The best keyboard I’m not switching to - Kinesis Advantage360

[@darylferreras6241]

As a software engineer dealing with RSI issues, all the pain I was experiencing pretty much went away after the first day of using the KA360. Totally worth every penny imo.

[@educate9946]

RSI as a software engineer (or other PC based job) is super scary. I was hit myself and it's really only thanks to ergonomic keyboards that I can keep going. Personally I am fine with plastic Microsoft ergo keyboards though. Super low gamer cred but it's worth it -- and not $400.

[@HadeedSarfaraz]

With multi-layer keyboards I think RGB is so useful as a layer indicator, so you can quickly tell what layer your on, an easy check.

[@homermorisson9135]

Yep, my thoughts exactly... it's so obvious that it's hard to understand why they didn't include it... especially with per-key-RGB, you could simply have those actually double-bound keys change colour depending on the mode. Would make it so much more usable, intuitive... ridiculous that a 450+ USD keyboard doesn't have such a basic UX feature.

[@rinhayashi8949]

The keys themselves don't even have translucent characters, so the backlight looks barely noticeable anyway. One would need to replace the keys with non-standard keys maybe even made just for that keyboard, or at LEAST they could have a single RGB LED indicator light somewhere that tells you what layer you're on...I type in a dark room often though, so see-through keys are a must for me, and RGB keys are very helpful. I've been looking at the Moonlander MKI keyboard, but its surfaces are flat, where the concave surfaces of the Kinesis Advantage360 would be ideal as they match the bend of your fingers as they curl and stretch...If it had see-through RGB keys. I'm even a power-user and would be fine either learning the layout or use their git repo to reprogram it. Stuck looking for that ideal keyboard forever lol

[@taronzgaming7739]

Yeah I have a Moonlander Mk1, and the RGB was really helpful early especially to colour code regions/buttons for what they did, also it helps if anyone else uses my keyboard, they ask which is spacebar, I can just say green on left thumb, and backspace is red on left thumb. Otherwise you're left trying to explain what is what. As for layers, yeah I have my numpad on layer 2 highlighted to make it as similar in area and layout to old numpad layouts for quick/easy access while working.

[@WARnTEA]

I bought one of Wooting’s non-rgb OSU keypads for the game and for undo/copy/paste macros, and I didn’t anticipate how useful it is to have RGB to indicate what layer it is on.

[@Violant3]

I was thinking the same thing, why didn't they think about this?

[@noob4head]

I love these types of keyboards, and I'd love to try one myself, but that price is an absolute killer.

[@Twentizz]

Bro think this is a niche market only few of us are going to buy. I don't think the company can sustain

[@Sting_ray]

@@Twentizzcounter argument: if they were cheaper, maybe more people would buy them and so total profits could theoretically be higher.

[@Twentizz]

@@Sting_ray this is a valid point ngl but when majority use normal gamer keyboard, rgb and tactical clicks who would buy this. Btw i love the ergo keyboards but dont find useful on a long run.

[@bumptronic]

@@TwentizzTheir Advantage series keyboards have been around since the early ‘00s.

[@noob4head]

@Sting_ray, Totally agree with you on this. If they were priced around €100-150, I'd definitely be inclined to give one a try. As a programmer, typing is essentially my entire day, so ergo keyboards are intriguing. While there are other ergonomic keyboards available at lower prices, they often come with significant drawbacks.

[@PieceAppartment]

That ESC key is for VIM users for sureeee!!! 😂😂

[@user-hk3ej4hk7m]

That's what I was thinking, I hate using ctrl+c to exit to visual mode, but reaching for esc just kills my flow.

[@gfasterOS]

I've had caps lock rebound to escape for years for this exact reason

[@armLocalhost]

It is! But the arrow cluster is not :) I bet they have a navigation layer with jkl; arrows

[@jacobschweiger5897]

binding capslock to escape is very convenient.

[@petersansgaming8783]

Probably why prime is using it lol

[@zacharyschneider]

I love the way you guys shared the update since you filmed the video! Great way to make corrections!

