Maltron single-handed keyboard review (Cherry MX Black)

Skip to 12:58 for a typing demonstration.
Well, I've seen a lot of crazy stuff in my time, but this one is pretty high up on the nuts-o-meter. This is a Maltron single-handed keyboard, an ergonomic keyboard intended for people who have lost the use of one of their limbs. Naturally, curses will start flying.
My keyboard reviews: bit.ly/1TbOtft
My switch teardowns: bit.ly/2C1QGHz
My TOP X videos: bit.ly/2FmpZfd
My XL typing demos: bit.ly/2OoAW3w
My tutorials and featurettes: bit.ly/2OrkLUh
My unboxing videos: bit.ly/2TSrr0m
I'm Thomas and I do videos and reviews on mechanical keyboards ranging from the most sickening modern RGB gaming keyboards to vintage hardware relics, or sometimes keycaps or keyswitches ranging from Cherry MX to Alps SKCM to IBM buckling springs and anything in between.
Follow me on Twitter for updates on my keyboard videos! / chyrosran22
The practice sentence was: "Hello my name is Thomas and I'm typing on a Maltron keyboard right now. What endless and infinite moron came up with this?"

[@mr.k7457]

Cheaper when bought SECONDHAND

[@bugglemagnum6213]

Oi missed that one , doubt it was intentional but a good one nonetheless

[@rozhy2k]

Which one, the right one or the left one?

[@jja2000]

Cease

[@Mewdoo399]

nice

[@kashashk]

Stop! You've violated the law!

[@SoulcatcherLucario]

Okay, as someone who no longer has the ability to use my right hand (I have hemiplegia cerebral palsy), I don't really get the idea of one-handed keyboards. I've only used a full-size (or TKL) my entire life, and although I am not the absolute best at typing, I get a WPM of about 50-55, so I'm pretty happy. If you have any questions on how I type, feel free to ask - I'll be happy to answer!

[@axelbostrom3606]

This is what I came into the comments for, the words of someone who types one handed. Thanks for sharing!

[@SoulcatcherLucario]

@@axelbostrom3606 No problem! I think I'm qualified to talk about stuff like this, since I'm exactly their target audience. @Natalie T Yeah, I get that a lot. It's cool, though - I love answering questions people might have, since I've lived a very peculiar life.

[@DoubtX]

@Lassi Kinnunen There's always sticky-keys to help with that kind of thing.

[@nathanbanks2354]

I'm sorry about your hand. I normally type Dvorak, and wish I learned steno instead. Several years back, I cut one of my fingers and switched to right-handed Dvorak for a week. The key placement seemed somewhat logical, and I was getting somewhere around 30 WPM after a few days. Moving the numbers to make space for more letters seemed logical. Do you think you could get faster with a one-handed keyboard, but 55 WPM is good enough so it's not worth the time learning? Or do you think there really is no advantage?

[@SoulcatcherLucario]

@@nathanbanks2354 Hey Nathan, thanks for the question! I've *kinda* wanted to learn Dvorak, but I just think that it would be impractical. As for whether or not I could type faster on a one handed keyboard, I couldn't tell you. I'm pretty happy with my current speed, and although I appreciate companies that are trying to make typing accessible for anyone, I don't think that I would benefit all that much from it.

[@enbyennui]

1:02 how can you buy it second-hand if you only have one hand?

[@xingxanghanji6583]

I don't know why this is funny but its been 5 minutes and I've been laughing my ass off

[@thethriftyfawn]

LMAOOOOO!!! 🤣

[@pom4408]

Finally someone who loves this keyboard ! I was on the verge to buy one, and you review give me the final push to do it - Thank you, I hope I'll enjoy it like you do - and now I'll be able to told my friends that my keyboard is approved by Chyrosan !

[@NautsuJJR]

oh no

[@haleyb2071]

Masochist.

[@Dyndicat]

Uuuhhhh

[@unknown96565]

W A N I N G gotta bring some popcorn.

[@jasonparamitatharsiman6801]

😂

[@olik136]

he probably used the Maltron for typing that.. although he would have to use space 5 times- seems near impossible

[@josefflagler955]

He says it the way its spelled

[@dpc4548]

it's like a waning moon, half hidden.

