use the wrist/palm rest at all
That’s part of the purpose! 😆 Many people (including my past self) tend to leave their wrists on the wrist rest while typing, causing the wrists to angle upward and create unnecessary strain. Though not everyone, of course.
I think they're very good if you use your computer for a whole lot of typing and nothing else. Using a DVORAK keyboard instead of a QWERTY one will also improve your WPM and QoL when typing, once you're used to it. If you're a writer or a programmer, it's worth considering.
But much like DVORAK vs QWERTY, any non-typing tasks become affected. It's awkward playing PC games, for example, when some of your shortcuts for inventory/map are far enough from your kb hand to need your mouse hand. You also don't have much range to choose from, so may have to make compromises on things like keypress feedback, simultaneous presses, unit price, etc.
I learned to touch-type on a tented keyboard with a mild split. When I replaced it, I got a 'Wave' keyboard - not split, but slightly tented, and had depressions and curves to match the wrist and the finger lengths at rest on the home row. Both of them were membrane keyboards (full-depth keypress). Despite being a membrane keyboard, the Wave was still as chunky and loud as most mechanical keyboards.
But now, I'm just using a generic full-length mechanical keyboard (partial keypress) with relatively quiet switches, one chosen as a good compromise between gaming (sensitivity) and typing (feedback). I've changed my resting position a little so that my wrists are still in an A shape (not an H shape), but I'm finding the keys much more comfortable.
The old ergonomic keyboards didn't give much choice and in hindsight the feedback on the keys on the Wave felt AWFUL compared to what I use now. A split/tent mechanical keyboard might be different, but then price becomes a consideration. Swapping to a mechanical keyboard made the biggest difference to my comfort typing. (And don't let tall/loud keys fool you - not every chunky keyboard is mechanical.)
Interesting take on the gaming aspect! I've decided to try out the Moonlander and gaming is my main task after programming (sometimes before lol). Hoping the customization software gets me around some of the issues with having the buttons too far away.
I've got the EZ and it's not really a problem. Have a button to switch between my QWERTY (gaming) and colemak (everything else) layers. I occasionally forget to switch and wonder why I can't strafe right but it's fine.
It takes a little getting used to, but once you're flowing on a split with colemak-dh it feels very natural.
Have the Moonlander, love it. Watch Ben Valleck(spelling)‘s Videos.
Seconding Ben Vallack’s videos. He really goes down the rabbit hole of split keyboards.
I can’t get by without my lineages advantage 360 pro. It’s a ridiculous keyboard but the only one I’ve ever tried that hasn’t caused my arm to get inflamed after a days typing.
I had an ergodox for a while. It was nice but it also did hurt more at the start but then I felt way better than with a normal keyboard. Are you experiencing RSI?
Not much, probably a minor case of it if so. Trying to get ahead of it at least but also just like the thought of moving towards a more ergonomic setup
Thanks for the advice!
I’ve been trying so hard to get one, sadly where I live, this category is basically nonexistent.
More anecdata, but 10-15 years ago I started getting RSI/carpal tunnel symptoms in both hands. I switched to tented keyboards (mainly Kinesis) and vertical mice (Anker among others) and the symptoms went away. I was able to finish out a programming career until I retired a few years ago. So thumbs-up from me. If you're on a Mac, the Kinesis Freestyle is perfectly plug & play. I would recommend checking out a vertical mouse at the same time.
I've used the ergodox ez for a couple of years, great device. Doing more with thumb is surprisingly convenient.
The small poles didn't do a lot of tenting. I came from yogitype (vertical keyboard), would have liked more.
A few months ago i switched to kinesis 360. Love the tenting of that, the keys are also a pleasure to type on.
Biggest downside is that my laptop keyboard is now even more horrible.
I've been thinking about getting a Moonlander for work. Been having some pain in my arms/shoulders/wrists after work. Would be my first split keyboard.
My personal experience and opinions on split keyboards is a bit different than those that have already commented.
I daily drove a Lilly58 for about two years. Switching to the ortho layout took some effort, but not enough to be a deterrent. And with capable and customizable firmware, any keys that were missing on my layout were made easily accessible with layers.
Having a wider shoulder stance felt nice. And being able to adjust the rotation of the boards on any given day to accommodate my posture felt good too.
However, there were a couple of factors that eventually got to me and caused me to switch back to a TKL.
First was the dynamics between mouse and keyboard. I use a mouse with my right hand. Grabbing a mouse then quickly switching my left hand to the right split was awkward. And hovering my hand over the center of the keyboard was not possible. I tried adding a trackball between the two halves and switching hands as needed, but getting my left hand to cooperate was a much bigger hurdle than I expected.
Second was the lack of hand movement. (I think what most find to be a benefit.). Over time I found that my hands would get tired and I would start making a lot more mistakes while typing. It took a while to figure out, but stretching my fingers to reach things like the function row and using my pinkies to reach for the standard modifiers actually gave me a reason to move my arms and wrists and not hold them in the same position for long periods of time. For me, maintaining position and the lack of movement was far more fatiguing then the stretching.