[@jasondicioccio880]

Though they've actually had that option for custom switches for a long time. Maybe they made it more visible? I ordered mine with box whites on 2022-10-24 and received it on 2023-01-09

[@jjacobs321]

I hope James reviews the Glove80!

[@sovereigncalifornia]

I like that he does these type of videos because he actually has a lot of user experience with ergo keyboards. His videos helped me with the decision to buy a ZSA moonlander which I absolutely love. Thanks James

[@lburger404]

I love my Moonlander, I've been using it for about two years now and I think it's worth every penny. I was apprehensive about making the jump to ergo but I don't think I'll ever go back to non-split.

[@yensteel]

Compared to the Ergodox, how does it fare in terms of comfort and usability?

[@sohailmd123]

moonlander is arguably the best one out there is until they come up with something more insane.

[@sohailmd123]

​@@yensteelmoonlanders thumb cluster is adjustable....i tend to change the thumbclusters orientation 2 times per day. so imo thumb cluster is game changer compared to ergodox...btw if you can 3d print the tilt set for moonlander..you can basically turn it into a ergodox

[@thegochie]

James is so much better at Short Circuits than some others... He actually does some research and testing before filming.

[@jasondicioccio880]

I have the 360 "signature" (which just means I got to choose my switches), and before that, I had the Kinesis Contoured (from ~2000). I do remember it took me a few days to adjust when I first started using them. However, at least for me, when I switch to a laptop or other non-ergo kb, my muscle memory switches too. Arrow keys, modifiers, backspace, etc are all not an issue. I even game with it, believe it or not. I was pretty amazed when they came out with the 360 because their old kbs used to be so .. old, and non-premium feeling. The 360 was a *significant* step up for them. It feels very thoughtfully designed and very premium. The whole having to compile and flash your own firmware to remap keys is more than a bit much though, I agree. To add an anecdote: back around 2011 when my contoured keyboard was 11 years old, it started having issues. I think some keys started sporadically not working. I emailed them and they sent out, free of charge on an 11-year old keyboard, a replacement logic board which fixed the issue. Their support has always been great.

[@Kenionatus]

How is it for gaming? Do you encounter and disadvantages or advantages?

[@Zhinarkos]

James spotted.

[@ProjectileGrommet]

No that’s a keyboard. Common mistake

[@conm9891]

Senior egonomics engineer at LTT.

[@carltonnnn]

James wellness check ✅

[@WARnTEA]

What James said about moving backspace off his pinky is why I think every 60% keyboard should move the enter and backspace keys in 1 or 2 columns to make them closer to the home row, and just put the keys lost in a different layer. Either that or you can simply add a split spacebar to a 60% and make the left spacebar for backspace and right spacebar for space. It is remarkably easy to get used to this setup. On my 40% keyboard that moved the backspace in closer I made the split space into a shift and space which was actually amazing to type on. Shift and Space are both used at a consistent pace so it feels so good to get your thumbs moving in harmony with the rest of your fingers.

[@ItsZim0]

I like how everytime there's a ergo keyboard video on shortcircuit, James had to explain what ergo keyboards do all over again. 😂

[@unrealed]

Btw, LOVE to see a review of an ergo keyboard. Always super happy to see them. Can't ever have too many opinions of them

[@yensteel]

Agreed, the Logitech Wave keyboard was interesting because it's pretty cost effective and has sculpted keys. The Atreus 62 has always been my personal fave, and a lot of people like the Iris keyboard as well. They've covered the most famous ones already, such as the Kinesis advantage, Ergodox EZ, Planck, the moonlander, and the Truly ergonomic Cleave. Do you have any suggestions that they didn't cover?

[@wraith1977]

They've been around a long time. I used them back in 2003 as my daily at work. It took some getting used to, but once you do they're really great. (It sounds like James wants the Kinesis Advantage II)

[@locutusuk68]

I can go back much further than that, I used an NEC one in the 1980's lol and if you want to go back further, in the 1930's they made ergonomic typewriters 🤣

[@waffle911]

They used one in the first Men In Black movie.

[@wraith1977]

@@locutusuk68 I'm talking about specifically the Kinesis keyboards.