[@faolan73]

As if we don't have it for every episode.

[@SE_Tanks]

“Where’s the apostrophe key?”

[@marsh346]

5:54 next to delete

[@jjpark98]

𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

[@tokatokatoka]

marsh Kadesadaurat 13:41 lol watch before u comment

[@BeLovingAwarenessNow]

Idk why but “Where’s the apostrophe key?” had me in tears laughing.

[@leeryam]

@@tokatokatoka i think he was trying to show a clear view of when you can see it

[@j.fitness5701]

During the typing demonstration, clock ticking sound in the background is also a nice subtle detail :)

[@ArixZajicek]

I've never been this entertained watching a typing demo.

[@wisteela]

I went to a disabled college, and a mate with one arm was given the left handed one to try. He stayed with a normal keyboard.

[@parkerlreed]

Wrong hand? :D

[@Benzene265]

I think he means UK college, which is like high school here in the US.

[@inund8]

Given enough time, you could type only a tiny bit slower with one hand on a reg keyboard

[@TheDragiix3]

@@Benzene265

[@ethan-fm1uc]

@top.comment.god

[@voodoolilium]

That lone Windows key is so adorable, like a lost puppy

[@XalphYT]

Maybe the original plastic case was designed before Windows keys were added to keyboard layout? If anything, this key seems like an afterthought.

[@Bonniferrous]

Puppy get out of the street

[@awomanshootingsomething5811]

It looks more like a tumor than a lost puppy

[@masterkamen371]

looks more like they slapped it on after forgetting to put it on the keyboard.

[@lonelyjaco]

i love how this guy just straight up says how shit something is. he is so brutally honest and i love it.

[@pingozingo]

How sounds like if Critikal and Elon Musk had a baby.

[@vinciiiii5484]

so moist

[@lonelyjaco]

@@pingozingoindeed

[@glass1540]

Paul Zach have you ever heard Elon Musk?

[@lonelyjaco]

@@glass1540 uuuuhhh ye

[@atha2887]

love how you can hear the clock ticking in the background during the typing demonstration

[@svenax]

I guess any one-handed person who has to use this contraption will soon be zero-handed after chewing off the remaining one in desperation.

[@DeadWait840]

svenax lmfao

[@Bata.andrei]

And then they will have to buy the mouth and stick version from the same brand 😁

[@noahdomingo1162]

@@Bata.andrei And subsequently gain cavities and bite their tongue so they won't have to use that too

[@walktroughman1952]

@@Bata.andrei ahhh it all makes sense now. "Maltron".

[@XalphYT]

The first time I saw a photo of this keyboard way back when, I remember thinking: I don't see how you use this, but I am not one-handed, and presumably the designers created this layout and form factor based on decades of expertise in ergonomics and a knowledge of the needs of the disabled. I guess I was wrong.

[@XalphYT]

Lassi Kinnunen I understand your sentiment, but in some cases, there is a justification for "ergonomic" devices. The one that jumps to mind are knives and forks for elderly people. They have huge balls on the end of the cutlery to make gripping them with arthritis easier. Those look horrible and deformed compared to regular cutlery, but they have most definitely a valid use case.

[@pongopea]

*word waning pops up* oh wow what a typo! him giving the warning with his accent: “woahning” oh well, never mind

[@Chyrosran22]

It's like that on purpose :p .

[@luciascarlet]

it's always said "waning"

[@neuclearboomyt7107]

He typed it with this keyboard

[@MinnieG101]

I have never laughed so hard about a keyboard ever in my life 💀💀💀

[@calinguga]

it's my favourite WANING video

[@ivankirbymahinay1356]

Ikr. This guys is just so hilarious

[@shibasss]

The typing is so slow you can actually make what he is typing lol

[@XalphYT]

I know, right? Finally we can keep up with Thomas' typing.

[@bugglemagnum6213]

Except for the fact that this layout is so disorienting i cant tell what key he's hit half the time, i gave up trying to follow but it does help give a feel for the viewer how much of a monstrosity this thing is.

[@bryanleiporsado6845]

I just got the "on a MALTRON keyboard." also "right now" after the leyboard.

