We bricked it… - UHK 60

[@freemasoid8878]

We need a video where James tells us about ergonomic peripherals and their impact on our health in day to day use.

[@rachmanfachri]

This topic fits techquickie really well. Jon might be able to do something about that

[@MAGAIVER]

I can tell from personal experience, I've been using a 40% split column staggered keyboard, the Corne-ish Zen, an MX Ergo trackball mouse and a standing desk with a walking pad, I have been using the keyboard and mice for almost a year and the standing desk an walking pad for about 4 months. I no longer have pain at the end of a 9 hour work day, I'm a UI/UX designer, I used to get neck, shoulder and back pain, I don't get any pain anymore if I spend most of the time standing or walking, I still get a little bit of shoulder pain If I sit down for too long. One thing I did before buying any ergonomic accessories that also helped quite a bit a was learning how to properly touch type. Not looking down at my keyboard helped quite a bit with my neck issues, that's essentially free you just have to spend some time practicing how to type. In my particular case I'm a cyclist and I've been involved in several accidents that left me hospitalized and wheelchair bound for a while so my body has been thru a lot, so if you're in good shape with no pre existing conditions you may not feel the need for ergonomic peripherals yet, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[@jayros]

And a full LTT video with the best ergonomic keyboards to buy, from the budget option to the premium option.

[@hoofhearted4]

@@jayros sounds like a new Lab Metric. statistically, how ergo is X device haha

[@osorio443]

Yes

[@tramcrazy]

James is at this point the official LMG ergonomics educator. 😂

[@denesk2794]

The problem is that the options are limited. Staggered keyboards are not ergonomic, even if they write "ergonomic" on the box. They might suck less than traditional ones, but being non-staggered is a very important part in eliminating weird cross-finger operation. Just think of WASD and how your middle finger has to bend the wrong way when you are trying to press W. Once you are on something like the Ergodox, or even better: the Kinesis Advantage, you don't even need a number pad as your fingers are naturally over 1234 and 7890 with 5 and 6 un-mistakenly being a little more in. On a normal keyboard people need numpads as it is a pain to reliably type numbers fast. (OK, probably it is possible ... but still ..)

[@kyoyeou5899]

I'm all here for that!

[@dirty_mike]

@@denesk2794 I just googled the Kineses Advantage and it looks pretty cool! I feel like it would take the rest of my life to get the muscle memory for that layout though :D

[@JayC133]

Whilst the info given is "roughly" correct, it's not fully correct and James mislabeled some movement names. Good try though

[@scottydoesntno]

He has officially replaced Taran for all our ergonomic needs

[@zeikjt]

This is why it's so important for devices to have a firmware restore / way to unbrick. People can and will unplug devices during firmware updates; not even necessarily intentionally like in this video, maybe an accident happens and the cable gets unplugged. That alone gets a kudos from me, well done UGL/UHK team.

[@hubertnnn]

True, especially since this keyboard is using USB-C and those cables tend to just fall from the socket after half year of daily plugging/unplugging.

[@verygoodbrother]

flaky cable has caught me in the past.

[@konstantin90s]

this is why they should design stuff that it initially copies image before updating, then verifies and then flashes my fuckin chinese controller for 40$ can do it but shiny 400$ keyboard (considering addons) cannot

[@zeikjt]

@@konstantin90s having on-board backup flash that it can restore from if anything goes wrong would absolutely be ideal, but any recourse is appreciated

[@brianhsu_hsu]

It's really very good. I've brick it several times just because I'm so stupid that instead of connect it directly to my PC, it's connected to the KVM when I flash the new firmware. And every time it's back to normal after I follow the instruction from their website. I'm pretty happy with this keyboard, and the Agent software with macro support is really awesome.

[@louisedelavalliere171]

I miss James on vids. Thank god we finally get more of him

[@supersnail5000]

10:10 The logic with layering/chording is that you reach less distance to keys, which means you're less likely to move your arms to awkward positions to hit far away keys, and enforces better typing posture. Though a nice compromise is a smaller keyboard with a macropad/numpad

[@sebastianstierstorfer4651]

Agreed... I think that's the difference between convenience and ergonomics. My 6 col corne keyboard is ergonomic AF, but def not convenient :D

[@Dranzell]

It's funny because right after James talks about how reaching for the mouse is not ergonomic.

