I ended up giving my super custom WASD to my wife, who loves it.

Now I use a Microsoft Sculpt. Yeah this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CYX26BC/ … I tried a friends and almost instantly all my hand and wrist pain went away, never to come back for 3 years now. And my typing speed is better. I initially wasn’t a fan of the key action but I got used to it and the comfort was worth it.

So goodbye cool keyboards…

Proper ergonomics are king, and a lot of “clacky” mechanicals fail pretty badly at that. I went through the usual programmer love affair with Type M’s and their imitators, but realized they’re actually kind of terrible to use after a few boughts of RSI. The biggest thing is getting a few minutes hands on to know how they feel with your particular hands, which isn’t really possible right now.

I can recommend the Microsoft Sculpt though, it’s been my preferred work keyboard through several employers now. The key-travel is smooth, I like the island-style keys, and the split layout+elevated rest keeps my wrists aligned perfectly, standing or sitting. I’ve converted my entire current office to this keyboard.

Similarly, an ergonomic mouse is often overlooked, I find the cheapo Anker is actually great (particularly as someone with large hands), even compared to far more expensive options.

My work keyboard is one of these and it is fucking disgusting.

The keys are all nested in individual slots and cannot be removed, and the spaces between them attract people-grease and grime like nothing else. The tiny crevice between the palm/wrist rest and the keyboard proper is just all skin flakes now and I cannot get them out. That skin just lives there now. I’ve tried so hard to get it clean, but it’s just a non-starter. I’m stuck with this nasty-ass keyboard until it gives up the ghost.

The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is close in some ways but maybe not quite what you’re looking for. It’s not fully split, but there’s a little bit of separation and tenting, and it uses butterfly switches like on some laptop keyboards.

The Kinesis Freestyle2 actually doesn’t use mechanical switches, but the Freestyle Pro and Advantage do.

In addition to others’ points about mechanical switch options, if you like the shorter travel of your laptop’s keyboard, you could try a keyboard with silent low-profile mechanical switches (Kailh Choc is the most common low-profile switch). And on most switches you can add O-rings to reduce travel and dampen sound.

The main disadvantages of split mechanical keyboards are that they can get pricey fast, and prebuilt options are limited (especially for low-profile). Also a lot of them are 60% or smaller, meaning you have to learn to use layers and probably custom layouts—which is more powerful, but the learning curve can be annoying.

Not at all.

However & sorta related, I have an MS Ergonomic keyboard & I’ve noticed lately I seem to be making way more typo’s than with my iPad keyboards, so I’ve been contemplating buying an Apple Magic keyboard with 10-key, since I love how shallow apple’s keys are….

But then I can’t imagine it would be too fun re-mapping keys & such…

​

This is my keyboard – Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic.

​

Anyway; no, absolutely typing on my 11″ MK doesn’t negatively impact my ability to type on larger & normal keyboards.

I feel I can type faster on smaller keyboards bc the keys are so close together…

The Microsoft keyboard mouse is a decent option and on sale right now. One feature is letting the keys slope down away from you. I’ve always been confused why keyboards almost never do this, but almost always the opposite. Coming from piano and conscious of the RSI injuries in that world I found it very strange that anyone would want the keys sloping so dramatically upward that they’d add feet in order to magnify it. I imagine it goes back to the typewriter but those never were anything but horrible ergonomics.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001 ) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_XH2N12PGJF9D60KBPH4J

I’m a dev who’s been using Microsoft Sculpt keyboards for years. I liked the ergonomics, and the fact that it was silent. With time however, I am getting more and more annoyed at the idiot who designed function keys on it. They’re virtually unusable, and I always need to glance down to see which one I’m pressing, which is a major pain if you’re in an IDE that makes heavy use of them.

Long story short, I decided to give up ergonomics, and go with something big where I can actually use the function keys. I’d prefer something relatively quiet, but without the mushy feel. I do want the keypad. I ended up ordering a Cherry key sampler from Amazon, but would like some recommendations for keyboards meant primarily for coding. I don’t mind building this thing myself if needed. Thanks.