[@RosieSapphire]

@@bryanleiporsado6845 I'm too lazy to go back and read what he was typing. lol

[@caiorabelo1]

I came to the comments looking for someone who had done it lol

[@GeekNerdNoir]

It's was both laughable and painful to watch the typing demo.

[@thebigdustin]

Tic, toc, tic, toc, tic, toc, tic, toc.. the clock in the background really makes it.

[@noahegler9131]

"Where's the apostrophe key?"

[@necrobynerton7384]

Its anxiety inducing when you cant find a key

[@flecom5309]

I really expected the keyboard to go flying out of frame with a loud crash at the end

[@DrDoinks]

I’ve never watched this channel but after a minute in, I was pleasantly surprised by the hilarious commentary. Subscribed 😂

[@carolinehaf21]

This is absolute GOLD at 3am when you're just innocently looking up what a one handed keyboard looks like. 👌👌👌

[@alaeriia01]

This seems like it's a missed opportunity. Throw RGB lights all over this ass cancer, flip it around so the left hand can use it, slap a Razer or Corsair logo on there and you've got something people would pay big bux for. Maybe add a scroll wheel and make the housing thicker plastic.

[@TommyFenstermacher5150]

Maybe add the guileful gentleman's sausage to the side... err... genius knob!

[@tornadomimicyclone6707]

At least it would make a fun Porn keyboard, this is just shit.

[@tokatokatoka]

Maybe remodel the whole thing into an actual keyboard and then people would buy it

[@NotPython]

dont forget to change the key font into that disgusting gaming font!

[@alaeriia01]

@@NotPython ooh, this with the Razer font would be hilarious.

[@domonateor9209]

It's a keyboard so bad that you said something during its typing demonstration.

[@SonicBoone56]

I remember he slammed the Smith Corona keyboard before but nothing like this lol

[@delmonti]

This is THE BEST review of anything on the internet. Truly staggeringly brilliant.

[@dumdummcstupidface6072]

watching you attempt to use these strange keyboards truly warms my heart. i'm not even sure why, but it's seriously entertaining. i'm just sitting here smiling like a dirtbag watching you struggle. thanks for taking another one for the team.

[@hahaiseewhatyouredoing9086]

Surely they put those buttons S-A-T-E-H-N purposefully for at least a reason. That might already described itself how evil this abomination it is.

[@calinguga]

that's hilarious, i didn't see that. any take on the "u" key?

[@alkestos]

@@calinguga Its in the cluster for thumb with Space, Enter and I...

[@groszak1]

The left handed version has it mirrored N-H-E-T-A-S

[@scapegoat4]

Now imagine for a moment... If it had mitsumi minis in it.

[@eyoofcool7316]

I got chills

[@XanthinZarda]

Imagine if it had Smith switches.

[@hjalfi]

@@XanthinZarda The one handed god of spoons?

[@XanthinZarda]

@@hjalfi And let's give it some mice switches just for the extra annoying factor.

[@kjb8610]

I was expecting a nice easy-going keyboard review. This video was SO MUCH BETTER than I could have imagined.

[@RBLevin]

OMFG BTW, this costs $700 new. I love the cheesy aluminum foil logo.

[@will3641]

$700!!!!?????????

[@saturnpeax]

700$?!(It's a lot in my currency), I would rather buy a set of pc, than buy this Shit

[@truedarklander]

@@saturnpeax it's a lot in anyone's currency my man, it's a new PC in America too

[@realMrVent]

700 bucks for a cheaply made, handwired PS2 keyboard that's somehow even further from ergonomic than a normal qwerty keeb? How delightful.

[@duncansparks1675]

I like how right control is on the left and left control is in the middle.

[@Draknem]

It’s really hard to imagine how this would be more comfortable than 80% or 60% even if you only have one hand.

[@DFX2KX]

I have two working hands, but have used one hand to type while navigating via mouse in games like Second Life, that is awkward, but perfectly doable and I almost don't have to look down. This thing is huge pile of sunbaked bricks of poodle turd piled into a Zuggarat to the god of Dogshit keyboards, WTF.

[@creathechiboi]

There is power behind your voice when you swear and I love it.

[@gzitterspiller]

I am not into keyboards but your dark humor is so good I keep watching these videos.

[@yuri886]

This keyboard design reminds me of one Simpson episode where homer designed a car....

