need some help picking out a keyboard
need some help picking out a keyboard
Hi guys, I'm looking to switch from a Zoom65 EE to an ergo keyboard. I have a feeling a product with my needs doesn't exist and I'd have to go custom...
- split kb
- wireless to PC (wireless between keyboard halves a plus but not necessary)
- 2.5ghz dongle would be sweet but not necessary
- switch hotswap
- led lighting (doesn't have to be per key)
- variable tenting
- travel case?
I'm located in the US. My budget can go up to $350.
Proper split ergo keyboards are pricey, and selection is very small: https://kinesis-ergo.com/keyboards/advantage360/#buy-now
I'm currently building my own Redox because I can't justify spending that much on a Kinesis: https://shop.beekeeb.com/product/redox-v1-pcb-kit/
Maybe you can get somebody to build you a Redox for less than $350? Check Etsy, ebay.
Not sure if it meets all of your reqs, but I'm following this one closely. Can't decide if I want to go for it or not: https://dygma.com/products/dygma-defy. It's in your budget tho!
Best pic of it so far with vertical adjustment: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0374/9448/9228/products/dygma-defy-1.jpg?v=1668072065
I do think it satisfies all the desires, but once you add on the optional things (like the wireless and rgb) you’ll actually end up north of $550, so while you’d probably love it, it is likely out of budget.
ErgoDox wireless from SliceMK (https://www.slicemk.com/pages/ergodox-wireless) is my suggestion. My current daily driver is a ErgoDox Wireless Lite -- been using it for about 10 months now. The guy behind it (series of wireless ErgoDox variants) is very helpful with problems on his discord. He also has a webUI configurator that works reasonably well (which I don't use because I prefer to keep my configs in git).
Leo from beekeeb offers pre-build split keyboards like this one: https://shop.beekeeb.com/product/pre-soldered-wireless-dao-choc-ble-keyboard/ and it's within your 350$ range.
It should check all your boxes except a dongle and rgb. Regarding the travel case: He even offers a soft travel pouch in the store.
RGB on a wireless split keyboard needs a pretty big battery to have more battery life than a day or too, so it's difficult to find both rgb and wireless in a pre built one without raising the costs. Also some LEDs draw constant power without even being on which also adds to this issue.I dont think your going to find a keyboard thats is off the shelf that fits all those requirements. Besides the Advatage 360, theres the Dygma Defy for 500 USD (with all those extras you want, 325 with no tenting and wired, and its not coming out anytime soon). You can go to Esty and search for a "dactyl manuform"
Thebigskree (https://skree.us/) ~350 USD, Is wireless, hotswap, but not RGB, but the pcbs seem to support it. Going to have to contact them. RGB sucks up the battery fast, maybe thats why the option isn't available.
Cyboards ( https://www.cyboard.digital/ ) 245 to 385 USD, depending #keys, has RGB, but not wireless.
Wyderbuilds (https://wylderbuilds.com/shop/p/dactyl-manuform-build) ~ 300 USD, RGB, hotswap, not wireless.
Theres not alot of readily available wireless ergo keyboards. Gonna have to ask yourself do you really need it? If you drop the wireless requirement, you'll have Way more options, or go DIY.
https://ergomech.store/ Solfe RGB
https://keeb.io/ - Iris and others
https://falba.tech/ - Wireless splits available, not so sure about RGB options, if any.
Hope it helps.
I recommend you to try corne v3. I has a lot build options, cases, wire and wireless options, etc. Also you can buy pre-built one on etsy
Not currently available, and the budget is not yet known, but it checks all your other criteria (except the travel case): https://x-bows.com/products/x-bows-split-keyboard
Otherwise, you can start with another existing option and adapt it to add what is missing. For instance, if the keyboard is built around a pro micro and you want to make it wireless, you can replace the pro micro with a nice nano and find a way to place a battery and power switch.
Have you looked at the Split keyboard database ... I preselected your requirements but didn't select Availability and Stagger or Zones.
... and as already mentioned LEDs will drain your battery.
Look at Beekeeb's store. He fits your price point and wireless can be an option on a few of his boards.
Otherwise, the Leeloo may be a good fit if it's in stock
Keep in mind LED lighting is probably the single biggest drain on wireless keyboard battery life, not like it doesn't exist or you shouldn't use it, but it will eat your battery life
Check out Keebmaker.com. They’re US based.
I think the 2.4ghz is going to be the most rare feature. I found essentially one Etsy seller (https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?sid=vooooodooooo&_pgn=1&isRefine=true&_trksid=p2349624.m3561.l49496) and then the dygma. I think since Bluetooth in integrated in to microcontrollers, this becomes the simpler solution.