If you’re OK with membrane keyboards this keyboard has a good shape. The split plus downward angle is great for wrist position. It is just a little off for me since I want mechanical and the key spacing is a bit too wide but the overall shape and design I think is pretty good.

Yep. These help a lot. On my work desktop I use a Microsoft Sculpt.

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC

On the plus side, it’s ergonomic and incredibly comfortable. On the minus side, you basically have to learn how to type all over again until you’re used to the key layout.

If you like those, I really recommend the keyboard, but the mouse is nothing special. I prefer a Triathalon.

We really do need the Ergo K860 tenkeyless. The design is so cool but the numpad just takes way too much space.

At this point I’m considering the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard, but I’m not very keen of the glossy plastic that shows fingerprints. Here’s a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_xzzRFbXMMNY68

Not really, reddit is just a circlejerk. The keyboards themselves are great, but after typing on the switches for so long, they get just get obnoxious. The switches are what I have a problem with. I’m really over the loud clicking, and I’m already on brown switches with o-rings and it’s still incredibly loud.

The clickiness and tactileness factor really has worn off to me at this point and I could care less about it, I just want quiet and comfortable keys. I’m now looking towards something like the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard for my next keyboard, but as you know, mechanical keyboards just never die.

I got this recently and I really like it. https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC

I went to an OT recently, and she approved this keyboard. Also, get a mouse that supports your hand not angling up from your wrist (I love my new rollerball mouse). Definitely go see an OT and learn more about how to mitigate the CTS. I’m a candidate for surgery, but I’m hoping a new office setup, and the steroid shots I had in my wrists, do the trick well enough so I can avoid surgery. Also, shots in your wrists may sound horrible, but they were honestly easier than the flu shot I’d had earlier that day. Just be prepared for a couple of Useless Hands days, because it takes a couple of days for the body to adjust (it’ll feel like the CTS gets worse for 2-3 days, and then it will start disappearing). But, the effects of the shots are supposed to last up to 2-3 months. It’s been 4-5 weeks since mine and I’m only vaguely aware of my wrists if I type a lot.

Also, working with Dragon helps. It’s a bit of a slow ramp up, but when your hands are bad, all the “select [phrase]” and correction efforts are worth all the wacky mistakes it can make.

Yeah, I had an mx cherry keyboard, but my girlfriend couldn’t stand the constant clicking… I’ve grown to really like the microsoft sculpt though.

I’m partial to Microsoft’s Ergonomic Keyboards and their latest one uses chiclet keys.

Microsoft’s sculpt keyboard uses scissor switches and is supposed to be a very good ergo keyboard.

I am seriously tempted by it, but just ordered a Matias ergo pro:)

I currently use the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard

It’s not the most ergonomically keyboard out there, but it’s relatively cheap, decent quality and a huge improvement over a standard keyboard.

I currently use the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard

It’s not the most ergonomically keyboard out there, but it’s relatively cheap, decent quality and a huge improvement over a standard keyboard.

Are there any mechanical keyboards with a layout similar to the Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic?

If not, are there any good ergonomic mechanical keyboards with at least a somewhat similar design?

I checked the wiki and half the keyboards listed under ergonomic don’t even have mechanical switches – they use rubber dome so idk what the deal with that is. The rest are either not really ergonomic (straight design) or the one I would consider (the trulyergonomic) has a few keys moved around (brackets from right to left side for example) that leaves me hesitant. It’s also rather expensive at $250. It’s the closest I’ve found to what I want though.

I like the separate number key pad, but the next best alternative is ten-keyless. Compact is ok if the arrow/home groups are moved somewhere reasonable rather than eliminated entirely. Fn keys are required.
I prefer Mx Brown switches, but reds are OK too.

I have one of the these. I only use the number pad as well when playing and set the keyboard to the side. It works surprisingly well! I thought I was the only one.

