# Split Keyboards -- a poll **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 17, 2006, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139 "2006-05-17T18:12:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/1 "2006-05-17T18:12:39Z")
I’ve been using split keyboards for probably eight years or so. I absolutely love them, and I’m certain I type faster with them. I still have to use regular keyboards from time to time, and I don’t find this to be an overwhelming burden, but I’m still much more fond of the split design. On the other hand, I know a lot of folks who hate them, and/or are just plain intimidated by them. I don’t claim to understand it, but I know you people are out there. So: \*\*1) Have you ever used a split keyboard? If not, would you try it? 1. Do you have a preference between the two, and if so, what is it and why?\*\* I suppose that’s five questions, technically, but you get the idea. Oh, and just in case someone doesn’t know what I’m talking about, [this is the exact keyboard I use at work.](http://images.belkin.com/F8E208-BLK/FUL1_F8E208-BLK.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![yBeayf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/e274bd/32.png) [@yBeayf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yBeayf)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/2 "2006-05-17T18:28:06Z")
At work I use an ancient Microsoft beige split keyboard, and I love it (it’s actually my second, as the first one I used had an unfortunate run-in with a hot cup of tea). At home I use a normal keyboard, but that’s mainly cos I don’t do enough typing there to really justify shelling out for a split one. I definitely prefer split keyboards to regular ones. ---
**Author:** ![Anne\_Neville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/3 "2006-05-17T18:40:11Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > On the other hand, I know a lot of folks who hate them, and/or are just plain intimidated by them. I don’t claim to understand it, but I know you people are out there. I’ve tried one. The split doesn’t line up with how I was taught to type (I’d have to re-learn the location of some keys), so I don’t like them. ---
**Author:** ![Eligible\_for\_parole\_in\_2011](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@Eligible\_for\_parole\_in\_2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eligible_for_parole_in_2011)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/4 "2006-05-17T19:22:06Z")
I would never get one. I guard my mouse area. That’s where all the work is. Typing is for secretaries. Managers use spreadsheets, charts and graphs, where mouse room is essential. ---
**Author:** ![ShelliBean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@ShelliBean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShelliBean)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/5 "2006-05-17T19:40:45Z")
I can’t use one. There is one lady in my company that has one - I guess it’s called an ergonomic keyboard because it is split and bent. Whenever I have had to use her computer to look something up, I feel like I need to break my wrists to make them move the right way. \*\*Eligible \*\* - what do you mean? I am a manager and I type quite a bit. ---
**Author:** ![YaWanna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/bbce88/32.png) [@YaWanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YaWanna)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/6 "2006-05-17T19:41:33Z")
I use a Microsoft Wireless Natural Multimedia Keyboard (ergonomic/split keyboard) at work; at home, I have a Logitech that’s also wireless and ergonomic/split. They have significantly reduced the amount of hand/wrist pain from my chronic tendonitis, and the split actually increases my typing accuracy slightly (keeps the hands from wandering over too far, y’know). I hate straight keyboards. > [@](#): > > Typing is for secretaries. Them’s fightin’ words to me. I am not a secretary. I use spreadsheets all the time (charts & graphs are pretty pictures that we numbers people are required to create for managers & marketing people to understand data). I also find that using keyboard shortcuts (or ALT + keystroke combos) plus the numeric keypad on the keyboard, is much more efficient when creating spreadsheets - it takes too damn much time to move your hand away from _working_ to go grab that damn mouse & move it here & there. (Can you tell I am not a fan of the mouse? Another source of tendonitis aggravation!) ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/7 "2006-05-17T19:45:38Z")
Microsoft Natural keyboard here. Love it. I had devloped pains in my wrists before I had it, but now can type for extended periods without a problem. Using a mouse extensively is the problem I have now. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/8 "2006-05-17T20:13:52Z")
Microsoft Natural keyboard (split) at home and work. I can use a standard keyboard, but greatly prefer the split. Extra bonus - my annoying coworkers can’t use my keyboard! ---
**Author:** ![THespos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@THespos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/THespos)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/9 "2006-05-17T20:22:15Z")
I don’t like the split keyboards. I don’t like that they change the angle of my typing downstroke (does that make sense?). It feels really weird to me. My partner, however, swears by them. He plugs one of the Microsoft jobbies into his Stinkpad every day. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/10 "2006-05-17T20:31:04Z")