[@derickd6150]

The first ergo keyboard he ever tried was the Kinesis Advantage 2. He liked I think, but he didn't like that it was too close together for his shoulders. I also have that keyboard and have the same issue. This keyboard we just watched looks like it will fix all my issues

[@yensteel]

My first ergonomic keyboard was the Kinesis Freestyle. It was much more comfortable than the razer black widow I had before that. It was fine for gaming and much more comfortable. The advantage was way too pricy at the time but it's always been something I wanted to buy. I settled on the ergodox EZ, and it's said to be not as comfortable, but it's hotswappable.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I think I'd go for the Dygma Defy instead. Even more looking at the price.

[@JosephHarry]

Kinesis Gaming user for years. Enjoying my F keys

[@Gatorade69]

Yeah seems like it might be good for gaming, though probably takes some getting used to. What model are you using ?

[@JosephHarry]

@@Gatorade69 freestyle edge. The non RGB one. Really wish they supported qmk, but the text files are time for backing up the configuration.

[@jasondicioccio880]

​@JosephHarry that's a great keyboard. I really liked it. Love the text file thing, I wish they added that as an option on the 360 pro

[@RandomFace]

You should look into the MoErgo Glove 80

[@unvergebeneid]

Would love you to review the Glove80. It's also not everything I want but since that isn't out there, I think a comparison would be illuminating.

[@sandorbence2067]

I'm happy that a 60% ortho board solved all my ergonomic issues. Tried these spilt ones but couldn't get used to them.

[@TheBabababa]

The escape key being there is for Vim users, I mapped my caps lock to escape on my Kinesis II for that reason and nobody uses caps anyways.

[@derkaiser9881]

Caps is genuinely useless in my opinion. I use mostly 40% and smaller keyboards, but even on the few TKL and 65% boards I have, capslock is changed out for tab. So much more convenient.

[@ivanheffner2587]

I put Esc on the thumb next to Delete. I have too many years of CapsLock being mapped to Ctrl (ANSI standard position).

[@Departure4885]

The price is high, but my god was this keyboard worth it. No more RSI pain, I can actually work all day without thinking twice.

[@gardenofava]

I'm using a glove80. It solves most of the problems you mentioned. An F key row, easy GUI remapping software, and rgb

[@unrealed]

It seems super cool! But yeah that's an expensive pricetag..... And no GUI for pro is a bit dumb but also understandable. Let me explain. It uses ZMK so it's an open-source firmware that (afaik) has no GUI. The Ergodox keyboard use QMX which ALSO don't have a GUI but they developped their own GUI for it. I'm guessing they weren't willing to develop a GUI for the crazy possibilities of ZMK, which I can understand. The real problem is the "professional" moniker for the ZMK model AND that it's the only one that is wireless. Having a model that's "for big keyboard geeks" with ZMK makes sense, and would have market. But they named it wrong and they tied mass market features to it that they shouldn't have.

[@derkaiser9881]

Nitpicky, but QMK not QMX. Normally I don't want to be annoying about things like this but it's important to get that right as Googling QMX won't give you QMK results.

[@WenirR]

There is gui for zmk but it connects to the github account

[@ivanheffner2587]

There are OpenSource GUI configurators available for the 360 Pro. They even allow you to add features like home row mods and tap dance.

[@idkwhatnameilikewhy2236]

Glove 80 review/unboxing any time soon?

[@GhaithHachem]

I think James needs to check out the glove 80. Has Function keys and is very similar

[@yensteel]

Golly, the custom switch keyboard site has hand-lubed switches! Update: So um, every bell and whistle added on totalled $700 USD. Custom lubing, custom sound dampening, etc...

[@FryGuy1013]

You should try out the glove80. I just got one and it's like a more modern version of this keyboard

[@SkyKosiner]

I just got an adavntge 360 after three years of the adavntage 2. If you type a lot it's the best keyboard money can buy imo.

[@hautdoge141]

Thank you! Please continue with these ergo keyboards. Your review of the Keymouse inspired me to spring for a Keymouse Track which basically saved my career. I was having a lot of ulnar nerve pain and it was the only thing that worked. Sadly, the company is dead so I can’t buy another.