You’re going to get a lot of answers here chiming in on the merits of mechanical keyboards — I’m assuming many subscribers of /r/sysadmin also subscribe to /r/pcmasterrace &/or come from “a better time” when mechanical keyboards were more common. That
crowd and mech. keyboards go hand-in-hand.

As far as comfort goes, I looooooooooove my Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard (Amazon link). Took me <5 minutes to adjust from a normal layout. I can’t recommend it enough.

First of all I’m sorry for the pain you’re going through, I get bad forearm pain too and know how it is.

If your RSI is on track to get as bad as mine, just stretching, good posture, and ergonomics wouldn’t be enough. I actually have a whole routine that I do three times a day which involves a five minute warm-up to get my heart rate up (good for circulation and healing), massages, and stretches. I’m actually planning on making a YouTube video for myself (because it’s actually a lot) so I’ll send you the link when I do.

If I were you I would try to take a break from the computer since that’s the only guaranteed way that you can heal. Because yes, you could potentially cause permanent damage to your nerves. Also your pain will spread to other body parts!

But honestly, even if you took a break, as long as you go back to the same old habits your RSI will come back. All you can do is to get at the root of the issue and change your lifestyle by building a routine so you’re not damaging yourself more than you are healing:

• Get good sleep
• Don’t drink alcohol (dehydrates your muscles, bad for pain/healing)
• Do muscle building exercises (lift weights and especially work on our upper body muscles which are involved in posture, etc.)
• Do cardio until it makes you sweat daily (this actually gives me temporary relief)
• Drink lots of water
• Take a lot of computer breaks (drinking lots of water will force you to get up and pee)
• Use one of these 3 minute interval timers on YouTube so every time it beeps you can reach for something away from you and the keyboard (it’s good to keep moving and getting out of the same stationary position from when you’re typing)

Get this book called “It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!” on Amazon – trust me the knowledge that I gained from this book is what allowed me to continue working. It has a ton of exercises too.

Also if you can, get a 2-in-1 laptop and the Dragon voice dictation software. I just got this 17 inch laptop that also turns into a tablet for the versatility. Also I have RSI symptoms when I use the phone too, so I do all my web surfing in tablet mode on the couch with my voice like I am right now 🙂 I typed 75% of this with my Dragon software too.

Also if you haven’t already definitely get the Microsoft ergonomic keyboard and the trackball mouse too. Oh and a keyboard tray … I still need to use the keyboard and mouse for my job since I’m still learning the Dragon software and couldn’t live without these. I’ve used all the ergonomic keyboards & mouses out there and these are hands down the best ones.

If you have an office job and you’re in the US, get an HR accommodation where they will let you work from home. My commute killed me. But working from home gave me extra time to put towards my routines.

I’ve unfortunately had to spend a ton of money for my RSI and make major lifestyle changes but so far have been able to keep going. It’s not easy to get used to a new routine (managing my RSI is honestly like a part time job) and you will beat yourself up many times during the process. But good luck! Hope you feel better soon. Let m know if you have any questions.

I would second the sculpt. I love mine… I looked at Amazon and found mine for $54 there. ( https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=sculpt&amp;qid=1556319141&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-2 ).

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It did not come with the mouse, but I bought the Anker Ergonomic wireless mouse which has paired well for it, and a great trial for the price.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001 ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Z5SWRX3E91WZD4JD15Y0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

My daughter used the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001) for a while. She liked it and had no trouble adapting to it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC

$56 without the mouse

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I highly recommend the Jelly Comb KE68. It is a high-quality ergonomic keyboard with full-size keys and a numeric keypad on the right side, but with a narrower profile than most keyboards to reduce mouse reach distance.

If you really don’t care to have a numeric keypad, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is a solid ergonomic keyboard with a detached numeric keypad you can place anywhere or put away.

You may need to invest in some more ergonomic input devices. I personally use the Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard, both because of the contoured shape and because the number pad is split so I can put it to the right of my mouse, which allows me not to spread my arms as far during normal use. Really helps my right shoulder and elbow.