[@MAGAIVER]

@@sebastianstierstorfer4651 I absolutely love my Corne-ish Zen, it's the same physical layout as the corne, I find it very convenient for daily use, but I used to daily drive a Gherkin so the Corne seem very big.

[@trbdann2]

So, RSI : REPETITIVE injury, right? I don't get how occasionally moving your hand further (F row, mouse, etc) is bad. you're make LESS repetitive movements. ??! Am I missing something?

[@JammyBriton]

​@@trbdann2 It's not the individual movement that's repetitive, but that fact your hand is doing lots of similar movements (such as reaching to different keys). Everytime you reach, you extend. More extend = more strain. More strain means the sooner RSI may occur Hope that makes sense

[@hwbehrens]

The fact that 40% boards have absolutely dominated the split ergo space is so perplexing to me! Glad to see James and I are on the same page on this one.

[@ffbotha]

Considering that minimal hand movement is one of the ergonomic cornerstones of the community it's not surprising why 40% dominates.

[@scar-on-forehead]

Layers layers layers layers. I can comfortably work on my work desktop without the need of numbers and function keys and sometimes the mouse/touchpad. The trick is in mod-tap function of qmk where holding is a different action than tapping, also thumb cluster helps. Traditional keyboard layout is boring and require more hand movements, I hate that. I think most of the complain people have for the lack of keys is because the limitation of firmware, most of the mapping software we have for the keyboards is embarrassingly lackluster, even some qmk based one like VIA is no better than actual written source code in qmk. The middle ground is something like zsa software when you can make some very advanced qmk feature in their web app then the app compile to firmware for you to load into your keyboards.

[@kasakka]

40% is a bit small for me too, but 60% is just right. I find that I need function keys so rarely that they can just be behind a layer. Dedicated arrow keys? Kinda nice to have but I'm very used to the "mod + IJKL" for that and with the UHK you can even lock the layers temporarily if you want to stay on that layer without holding the mod button. Just doubleclick the mod button to do that. You can disable the functionality on a per layer key basis too if you don't like it.

[@PhysicsGamer]

Mechanical keyboards have the same issue in general, honestly. My Logitech G510 is still going strong despite my preference for mechanical keys precisely because nobody seems interested in making a mechanical keyboard that is anywhere near as _functional_

[@antoniohagopian213]

​@@scar-on-foreheadif you have hobbit hands that's only you, my hand is probably the size of your shoulder width.

[@rizenfrmtheashes]

I've been using this keyboard for like 3-4 years at this point and absolutely love it.

[@DMNX_RIDES]

same here, absolutely love it and had ordered it from the first crowdfunding campaign - amazing product and great support

[@Chill_Phactor]

I've had mine for about a year and overall really like it. I've got plans to be typing a lot more coming up, and excited to see about that. I mostly game with it and love how I can scoot the right piece above the left for MAXIMUM mouse/desk space.

[@oxonomy2372]

Did you get any of the track pad / mouse modules? What are they like?

[@Chill_Phactor]

@@oxonomy2372 yeah, I got the one with the three keys, mouse buttons, and little scroll ball for the left side of the keyboard. I don't use the mouse stuff, but the buttons are great for my thumb!

[@grj3241]

@@oxonomy2372 I have trackpoint module... it's great, but I am using it with my index finger... also have the buttons on the left, but I am using only mini trackball for scrolling

[@John_1920]

14:55 As someone that's grown up used to using keyboards with that big type of enter key, I think the slim enter key is the cursed type of enter key xD

[@zeikjt]

Ah, the big ISO enter key, it is the one to rule them all.

[@jamesduffin9417]

For me ISO enter all the way! The biggest reason I still use a Microsoft ergo keyboard is so few better quality options have ISO layouts

[@mobas07]

I hate the slim enter key, I use one keyboard with it and I constantly hit hashtag when trying to press enter.

[@jubuttib]

14:10 "I can't feel the joystick rocking over" That's as intended, it's not a joystick. It's a force sensing device, so it's only supposed to move a tiny bit, if at all, but measuring the force you apply to it, rather than deflection.

[@brianhsu_hsu]

Yes, you shouldn't feel it like a joystick. Its' very sensitive and only require a very little force to move your cursor compared to other pointer device. That's exactly why I really love it. It's feel so much less effort when moving the cursor around.