[@getoffamylan6844]

I was anxiously awaiting one of their keyboards as well.

[@ElCapitan69420]

Glove80 next?

[@brycesmith68]

You’re the best James this is such an informative, detailed perfectly paced video. I appreciate y’all so much and I love your voice.

[@martinlarsson6621]

Nice video, but more keys is NOT more productive than running fewer keys with layers, I also used to think so. Right now Im running a 34 key, it only has the letter alphas and two thumb keys on each half. Never worked or typed faster than on this board, and I type roughly 120wpm, nothing to write home about but still considered fast.

[@darcsentor]

I’m running a 36 key layout with Colmak-Dk. Totally agree layers are better than more keys, using less keys is way more comfortable and efficient. Been loving this keyboard. Got extra layers for Uk and US keyboard layouts.

[@punkasaurian3055]

He's not saying it's more productive.

[@WARnTEA]

⁠@@punkasaurian3055he did say it was more productive.

[@human0id]

You should review the MoErgo Glove80!

[@nickgoogle4525]

Get a UHK, when you want to be more compatible with your laptop, but still get many benefits. But you need to use layers.

[@getoffamylan6844]

We really need to get James to use a keyboard with layers. Actually, he already does, the SHIFT key is just a layer key with a different name. We really need to get James to use a keyboard with MORE layers.

[@omaratieh3533]

Can you guys review a full spec dygma defy keyboard? I think sacrifices some aspects from this keyboard in favour of having more productivity/power user features (such as hot swappable keys, more keys, etc). It also has a low latency dongle and RGB for gamers. i personally think it's the best ergo keyboard so far.

[@eeinowski2462]

I just got my Dygma Defy. It really checked all the boxes. Highly recommend.

[@Excalibaard]

Also on the Defy hypetrain, it arrived during the winter holidays, got used to it in like 2 weeks and been daily driving it ever since. The tenting system is really nice, the wireless dongle works well (though plugging it around multiple devices is annoying, and it doesn't work well with KVMs), and the underglow is really bright. It's perfect to display the layer you're on by just changing a few zones on the inside, if you prefer a clean aesthetic.

[@omaratieh3533]

@@Excalibaard The tenting system on it is great, and for the price, you are certainly getting great build quality, not a cheap feeling plastic keyboard.

[@Mcdude22]

I think I still believe that 36 keys is the holy grail of split ergo keyboards, absolutely zero stretching for any keys, just a larger learning curve as you need more layers to make it work. That said, there’s no decent 36 key options on the market, only open source projects you’re building from scratch, so if you don’t want to build it yourself, this seems like the best one out there IMO, it’s what I’d buy if I had to give up 36 key options

[@martinlarsson6621]

If youre looking for a ergo keyboard, I recommend looking into: Ferris, Glove80, Unicorne from Boardsource, Dactyl, Skeletyl, or an Iris which is a great entry to the space.

[@EbonySeraphim]

The Glove80 is the keyboard this guy wants, and most people who are truly looking at split-ergo designs should go for. It has all features one would hope for in such a design, RGB, curved keywell, tenting, and a very optimal thumb cluster design + number of keys. It isn't the best in a few areas, but it is more than capable in just about all of them. Usually it's critqued for the tenting solution not being super convenient, but it's very much not an issue if you set it and forget it. Some users also prefer very minimal numbers of keys where the Glove80 clearly offers a full suite. Kinesis' thumb cluster is actually one of it's downfalls, which is a critical part of how one uses these kinds of keyboards.

[@christosbinos8467]

That capslock position is amazing. Escape is the key you use to enter normal mode in vim. As a dev you are effectively forced to remap escape, most commonly to the capslock position. Capslock can be... anywhere it wants. In traditional keyboards it's in prime real estate territory and almost completely useless. Majorly agree about the key remapping however.

[@versev0]

Been long time but James definitely got more manager looks, then his old ltt writer look

[@elyk864]

I'm a Dygma Raise user, and it seems way more functional than the Kinesis.

