Did know that, will try it out! Thanks. Which theme btw?

I agree and don't like the location of thumbs for many of the smaller keyboard. I rarely use the bottom row outer modifiers on my preferred board, the Reviung41. I relegate the control, alt, and enter to them. Also use tab (on both sides) for my layer 1 instead of using the bottom row. Navigation is so important as I use them more than 60% of my standard letters. I played with putting them on my base layer on the ;./, but also looked for smaller keyboards that had dedicated arrows. I also use lighter switches for my nav layer key. The 40% movement is all about removing what you don't need and keeping what you do. There are quite a few keyboards out there that are in the 40's camp. I'm very happy programming on a little keyboard, but agreed - different things work for different people. Great job giving it an honest effort and thanks for posting about it.

Ohhh man ! That keycap looks amazing!

With either small keyboard, you could try getting a second keyboard that is just a number pad or arrow pad.

A year ago I was using a moonlander, and went down bit by bit to about 44 keys. Then I switched to a sofle choc, to get the short stroke mechanical switches, but I realized I didn't need the outer column or the number row. Now I have a 36 key Corne 5x3+3, but I want a pinky column that's more aggressively staggered. I ordered a ferris sweep 5x3+2 kit, which should arrive by the end of the month.

it is such a shame that this expensive keyboard dont even have the 2.4Ghz wifi connection avaliable. =(

Thank you! I rarely comment on anything, but you just saved my sanity after hours of fighting with code. Subscribed!

Can you do mouse control? Or only muse button clicks?

I love Colemak-DH and the MBK keycaps. Unfortunately, it was just too much of a hassle when gaming so I had to go back to the far inferior QWERTY.

Arrow keys are definitely really hard to put under a layer. Shoot, whether in work or play, I use them ALL the time. I have a Dygma Defy and counter to what a lot of people seem to recommend, I have my arrow keys in one of the thumb clusters, for each layer. I just can't give them up.

Better Display app can probably fix that. Even if you have to clone the EDID of another monitor.

does anyone here in the comments have experience with this product and is also suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome?

If Hank Schrader tells me a keyboard is good, I believe him.

The giant gaping flaw of most modern keyboards is that they ignore the existence of pointing devices. In a perfect world, a keyboard and a pointing device have to be developed together so that none interferes with the other. At the end of the day, most users need both at the same time. It is beyond me why this is not obvious to most manufacturers. Neither ZSA, Kinesis, Microsoft, nor Logitech managed to figure it out.

Most split columnar stagger keyboards force your thumb into a specific position, while a split standard keyboard will allow you to just use the thumb wherever it falls naturally. I find typing on the UHK more comfortable than on the Model 100, part of that I think is that I do not need to care where the thumb is positioned, and it does not have to be in the same position all the time also -- thumb position also changes with the angle you use the keyboard btw. My impression is that thumb clusters are often overhyped and a standard space bar (split in the best case) has advantages which are mostly overlooked. I have ordered the Voyager and will see if/ how I come along with that compared to the UHK, which so far overall has been my best keyboard (hardware, software).

Thanks, that's very comprehensive.

can you make a video on how to configure tab-dance and mouse keys in nick's config tool?

this is my first programmable board , the wired with pinks, five months in. love the pinks and some longer connecting USB Cs and 90 degree angle connectors reduce the footprint beautifully. I asked the reseller very specifically about the feel of the thumb cluster before buying - I wanted a smooth double-press option to match steno thumb presses at that point , and I figured there's enough board programmability to negate or neutralize the impact of hitting ctrl x instead of alt x , et cetera , blanking one out of the other or making both codes apply . it's unquestionably angled and spaced to keep those presses separate and distinct , and I think I could handle a left to right slide down on both sides without that resistance , and on the left side, I've adapted to have the thumb favouring the middle position over these months , functions associated to the left thumb key on A-S-D-F, functions associated to the middle thumb key to QWERT , the whole hand engaged in the motion that decides the thumb key . it feels more like piano chording and hand technique in all the right ways. can't wait to apply low profiles and see how that works, thanks so much for showing that!

Why don't you give the Defy a second go? 😊 The thumbkeys are much closer to the natural resting position of your thumb.

the documentation says that you should always toggle the left part first, then toggle the right part on after, otherwise the right part LEDs will be flashing red

I didn't experience any issues with thumb cluster, most likely because I always use palm pads. To be honest, I can't understand why some people claim that they feel uncomfortable using palm pads. In my opinion, it's quite inconvenient and even critical not to use them. This may be due to the fact that I previously used a keyboard with a negative tilt and am sensitive to curved wrist positions.

i've found that using the v3.0 firmware on my advantage, waiting till the backlights on the left turn on before turning on the right one works petty well

RE: thumb tiredness. This is on a planck, but similar idea - thumb key activates layer. I actually use a light linear switch for those keys, while my main keys are medium clicky switches. Not sure how much you can mix and match with low profile - but I think the act of holding down a key vs tapping it is different enough that you might want to try a very light linear there.