[@qiyu1766]

Shout out to the editor at 12:16 for the thrill music, it's a nice touch

[@kasakka]

Having used this keyboard for several years...I gotta commend how you managed to brick the thing right out of the gate. I haven't been able to do that ever and didn't even know those pin things exist. Just upgraded to the latest fw without a single issue. Similarly not reading any of the instruction before trying to assemble its feet and whatnot is a reflection on you, not the product. As for actually using it, it has been really comfortable! Being able to reconfigure it for your different usecases by swapping keymaps is very useful. I've used it as my daily driver for a long time now so it feels like second nature. The main problem is figuring out how you can make the most use of it rather than what the keyboard can do. I'm not really in love with the mouse modules as using them with a thumb lacks the precision of a bigger touchpad or proper mouse. Note that the mouse modules are more comfortable if you don't use very tall keycaps like SA profile. Finding keycaps for the oddball keys like the small mod/space is also problematic but they are out there in the occasional "mini spacebar" pack you might be able to get.

[@TheDeekins]

James' unexpected demand for more full-size ergo keyboards earned a cheer of support from me, thank you for giving us a voice, there are dozens of us!!!

[@oku-mq7kg]

@@cat-le1hf Honestly, there's nothing ergonomic about having to move your hand to reach a key, or put strain on your tendons from stretching to keys further than 1 key away from the home row, unless you have long fingers I suppose?

[@antoniohagopian213]

​@@oku-mq7kgunless you are short or have small hands having a miniature keyboard like this one makes no sense, I would get finger joint issues from using this thing due to how crammed it is.

[@philippemiller4740]

I wish they would dedicate a full LTT video on ergonomics as this is their main target audience and so few education and myths out there and our health is so important...

[@smashedintopieces000]

I have the UHK v2 for a good while now (since February) and I absolutely love it for work. Never having to move my hands again just to move my mouse/scroll through the window, having custom macros and multiple profiles all saved on the keyboard. It's just awesome, I would def recommend it to people

[@zerker08]

So you use trackball?

[@smashedintopieces000]

@@zerker08 Yes I have the trackball addon and the key cluster

[@brianhsu_hsu]

I've purchased first version of this keyboard during their crowdfunding stage, including key cluster / trackpoint module and the palm reset. Pretty satisfied when it's finally shipping to me. Have use this keyboard for several years, and very happy that I purchased it, especially this is almost they only split keyboard that come with a trackpoint. It's my first split and 60% keyboard, so get familiar with those layers took me about a day or two. After a week, it's become pretty nature when using it. Also the Agent is pretty awesome too, besides mapping key, it could also do macros. For example, my keyboard is connected to a KVM, and it goes to either my PC or my MacBook Pro. Since my KVM supports hot key sequence (two ctrl key and output number) to switch between outputs. So I've made a macro that when I press a key on my key cluster, it would automatically send a hot key sequence to the KVM to switch to different device, and then also switch the keyboard layout itself to matching current device's operation system.

[@joshua_lee732]

For those not in the know, Copyleft means that it's Free Software. Free software as in not monetarily Free, but Software that gives you the 4 fundamental rights of control, modification, distribution, and contribution.

[@stuckaduck]

I've been using this for work since the v1 came out, and it's fantastic. It takes a while to get used to the layout and using all of the key combinations, but it's very rewarding when you do. I especially like how it's designed so you don't need to move your hands while you type if you need to navigate around with Home/End/Delete/Insert/etc.

[@brianhsu_hsu]

I'm also concerned that it didn't have F keys when I purchased it, since this is my first non-full size keyboard, and my workflow is heavily using several function keys. But after I use it a while, I found it actually pretty usable and even more comfortable compared to the full size keyboard. Indeed you might need a key combination to active a F key, but when you do so, the hands actually stands in a more natural position and don't need stretch the palm or move your arms to reach those function keys. Most of time my hand could remain on the home row.

[@gusemasan]

14:50 the ISO has an extra key, so if you use the US layout with other languages you loose a certain key (for instance, if you write portuguese with a US layout you cant input greater/lesser than symbols)

[@Ariane-Bouchard]

Dang ANSI keyboards. I go to press ç or Enter and I hit that weirdly huge key above Enter. What is that key on American layouts and why does it deserve that much importance? 😂

[@kasakka]

That's not really a problem as you can program the function of that ISO key anywhere you want. So it could be e.g mod+Z for closest placement.

