I Split My Keyboard In Half To Write Code. Worth It?

In this video I talk about my experience using a split mechanical keyboard for software development, whether or not learning how to use one is worth it and what my experience has been like. I've been using my split for over a year now to write all my code and work on all of my software development projects and have really come to love it, but it might not be for everyone. Hope you guys enjoy the video and don't forget to subscribe to the channel if you enjoyed it! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
Below I've provided links for pre-built keyboard options and also everything you need to build a keyboard like mine. Any amazon links below are affiliates (other links are not). By clicking and/or purchasing from these links I receive a small commission (at no cost to you). This really helps me out in funding my videos and growing my channel❤️
⏰ Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - My First Mechanical Keyboard
01:00 - Building a Split Keyboard
02:42 - Learning to Use One
04:43 - Why I Love It
06:07 - What I Don't Like
06:42 - Pre-Built Alternatives
07:12 - Conclusion
⌨️ Pre-Built Keyboard Options
Non Split Keyboards:
1. My First Mechanical Keyboard: amzn.to/34cQvsE
2. Keychron K2 (Very Popular): amzn.to/3utqno6
Split Keyboards:
1. Ergodox EZ (Ortho): ergodox-ez.com/pages/customize
2. Moonlander (Ortho): www.zsa.io/moonlander/
3. Dygma Raise (Staggered): dygma.com/products/dygma-raise
🛠 Build My Keyboard (Rev. 5 instead of 4) ⌨️
Build Guide: keeb.io/collections/iris-spli...
Walk Through: • Iris Rev. 5 Split Keyb...
Keeb.io Iris Rev. 5 Parts: keeb.io/collections/iris-spli...
⌨️ Parts List
1. Clear Cherry Mx Brown Switches (10 Pack) x 6
- Amazon: amzn.to/3rvF3Bb (affiliate)
- Alternative: mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/...
- Blacks (Not Clear): amzn.to/3J6v4rP (affiliate)
2. 100 Blue Leds 2x3x4mm: www.ebay.com/itm/122017191797...
3. Ortholinear Keycap Set: amzn.to/3uxeCNd (affiliate)
4. Soldering Kit: amzn.to/3grOFGA (affiliate)
5. PCB Boards 🧠: keeb.io/collections/iris-spli...
6. Top/Bottom Plates: keeb.io/collections/iris-spli...
7. Clear Middle Layer: keeb.io/collections/iris-spli...
8. Cherry Mx Stabilizer: keeb.io/collections/iris-spli...
9. Usb C to Usb C Cable: amzn.to/34CAnjD
* Note that Iris Rev. 5 uses Usb C to Usb C
If you are building Iris Rev. 4, use TRRS Cable: amzn.to/3GtRUrL
10. USB C Cable: amzn.to/3B3Z0SO

[@strictnonconformist7369]

For the sake of accuracy, you have a staggered column keyboard, NOT ortholinear. The Planck EZ is a true ortholinear layout, which is defined by all the keys being in a regular array with no shifting of the rows or columns. A version of the Commodore PET actually had an ortholinear keyboard. That being said, if you get the correct column staggers and sizes of keys for your hand, and even better (but more involved) the ideal tenting and bowl shape of the keyboard also matched for you, that would be theoretically ideal for you. I've bought an Ergodox EZ Glow, also a Moonlander Mark I, and to me, the most ideal layout (I also write and work with code for a living, since before you were likely born, so I need to undo decades of suboptimal ergonomics) feels like the number of the keys of the Ergodox EZ Glow, but the layout (mostly) of the Moonlander Mark I, with the giant orange arrows replaced by 3 keys, as (for me) that feels "right" for a keyboard that can't also be made bowl-shaped like the Dactyl Manuform (I think I spelled that name correctly). But to me, the problem with computer keyboards for ergonomics in all cases enters with all pointing device solutions I've ever seen, so unless you run some external window managers and other things for macros (perhaps Karabiner as an example) you'll not be able to efficiently use a keyboard by itself, outside of vim, which is a shame. Windows and MacOS (I've not verified all the shells in Linux, too many options!) in theory have full keyboardability for all controls/views, but in practice, that's... rarely as efficient as desired. So, you find yourself needing a pointing device, which forces your hands off the keyboard, even the nub mice are disruptive.

