# Split Keyboard Users - reviews and suggestions **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 18, 2010, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487 "2010-02-18T17:10:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![redtail23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3e96dc/32.png) [@redtail23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/redtail23)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/1 "2010-02-18T17:10:33Z")
I’m looking for a new ergonomic/split keyboard, similar to [this one](http://www.ortek.com/prod_detail.asp?pid=108&id=92&ppid=101&cname=Keyboard%3E%3EOfficeMedia%20Keyboard%3E%3EEKB-3000) that I currently use. I’ve been using this type of keyboard for several years. It works much better for me than a regular keyboard. Unfortunately, the poor thing is wearing out. They don’t seem to be selling these any longer, so I’m looking for a new one. One of the reasons I got this one was because they actually split the number keys properly, with 6 on the right-hand side. I don’t know why the morons at Microsoft can’t manage that. I can live with the other, but I’d rather not. I absolutely must have a number pad, though. What are you using and how do you like it? ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/2 "2010-02-18T17:42:34Z")
I’m drooling over [this one](http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Natural-Ergo-Keyboard-4000/dp/B000A6PPOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1260472662&sr=8-1) because [mine](http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-A11-00337-Natural-Keyboard-Elite/dp/B0000642RX/ref=pd_cp_e_2) is getting very yellow and dirty and I miss having hot keys (I’d like to be able to mute my music without having to reach for the speakers). I’ve used it (the second link - which you can find on Amazon for about $14) for probably ten years. Yes it has the six on the left. It’s got good feel, very solid. Mine is corded; I don’t know if it matters to you. You might be able to find your same keyboard on eBay or using Froogle. I did a quick Froogle search and [maybe came up with some.](http://www.google.com/products?q=%22OfficeMedia+Pro+Keyboard%22&aq=f) ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/3 "2010-02-18T18:44:44Z")
Most split keyboards come with the 6 key on the left these days. I prefer the old MS Natural Pro (the white one in **Silver Tyger Girl** ’s post) over the MS Natural 4000 (the black one) mostly because it has a lighter key feel. The 4000 his distinctly heavier keys without offering any more feedback, so you end up slamming on them - especially the space bar and the (slightly oversized) modifier keys. On the up side, the 4000 has normal sized function keys and cursor block - on the pro, those keys are really too small and in an awkward layout. Problem is, you really don’t have much choice these days if you want a split keyboard, especially if you want one that’s actually good (as in, sturdy with a good key feel). Unless you’re willing to pay much more than those MS keyboards. I’ve heard that the [goldtouch adjustable](http://www.goldtouch.com/p-64-goldtouch-adjustable-keyboard-black.aspx) is decent; they’re fully adjustable and seem to be build well with slightly better than average keys (not that that’s saying much). But it also has the 6 key on the left. Note that these are around $120 excl shipping. \*\* [Some people who should know](http://geekhack.org) \* claim that [this](http://www.gearcrave.com/2008-12-02/the-wicked-utron-keyboard/) is the best split keyboard on the market today. No idea how much it’ll cost you to get it unless you live in SE Asia, since there’s no importer anywhere AFAIK. - That site is useful if you’re interested in all kinds of keyboards and they tend to have reviews even of old but good stuff that you may be able to find on ebay and the like for a lot less than $500. \*\* someone on the [geekhack forum](http://geekhack.org) is selling two used ones for $30 each, excl shipping. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/4 "2010-02-18T18:47:37Z")
I use this one: [http://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-98915-Antimicrobial-Design-Keyboard/dp/B0002CE0XO/ref=sr\_1\_13?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1266518739&sr=8-13](http://www.amazon.com/Fellowes-98915-Antimicrobial-Design-Keyboard/dp/B0002CE0XO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1266518739&sr=8-13) I like that it has a separate number pad and an audio section where I can turn the volume up/down and skip songs on my iTunes. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Fun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9adbd/32.png) [@Mike\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Fun)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/5 "2010-02-18T21:07:39Z")
I second the Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000. It’s my 3rd or 4th one I’ve owned over the last decade and my favorite so far. My only complaint is that I could do without some of the hot keys and would have prefered full transport controls (Fast Forward, Rewind, next, Previous, etc.) instead. ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/6 "2010-02-19T02:55:47Z")
> [@Mike\_Fun](#): > > I second the Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000. It’s my 3rd or 4th one I’ve owned over the last decade and my favorite so far. My only complaint is that I could do without some of the hot keys and would have prefered full transport controls (Fast Forward, Rewind, next, Previous, etc.) instead. I really must protest. Nobody who types a lot cares much about transport keys. I wrecked my MS 4000 in 2 years, and I’ve used multiple MS Pro keyboards in the last 10 years and and wrecked 3 (multiple locations). I’m currently back on original 1992 IBM keyboards - those don’t break. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/7 "2010-02-19T06:27:23Z")
You know, I never noticed that split keyboards had 6 keys on the left. How the heck do you use that? Do you put your pinky on S instead of A, or do you just type both G and H with the same finger? ---