[@Haphazardhero]

Just do the Glove 80 already.

[@TheKillerJin]

Hey, great video, this is, at least in my opinion, an upgrade over the videos done a few months ago. I have been avoiding ltt channels after the whole debacle a few months ago, but it's nice to see that more thought is being given to the production of the videos. The video was very informative and touched upon many usability and ergonomic aspects. Thanks!

[@minues]

I would recommend trying the Dygma Defy! It's ortholinear and multi connectivity (BT, RF and wired) but not so bulky.

[@JoshuaB86]

Sounds odd, but this keyboard was a lifesaver for me. I'm a software developer and as my workload ramped up I started dealing with lots of pain. I took the gamble and spent the big bucks on this keyboard almost 2 years ago. Pain free since. Definitely worth it if you're in a similar boat.

[@edinalewis4704]

I e been a Software Engineer for over 20 years, I’ve had this keyboard for a week and the only thing I’m angry about is that I didn’t get one sooner!

[@pointeplusplus]

A lot of the same issues you have with this keyboard are the same with the glove80 which is the one that I was going to get. Then I found out the “unsoldered” version was just solder it yourself, not hot swap. Glad I found that out before buying it. My current solution was to buy a used moonlander for now so it wasn’t too expensive and then plan a dactyl manuform build

[@rgracon]

Dygma Raise fan and user here -- but don't get me started on the tenting kit.

[@coderjosh5647]

All of the major complaints (f keys, better reprogram keys, and rgb) is solved with the moergo Glove80. It is better in almost every way. The only "issue" is that the key switches are also not hot swappable. But there are people who will solder any keyswitch you want, for you. Highly recommend the Glove80

[@Octamed]

I rely on keyboards with a trackpoint in the middle, like IBM and Lenovo keyboards. They solved my RSI and allow me to sit back in my chair and move about without ever having to reach for a mouse. Give it 2 days and you'll get used to moving the mouse with it, it's very precise and feels great never needing to move you fingers from the home row.

[@yarrichar]

Have you tried the glove80?

[@HtotheG]

I have a Glove 80 I just bought it about a month ago, can't recommend it enough. It's absolutely the best keyboard I've ever used, it's a huge investment I'm not gonna try to cushion the ridiculous price tag but I'm coding 8+ hours a day and the pain I have already saved is priceless to me. It enables me to do my job longer and without pain. Is it better than this keyboard? Couldn't tell you this is my first split keyboard but I know I'm never going back. The tenting system is a bit imprecise, I feel like I never quite have the heights right but damn the keyboard layout is perfect.

[@ten132]

Dastaana assi?

[@Ryan.Matlock]

I love my Kinesis Advantage2 enough that I have two. After remapping some keys, they've been great. I may have to treat myself to the 360.

[@MatthewBeckers]

Please unbox the Glove80 as a comparison!

[@tsbulmer]

Using an ergo keyboard for gaming has been a total, well, game-changer for me. Though, by "ergo" I mean a cheap Redragon half-keyboard, which, while nothing like an ErgoDox, is a huge improvement for me - I have six buttons for my thumb and I'm able to keep my hands close together and at a comfortable angle. Sure, I've modded it a bit and want to do some more, but it was $30 *very* well spent.

[@douglashughes2331]

If you get the wired version of the advantage 360 you get the cheap and easy version. I specifically did not go wireless pro for this very reason. I have an advantage 2 and the advantage 360. I use the 2 at home and the 360 at work all day every day. I LOVE them both. so worth the money.

[@shelbybaylis]

I have the advantage 360 (usb not Bluetooth) and it is hands down the best keyboard I’ve ever used. After your brain gets used to the moving of certain keys like arrow keys, it is smooth sailing. If ergonomics is a concern for you, this is the solution.

[@Patrickdaawsome]

Which switches do you have and are you happy with that choice?

[@TheGangster-uc4rk]

Why would they include ABS keycaps instead of PBT for the professional version? I may be mistaken but I'm pretty positive PBT keycaps are better quality and respond better to wear from daily use as opposed to ABS.