**1) Have you ever used a split keyboard?** Yes, I’m posting from [one of these](http://www.ergodirect.net/ProductImages/multimedia.jpg), and have used it for the past three years. Love it. I had to relearn which finger to use on the Y key, but apart from that, it took about a day to get used to it. **2) Do you have a preference between the two, and if so, what is it and why?** Split is way more comfortable, as I feel that they’re much more in tune with how one’s arms lie when they’re at rest on the edge of a desk. Less shoulder strain. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/11 "2006-05-17T21:35:51Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Extra bonus - my annoying coworkers can’t use my keyboard! Amen! I love the look of bewilderment that comes over a coworkers face when they start to ask me if they can borrow my machine, and then they look down. That alone is worth the price of the keyboard. ---
**Author:** ![lizardling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f4b2a3/32.png) [@lizardling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lizardling)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/12 "2006-05-18T01:02:03Z")
Hate split keyboards. This is because I use a very idiosyncratic typing style. ---
**Author:** ![Nic2004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4491bb/32.png) [@Nic2004](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nic2004)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/13 "2006-05-18T01:10:26Z")
I too use a Microsoft Natural keyboard and prefer it over a standard configuration. I can use the original style but it is harder on my wrists. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecae2f/32.png) [@The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Blue-Sighted_Shadow)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/14 "2006-05-18T01:31:13Z")
I love my split keyboard. My generic split keyboard at work finally became obsolete and was no longer compatible with our new equipment, and IT replaced with a Microsoft Natural. I have it on a keyboard tray, permanently slanting down, away from me and kept under the desk at all times. People always ask what I’m typing on, since they can’t see the keyboard. Between that and the left handed mouse, no one wants to use my computer. That’s always a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/15 "2006-05-18T02:26:26Z")
> [@YaWanna](#): > > at home, I have a Logitech that’s also wireless and ergonomic/split. That’s what I use. It’s great for sitting on my lap as I lean back in my comfy chair and type. It’s angled perfectly for my arms akimbo. ---
**Author:** ![ZebraShaSha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/eada6e/32.png) [@ZebraShaSha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZebraShaSha)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/16 "2006-05-18T02:45:46Z")
No, and I don’t think I will ever be able to use one. My typing is really bizarre- I just put my hands on and type. There really is no pattern to it at all, my fingers just know what is happening in happy land of squishy blocks so I just guide them gently with prospects of silky gloves. ---
**Author:** ![Sarahfeena](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sarahfeena/32/519_2.png) [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/17 "2006-05-18T02:54:41Z")
> [@](#): > > No, and I don’t think I will ever be able to use one. My typing is really bizarre- I just put my hands on and type. There really is no pattern to it at all, my fingers just know what is happening in happy land of squishy blocks so I just guide them gently with prospects of silky gloves. I love the split keyboard, but I think it only works really well for people who have learned touch typing…if you don’t use the “correct” finger placement, I can see where you might have trouble reaching some of the keys. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/18 "2006-05-18T02:59:32Z")
I use the same keyboard as **jjimm** and love it. My wrist angles just feel so much better. It took a couple of weeks to get used to but once I did, it was well worth the effort. ---
**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/19 "2006-05-18T04:35:22Z")
Split. Microsoft Natural for years. I wish I could modify my laptops. ---
**Author:** ![Mudshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Mudshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mudshark)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139/20 "2006-05-18T05:26:55Z")
> [@lizardling](#): > > Hate split keyboards. This is because I use a very idiosyncratic typing style. Me too, I have a sort of hunt and peck without actually looking at the keys that often. I’ve become accustomed to the way I type, and I don’t really want to change. (I also never use the shift keys to type capital letters, I use the caps lock. I know, I’m strange.) However, I don’t really mind using split keyboards if that is all thats available. What I really hate is the splt space bar, where one half is space bar, the other is a backspace. I absolutely hate that with a passion. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-keyboards-a-poll/357139.md?page=2)