What’s your experience using an ergonomic keyboard for writing and general office work

[Matz]

I‘m interested in hearing about folks’ experience using ergonomic keyboards on a daily basis: how long it took to learn to use one, and if the transition was worth the effort (and expense).

Recently I purchased a new Mac Mini, and an Apple Magic Keyboard, with the 10 key pad. I bought the Apple keyboard because I was familiar with it, from using it for years on my 2010 iMac.

Now, after having used it for a couple of weeks on a new computer, I think I would like something more suited to me.

Bottom line, I find it awkward using a standard keyboard (not just the Apple, but also with my PC at work) and frankly have just put up with it all of these years. After reading some articles and reviews online and giving it some thought, I’m seriously considering returning the Apple keyboard and switching to something a bit more ergonomic.

Some of these ergo keyboards are downright expensive, so any insights you may have will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Matz]

Huh. Thought I’d hear something by now. Most of the threads on this subject seem to be from 2018 or earlier; perhaps the topic’s been exhausted.

Anyway, I’m intrigued by the ErgoDox, as it seems to have the most adjustable form factor, and is fully compatible with MacOS.

The problem is, it’s about $350 USD. Serious money, at least for a keyboard.

 

[millerj123]

I thought you would have, too. For years I used a Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard. At work my wireless keyboard is slightly ergo, but at home I’m still using a wired Apple chicklet keyboard.

 

[xraydoc]

I'm not a good enough typist to use one. Tried one years ago, but made it only a couple days and gave up. I stick to traditional layouts. But I do use a mechanical keyboard on my desktop machine, which I love.

 

[Matz]

I'm not a good enough typist to use one. Tried one years ago, but made it only a couple days and gave up. I stick to traditional layouts. But I do use a mechanical keyboard on my desktop machine, which I love.

At a minimum, my next keyboard will be mechanical. I use one for my PC at work, and like the feel of it better than my Apple keyboard.

I'm a middling typist, good enough to touch type mostly, except when it comes to number and function keys, but certainly not speedy. I want to get faster, which will involve getting another typing tutor app, and practicing. I'd like to sort out which keyboard to get before doing that, so that I can combine the learning curves to the extent possible.

The few good reviews I've seen on truly ergo keyboards emphasize that they take some getting used to. Sometimes weeks - which I guess makes sense, when you think about what it takes to develop muscle memory.

 

[Matz]

I just picked up a Perixx Periboard-512 ergonomic keyboard, which is a Microsoft Sculpt clone. Since it was just under $40 on Amazon, it's a low-cost way try out an ergonomic layout.

It arrived yesterday, and so far, so good.

It's a windows keyboard, but works well enough with my Mac to give me a sense of whether or not it's worth plunking down serious money for an ErgoDox or something similar.

On the other hand, maybe the Perixx will turn out to be good enough, and I'll keep using it.

Time will tell.

 

[Matz]

After five + months using the Perixx, I took the plunge and went to a full split keyboard - a Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB. The ErgoDox looks to be a great keyboard, but the Kinesis seems to have all of the features that will make a difference to me, at a significantly lower price.

After only a couple of days, I’m liking it, but it is taking some getting used to. The only change I‘ve made is to install four Mac-specific keys.

I like the ability to adjust the horizontal and vertical angles to maintain a neutral wrist position. I also like the mechanical keys (MX Cherry Brown). The backlighting is awesome, too.