[@nedsi]

Fantastic video! It's great to see you talk so well about Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboards :) Just a comment, at 10:15 you say it's dumb that Ergo keyboards are small. There is a good reason for this tho: you want to avoid extending your fingers as much as possible. So it's much better ergonomically to have logical layers that allow you to keep your fingers close to the home row to reach everything you need instead of having physical keys that force you to move around to reach them. Having layer switching keys on your thumbs, or even home row mods (hold-tap behavior on home row keys), and also combos allow to you to have everything you need close to the home row so you can keep you hands in the most ergonomic position when typing. Another comment about something you don't talk about specifically but that the keyboard you're using has: no horizontal staggering. This is usually something we don't see on ergo keyboards because it's bad and has no ergonomic reason to still exit. Horizontal staggering is bad, vertical staggering is good :)

[@acos-1199]

Using the UHK 60 V2 for about 1.5 years now. No major issues, but I only use it for productivity (design/normal typing). Using custom layers, writing simple macro for specific tools/tasks and not needing a dedicated mouse (trackball and key cluster modules are great) were a game changer. By far the best keyboard I've used from functional point of view. Beats my personal experience with the ergodox that i tried to like, but the learning curve, backward compatibility with standard keyboards, and difficulty to properly reach the thumb cluster were not solving my specific ergo issue. With the wrist supports and small amount of tenting the UHK keyboard is ergonomic enough for my needs. Absence of dedicated function keys is a tiny bit annoying at first, but within a week or two I got completely used to the mod/fn layers natively. I often switch to index finger for precise control of the trackball. Decent build quality, with occasional need to clean the trackball (oils and particles do get behind it).

[@chibbyylol]

Split keyboard are amazing. Love my moonlander

[@cclay899]

I was really hesitant to spend that much on a keyboard but I'm so glad that I did, it's worth every penny.

[@juts89]

Its legs falling off every time you look at it is very confidence inspiring

[@wajdzikus]

Finally someone said something that I was thinking for ages. 60% keyboards are not great for newcomers - we need a full 104 keys keyboard. TKL at worst. Give us a truly Ergonomic full keyboard in a reasonable price 350-500$ is not reasonable) with same possibilities as those 60% and then some of us might see a reason to go for a smaller keyboard. This is why I'm MS Natural 4000 at work and working on building my own keyboard that will be TKL bit with all function keys and I'm thinking about adding numpad as an add on.

[@TheWolfLoki]

When he unplugged it during the "write memory" step ☠☠☠☠

[@grj3241]

yes, actually it is cool that they provide recovery step from it.... other products would stay dead...

[@HABIBMUHD92]

I had this keyboard for over a year now. Its my daily driver There's alot more to agent software. The company UHK is very dedicated to their users and products. For anyone looking to get an ergonomic keyboard would recommend this over other split keyboards

[@kubo407]

I'd love to see a whole video on keyboard ergonomics and how to improve them

[@Fabian3331234333]

Have it in yellow. Full equipment with the palm rests, track ball and key cluster. Absolutely love it

[@cidercreekranch]

I've been using an ergonomic keyboard since the original MS Natural keyboard was release, circa 1994, since I had an RSI that required surgery to correct. Almost thirty years later, I'm still using an ergonomic keyboard.

[@nickthaskater]

Layers mean less reaching. I love 40% for this reason. Less reaching = more ergo as far as I'm concerned.

[@hoofhearted4]

This is actually really cool. I'm not usually a fan of TKL or SFF keyboards, but something about it splitting is actually appealing. I do wish it had a numpad though, maybe a module that attaches to the far sides, or even a wireless one (I know you can always buy one). I like that they use the clear print on the keycaps for LED shine through. I want to be able to see my keys, not just the RGB surrounding them. I see that many enthusiast boards dont (probably because you can just buy your own keycaps if you want that). All that said, $320 + $75 wrist rest is extremely expensive for a keyboard. Plus if you want a module or two (think i would get the left side button additions). This is well beyond my price range.

[@Simon-tr9hv]

At this point and price, just get a moonlander, its similar priced, have thumb cluster and its ortholinear as well which i find quite bit better than staggered

[@pavleg2005]

I can't really use any other enter than an iso one properly, so it's a real dealbreaker for me when a keyboard doesn't have one.