I don’t doubt for a minute that splits are great and that there are benefits to using them. I just think that how much benefit is very personal to the individual using them.
I want a split, but I cannot yet justify buying another mech board. I've got three currently, and I use one at work, one on my personal PC, and one on my workstation/server machine. I may be able to justify it in the future if my arms/hands start hurting.
I absolutely adore my kinesis freestyle 2. I have the 15° tilt attachments, and my wrists dont feel uncomfortable at all at the end of the day like they used to.
I built a wireless Kyria keyboard late last year and love it. I went with LEDs and OLEDS (not recommended, I basically have to leave both halves plugged in if I want to use them).
They are a lot more comfortable to use than a standard keyboard IMO.
I have the Dygma Raise, helped alleviate shoulder issues and RSI
I’m running a 40% split at work, and I’ve noticed a massive difference in back pain at the end of a long day. Having the shoulders open and rolled back improves my posture and has made a world of difference to me.
Getting comfortable with the ZSA Moonlander was a painfull process, you lose all muscle memory. But once you are comfortable with it, you'll never want to go back to a non ergo keyboard again.
I started using the moonlander at work a fee months ago. The customization and thumb keys are absolutely amazing compared to every "normal" keyboard I've used.
I use the Logitech ergonomic keyboard at work and love it. It does take some getting used to but it is definitely a more comfortable typing experience.
If you’re not looking to tinker, the Logitech Ergo K860 is a great keyboard. I had to swap to an ergo keyboard due to wrist issues and it really helped. However, I’m a sucker for mech keyboards (& clickies) so I ended up building an Iris. I don’t have it tented, the ortho + split is enough for me. It took some time to get used to swapping layers but after a while it all becomes muscle memory. I can definitely recommend a split keeb! Iris with KAT Milkshake and Kailh Box Whites
I can vouch for a split keyboard. I am using moonlander which I find highly comfortable to use instead of the keyboard on my laptop - moonlander does have a steep learning curve but I find it worth it.
Love split keyboards! After a few years of experimenting with them I settled on a Mistel MD770, which I've been happily using for about 2 years now. I played around with tenting, but found I didn't care for it as much as I thought I would. With a far enough split (~9 inches?) and a slight interior rotation, tenting doesn't really seem to add any additional comfort for me.
I have an Ergodox EZ that I use off and on. I used to use it regularly, as I mainly bought it because I was experiencing some shoulder pain.
When you bring your hands/wrists together to type on a regular keyboard, your shoulders tend to roll inward a little bit. Using the Ergodox or any split keyboard lets you open up your chest and shoulders to a more proper alignment and is much more comfortable in my opinion.
It only took me a couple days or so before I was typing at 80%+ of my normal speed on the split and ortho layout.
I haven’t used that keyboard regularly in a while since I wound up discovering that my shoulder pain was caused by my mattress (and just exacerbated by my regular keyboard). I had built out a layout that worked pretty well for me on the Ergodox, but then for the times I would travel for work I would get thrown off switching back to the normal layout of the laptop keyboard.
They take a fair amount of getting used to, especially if you get an ortholinear variety. You might find yourself not really enjoying it out the gate, but it'll force you into better typing posture and you'll grow to love it over time and hate the times you have to type on a standard keyboard. I have an Ergodox and the ortholinear aspect took a while to get used to and settling into a function keys layout I liked took another good while. Expect to be worse at typing and less productive at the outset. Your hands and wrists will thank you in the long run, though.
I went from regular keyboards to split qwerty for a while. Which was nice but still felt a bit clunky. I then built a Lily58 and daily drove it for about 2 years. I did this mostly out of curiosity because I never had any pain issues, back or wrists or anything. What happens is now I noticed how uncomfortable regular keyboards are, when I have to use the laptop keyboard. It is very good to control tenting with the split form factor. I then switched to a Corne because it's smaller and I travel quite a lot. I also changed to a colemak layout and boy, that switch was hard (decades of typing qwerty, muscle memory, etc). It is much more comfortable to type though.
I started off getting a Dygma Raise, as this is a staggered layout like a standard keyboard and you could even slot it together or separate it and use as a split.
I recently put together a Lily58 which is a columnar layout, which took a few days to get used to but I have been enjoying using it.
i have an ergodox and its good, but my kinesis advantage is noticably easier on my hands
I use a BFO-9000 and I love it! Although its an ortholinear layout so if you went for it it'd probably take some time to get used to.
I've used a variety of split keyboards for a good number of years now, and it has made an enormous difference to the hand pain that was just starting before I switched, and also to my posture. I tried tenting too, but never really got comfy with that. I found that tenting helped me more when using higher profile split boards (i.e. with MX switches), but I preferred not tenting with low profile (Choc) switches. It's worth getting a board with the potential to tent though, as it is a very individual thing and you never know what will work best for you.
For reference, I am not a gamer, and try to avoid using the mouse as much as possible.