I also recently switched to a Logitech thumb ball style mouse. This has dramatically reduced the wear and tear on my right hand and forearm.

I love this one: https://zenworkpro.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/Microsoft-Sculpt-Ergonomic-Keyboard-for-Business-(5KV-00001-).html
It has a wrist support, separated into 2 parts, has low-profile keys and parts are rotated with a proper angle. In additional, it’s not big and wireless.

Have you tried an Apple Magick Trackpad? I don’t use mouse since I’ve ever tried the first version of Trackpad in 2012. Even though I work as a Full Time web-developer.
https://zenworkpro.com/dp/B016QO5YWC/Apple-Magic-Trackpad-2.html

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Huh… I have a G213, and while I think it isn’t the best keyboard, it shouldn’t have been failing that quickly. Hopefully it didn’t impact your work too badly!

A few ideas: first, I like ergonomic keyboards, not just because they are “good for you” but because I think they look neat. I think the Microsoft Sculpt is among the slickest in terms of visual presentation, and it’s currently $60. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC. It can only use a USB dongle to ensure “secure” wireless communication, and as a result will not work with mobile devices.

Over on r/MechanicalKeyboards, lots of people like to recommend Keychron keyboards. https://www.keychron.com/ You can also get them on Amazon for free shipping and returns. I’m not a big fan of their “full size” layout (I think it’s called the K4) because it looks to easy to miss the arrow keys and hit the number pad instead. Their smaller keyboards, which don’t have numpads, look pretty good though.

One last thing; I recommend using the “extend” keyboard software to enhance your typing skills. https://dreymar.colemak.org/layers-extend.html I don’t find it particularly useful when coding, but it has been a godsend when proofreading essays and emails (and Reddit posts, lol). You can download Extend for Windows 10 here https://github.com/DreymaR/BigBagKbdTrixPKL for some reason they didn’t link to it from their main website.

Hey there. I know this is a little late, and maybe you’ve already made a choice, but I’ll chime in. I have experience using a number of different ergonomic keyboards, and use them exclusively for work and personal stuff.

I haven’t used the K860, but watched reviews of it recently, and it looks like a solid option. I have the ergo mouse they make as a companion to that keyboard (MX Vertical) and it’s my go-to ergo mouse.

The MS Sculpt is my favorite ergo keyboard, and is a good value at it’s price. I particularly like that it doesn’t have a 10-key attached, so it’s narrower, and allows you to keep your arms close in to your body while computing, which is comfortable and leads to less movement in your shoulder from mousing.

Ergo keyboards are an interesting area, and it’s a personal choice. I would just make sure to get one with some amount of tenting in the middle (which both these have), and that are angled so you can keep your wrists straight. This is most ergo kbs, but there are some cheaper ones that might not really be all that ergonomic. Depending on what you want to spend, there are a lot of fancy options, too.

If you want something a little more adjustable, I can vouch for the quality of the Kinesis keyboards. The Freestyle2 is a great entry level ergo keyboard – just be sure to get the VIP3 tenting accessory. If you want something a little flashier, they have a gaming version, but it’s $$$.

If you have any other questions, feel free to DM me! Hope this helps.

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The first decision you need to make is whether you want a mechanical keyboard. Mechanicals are significantly more expensive, but are also much more customizable and much more durable. They also have a very distinctive look. There’s a lot that can be said on this issue — check out the FAQ on /r/mechanicalkeyboards if you want to learn more.

If you game a lot with keyboard + mouse, you should really get a split keyboard. This is because the best position for your hands is shoulder width apart. So a normal keyboard will force you to cramp in and hunch over them because of its small form factor. There are ergonomic keyboards that are not split and are very good for typing (Kinesis Advantage2 if you want mechanical and are willing to spend the money for it, Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard if you don’t or you’re not). However, these keyboards are huge, so if you game your arms will be forced to be farther apart than shoulder width in order for one hand to be on WASD and one on the mouse, which will put strain on you over time. Split keyboards are great because you can move the right half of the keyboard somewhere else while you’re gaming, then put it back when you’re typing. A good one if you don’t want to put in a lot of effort is the ErgoDox EZ, but it’s kind of expensive. If you’re willing to solder your own, you can make one for a lot cheaper.