[@berrski]

Here's an extra tip for ergonomics if you're using a split keyboard: put a trackpad in the middle. It's very reachable by BOTH hands and feels really good. I also use a mouse. =)

[@damonguzman]

After searching for about 3 weeks. I ended up going with the Cyboard Imprint. Crazzyyyy ergo keyboard that's custom built for every customers hands. Cost ~$800 USD with all the upgrades and features I wanted (integrated trackball, aluminum backplate, etc) 😅

[@joshhardin666]

I'm not a fan of weird keyboard layouts, but kinesis does make a really nice split keyboard called the freestyle edge which adheres to the normal layout standards while providing excellent ergonomics.

[@derkaiser9881]

Something like the Keychron Q10 is more friendly to people who aren't super into weird boards. It gives you the advantage of a split board, but with less of a learning curve because it's a unibody split 75% board. You get everything but a numpad in a relatively compact package if that's something you care for. Personally I'm all-in on weird keyboard layouts and use a QAZ keyboard on the daily, but I get most people aren't into that kind of thing.

[@rugged04270]

My coworker just this week ordered a replacement for her Kinesis 100 from 1992!

[@r3mpuh]

Finally the best keyboard is getting some recognition, now switch to Dvorak also! 👏🏻🤠

[@ivanheffner2587]

Dvorak for typing; ESDF for gaming.

[@DygmaLab]

Continue your ergonomic journey with our Dygma Defy! You won't regret it

[@danielcooke3243]

I thought he was going to say "believe it or not, some people use a mouse" that would have been 10/10

[@GentleBones1]

I completely agree with your complaints and wish it had a thumbstick and mouse buttons built in so I wouldn't have to worry about moving my hands off the keyboard.

[@Ash-qp2yw]

James is the reason I switched to using a 45degree mouse and yesterday I finally got the Moonlander Ive had my eye on for a few yearx now

[@benjikrafter]

Those arrow keys being separate is just brutal. No 2 people using the same keyboard, no one hand on WASD and on on arrow keys, no using arrow keys while using a mouse.

[@gagiotter4114]

one thing though, The kinesis advantage has a better "key well", i'm daily driving the 360 but every time i switch to my old one, it just feels better. This one has a few benefits (wireless and extra mod keys) and split layout. but if I could just directly split advantage pro, i'd probably stay with that one.

[@plyr2]

As a dev trying to prevent rsi, I am with you on the lack of key issue. I don't mind sacrifices in exchange for easy macro keys and function row.

[@ivanheffner2587]

I’ve been using this keyboard since it shipped to early buyers. I upgraded to it from the Advatage Pro (not the Advantage 2; it’s slightly older brother, the Advantage Pro). I’ve been pretty happy with it for the most part. There are some transient wireless connectivity issues with it. I’ve read others’ accounts that lead me to believe that pairing with multiple devices can exacerbate the wireless issues. The QMK firmware is pretty good if you don’t mind spending the time to tweak the layouts and get things “just right.” I do wish I had the option of different switches at the time (or even better: hot swap; but that’s a pipe dream) but when I bought, it was Browns only.

[@j_orpz]

I actually have this keyboard, as well as both prior versions. I’ve been using them for years and I find they help tremendously with my wrist pain. I don’t use them for gaming (I have a standard keyboard for that), but these are fantastic for work, general typing and (with some learning curve) excel work.

[@pvalpha]

I'm sure there's some other recommendations but Glove 80. I've been looking at that one but haven't made up my mind yet.

[@SangoProductions213]

I use an Ergo Dox Pro. I bought it like 6-7 years ago. It went through a tornado (with me). I managed to lose the main cable that runs from the right keyboard to the computer... and they just sent one to me for free. It still works like the day I bought it. Once a year or so, I do have to take off the keycaps, and clean out the hair and nonsense that gets stuck under them. But... that's literally the only complaint. It's great, durable, and the company is pretty cool.