[@milescarter7803]

Probably bears saying, a TrackPoint is strain gauge sensor. It is force-based. It should not 'move' noticeably. The only analogy I can think of is Race car brakes; they are usually not power assisted. You are intended to modulate them by how hard you press on them (not by how much they travel). I have found that some people cannot for the life of them understand how a trackpoint works. They must be expecting a joystick and have no neural paths for 'less presssure/more pressure'

[@dragonshardz]

4:43 You may want to take an anatomy class to better understand how the radius and ulna don't pinch when pronate. They and the small bones of the wrist put pressure on the nerve and connective tissue which can cause inflammation over extended periods.

[@pringlebread4913]

I've been looking for a good keyboard with function layers and a split design that I liked and this might just be it. The extra modules design is a really great way to add additional functionality without taking more space.

[@softxpandguest708]

If it isn't out of your price range, also take a look at the Ergodox Moonlander. I've had one for a few years now, and it's *amazing.* So much better than the plastic crap aimed at businesses looking to fulfill ADA requirements.

[@SplurginSergeon]

"It's always more ergonomic to spread it." - James hitting on his wife, probably.

[@osbre8110]

just one thing. 1:10 the lenght of our arms streched out like that is usually the same as our height

[@MrNeck89]

14:26 that's what she said. Cool keyboard, thanks for the content James♥

[@michaelmonstar4276]

As for the weird tall Enter-key, which is called an ISO-layout, I suppose, even though I'm Dutch and thus grew up in The Netherlands, I also only/mostly had the ANSI layout on any keyboards we had, except for maybe an Olivetti desktop-set very long ago (but I'm not even sure on that). - I totally get that countries have different languages and sometimes need their tools in different languages, but in The Netherlands we seemed to have just taken English on board, unlike say countries like Germany and France and Spain, where they also opted to narrate everything, we mostly had things (barring some things like animated movies for kids) with Dutch subtitles. - And for some reason, I don't know why, we also took on board the ANSI-layout for keyboard. Perhaps they didn't see the point of changing it, because maybe we don't have enough unusual symbols and such (Dutch is quite plain in that way), and decided to import keyboard as-is or whatever. Anyway, I guess I'm quite lucky for that in that I have a lot of options to choose from today. - It also weirds me out when it's an ISO-keyboard, cause I can't type on that.

[@FernandezEmG]

Unplugging while updating firmware was painful.

[@Adrianwe44]

James REALLY cares about ergonomics 😂👍🏻

[@bluephreakr]

You only have one body, after all.

[@jelopezta]

The final configuration reminds me of the old Microsoft ergo keyboards (which they are not making anymore). They were membrane but so good. The closest thing that is not a split is an Alice config, which comes with 65-75% layout which is great, but unfortunately has no tenting. The Microsoft one was slightly tented even tho it was a single piece)

[@kinjishimoura7322]

I just saw a video from 4 years ago where this keyboard was on a shelf for "stuff to look at and maybe make a video about". GJ it only took 4 years to make this video:D

[@dontknow8699]

14:57, It is not. It's actually very frustrating to switch from ISO to ANSI, SPECIALLY when you are switching from one to another regularly.

[@nickgoogle4525]

Yes, therefore use Ansi and do not rely on the extra keys, but make a keymap which works without the extra key.

[@cindella204]

Always happy to see James on the ergo beat! I’m surprised not to see ortholinearity and thumb clusters. This seems like trying to be a close to a regular 60% as possible but with split, but where’s the fun in that? It is easier to do it in steps (I went Logitech, Moonlander with QWERTY, Moonlander with custom keymap based on Colemak-DH, 40% secondary board) but I don’t think the steps need to be this small.

[@hoofhearted4]

unless he has a negative Ape Index.

[@bradbrowatzke7236]

Great video James. It addresses a lot of good points that will save a lot of peoples' hand health. I had one of Logitech's first ergonomic keyboards, wired, full sized, split keys angled like angel wings and the best integrated hand rest I ever had. After nearly a decade, the keys were so worn, only someone who touch types could use it, as every key was done. The next keyboard, also ergo, was a Logitech HK 350 with a mouse as a bundle, also retired after nearly 15 years later for wear. To say the least, I love Logitech and ergo keyboards. I had to go to a generic keyboard due to financial restrictions which lasted maybe 2 years. I have used my computers for work, research and gaming, so my keyboards get a lot of use, and a lot of abused. Now that I am in a better position overall, I am looking to get another ergo keyboard. Your keyboard that you use looks interesting, what features do you like about it the most?

[@timo1294]

I recently got myself a nullbits snap. It's a split keyboard which also has function keys.