[@bradleyrsx]

You single handedly made me laugh so hard that I nearly passed out from shortness of breath! I both liked and subscribed keep up the good work brother.

[@tabba1376]

Sorry for the probably-a-silly-question, but what model IBM keyboard is that at 3:08 ...?

[@Graham_Wideman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGarZmurqsmiZ7s

[@tabba1376]

@@Graham_Wideman Keyboard channels have the best comment section and the most helpful people. Thank you!

[@thysonsacclaim]

"PS2 on a translucent cable" -- They must have been using all the throwaway cabling from "cool" keyboards in the late 90s / early 2000s.

[@trazac]

If the label inside is any indicator, this keyboard seems to have been made in 2005.

[@Boyetto-san]

This like the previous Maltron just reinforces to me that early ergo keyboards probably didn't give two shits about ergonomics. It was all about novelty, and for many contemporary designs, it still is.

[@commandozambo7867]

The sound of the clock ticking just adds to the effect of how long it is taking you to type on this monstrosity

[@TanabiGoat]

What's the red button kinda center/top for? Exploding it?

[@gnsarathbabu]

Could you please suggest best ergonomic wireless keyboard and mouse

[@Daysaturate]

I think this would be my first time hearing someone go "Where's the apostrophe key?" in a typing test

[@EmoLoveMinecraft]

3:18 where is the “I” key??? Am I blind?

[@Tzinacacihuatl]

I didn't find it either

[@kingacastus8915]

It's above the space key

[@calinguga]

i assumed it was the down arrow when he talked about it, until i noticed the cluster. but yeah it's above the spacebar

[@dersan7522]

Is this not really an left hand only keyboard? Are there not two versions made? What if you lose your right hand?

[@SteveRobillard]

Best review since the amazon DIY casket. This made my day - especially since back in the day I explored a lot of these options because my arthritis can make typing uncomfortable.

[@stampycatfan01lol]

I love how the new “WANING” screen still retains the deliberate typo! As for the keyboard...how do you expect to even use it quickly?

[@Turbo_TechnoLogic]

WHAT is that Red button upstairs?? Direct call to the SATEHN itself?

[@PeachIceCreamy]

You don’t have many uploads but I’m hooked on your style. Subbed.

[@ddobster]

let's say you'd put it in an owen on 250C, with the timer off - how long would it take to melt back into a half-usable shape?

[@DFX2KX]

TFW you see a Chyrosran22 video thumbnail and IMMEDIATELY hear profanity in his voice before you even click....

[@bugglemagnum6213]

"What in the pill sniffing christ in heaven"

[@wefeonto2014]

Chyrosan: warning. The video: W A N I N G

[@blendernoob64]

The ticking clock during the typing demo is just perfect lol

[@johnsmithschannel999]

Did you write "warning" using maltron keyboard?

[@NickShabazz]

Amazing.

[@Empyrean55]

Love your content!

[@Napalm_Candy]

I didn't know you were a Chyrosran22 fan as well! See you around Discord!

[@davisssamuel]

Didn't think I'd see you here

[@NightlifeSux]

do more flashlight videos

[@bradd5961]

Entertaining as always! I think to be fair, like any proprietary key layout, it would take some good time to learn. I used the Malt (ie dual handed Maltron layout) on the ergodox for a long time and have found it to be the best option for thumb dominant boards. Took a while to learn however but worth it I think. Maltron , Kinesis, Dactyl manuform, all use this idea of a keybowl. Moving keys closer to one another by creating a curve does make sense. I also wonder if some profiled keycaps on the thumb cluster would bring out the best in that area. Some Cherry and SA caps for giving an angle and increasing key cap height on some keys. Surely better than a flat keyboard. Hovering around a flat keyboard with one hand and no wrist rest is a killer.

[@spikedefusin]

Okay but what keyboard do u use mainly

[@sergiopcr]

What's the deal with that red switch below F5 key? Have you pressed on it? Maybe it's a nuke the keyboard type of thing...

[@triennial9307]

dude, bad review. I'm a pro csgo player and I frag out on this thing ;)))

[@fademan77]

Hax

[@triennial9307]

@@fademan77 yeah, I do be using that ahk in valorant

[@Chyrosran22]

Being a CSGO pro just means RNGesus loves you :p .