[@joseanmartinez]

Wow thanks for all the feedback! I hadn’t realized that the iris wasn’t actually ortholinear, but column staggered as there is indeed a slight shift between the columns for better ergonomics. I’ve considered tenting before as I do think it would make for even better ergonomics, but haven’t tried it yet. Probably should! And I agree with you, a good ergonomic keyboard will only take you so far. My development workflow is mostly on the terminal with tmux amd vim and that is where I find the biggest advantages and seldom need to take my hands off to use a mouse, but elsewhere, it’s a different story. Because of that, I have both a trackpad and a mouse which I’ll use for changing windows, browsing the web and using other programs outside of the terminal. Because I spend so much of my time inside vim though, the keyboard makes for an awesome combination there. Thanks again for the awesome feedback!

[@dayannahkali]

Eye tracking may be the future of mouses. Maybe. Would be cool.

[@asdfssdfghgdfy5940]

@@dayannahkali Check out the Tobii eye tracker. Looking at that I wouldn't be surprised if eye tracking could be used as a mouse in the future. Couple that with a lenovo laptop style mouse on a keyboard and I think it could work.

[@RalfVogler]

I use Surfingkeys to control Chrome by keyboard. Don't need the mouse for iTerm, nvim, vscode. There are also many vim options for Karabiner Elements and window managers like yabai.

[@144avery]

Underrated channel. I hope you go far -- you're obviously putting care into these videos!

[@joseanmartinez]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@juliopacheco1294]

love your vibe man! great video :)

[@sarjannarwan6896]

For future reference you don't want to use the soldering iron on the solder directly, you want to heat the piece of metal the solder will stick to and touch that piece of metal with the solder.

[@codetothemoon]

Incredible video, I learned a ton thanks!

[@joseanmartinez]

Really appreciate that!

[@VayeCarnell]

I see the light in your eyes in the video. Happy (split) keyboard lover, too!

[@Str4tosph3re]

Thank you! This video is informative and helpful; gives me more context while learning about split keyboards. I'm a programmer, interested in giving one a try, trying to decide whether to learn to solder & build a keyboard, or pay the price to start with something pre-built like an Ergodox. Still undecided, but every bit of intro-level information helps! :-)

[@joseanmartinez]

Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@myrnaortiz2675]

Excelente trabajo. Te felicito. Ahora escribiré mas cómoda. Muy bien pensado.

[@joseanmartinez]

Muchas gracias Myrna!🙏🏽😊

[@ladmandiola8868]

Great Video. Eventually, you may desire to try out raising your split keyboard at 35º to 45º angle. Now I have it at 75ª. It took me couple of days to get used to it, but my arms, wrists and hands feel so MUCH better! Hope this info helps. Later.

[@joseanmartinez]

That sounds really interesting, I have been thinking about adding tenting for a while now and it’s great to hear it has worked well for you. Thanks for the tip! Also glad you enjoyed the video!

[@brandonmbanks]

Thanks for the video! Love your channel and have learned a lot from your NVim tutorials. Is it hard to use to a regular keyboard layout after getting used to the vertical column layout on a split keyboard?

[@rotteneffekt4416]

Most of these DIY boards you could change the microcontroller to something that has bluetooth - voilà, wireless. As you said, interesting projects :D

[@joseanmartinez]

Found about this recently! Really interested in making something with a bluetooth microcontroller

[@WilliamShrek]

WOW! The pillow caught the keyboard!!!!

[@joevtap]

Really nice video! Love from Brazil!

[@joseanmartinez]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@jain-d1]

This was a very interesting video, thanks for sharing this info. Could also share how much was the nett cost of building this keyboard. I am actually considering pf building this as well.

[@shiva.sharan]

Nice. I use the sofle layout. Which wrist rests do you use ? Curious.

[@coolbrotherf127]

I ended up ordering stuff to build a dactyl manuform board, pretty much what you have except that it has raised and concave keywells to match the length and curve of the fingers. As a programmer as well I'm excited to finally have something more ergonomic than my old gaming keyboard I used to use.

[@joseanmartinez]

That sounds awesome!

[@alexwall7204]

How did you find it in the end?

[@coolbrotherf127]

@@alexwall7204 Unfortunately, I got really busy with life and haven't really had much time to teach myself how to type on the new keyboard, since it is in the Colmak-DH layout. From the bit I have used it, it feels a lot more comfortable to my fingers and can navigate my development environment without using the mouse really well. While I built my own, I would totally recommend just finding someone who is good at building them for you if you have the money because it was pretty time consuming ordering all the parts, soldering it together, and loading all the software. It's more expensive to get it built for you, but saves a lot of time.

[@alexwall7204]

@theacp127 Makes sense, thanks for the advice! Glad you got a working setup, at least.