Thanks for the pointer to Nick's editor -- it was a big help setting up my new 360. I haven't had thumb issues yet, but I've been consciously avoiding the four thumb keys on each side that I can only barely reach.

I can 100% see the appeal of Kinesis keyboards. Not jsut this one but the original advantage. As a shape and concept, it's very very tempting. But I just can't get over not having QMK firmware and hot swap switches in 2024. These feel like table stakes for high end keyboards. Or to put it more blunty - once ZSA figures out how to do keywells, who would go for a Kinesis? PS: please review those boardwalk orthos!

Love your videos 🤙🙏

Sounds like you might be getting a bit of texters thumb when using the thumb clusters? Personally, I've never found a thumb cluster I've liked more than the Glove80. I recently got a Cyboard Imprint and I find the lower row of thumb keys uncomfortable to reach compared to the Glove80 for the same reason you said, I have to curl my thumb to reach them.

Great stuff! I just spent all weekend lubing/filming my switches and desoldering/soldering my advantage 360 (it sucked).. I put non static PE foam pads underneath the switches as well for a marbly sound, so I had to take it apart completely. I bought the white case separately and installed yesterday before seeing your video today. I got some blank white DSA profile keycaps for the home row as well to match the white case. Something to note: the white case has a gloss finish which I find to be sticky and makes my palms sweat. I'd recommend lightly sanding the gloss off and spraying it with a matte finish if this bothers you.

I had aches in my fingers for the first 3 months of Glove 80. What solved it was shortening the typing sessions between the Glove80 and a standard keyboard. Overtime, I increased the period between each session and I've had no aches whether I'm on a standard or Glove 80 keyboard.

A keywell keyboard with hot-swappable switches would be a game changer.

Been waiting for this one, pre-liked

Thanks for your reviews. I just use them connected with cable at all times like a non-pro version. Seems to be working well so far. I wonder if the battery would be impacted in the long run.

Where exactly do you get the low profile thumb keys?

This couldn't have come at a better time. I am experimenting with it right now (got the pinks because I hate the gateron browns) I am having this EXACT same issue with my thumb, and I have been trying to figure out why. This is a big help and I think I am doing the exact same thing with how I click the space button. I now need to try and retrain the way I type on them lol.

As Kinesis does not have global shipping I can only get it from upgradekeyboards, costs twice what I paid for the glove80 tho...

I got the pro version a month ago or even less so imagine how happy i am now... I also have a dygma defy, and. overall I prefer it over the 360 as a package, but the keywells are great. I also have issues with the thumb cluster, I prefer the defy one no question, on the 360 I can only use the two big thumb keys on each side. This made me learn homerow mods however and that's the best of both worlds. I guess my dream board would be if dygma made a keyboard with a keywell. I never had an issue with the bluetooth though, I must say.

what are the other keboards ?

NocFree Lite is a nice option for a split keyboard when traveling, but it doesn't have an ortho layout.

Theyre spray painted and not a different color plastic?! Yikes. That’s going to wear and discolor in months.

Stormtrooper white is hella sexy.

Yeah this is seriously good. I doubt that anyone will need to drop down to code for zmk now unless it is for the fun of it.

We need a tier list. Love your videos and they're super informative, but a tier list would be great for comparison of all the boards you have tried so far!

i really love this keybord, basically i have bought it becuse i saw all of your videos that you were comparing it with the other keyboards. the only thing am looking up now is to have a single one usb so i can charge both of keyboard. if you know any brand please let us know. thank you for you time

Great video! Do you know if the editor is available in the free version of github?

As someone who is getting into split kbs (waiting all my parts to build a lily58), this was extremely interesting to watch. I was considering to build a corne after but adapting to that will be even harder, so I'll take my time with the lily58 before even considering that step.

As per manual you shouldn’t use the tented centre bar without the octo stand.

Thanks for commenting on my Reddit question, sending engagement, lol

Great video! Just bought the moonlander and looking for layout ideas, definitely gonna steal some of your ideas!

I really like how you talk about your opinions and the importance of preference in keyboard choice I laugh at the “I’m not 10” jokes but I’ll be here representing those people in their 30s that still love some good rgb. I use it functionally to show me what layer I’m on and what keys are what but I’m also a sucker for the oooh pretty 😊. I still like oooh pretty in my 30s 🤩

Maybe I’m blaspheming over here but have you tried low profile keycaps on just the thumb keys (to keep from having to lift your thumb so high) and/or using heavier switches on just the thumb keys (so you can rest on them without pressing them)? I’m just starting to mess around with a moonlander but I’m also having thumb cluster comfort issues. I’m currently playing around with the angle of the cluster