this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

Rules

Keep it ergo

Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)

i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²

¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid

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Hi, I've been meaning to make a travel-friendly ergonomic keyboard setup for a couple years ago after starting /r/ergomobilecomputers, so far just been on a raised tablet setup with a regular keyboard (a setup I've enjoyed, but will confess I've some slight pain from using a standard keyboard with it)

What kinds of recovery stories have you experienced yourself or heard from others in using a certain ergomechkeyboard?

Were there things outside of having a more ergonomic setup that helped (i.e. just better sleep, diet, hygiene, mood) too?

Basically curious to hear some stories of how these things have helped fellow jank-embracers!

I did try searching around the original sub for 'pain' and 'rsi' but feel like it may be worth asking again on here.

UPDATE: Thanks again for all the stories so far both here and on the related reddit thread! Made me revise a brainstorm keyboard idea that could facilitate redirecting pinky use on the left control key + right arrow keys to something that uses the thumb + index finger instead.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

There are two major benefits in ergonomics with fully-splits. They are that, 1, they acknowledge that one size does not fit all in that they offer a way to move them around and find the right angles and positions for you and your hands; and, 2, "the best posture is the best posture" - i.e. the ability to move and adjust your setup throughout the day/session is itself an ergonomic benefit, staying in one posture is one of the roots of RSI.

Another thing that full splits offer that you may find beneficial is tenting, especially (again) adjustable tenting. Monoblocks don't tend to be tented and when they are they are stuck at a fixed angle, if that's not the right angle for you then it's a problem, and adjustability is king for the aforementioned reasons.

Now, there are many factors, split keyboards are not a panacea. Mouses/pointing devices play a role, as do chairs, desks and maybe most importantly habits! Take regular breaks, move around, etc. Again, the best posture is the next posture.

Also don't listen to people on the Internet and consult a doctor/physiotherapist.