Also, you didn’t ask about mice, but you should definitely get a trackball mouse to maximize ergonomics.

Thank you! Got it off of amazon because it was a better price than Microsofts website

Its the Microsoft Sculpt. It has helped reduce a lot of the wrist pain that came with my laptop keyboard

Heres the link:
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=SCKKY96JH2NQ&amp;cv_ct_cx=microsoft+ergonomic+keyboard&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=microsoft+ergonomic+keyboard&amp;pd_rd_i=B00CYX26BC&amp;pd_rd_r=a15f19c6-374d-4388-8016-d96f8ab87cc9&amp;pd_rd_w=tnqsg&amp;pd_rd_wg=UMSVt&amp;pf_rd_p=13bf9bc7-d68d-44c3-9d2e-647020f56802&amp;pf_rd_r=AR7JY19F689W8K5HJESX&amp;psc=1&amp;qid=1596858665&amp;sprefix=microsoft+er%2Caps%2C225&amp;sr=1-1-791c2399-d602-4248-afbb-8a79de2d236f

Have you tried the Microsoft Sculpt ($60 – I feel I’ve seen it for a bit cheaper than this) ? It is very similar, but wireless with a split space bar and very shallow keys that are easy to press. My big issue with it was it seemed to flex a bit when I typed, especially when I pressed buttons high on the keyboard. However, I type fairly hard sometimes. They are often on display at large electronics stores, so you should try it before you consider it.

I also found this and this.

I would also recommend you look at r/ErgoMechKeyboards/.

If you have money to burn, I would consider looking into two-piece split keyboards like the Kinesis Feestyle2. I feel like those might allow a more natural wrist position.

What about this?

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001 ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_feMbDbB7PW322

https://www.amazon.in/Microsoft-5KV-00001-Ergonomic-Wireless-Keyboard/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?keywords=ergonomic+keyboard&amp;qid=1561464370&amp;s=gateway&amp;sprefix=Ergonomic+k&amp;sr=8-11
That’s the one?

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC (keep the num pad aside til you change your mind )

It’s amazing. I have one for work and one for the office. Comfy, quiet, wireless.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001 ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sNvQxbM5HPMTN

I’ve been using the MS Sculpt for a few months and really like it.

Microsoft Sculpt keyboard. Best keyboard ever. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_UsIAwbD6VQ9AS

this is so the story of my life, the classical 90deg setup doesn’t work because the torso is too short and the arms too long, it gives me such bad issues, I’m trying what I can please let me know if you find a solution. What I’ve tried so far:

• Arm rests are the killer, I take them immediately off any chair I use
• Use a skinny keyboard tray and slim keyboard to minimize the space needed between legs and wrists ( I use http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Ergonomic-Keyboard-Business-5KV-00001/dp/B00CYX26BC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1443147972&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=microsoft+sculpt, great keyboard but keys randomly break, then microsoft sends you a new one)
• I considered getting a zerog desk: http://www.ergoquest.com/ looks super awesome
• I like just laying on my stomach on the floor with the notebook in front of me for reading, typing is an issue
• sitting cross legged on the floor with notebook elevated on books, chair, coffee table etc
• Laying in a hammock with computer on lap

still looking for the perfect solution. I think what is really killing me is the mouse since I tend to just cramp my hand around it for no reason. I tried all sorts of different “ergonomic” ones, I found the ergonomic ones horrible tracking wise and making my condition worse, right now using Logitec Performance MX. Trying to do as much mit keyboard shortcuts and as little with the mouse as possible (check out vimium plugin for chrome / firefox for mouse free browsing)

Hoping for more tips and experiences from other folks with long arms ..

split keyboard is great since it lets you relax your wrists at the natural inward angle. i recommend this keyboard but the previous version is also good.