zezhyrule
29543
485
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Used Typematrix for years, then about a year with the Moonlander before getting overwhelmed and just switching back to a staggered layout keychron for the past few years because I wanted wireless multi-device connectivity and it felt simpler.
Been dealing with lots of wrist and shoulder pain lately and pinned it down to my Keychron Q1 being incredibly unergonomic for me (forcing my wrists to bend up). Now I've had the Advantage 2 for a little over a week and the relief was immediate.
Already well attuned to the layout, or I would be if I would stop remapping keys - but I love how easy they make it (even if it's nowhere near as full featured as QMK/ZMK and doesn't have a seamless configuration UI like Oryx).
Getting this inspired me to pull my Moonlander out of retirement to replicate my Kinesis layout, but I was already amazed how difficult it was to reach the number row compared to the Adv2 where I barely have to reach because of the keywell. Not sure I could go back to a non-concave keyboard.
charondaboatman
zeacorzeppelin10
Dude, I saw this in the flubber movie.
compu85
Switching to a Kinesis was literally life changing for me. I thought I was going to need surgery on both wrists... the pain was so bad I was waking up at night. Switching to a Kinesis and a better chair resolved all the pain.
MotherfuckingJesseEisenburg
Aren't these the keyboards used in one of the Men In Black movies?
SunFart
yes
AndyM84
Hope you enjoy it! I used an Advantage 2 for about 5 years before it wore out and upgraded to an Advantage 360. Looks funky, works really well and does a great job mitigating stress on wrist/etc.
dashers
I'm an ergodox user, and the concave nature of this same layout and the addition of dedicated function keys is really appealing. Last time I checked though, it's ANSI only layout, can't switch to ISO, which is a deal breaker for that price.
dashers
I take that back, I was thinking of the 360 not the 2. I could get this one 🤔
zezhyrule
Yeah, if you mostly use the ergodox at a fixed distance, the Advantage 2 might work. Can't really adjust distance or angles or tenting at all, but that's sort of a plus for me. The default works and I don't have to think about changing it, it just is what is is.
Nanntuckett
That looks a little uncomfortable for at least the way I type. Are the indents really more ergonomic?
greentights
Yes! Your fingers are different lengths, so at rest, your fingers are slightly curved and it takes advantage of it. The two issues with kinesis was that I wanted split since I like keeping my shoulders loose and the height was a bit annoying. I eventually found moergo, which I'm glad cuz I was at the point of 3d printing my own keyboard instead
ChickenLord666
Keychron is the shit btw
TheFontSnob
I've used that keyboard for YEARS. A flat keyboard causes almost immediate pain for me. I actually just upgraded to the Advantage 360, with Dvorak key caps. It's not faster, but it is significantly less effort. Recommended for anyone who does tons of typing. Willingness to learn all the keyboard shortcuts to avoid mousing is also advised.
greentights
Why Dvorak over Colemak?
zezhyrule
I use Dvorak. I learned it before college to learn how to touchtype on a completely new layout (so I'm against changing labels or keycaps - shouldn't be looking down). I like that Dvorak is on every single system by default. It's reliable in that way. It's also super comfortable and a joy to type on. But Dvorak makes one-handed shortcuts a lot harder since z, x, c, and s are all on the right side.
WhatUpDog3000
https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPWE1NzM3M2U1Z3MwNWZqajZqeThkMGJwam9jeGd2cmczZ3h6MGdsZGs2Ym4ybXU4dCZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/l1KVb2dUcmuGG4tby/200w.webp
cactuskid1956
Got that right
PourMeAPuppersPlease
https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPWE1NzM3M2U1Y3V2Z3gzcGNxOGYzZHpic3loZ2NwOXRwMGNwYzh6c24weTBuOXRobSZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/A9KfKenpqNDfa/200w.webp
GorillaPowers
Is this just an AD?