[@aceorion]

300 bucks for keyboards, seems we really forget and dont care anymore about the value of money.

[@aceorion]

@@cat-le1hf certainly not everything quality made is expensive, I think you've become used to the idea that "expensive is better". It's 300, almost 400 dollars for God's sake and it's only a keyboard.

[@PhysicsGamer]

@@cat-le1hf My Logitech G510 cost less than that and it's got a dozen times the functionality.

[@ArthurBugorski]

Once I went ortho-linear I could never go back, which is a shame since there aren't many good options. Hope they cover the Dygma Defy when it's out.

[@joweber7492]

I agree. My Ergodox has definitely "ruined" me in that aspect.

[@ArthurBugorski]

@@cat-le1hf have you considered a Dactyl ? There are custom ones with trackballs. Search for “dactyl trackball”

[@MAGAIVER]

@@cat-le1hf I use a split ortho with a Logitech MX Ergo trackball mouse in between the keyboard halves, works very well. But using a non split ortho 40% or 30% with the MX Ergo next to the keyboard feels good too.

[@DavidBrown-bs7gg]

Microsoft Natural Egonomic keyboard, with gel-filled wristpad is a tough act to beat

[@mcpudd-20k]

10:44 Noooooo You NEED movement throughout the day. If you just sit at your keyboard without moving your arms you can develop frozen shoulder (there’s a reason it usually develops in the left shoulder).

[@ShampooTime]

Was interested in this keyboard, however the lack of quality in the feet alone made me lose confidence in the rest of the build quality, if they cut corners on really cheap parts who knows what else the cut corners on....i don't know

[@nickgoogle4525]

Feet are fine. James is just not able to do a meaningful review.

[@MuZeSiCk77]

NOw, this is a upload I thinks makes sense. Instead of keyboards with silly unpractical gimmicks, little infoscreens you need to, 1) pick the keyboard up to see the screen or, 2) put your chin on your desk to see the screen , 3) so tiny you need a microscope to see the information displayed. This one actually makes sense thank you so much.

[@mAcCoLo666]

Btw, a better solution to extending your wrists is to put your keyboard lower than your elbows, either by lowering the entire desk or by buying a desk tray.

[@AdamCimarosti]

James, you should do a collab with a good keyboard company: I'd buy your product! I'm after the exact same things you are. I'm currently stuck buying a Microsoft Sculpt whilst I'd still prefer a proper mechanical keyboard. The Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE doesn't do tenting, does it? UHK doesn't look too bad, but no arrow keys? No print screen? No F keys? No navigation? I tried layered keyboards and hated it because I end up having to create custom layers for all existing key combinations that are already there. E.g. I use software that requires CTRL-ALT-SHIFT-ARROWKEYS and (similar) and it's a pain with layers because I need to re-learn everything rather than get on with my work. Too many ergonomic keyboards are for enthisiasts. I'm not an enthusiast. I just want a comfortable reliable ergonomic workhorse that will not ask me to relearn everything and confuse me every time I need type something on my laptop.

[@chaos.corner]

I've been using MS Natural keyboards for 25 years and even have one or two in reserve but I'm keeping my eyes open for replacements when I run out. This looks interesting.

[@SeraphX2]

i'm 40 and have never had RSI, even though I've been on computers since I was 5.

[@danieloberhofer9035]

"Ooi, she's tight!" almost made me spit my coffee across the screen. 😂

[@SaudadeSunday]

I got the yellow, and it looks great. I'm glad I didn't get the module things when I got this keyboard, as they seem half-baked. The silent pink switches are too light, they actuate with a gentle breeze. The default keymaps for the various layers are horrendous, illogical, and terribly unergonomic. The Vortex Pok3r keyboard was very good in this regard. I completely agree about function keys needing to be their own keys. They should have included more keycaps in the box, like ones to swap "Control," "Mouse," and "Caps" around. Same with "Space" and "Mod." For a premium-priced product, it leaves a bit to be desired, but I knew it was a risk going in and the other options were slim.

[@thebreatho]

The usb C port should be on the left part, so you can use it standalone for gaming. Missed oportunity.