[@robinator18ps3]

Been using this for a few month at work as a software developer. I don't really need to remap anything, I solve that by just using Linux. That being said, the escape key placement is amazing, used to remap caps to escape. Its probably my most used key by far. It has like a week long learning curve though but well worth it. When it comes to the function keys, you get used to just holding an fn button to access them within minutes, just like you probably already do on your laptop. I use Vim (btw) so hjkl are my "arrows" already. Overall for a developer i'd say they hit the mark spot on with most things with this keyboard. I'd most likely not use it for gaming, but for navigating your computer and writing code it's Amazing!

[@ivanheffner2587]

Let me ask, as a fellow vimmer: what if you moved Esc away from your little finger completely and put it on a thumb key. I made that mod to my key map on my Advantage Pro (predecessor to the Advantage 2) prior to the 360 Pro ever shipping. I think it’s pretty awesome. I’ve had CapsLock mapped to Ctrl for more than a decade, though, so didn’t want to have that as my Esc key.

[@FelixSargent]

You should try the glove80!

[@Bliss467]

Layer switching is great on my 32 key keyboard. I use home row modifiers and my backspace and space keys on my thumbs also layer switch to stuff like arrows or numpad. I love it.

I would really love for you to check Keyboardio model 100 out and give that a review 😍

[@krisplanker9640]

arrow keys should be on a thumb cluster. They should make a gaming edition that has at least 104 keys, RGB, red switches and maybe an optical upgrade option?

[@LTAlter8]

Definitely need to try the Glove80, I absolutely love mine.

[@srmendoza]

I was hoping to see a review of the pedals as well, that looks really weird but also really useful

[@GC-uq2pd]

Thanks for your review. I am currently using a Kinesis Advantage2 LF keyboard, for years and I love it. Note I have never used the rebinding/remapping of keys. I find that option useless for most users. I am thinking of buying another one for my workplace, but the Advantage2 is wired and I would need a wireless option, which the 360 offers. But damm the price is crazy. Also I live in Europe, so the options are limited and/or I have to pay some extra fees... Other cons are : - My usage is assymetric because I am using my mouse on my right hand. I think they should find a mouse integration into the keyboard, as an option : perhaps a trackball i could move with my thumb ? i was thinking of adding something like that to the keyboard but i didn't find any good option. - My mouse is a logitech and my keyboard a Kinesis, so I got 2 USB ports taken, or it needs 2 dongles to my knowledge. It would be nice to plug the whatever mouse on the keyboard and only link the keyboard (basically, I want to plug only 1 thing on my computer that supports keyboard + mouse). - it is taking a lot of space on my desk, and I cant pass cable underneath (for my headphone for example). Here again, considering the volume of the keyboard, I think it could rather serve as an interface where we plug mouse, headphone, usb stick, etc... rather than just a keyboard. Instead of investing on key remapping, I believe they should move towards that interface system, and it would in my opinion justify the price.

[@A2theC]

Have you tried the MoErgo Glove80 keyboard? That one is similar to this Kinesis but cheaper, fully programmable with mechanical switches and RGB 🤔 The more you know 🌈🌟

[@ivanheffner2587]

The Glove80 is still a $400 keyboard. Yes, technically cheaper, but not by that much. IMO the build quality looks way less solid / more delicate. I think that’s part of the trade off in features / cost / quality though. Still, I’d also be curious for a review of the Glove80; but I’m already using the 360 Pro.

[@subrezon]

It might sound condescending, but ZMK isn't difficult at all. Sure, it's not a GUI app, far from it. But once you set it up by just following the instructions - almost everything happens automatically. In return, you get customization options rivaled only by QMK, and can sleep soundly knowing that your keyboard uses open-source firmware, so you'll get new features, updates and bugfixes even if Kinesis goes out of business.

[@KevinRiggle]

If you want a *really nice* ergo keyboard with hot-swappable switches you have really got to check out the Keyboardio Model 100, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Split, with a thumb arc, function keys on the palms, a range of tenting systems, as well as 1/4-20 mounts if it comes to that. It comes in two different kinds of real wood enclosure (maple and walnut), although they're working on a lower-priced plastic version, you have your choice of like six different switches (including linears, which make it my gaming keyboard) or you can hot-swap your own, and of course full programmability and full RGB. (Oh and it costs $100 less than these Kinesis keyboards. Did I mention that the enclosure is *real wood*??)