zezhyrule
lmao. I probably would've worked harder to get rid of the dust and cat hair if I was getting paid to post this
tombeithemist
Not if it turns people off enough NOT to buy it
djangojazz
I'm sorry but if you extend your wrist and forearm upwards over rigid plastic how does that help? I mean it's worth a shot but I got a sit stand desk and got the keyboard just right for my hands when extended lower. But I have a pretty large gelpad my wrists lay on, else my wrist hurts over time. But interested to hear as I have never seen one of these before.
zezhyrule
So typically you want to be floating your wrists while typing, like a pianist, and only resting them when taking a break (i.e., use rests when you're resting, not when you're active). You do not want your arms or wrists extended up, you wanna keep 90deg angles where you can and keep your hand in line with your forearm (wrist straight). You do have to raise your chair slightly more for this kb than you do for a flatter/low profile kb.
Letyconfetti
$500?!!
zezhyrule
Where are people getting $500? MSRP is $379. Very comparable to other ergo keyboards like the Voyager, Glove80, Dygma Defy
Thranx
that's a steal. These used to be considerably more.
JohnBluehill
Nice! I've been so curious about how it feels to use them...
CorgisButtsDriveMeNuts
AllOfMyRocketSauce
https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPWE1NzM3M2U1NTM3ams5b2xmZm4zenM5b3NnZ3pocG44dXo2M2lmZGVwYmFxcmhpNCZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/WOLv1BOTGFBbyapNVR/200w.webp
Edgekrsher
Cuz I can’t fly a spaceship!!
Verbodentoegang
Do you go swimming twice a week ?
zwielichtengelchen
Had you considered a Dygma Raise 2 and if so, what made you reject it?
zezhyrule
It was extremely important for me to try a board with a concave keywell. I've already had split flat boards before. I also really like a little columnar stagger, where keys are arranged in columns rather than rows (which the Dygma Defy has but not the Raise). Raise sounds like a great option if you're used to regular keyboards, but I've already explored multiple split ergo boards before, and the Raise would be a step back from things I already have.
TurnsOut42WasASlightMiscalculation
That concave is funky. And I'm not so sure I believe that is a *more* economic setup - but if it's working for you, then hells yeah!
zezhyrule
Ergonomics are all about what works for the individual. No solution is ergonomic for everyone.
mikeatike
At like $500 it is certainly not economic, haha.
Doesn't look very ergonomic either.
compu85
Used ones can be had for way less than that.
Rhythmaster
To me it does. Every ergonomic mouse or keyboard I've seen looks super fucked up, not exactly like this one, but they always look super weird compared to regular version.
TurnsOut42WasASlightMiscalculation
Ah, d@mmit.
squishybaker
My work offers Maltron boards for those who want them.
xxPaulCPxx
Switching to a vertical mouse helps alot too!
ChallengerDeep
Another option https://www.google.com/search?udm=2&q=microsoft+natural+keyboard
Spuddywuddy
My friend swears by these. He bought 4 of them like 25 years ago and is now on the third one.
emu314159127001
have you also switched from a mouse to a trackball? kensington has a number of consumer ones, i use a slim blade, it's awesome. does it take a bit to adjust? yeah, but your wrist will no longer be accruing RSI frequent flyer miles. you won't be using your wrist at all, just two finger flick sends the cursor anywhere
zezhyrule
I'm a programmer so I don't use the mouse THAT much, but I did recently purchase a trackball just to try it out because I've heard good things
JCDenton10
Love my Kinesis freestyle edge. Comfortable and has all the features I need and a few I'll never use. Glad you found a setup that works for you!
cactuskid1956
Fùuuuuuuk that shit
eiko987
I've got their foot pedal that activates the number pad. Helpful if you do much numbers at all.
MightyIink
Ergonomic keyboard companies be like "This will help you for some reason."
zezhyrule
I could gladly list out the reasons why this board specifically helps me if you'd like, but there's plenty of sources out there explaining the pros and cons.
kevinbaken
911 Dispatcher here. I do a LOT of typing. That looks like it's anything BUT ergonomic, but willing to get some different opinions.