[@Johannes24393]

Loved the Video! Would you recommend using wrist rests with a split keyboard like the ones shown in the video? Which ones do you have?

[@joseanmartinez]

Hey! Really appreciate it! I really like having wrist rests. Mine are actually mouse wrist rests I found on amazon and repurposed for my keyboard. Here’s the link for them: www.amazon.com/dp/B07DF83HK7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@tonytorres6365]

You can get the Solfe v2 which is an open source keyboard. It has the option to solder in a bluetooth mcu to have a full wireless experience. And there is even a choc supported version that uses low profile switches to make turn make your keyboard portable.

[@joseanmartinez]

That’s really interesting! Thanks for the info!

[@christiand3560]

I generell for the newy dygma defy, combines all benefits for me

[@Sprinklesparkle1259]

Would you have any opionons on ergonomic keyboards such as the logitech k860 vs a split keyboard? Im having a hard time choosing 😣

[@chrisyiphk]

Great introduction to custom mechanical keyboard

[@joseanmartinez]

Thanks! Really appreciate it!

[@michaelkarim2177]

Complete interloper here i.e., non-coder: Using Kinesis for ~10 years now for writing all kinds of text, and the occasion to use a "standard" keyboard has become hunt and peck all over again... anyway: Great video. Planning to get the Iris split keyboard for all the same reasons: more ergonomics. Now... if it would only come back into stock...thanks, and enjoying your videos.

[@joseanmartinez]

Interesting! Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it!

[@tylerkussee4613]

Do you have a video showing how to put those LEDs in the keycap and soldering them onto the board? I haven't been able to find one. I enjoyed the video, and it gave a great overall description of the experience.

[@joseanmartinez]

Hey! I currently don’t have a video on this. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it as I’ve transitioned to a different keyboard recently. From what I remember I had to open the switch, insert the led, close the switch and then solder both the switch and led in their proper position on the board. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nucasspro1]

could you share your keymap setting? thank you so much

[@MAGAIVER]

You should look into the Corne-Ish Zen it is more compact, easier to carry around and fully wireless. The round 3 of it should go into group buy soon.

[@joseanmartinez]

That sounds really interesting! Thanks for the tip, really appreciate it!

[@RyanTuller]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKLTc36rerucpNk check out Ben V. His videos on ergonomic keyboards are awesome

[@guavavodka]

When you switched to it, and got used to it, does it ruin your muscle memory for the old keyboard? if you travelled with your laptop and no keyboard, does it lessen the experience of the standard keybaord? i can type around 130 consistent 160 max wpm and im worried about ruining that muscle memory

[@Gerz970]

It should also be noted that the iris rev6 is hotswap which is good for those who dont know what switches they want or dont want to have to solder. I bought one a couple months ago and I don't want to ever go back to a normal keyboard again.

[@joseanmartinez]

Yes! I hadn’t realized the Iris Rev. 6 was out with hot swappable switches when I was originally working on this video. It looks pretty awesome! Especially with the benefit of not having to solder and having the ability to change the switches whenever you want to. Thanks for the feedback and for pointing that out!

[@DarrienGlasser]

It’s been old out for so long :(

[@Moelleer]

Nice video dude! Really like it. Where did you get the keycaps?

[@deletedchanneI]

just check the description

[@jaimeavalos476]

hey Josean, thank you for your video. It was very enlighting. I hava a question: what is this pad you have between your split keyboard plates? I am thinking of getting a split keyboard precisely to add a mousepad inbetween and your looks like a good one. Thank you in advance

[@joseanmartinez]

Hey! So I have the apple magic trackpad. It works very well, but works only with MacBooks. Happy to hear you enjoyed the video!

It took from 2 to 3 months as well for me to get used to my Corne split... but now I fly over it... and no more wrist pain since I use it!!

[@joseanmartinez]

That’s awesome!

@@joseanmartinez I'm upgrading now to a new DAO Choc BLE, very similar to corne in layout but using Choc low profile keys and totally bluetooh... much more portable

[@jastiwana]

Awesome video! Where are your wrist rests from? :)

[@First.Last.99]

Time to get maybe Corne with Nice!Nanos to be wireless. Also I really rile the vibe in the video its so relaxing, thank you

[@joseanmartinez]

Wow! I had no idea I could use something like the nice!nanos to get a wireless split, that is awesome! I had already been thinking about building a Corne keyboard because of its smaller footprint, but making it wireless sounds really sweet. I’m probably gonna look into that and see if I build one, maybe make another video about it too! Thanks so much for the tip, I had no idea! Appreciate the support and happy to hear you enjoyed the video🙏🏽

[@First.Last.99]

@@joseanmartinez I really love corne, think about taking one with mx and one with khali switches, as one is robust and other is slim, but maybe for precise typing bigger is better but its not that expensive to have both and see which one u like better. I prefer slimmer one, as I also add a bigger battery underneath to have backlight, enjoy :)

[@dayannahkali]

X-Bows are affordable and sufficient bords imao, although this split custom stuff is super cool.

