Help! I'm indecisive and I want a keyboard.
I know there are at least fifteen threads on ~comp alone about mechanical keyboards, but, this one is mine.
I recently had a run in with tendinitis, which taught me the importance of ergonomics, but I still wanted the clickety clack of a mechanical keyboard, so I decided to consider buying an ergonomic mechanical keyboard.
The first one that I looked at was the ErgoDox EZ (it was the first one I saw). It had a split layout, open source firmware, and a positive review from Linus Tech Tips.
The second one was the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard (I saw the Hacker News thread). I was interested in it for the Trackball Module.
These two keyboards are different enough from each other, so it's hard to compare them.
In conclusion, why should I choose one over the other?
As you've noticed, there are already many threads on ergonomic keyboards so I'd like to suggest getting an ergonomic mouse first. It's a much cheaper investment and the returns are amazing. For $15 or so you can get a vertical mouse which will dramatically improve your comfort. I used to have really bad, painful RSI and was considering surgery to relieve tension on my wrist. Instead, I decided to give that mouse a try first. In less than a month, the pain was completely gone and it has never come back.
I never really considered using a vertical mouse. Do you have any experience with track balls?
I have experience with both, and the vertical mouse is a much easier learning curve than a trackball, and made a bigger difference for me. I love the vertical mice.
The customizable firmware is the single most important benefit of the ErgoDox. Whatever it is you do you'll be able to customize the keyboard to the way your brain works and the way you frequently use the keyboard. I found that I do a lot of copy-pasting during the day and remapped the keys on my board to make it so I don't have to move my hands in any uncommon way. Ctrl was remapped to the left thumb cluster plus C or V for copy and paste makes it a single natural motion.
If you do something else frequently during the day map your keys to make that process more ergonomic. It's really a great strength of the ergodox.
I haven't tried either keyboard you mentioned, but I did get a keyboard.io keyboard and I haven't had RSI problems since. YMMV, but it's honestly the best keyboard I've used (after i got used to the layout, which does take some time).
How do you like the Keyboard.io? I've been following that since the kickstarter, thinking about getting it, but I really hesitate because I use the number pad so much for Excel and the arrow keys for gaming. I'm still using the old Microsoft Natural keyboard from 20ish years ago.
Just chiming in, like the other user said spring on a good trackball (like the Logitech M570 or Elecom Huge). The ErgoDox is one of the best layouts I have used, with the right set of switches it will make typing all day a pain free experience! I have surprisingly weak fingers that start to give out after a few hours so I went with Gateron Clears with added orings. The board is so light I don't have issues typing all day and my shoulders are thanking me for the split.
The real reason I recommend the ErgoDox over the UHK is QMK compatibility. It's an extremely flexible firmware that can be configured to every whim. For example the key to the left of 'a' on my ErgoDox is mapped to be a Backspace on tap, and a control when combo'd, one of the thumb keys activates my programming symbol layer and pressing both of my space paddles inserts a =.
One more thing, don't buy a ErgoDox EZ. Get handy with a soldering iron and assemble your own. This ridiculously cheap compared to buying your own and the PCBs can be sourced from multiple vendors. If you want to skimp on a case, just grab some little adhesive furniture bumpers and tack them onto the bottom of the PCB.
The only thing I don't like about it is the size, and that's why I'm in the middle of designing my own board :)
If I am getting a trackball, I need it to be able to:
I have reservations about the Elecom Huge because it has a ton of buttons, but I'm not sure if I can use most of them on Ubuntu. I was considering more the Kensington Expert Wireless because I know that even if I cannot reprogram the buttons, I can still use all of them. I couldn't find any information about this topic. What is your experience?
Sorry for the late response, don’t register for accounts when half asleep.
xinput will remap all of your inputs as you want, speed, drag scrolling, the whole nine! Each of the Huges 10 buttons work out of the box with Linux, but I find it a little wonky so I jiggered it around with xinput. Just read the man page and twiddle around, everything you asked is doable!
I've used a Planck, Ergodox, and HHKB individually for a few months each but once I got my keyboard.io Model01, I've never looked back. The physical layout on the Model01 is the best among keyboards I have used. The keycap shapes make it extremely easy for me to locate the correct special symbol and number row keys (this may not be so important if you have much more experience than I do. I am a PhD student in math). I also like the large amount of thumb cluster keys. Even though the inner ones are easier for me to access, having a '-' key or windows key closer is a big convenience. The palm keys giving easy access to additional navigation keys, a mousing layer, and a wealth of convenience shortcuts also sets the Model01 apart.
Hi indecisive and I want a keyboard, I'm anna.