JohnSmithterms
Programmere here. That looks horrific. My keyboards get flatter each decade.
zezhyrule
Yeah, it certainly looks weird. But I guarantee it's the most comfortable keyboard I've ever used. One thing is that you gotta make sure your desk goes low enough or chair goes high enough (or use it on keyboard tray/in your lap). The shape/layout of the keys fits the range of motion of your fingers very well, so you never have to stretch. And the thumb clusters let you use your thumbs instead of weak little pinky for keys like enter, backspace, and shift
decdiv
Lot of typing here too. Among my friends and colleagues that tried it, 50% love it and wouldn't use any other keyboard anymore, and the other 50% never got used to it.
alcaray
Do you rest your wrist on the keyboard?
greentights
I loved the kinesis. But I wanted a split keyboard with that same shape. And then I happened to find moergo. I'll be surprised if I find anything better or more customizable
aka184mommie
Lowered keyboard tray works best for me
eiko987
I've got a Kinesis. No more wrist, hand, finger pain.
hogninja
Same here. It is extremely ergonomic and worth every penny.
eiko987
Other half of the experience: Contour Roller Mouse.
compu85
It takes a while to get used to - but once you do you won't want to go back to a standard keyboard. They are the most comfortable. You don't move your wrists at all when typing, just your fingers.
SkittishLittleToaster
Can confirm!
Snooj
I've used a Model M for years and never had any wrist problems. And when I say years I mean that I learned to type in the 90s and type every day, sometimes for significant portions of the day.
kevinbaken
Same. I'm 49 now and using a Razer where the keys are pretty much flat. Starting to get neck and wrist pain (but that just could be my age) LOL.
Fillask
Yup, same here. I spend most of my waking hours on it.
Aspernari
It is extremely ergonomic. I own this and a couple Advantages. It takes some adjusting, but just the shifting of a lot of the keystroke load to your thumbs relieves a lot of unnecessary stretching.
GravyEducation
Thanks for doing what you do.
16bitStarbuck
No problem.
Vungor
Nurse here also gratefull for 911, they work hard.
glittalogik
For regular normal people who do a ton of typing I reckon the Logitech K860 is the friendliest ergo keyboard out there. Kinesis is apparently good, but I can't get onboard with the build/finish. I just don't want it on my desk
vystral
Microsoft natural keyboard for me. Completely solved my arm/shoulder pain issue. Folks should use whichever ergonomic setup works for them either way.
glittalogik
The MS Ergo 4000 saved my wrists when I started out, went through 3 or 4 of them before the last one finally died. Probably would gone to the Natural if the K860 didn't work out, but I find the chiclet keys way nicer for extended typing. They suuuuck for gaming though, so I have an alice layout mechanical at home.
FlatPlutoSociety
Exactly. Ergonomics isn't one-size-fits-all. You and I have differently sized and proportioned shoulders, arms, and hands. Spending eight hours a day typing on a keyboard that's perfect for me might make your wrists ache.
aducksayswhat
I remember listening to a podcast with one ergonomics expert that had a huge variety of chairs in her house and swapped between them through the day, IIRC the idea was that there isn't one 'best' posture or support to solve the problem and if you can get a chair to fit then you've 'solved' your egonomics and can keep going with that form forever, but that our bodies need to move, some variety and adjust over a day (within limits of course)
FlatPlutoSociety
This is why I love having a sit/stand desk so much. I try to split my day between sitting and standing positions and it's been great for my knees and back.
chaoticbear1
They quit making them! (the one I like at least). New old stock is $250 on ebay so I finally moved on to an ergo mech.
glittalogik
The temptation to go full ergo mech is *strong*, I love the aesthetic but even with a 75% alice I'm pushing my limits on layers/macros to do everything I need to. Probably gonna cave and buy a numpad soon just to make life easier. Full-layout tented mechanical that costs less than a car seems to be an impossible dream still.
chaoticbear1
Oh - yeah, I don't mean anything crazy, just something that resembles a Natural but mech. I think I got an Alice 98. I work in IT and can't give the 10 key up 😂
vystral
That sucks! I guess I’ll hold onto mine until it falls apart then.
chaoticbear1
Yep, my most recent one I bought lightly used but even that is $50 now I think