[@mikewhite1282]

What keycaps are you using and where did you get them from?

[@wrongwayscout]

popping in just to say the thumbnail on this video is so good

[@joseanmartinez]

Thanks! I really appreciate it!

[@hyperkun]

great video, crazy how you decided to not have arrow keys tho! how are you navigating through code or use any useful shortcuts like switching windows between monitors etc

[@remove9007]

vim motion, is what programmers use when not using arrows

[@Visualcoach]

never forget the ergodex.

[@Rikion28]

Me encanta tu contenido, ademas de que ere de P fucking R! jajajaja Soy developer en P.R. y cuanod vi tu primer video me quede imprecionado!!! Espero ver mas contenido tuyo, Exito!

[@joseanmartinez]

!!! Muchísimas gracias! Orgulloso de ser developer en Puerto Rico. Me encanta saber de otra gente que hace lo que yo hago aquí en la isla. Me alegro mucho que te guste el contenido y aprecio mucho el apoyo, seguimos pa lante 🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@DarrienGlasser]

Iris gang 💪 Just built a rev 5 for travel. Waiting on rev 6 to be back in stock

[@joseanmartinez]

Sweet! That’s awesome!

[@obj_obj]

By the way, there is now a layout with better stats than colemak-dh called Canary (can't post the link here or youtube deletes my comment) It surprisingly doesn't take that long to switch, I was able to regain most of my speed within a few weeks (I was previously at ~110wpm in colemak-dh before Canary was created) Canary mainly follows the same design principles as colemak but its more optimized (since colemak was created more than 10 years ago, there are better optimization techniques now)

[@WilliamShrek]

Then how do you type command + arrow left?

[@GUIHTD]

I use the Iris and it's great. Best decision ever.

[@joseanmartinez]

Yes!🙌🏽

[@StefanRows]

How often did you practice this throw? :D

[@paqshet4648]

You can upgrade your keyboard with a couple of Bluetooth enabled MCUs and a couple of batteries

[@flip4119]

I use a ferris sweep, I really have fallen in love with low profile switches. Just feels like less effort overall with them having such short travel. Nice video!

[@joseanmartinez]

Nice! I haven’t tried low profile switches yet, but sounds great. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@benjaminshtark5977]

for me, the best keyboad is the one on my laptop. the reason is simple, more often than not, you need to work on-the-go, and you have to be efficient with your laptop anywhere you may find yourself, so getting better with your own laptop's keyboard, will save you time. so personally i wouldnt invest time in special keyboard to 'save time' by being more efficient, i would rather invest into a good laptop with good keyboard and use it as a standard. currently i am using macbook pro 16" and its amazing, especially screen size and keyboard too.

[@CapableFox64]

Agreed as long as I’m on the go. Going to write at a coffee shop or collab in meeting, yeah I’m just on MBP keys. But if I’m at my desk or working remotely > 2 days, I’m bringing the keyboard. I’m substantially faster and more comfortable on those keyboards for 8+ hour days.

[@benjaminshtark5977]

@@CapableFox64 yep, smaller light keypad-less keyboards are excelent for that, especially bluetooth ones.. too bad, good keyboards like that are expensive.. but then again, its a tool you use, and life is expensive..

[@Rockem1234]

I'm using Kinesis FreeStyle2

[@mingez]

You code on a Mac? That’s very interesting. Do you find that challenging? I don’t code per se, just write sql and ccl occasionally. Are there any challenges? I want to switch back, and also… the Magic Trackpad is amazing.

[@joseanmartinez]

Specifically for my use case, using a mac works great! I mostly do javascript frontend and backend web development and haven’t run into any problems. It also works well for mobile android and ios development.

[@ianofSST]

Mac has bash and vim installed by default in their terminal so that makes things a lot easier for myself at least.

[@cabezachumbosampedro8038]

How many dollars did you spent on it? thank you.

