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Ok, for the keyboard enthusiasts here: does anyone know if there’s such thing as a “magic keyboard” - flat keyboard and flat keys - but as a split keyboard? I’

Ok, for the keyboard enthusiasts here: does anyone know if there’s such thing as a “magic keyboard” - flat keyboard and flat keys - but as a split keyboard? I’ve been testing split keyboards lately and I think they’ll provide some relief to some neck and shoulder pain I get from hunching when I type, but I don’t really like how gigantic the keyboards all are, and to be honest I prefer the “chiclet” keys over the big mechanical keys (heresy, I know). Any suggestions?

MivLives 6y ago
You're looking for something with choc mechanical switches. I personally use a Lily58 but there's a bunch of other boards you can potentially find with them.
- burlesona 6y ago
  Where do you go about ordering a split board with custom switches and key caps?
  - mholm 6y ago
    Board: You might try https://flashquark.com/product/gb-mitosis-wireless-split-ergonomic-keyboard-w-acrylic-case/ https://flashquark.com/product/gb-mitosis-wireless-split-erg... and seeing if you can get custom switches installed. I believe the pin outs are the same, so it would just be a matter of sending them switches they don't currently sell, if they agree. For keycaps, Signature Plastics is where I buy blanks. DSA profile will be your best bet, given how strange split board layouts can be.
  - MivLives 6y ago
    Littlekeyboards, and boardsource.xyz both have the parts (and assembly services if you don't want to bother). Keycaps can be hard, chocs in particular don't have a lot of good caps. MBKs are the best feeling ones (in my opinion). They just announced ones with legends and they won't be available for months. There are other options with legends available as well, that are closer to traditional laptop keys. https://github.com/diimdeep/awesome-split-keyboards https://github.com/diimdeep/awesome-split-keyboards - A list of splits, not all support lower profile keycaps. Reddit has the https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/ community, who might be able to point you to more information, including a layout comparer.
wodenokoto 6y ago
How split? Like actual two pieces or just wavy? logitech ergo k860 And Microsoft sculpt are pretty flat, chiclet style ergonomic keyboards.
- burlesona 6y ago
  Two pieces. I’ve discovered that I hunch mainly because my shoulders are pretty wide and I sort of have to hunch to put my hands side by side to type. I think the wavy keyboards look okay, but they don’t have as much gap as I’m looking for.
mholm 6y ago
I'm in the same boat here, and nothing currently exists to my knowledge without building custom. My dream keyboard would be an Apple Magic Ergodox, but I'm not sure how viable that form factor would be from DIY parts.
wodenokoto 6y ago
Check out R-Go Split. Never tried it myself, but seems to fit your description https://www.r-go-tools.com/products/ergonomic-keyboards/ https://www.r-go-tools.com/products/ergonomic-keyboards/

MivLives 6y ago

You're looking for something with choc mechanical switches. I personally use a Lily58 but there's a bunch of other boards you can potentially find with them.

burlesona 6y ago
Where do you go about ordering a split board with custom switches and key caps?
- mholm 6y ago
  Board: You might try https://flashquark.com/product/gb-mitosis-wireless-split-ergonomic-keyboard-w-acrylic-case/ https://flashquark.com/product/gb-mitosis-wireless-split-erg... and seeing if you can get custom switches installed. I believe the pin outs are the same, so it would just be a matter of sending them switches they don't currently sell, if they agree. For keycaps, Signature Plastics is where I buy blanks. DSA profile will be your best bet, given how strange split board layouts can be.
- MivLives 6y ago
  Littlekeyboards, and boardsource.xyz both have the parts (and assembly services if you don't want to bother). Keycaps can be hard, chocs in particular don't have a lot of good caps. MBKs are the best feeling ones (in my opinion). They just announced ones with legends and they won't be available for months. There are other options with legends available as well, that are closer to traditional laptop keys. https://github.com/diimdeep/awesome-split-keyboards https://github.com/diimdeep/awesome-split-keyboards - A list of splits, not all support lower profile keycaps. Reddit has the https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/ https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/ community, who might be able to point you to more information, including a layout comparer.

wodenokoto 6y ago

How split? Like actual two pieces or just wavy? logitech ergo k860 And Microsoft sculpt are pretty flat, chiclet style ergonomic keyboards.

burlesona 6y ago
Two pieces. I’ve discovered that I hunch mainly because my shoulders are pretty wide and I sort of have to hunch to put my hands side by side to type. I think the wavy keyboards look okay, but they don’t have as much gap as I’m looking for.

mholm 6y ago

I'm in the same boat here, and nothing currently exists to my knowledge without building custom. My dream keyboard would be an Apple Magic Ergodox, but I'm not sure how viable that form factor would be from DIY parts.

wodenokoto 6y ago

Check out R-Go Split. Never tried it myself, but seems to fit your description https://www.r-go-tools.com/products/ergonomic-keyboards/ https://www.r-go-tools.com/products/ergonomic-keyboards/