3 ms·

Unfortunatley, I believe it's a mistake to move away from the 1.5u outer column used by the ErgoDox, since the pinky is a less accurate finger and benefits from

Unfortunatley, I believe it's a mistake to move away from the 1.5u outer column used by the ErgoDox, since the pinky is a less accurate finger and benefits from the extra key width. There isn't anything this does that the ErgoDox-EZ doesn't do, besides the adjustable thumb cluster and apparent build quality. I wouldn't call this a next-generation ergonomic keyboard unless it also had integrated pointing device options like the UHK has.

MrBuddyCasino 6y ago
The main critique about the ErgoDox-EZ was always the thumb cluster. This one seems a bit better designed, but can't tell from the pics if they solved that particular issue - I suspect not. Agree about the pinky column, not an improvement. I like the visuals of the ErgoDox-EZ the most, but still willing to wait for the new keyboard.io, whenever that one comes out.
ianhowson 6y ago
I recently built a Dactyl Manuform and thought the same thing with the 1.5u outer columns. For me, at least, it's not a big win. I'm mostly touching the inner edge of the key because my pinkies aren't that laterally flexible. I like a lot of tilt and low to the desk, and that extra 0.5u of width ends up raising the whole thing more than it needs to. I have large hands and the ErgoDox thumb cluster is just too damn far away. Bringing it within reach is a meaningful improvement.
CarVac 6y ago
My take after building my own fully-custom board is that the best ergonomics is had by ditching the outer column entirely to completely remove pinky reaching. The thumb clusters need to be bigger and closer to the alphas so they're more powerful and more easily reached. My board: https://flic.kr/p/LJdbeC https://flic.kr/p/LJdbeC
- 1MachineElf 6y ago
  You are a legend, sir! I recall this being posted to reddit years back. I upvoted it then, and do so again now. I started out with an Atreus42 in 2016 and really loved it, so I totally get that outer columns are superfluous in most circumstances. The same could be said about most extra features on this ZSA Moonlander board overall, although I think there's some utility in being able to leverage the non-essential keys when it's convenient, especially when it costs that much. Say for example one wants to use it for gaming - most games expect there to be an outer column. (Shameless plug) Here's my keymap. It doesn't require outer columns, and needs just 34 keys: https://github.com/1MachineElf/qmk_firmware/tree/sb4dv/planck/keyboards/planck/keymaps/sb4dv https://github.com/1MachineElf/qmk_firmware/tree/sb4dv/planc...

MrBuddyCasino 6y ago

The main critique about the ErgoDox-EZ was always the thumb cluster. This one seems a bit better designed, but can't tell from the pics if they solved that particular issue - I suspect not. Agree about the pinky column, not an improvement. I like the visuals of the ErgoDox-EZ the most, but still willing to wait for the new keyboard.io, whenever that one comes out.

ianhowson 6y ago

I recently built a Dactyl Manuform and thought the same thing with the 1.5u outer columns. For me, at least, it's not a big win. I'm mostly touching the inner edge of the key because my pinkies aren't that laterally flexible. I like a lot of tilt and low to the desk, and that extra 0.5u of width ends up raising the whole thing more than it needs to. I have large hands and the ErgoDox thumb cluster is just too damn far away. Bringing it within reach is a meaningful improvement.

CarVac 6y ago

My take after building my own fully-custom board is that the best ergonomics is had by ditching the outer column entirely to completely remove pinky reaching. The thumb clusters need to be bigger and closer to the alphas so they're more powerful and more easily reached. My board: https://flic.kr/p/LJdbeC https://flic.kr/p/LJdbeC

1MachineElf 6y ago
You are a legend, sir! I recall this being posted to reddit years back. I upvoted it then, and do so again now. I started out with an Atreus42 in 2016 and really loved it, so I totally get that outer columns are superfluous in most circumstances. The same could be said about most extra features on this ZSA Moonlander board overall, although I think there's some utility in being able to leverage the non-essential keys when it's convenient, especially when it costs that much. Say for example one wants to use it for gaming - most games expect there to be an outer column. (Shameless plug) Here's my keymap. It doesn't require outer columns, and needs just 34 keys: https://github.com/1MachineElf/qmk_firmware/tree/sb4dv/planck/keyboards/planck/keymaps/sb4dv https://github.com/1MachineElf/qmk_firmware/tree/sb4dv/planc...