[@bradd5961]

Get some magnetic cables. One for the main connection and one for the middle connection. Makes it effortless to move it around.

[@joseanmartinez]

Hey! Great tip! I actually made a new one called a Corne recently that is wireless!

[@bradd5961]

@@joseanmartinez No problem. Yes, if you can do without the extra thumb key and number row, I think Corne is the next best. It seems to have good support which is important so it won't become vaporware...

[@rpmcmurfee]

How much did you spend?

[@peastfist1602]

Are there any cheap split keyboard ? Maybe the membrane version ? Because it is just too expensive for me

[@joseanmartinez]

Split keyboards and mechanical keyboards can be annoyingly expensive for sure. I’m honestly not entirely sure about cheaper options out there, you can maybe save some money depending on the materials you buy and their quality, like getting cheaper keycaps, a cheaper casing or cheaper switches.

[@simon215a]

You can start with Microsoft Natural. There also some options with split spaces. I use Microsoft Natural 4000.

[@quanduipro204]

my first split is ymdk sp64. basically a 60% split. I got the kit for 130$ on aliexpress. add in sw and kc and it's more but still cheaper than a dygma

[@agentsmith8434]

Amazing content, Great background music. Thanks God I Found this channel

[@joseanmartinez]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it! Really appreciate the feedback, thanks!

[@juanimaqq1938]

what theme you use in your app?

[@joseanmartinez]

In VIM which is my text editor, I use a theme called nightfly.

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

Finally, a review that mentions you have to memorize all other layouts that are not QWERTY. I think that is my biggest thing I don't like, as this will increase the learning curve more than any other thing mentioned.

[@HansBaier]

What is the text editor you use?

[@joseanmartinez]

I’m using Neovim currently!

[@HansBaier]

@@joseanmartinez Have you tried Helix? How would that compare?

[@loganb4651]

Do you wish you had gone with a 40% keyboard? I notice you dont use the top row.

[@joseanmartinez]

Yep! I ordered parts to build a Corne. Should be arriving soon and might make a video about it too! Pretty excited.

[@loganb4651]

@@joseanmartinez right on! Thats the one my coworker recommended me get. He enjoys it a lot! Looking forward to the video if you make it!

[@joseanmartinez]

@@loganb4651 Awesome! I probably will!

[@jammies701]

Keebio is the best

[@kimmeng6939]

I think moon lander advertises that their product is portable lol

[@joseanmartinez]

I find the Iris Rev. 4 not that portable for travel because of having to travel around with the two sides and having to carry around two different cables. I also don’t have a portable carrying case for it. It isn’t that bad, but I think something with a smaller profile like the Corne or even a smaller non-split ortholinear like the planck keyboard would be more portable options. Not sure about the moonlander as I’ve never used it, but I would think it is similar to my experience with the Iris in terms of portability. I think they include a carrying case for the moonlander though which might help.

[@justbored5222]

Try Coleman Dh

[@joseanmartinez]

Haven’t given non query layouts a try just yet, but maybe I should! Thanks for the tip!

[@darren537]

@@joseanmartinez it feels the most natural to most. I've been using the Moonlander for two weeks now and it is a learning curve but it feels better to me.

[@joseanmartinez]

@@darren537 Nice! The moonlander looks sweet!

[@PaulSebastianM]

Wow! You really need to work on your soldering skills. :D

[@joseanmartinez]

hahaha you are definitely not wrong about that! Had never soldered before so it was kind of rough. Thanks for watching!

[@severgun]

80 usd for just pcb is scam

[@a1mer06]

Everything looks great, other than those cherry mx browns. I wish you did some more research on other types of swtiches as you will be shoked with the various options.

[@niteshkumarverma9109]

Ok so you just gave me an business idea let's see how far can I go

[@zandan-ochirganbold2610]

Subbed at 264, will reply to this comment when he reaches mil sub.

[@joseanmartinez]

Hey! Really appreciate the support🙏🏽

[@jeeva3984]

Too expensive one month salary for a keyboard 😮‍💨

[@nhOjelPlays]

I came here just to say you clickbaiter !!

[@carloshtbraga]

lie to me, but dont lie to urself. This is not good

[@aut0turret]

Not buying anything until costs come down. Not spending $400 on a keyboard, ever. I don't care if the economy crashes and burns because people are not buying overpriced shit. It needs to crash and burn if this is how it is. At that cost, the keyboards are status symbols. I get it, probably costs that much due to underlying factors.. that's not going to change my mind about it. The fact still remains... $400 for a keyboard. Nope.