**Author:** ![redtail23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3e96dc/32.png) [@redtail23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/redtail23)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/8 "2010-02-19T15:27:36Z")
Thanks for the info, everyone! The first split keyboard I used was the MS Natural. I didn’t like it nearly as well as the one I’ve got now. Since the MS 4000 is just a newer version, I suspect I wouldn’t be thrilled with it either. I really don’t care about the various extra function buttons. I’ve got a whole row at the top of my keyboard now that I never use. Ever so often I look through and go, wow, I forgot that was there! But I never remember it again, so it’s useless. I do type both a lot of things with alpha-numeric combos (hence the issue with the wrong split on the top numeral set), and a lot of number-only entry (hence the desire for a keypad). **Silver Tyger Girl** , you rock! I’d tried Froogling and hadn’t come up with anything! Thanks! **Superfluous Parentheses** , thanks for the geekhack site. I’ve been looking for reviews but hadn’t found much besides the MS stuff. Yeh, I’ve seen those Goldtouch keyboards. It’d be more like $180 to get it with the keypad. I’m just not willing to spring that much for something I don’t know if I’ll like. I’ll have to look around the forum at the used ones. It would be kinda neat to have a separate keypad - I’m actually ambidextrous on a keypad, so a mobile pad would be handy [heh]. That uTRON looks pretty cool. I really like the look of the [vertical keyboards](http://safetype.com/). But again, way too much dinero for something I can’t try out first. **PunditLisa** , thanks, I’ll take a look at that one. Does it have the [6] key on the left or right side of the split? (Over the [T] or the [Y]?) In the pic, it looks like it’s on the left, but I can’t tell for sure. **BigT** , it’s not the entire set of keys split wrong, just the numerals above the letters. I do not know why they split the numerals wrong. Surely in typing/computer classes, they still teach typing the [6] with the right forefinger? Most of the boards I’ve seen, they extend the [7] key to make up the space where the [6] should be. It’s just stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Pixilated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aeb1de/32.png) [@Pixilated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixilated)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/9 "2010-02-22T03:47:40Z")
> **[Kinesis Keyboards](https://kinesis-ergo.com/)** > > Ergonomics keyboards, mice, and foot pedals. I’ve been looking at getting one of the Kenesis keyboards since my tendon surgery in my wrist. I like the split/adjustable model. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/10 "2010-02-22T14:54:55Z")
> [@redtail23](#): > > **PunditLisa** , thanks, I’ll take a look at that one. Does it have the [6] key on the left or right side of the split? (Over the [T] or the [Y]?) In the pic, it looks like it’s on the left, but I can’t tell for sure. It’s on the left. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/11 "2010-02-22T15:22:24Z")
I’ve been using the Natural 4000 for years now. If I could afford it,I’d buy the five-pack just to have for back up. The thing I really like about them is the ‘reverse tilt’ of the keys. With the wrist pad in place, the keys slope down into a slight depression so that they fall below the plane of your palm. It felt odd at first but I love it. It’s a natural complement to the idea of the split keyboard. It’d say it’s well worth a try since you can usually find them pretty cheap. The keys are a little stiffer than earlier models but it’s works out pretty quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Fun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9adbd/32.png) [@Mike\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Fun)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/12 "2010-02-22T20:26:24Z")
“I really must protest. Nobody who types a lot cares much about transport keys.” Clearly I have proven you wrong without even trying. I type a lot AND I care about transport controls. Being able to skip a song or wind back a few seconds is important to me, and I’d prefer if the Natural 4000 could do this. ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/13 "2010-02-22T21:42:08Z")
> [@Mike\_Fun](#): > > “I really must protest. Nobody who types a lot cares much about transport keys.” > > Clearly I have proven you wrong without even trying. I type a lot AND I care about transport controls. > > Being able to skip a song or wind back a few seconds is important to me, and I’d prefer if the Natural 4000 could do this. I take it back. ---
**Author:** ![redtail23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3e96dc/32.png) [@redtail23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/redtail23)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/14 "2010-02-22T22:01:02Z")
> [@Pixilated](#): > > [http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/](http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/) > > I’ve been looking at getting one of the Kenesis keyboards since my tendon surgery in my wrist. I like the split/adjustable model. Yeah, I was looking at those Friday. Keyboard (20"separation; I don’t think 8" would be long enough) $139; MultiTent (to turn it vertical) $199; keypad $60: $398 (only $358 for the 8" separation keyboard). With a two-year warranty. ☹ They do, however, allow 60 days for returns. 🆒 > [@PunditLisa](#): > > It’s on the left. ☹😕 :mad: > [@Merneith](#): > > The thing I really like about them is the ‘reverse tilt’ of the keys. With the wrist pad in place, the keys slope down into a slight depression so that they fall below the plane of your palm. I am intrigued with the ‘reverse tilt’ on these. Maybe I’ll wander by BB and see if they have one I could play with. t’anks guys. ---
**Author:** ![QuercusMax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/8baadc/32.png) [@QuercusMax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuercusMax)\ **Post date:** [February 22, 2010, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboard-users-reviews-and-suggestions/529487/15 "2010-02-22T23:03:19Z")
> [@Pixilated](#): > > [http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/](http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/) > > I’ve been looking at getting one of the Kenesis keyboards since my tendon surgery in my wrist. I like the split/adjustable model. They’re great. I have one (the Advantage Pro) at work, it’s super nice for coding. It’s amazing just the little things that make a big difference - control, alt, meta, backspace, enter, space, and delete are all immediately available (under the thumbs), the arrow keys are accessible without moving your hand. I’ve been using mine for nearly 5 years, and don’t know what I’d do without it. It’s also pretty narrow, so I don’t have to move my hand very far to get to my mouse. The only thing which isn’t so great is typing with one hand, but that’s not a major impediment.