[@Bonniferrous]

@@Chyrosran22 he sure didn't like this keyboard

[@triennial9307]

@@Chyrosran22 hahaha, was kidding m8. cheers though. very entertaining vid

[@jjpark98]

When there's a literal warning before the video starts, telling you that there's going to be harsh language, you know you're in for a good time.

[@aidanleather]

Did you do the voiceover for Dungeon Keeper II

[@ugyuu]

I had to check if all letters of the alphabet were even PRESENT on this thing. Is there even a correct layout for this sorta thing? Why are the U and I keys on the left?!

[@Banom7a]

"hand built usually mean shoddy quality" - Jeremy Clarkson

[@paranoidrodent]

"This was built in a shed... by a man in Sheffield."

[@dalriada842]

I'd advise against linking to this video on your eBay page when you come to sell this thing.

[@mx_nana_banana]

What’s the keyboard at 3:56?

[@JordanBennett19829]

Okay so this came up on my recommended, never watched one of your vids, but christ the sarcasm and language fucking hallarious dude, keep up the good work

[@BrianTRice77]

I’m a long time Kinesis Advantage user, and have wondered about the Maltron from afar, but this definitely digs into some truly egregious flaws in the design that I cannot imagine justifying. The Kinesis Advantage isn’t perfect, and is no gaming keyboard, but it absolutely has relieved my hand strain for 15 years, as well as increased my typing speed as a programmer, so the only temptation I’ve had is with Ergodox which is no cheaper and seems less helpful in terms of hand strain, despite offering nice advantages [sic]. The bowl shape on the Kinesis is much better spent and accessible, and the default QWERTY layout is totally fine and I’ve stuck with it. I’ve rearranged some punctuation and modifiers to my liking, and the punctuation takes a good week of training, but these things are built well and totally habit forming.

[@diggerfdf]

I love strange ergonomic stuff. I was planning to sell my kidneys to get one of those single hand maltrons. Just for the kicks of the ultimate Hellraiser moment "full pain and pleasure"... But Tommy, for Christ ever cloning fish and sticks. It took me 45 minutes to watch this video! I laughed so much, cried. Not to mention that your voice reminded me those great BBC narrators... HUAHUA you could make a video of bad keyboards mating and giving birth to the Maltron Abomination! I could sent you my Dr. Frankenstein impersonation of the "it's alive" sceney I need to transcript the cursing. "Jesus stapled ass?" HUAHUAHUAHAUAHUA in these Voldemort world human malware era, this video made my year! Thanks.

[@Chyrosran22]

Haha cheers mate xD .

[@ckafi1011]

What is that little nub below F5 for?

[@DioStreams]

What exactly *is* a recycling center?

[@SparkyTMA]

The moment you realize a seasoned typist is outpaced by the clock tick is when you know you have a hell sent torturing device.

[@BSzili]

I can type decent with just my left hand, which I found out when I had a plaster cast on my right arm. That's on a normal keyboard though, I can't imagine being able to do much with this abomination. That "bowl" with the keys, I'm getting sympathetic sprain just from looking at it.

[@calinguga]

the insane layout is the worst part, switching layouts bogs down typing speed on any keyboard. if it were qwerty cuddled up in there it wouldn't be that bad.

[@paulpriem]

I've used one for quite a while. It's dead comfortable over 60 wpm for me all day no problem. It's the only serious option for one handed keyboarding other than voice recognition. That's great as well!

[@MK-nu5dg]

Hey Chyro, I'm planning to make a wooden case for my keyboard, any tips?

[@Chyrosran22]

Be careful, it's expensive! xD

[@lohphat]

Whey not just a chord KB optimized for one hand?

[@mattsmechanicalssi5833]

Well, I don't know exactly what this "keyboard" inventor's problem is, but I'm sure it has to be hard to pronounce!

[@FPV_Viking]

Never heard so many random swear words

[@fritz8096]

He's invented a new language with profanity

[@AOitsAO]

Fritz Fused with blasphemy.

[@alexg111]

He reminds me of the mid-to-late 2000’s youtubers who thought that the more “creative” swear words they stuff in a sentence the funnier it is. This style of humor has not aged very well.