[@tashoecraft]

Would like to see you review the model 100 from keyboardio next for an ergo keyboard

[@brunoccs]

Can't wait for these to be available in Brazil.

[@RicardoJunqueira]

This keyboard looks amazing. I only wish they kept the regular key layout in place.

[@DrethNET]

I am the last person to care about fancy keyboards, I think today's PC enthusiast's obsession with how every damn key feels and looks is asinine but that being said this video did help me understand why I am having neck/shoulder pains and I'll be saving up for a split keyboard even if it's not the one from the video.

[@Electrician6969]

Glove80 is vastly more customizable

[@SwiftManeuvers]

Review the Dygma Defy!! You'll love it!!

[@janezverbic2093]

I actually like or understand the arrow keys position. When i play racing games on a keyboard i use my left hand for left and right and the right one for up and down or gas and break. It would be great to have the arms more apart, but for the money id just buy a whole racing setup.:)

[@asbtrailers483]

you should check out the glove 80

[@dominicaccardo8050]

fuck yeah! i’ve been waiting for james’ ergo keyboard reviews to return

[@Kronos51]

For what it's worth, I think the reason there's no nice GUI software for this version may have to do with the fact that it's using ZMK firmware to support Bluetooth connectivity. It seems like ZMK does not yet support the real-time key remapping functionality that is available for wired controller firmwares. There are tools out there that allow you to design your keymap with a nice GUI, but you still have to go and compile your firmware then flash it onto your controller.

[@jermizzey]

Still rocking my first-gen Kinesis Advantage at work and wouldn't trade it for the world. But even back in the day, I bought it used; the Kinesis prices are just way too much to stomach...

[@theindependentradio]

James I would like to get your take on the eglove 80 and the moon lander keyboards. The eglove 80 is the keyboard you described even has rgb

[@GreatWalker]

eglove? e?

[@JamesTM]

These look pretty cool, but honestly I *adore* my Moonlander. I've got the stands for it, so I don't have their weird tenting system. I'll never go back to another keyboard for productivity. The price tag was *steep* but, in retrospect, worth it.

[@JesseArt]

I have exactly the same desires in an ergonomic keyboard. I despise boards without a function row that try to cram keys like ESC in places where it doesn't belong. I've personally been using the Kinesis Freestyle Edge split gaming keyboard for years now, and while I would MUCH rather have an ortho-linear key layout with "contoured key wells", the cost of the Advantage series boards is just too prohibitive. And, as stated in this video, re-training muscle memory is a brutal task regarding numpad, arrow, etc. keys. Honestly, if Kinesis were to just combine forces with their two lineups (Freestyle Edge and Advantage 360), steal the best features from both boards and offer them at a somewhat affordable $200-250 USD range, I think they could sell WAY more keyboards in a much broader market than just the medical/ergonomic "I charge what I want because I can" market. The Freestyle Edge also has multiple function layers but also has RGB AND 9 extra macro keys along the left side and does not have a much bigger footprint than this 360 Pro device. Also, Bluetooth is a cool option, but it should never be the primary solution. It's just not good enough compared to a wired connection. It blew my mind researching the 360 Pro model and discovered that they intended it to be used as a Bluetooth device wirelessly over far more reliable wireless standards like 2.4Ghz wireless dongles with higher polling rates. For such an expensive device, it should include ALL connectivity options in my opinion. Anyway, I love Kinesis products, but yeah, I really wish their product development teams would just join forces and build one split keyboard to rule them all...at a somewhat reasonable price. The enthusiast market desperately desires REAL ergonomic solutions, but at $400-500 from the likes of Ergodox, Kinesis and such, they are all missing out on a ton of sales where there is virtually zero competition in the $150-250 USD range.

[@KoRNeRd]

Escape in place of capslock is due to vi/vim/neovim users. It is a common rebind. In vi one uses esc constantly.

[@ivanheffner2587]

“Uses Esc constantly” is why I personally put it on a thumb key.