I think having a split keyboard so my mouse can be in the middle would really help my comfort at the desk. Is there a style that doubles up the middle keys? My typing style means sometimes I use my right hand to hit T, left to hit Y, etc.

Is this a style already, or would I need to build my own?

I am completely new to this domain and would appreciate advice from knowledgeable enthusiasts.

  • PeachMan@lemmy.world
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’d argue that it’s not ergonomic but it saves on desk space. Could work well with a split keyboard and a trackball on a small desk.

    • Star@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOP
      310·
      10 months ago

      Can you combine a mouse and keyboard? I loved the little button thing some laptops had. If my mouse is part od the keyboard, then no one can complain my mouse is in the middle lol.

      And that would be even less arm movement which is good?

      • PeachMan@lemmy.world
        3·
        10 months ago

        Absolutely, and they look pretty damn cool: https://bastardkb.com/charybdis/

        EDIT: keep in mind, most kits like this will be ortholinear, so you’re going to have to learn how to type on that. It’s not that hard, only took me a couple weeks of practice and now I can switch back and forth between ortholinear and standard qwerty easily.

        • Star@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOP
          410·
          10 months ago

          These are funky and cool. I definitely would try something like that. As someone just starting out with this kind of thing, what features can i search for? Many of these keyboards don’t have all of the standard keys. How do i find one that has the buttons I need?

          Is there a site that consolidates and compares that i could check out?

          • PeachMan@lemmy.world
            3·
            10 months ago

            There are a lot, I don’t know if there’s a central one. Keeb.io might be a good starting point, just to see what’s out there and familiarize yourself with some price points of different kits.

            The common solution for not having enough keys is using layers. For example, I built a split Redox that has room for MOST of the keys that I need, with the exception of the function row up top. So, I set up a layer that activates when I hold my “Fn” key. Fn+1 is the same as hitting the F1 key, Fn+2 is F2, etc.

            That’s a very simple example, layers can get VERY complex.