Splitting also allows "tenting" the keyboard easily, i.e. having the halves sit at an angle instead of just flat on the desk, which further improves ergonomics.

Splitting also allows "tenting" the keyboard easily, i.e. having the halves sit at an angle instead of just flat on the desk, which further improves ergonomics. The history of spltting and tenting go way back. If you look at Microsofts somewhat popular "Natural" and "Sculpt" keyboards, they are semi-split and slightly tented already since late 90s.