[@fritz8096]

@@alexg111 I disagree

[@MemeScreen]

Can I get 2 of these and make it s split keyboard?

[@NegovanVidiner]

What Thomas wrote in typing demo?

[@mokruhl7746]

This man is the Gordon Ramsay of Keyboards

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

Thomas: If they offer you Poet Laureate, will you accept? Beginning to suspect you may be a Vogon. :)

[@twitte0king]

I am really curious in try the left hand version of this keyboard

[@Nizzon.]

Haha, this is the best review on the entire KZbins. Loved it! Was offended by the negative comments about DSA-caps tho, that was uncalled for.

[@bwimtg]

this is great! so sorry you had to inflict this pain on yourself, but it was very entertaining! kinda disappointed you didn't talk about the red SELF DESTRUCT button on it. what does it do?

[@kshadehyaena]

I checked the manual. It doesn't even mention it, even though it's visible on the promotional images. Probably a pre-programmed macro key that types out an apology.

[@bwimtg]

@@kshadehyaena hahaha that's great! thanks for checking!

[@jamesm5192]

There were periods of my life that I would pull up Maltron pics more often than any human female.

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

Says James.

[@luxnox9303]

omfg finally, the review everyone's always been waiting for!!!!!!

[@fredklier]

this was the best typing demonstration I've seen! LOL

[@jabelsjabels]

I've known about these things for about 10-12 years now, and I always assumed they were bespoke, very high quality industrial-strength keyboards, due to the price and the obvious "made in a shed by a man" design styling. To find out that they're still made in a shed by a man, but are THAT low-quality is really making me question everything in my life. That plastic is SHOCKINGLY THIN. I was like "oh surely with that dimpled texture it's gotta be a good 2-5mm thick, must weigh a ton!"

[@delphicdescant]

Whether or not this particular manifestation of "new ideas" in keyboarding turned out well, I'm firmly in the camp of "standard row-staggered qwerty layouts absolutely suck and we only like them because we're used to them," and I'm always happy to see designs that attempt superior layouts, ergonomics, and efficiency. Like split keyboards and ortholinear or columnar staggered designs. This one might indeed be terrible though. I don't know.

[@clarahan.]

hilariously enjoyable review!

[@Kai_snzz]

you sir earned a sub! the heaven joke at the beginning should have been the tip off this is good content

[@HBC101TVStudios]

Fun fact: the word *W A N I N G* was typed using the Maltron single-handed keyboard

[@jermainebos5585]

I just realized he’s Dutch! :o Te gek man!

[@CodeWeaverCW]

That typing demonstration is gold. The eternal hand-wave, in absolute desperation, and then... "Where's the apostrophe key??"

[@Jallen7362]

This was fantastic. Reminded me very much of a Cinemassacre Angry Video Game Nerd review, which are also beautifully profane. Excellent work my friend. Thanks for taking one for the team.

[@voodoolilium]

The keys on the left really look like they're meant for your left hand. Is this really supposed to be for one handed people? Seems like pretty poor design choice.

[@mkruizv]

I imagine, it's for one HANDED people. You could use your left arm with a hook, or the mouth stick to peck on that cluster.

[@hahaiseewhatyouredoing9086]

There's right handed version of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYDHdpelZ7uki6s

[@frozzle]

“W A N I N G”

[@ericcarabetta1161]

Why are there 3 sets of number keys?

[@arsalion2880]

First video I’ve seen from you and I gotta say I’m not disappointed 😂😂😂

[@notOEAH]

This is the most foul-mouthed person with britsh accent i've found on youtube. Your top the list pal.

[@Chyrosran22]

I'll take it xD .

[@tyrantworm7392]

@@Chyrosran22 I would love to see a Sean (jacksepticeye) vs Thomas swear-off. Utterly unmonetisable of course, and you undoubtedly hold the crown for artistic merit, but I wonder if Sean could potentially outdo you in wpm :D

[@mathiaskildedal]

“Waning” 😂

[@rektyrektingson4668]

I haven’t been into the mkb/vintage keyboards as of late and saw this on my feed. Time to watch a large backlog of your videos. I Remember when you showed us your keyboard wall 😳

[@invictusdomini8624]

Where's the New Model-F Keyboards (by Ellipse) review?