[@Rkcuddles]

9:43 ooo the track pad is very interesting… dang… I might have to buy that thing

[@OscarTorres-br8wl]

Love James as a host: informative yet funny

[@SimisearOfficial]

I highly disagree with James’ opinion on smaller keyboards, IMO less hand movement to reach keys when you could just hold down a thumb modifier and then hit the same key is more ergonomic. But I’m a 40% keyboard user so I am extremely biased

[@ffbotha]

Yeah, I definitely think he's wrong about that. I get not liking layers, but you can just say that you'd prefer a slightly less ergonomic keyboard to avoid layers. I can even understand it if you're not able to take your custom keyboard everywhere. Haven't typed on a normal keyboard for a couple of months now and I dread the day I forget to pack my Piantor when going to work. It's going to feel so awkward. At least I'm still using QWERTY for now.

[@elirantuil5003]

TIL 40% keyboards are a thing that exists in the real world.

[@inteliov]

The strange thing is he does mention that less hand movement is better when talking about the trackball so… I guess it’s just a small logical fallacy that slipped on there due to some personal bias. But we all do it, and I think it was clear it’s just his opinion. I can’t get used to layers too, but I do recognize that it’s more ergonomic.

[@elirantuil5003]

No expert (see my previous comment) but after thinking about it, I think I get what James meant. Layers would be more ergonomic if the keyboard is so small that you don't need to use your pinky finger at all (meaning there isn't a key you can't press comfortably with your pinky). That would make it "perfect" (provided you get used to layers). On the other hand, if a commonly used key requires you to hold with your thumb and press with your stretched out pinky it would get old fast (to me at least).

[@SimisearOfficial]

@@elirantuil5003 yeah man they’re fun, I like mine a lot

[@digitaldisruptlabs]

Got mine for almost a year, and I love it!

[@RJ---]

Those modules are far too expensive to just not work out of the box lol

[@kasakka]

Mine always have so I don't know what was the problem here. Some of them do have their own firmware so maybe just upgrading to the latest fw would have done the trick. All you need to do is connect the module and hit the firmware update button so it's fast to do it for them all if needed.

[@brianhsu_hsu]

Mine key cluster / trackpoint module also works out of box. Not sure what problem they encountered or did they mess up the configuration by themself. The agent software is pretty versatile and you could configure pretty much anything, including how those module functions. But it also means you could totally get an usable keyboard / mouse pointer if you don't know what you are doing and mess it up really badly.

[@dorkeren8916]

Full ergonomic keyboard - kinesis

[@jarnobot]

I'm currently using a Keychron V10 and I really like it. It has a row of F-keys as well, so James may like the V10 (or the Q10) as well

[@WalkerTxsRngr7]

I use the Kinetic gaming split keyboard. It was $200 and has the f keys and 9 dedicated macro keys. Plus you can change what every key is set to or use them as a macro.

[@vherczeg]

I'm using this keyboard since 3 years, and actually I love it! It works super smoothly, not like in this video :D It's very strange poor guy had so much trouble, as I remember, I read manual and everything was so smooth for me

[@SeraphX2]

how is moving your whole arm to get to a key ergonomic? layers means you don't move. wouldn't that be more efficient?

[@maritzazapata6513]

appreciate your knowledge on ergonomics. Curious to know what ergo chair do you recommend (for working at a desk, not gaming)? what chair do you currently use?

[@GrizzAxxemann]

I've been using the same format of keyboard since the 1990s, with long, LONG strings of gaming and work. I've never had an RSI. In fact, I briefly worked at a place with ergonomic keyboards and it was easily the most counterintuitive piece of junk I ever used. Might be because I don't homerow type and never have, despite averaging north of 60wpm with 98% accuracy.

[@NeonVisual]

This seems like the worst device to have to deal with on such a vital input. Just need to get some notes down oh no it's bricked, hand me a screw driver, a pen and a pad of paper.

[@willowrebound]

in my senior year of high school i had to make a business plan for a product i wanted to sell. i made a plan for a ergonomic mechanical keyboard with a split, tented design and a trackball on either of the inner sides. this is just a better execution of my dream product. i love it.

[@Coyes_]

Its absolutely a strong and good idea, but the execution man... They need to figure out how to smooth the experience to make it a real and good keyboard. Its nice to see cool ideais in the ergo market but at the same time, seems like a lot of good ideas go through bad production/quality control

[@Hammersmash3dFace]

I just want something like the Microsoft Natural/Ergonomic Keyboard with mechanical hotswap Switches and extra thumb buttons. 😥

[@saintjupi]

i need a in-depth video on james's knowledge of economics and how it effects us

[@hoofhearted4]

Ergonomics? I'm sure James could actually talk Economics though. Maybe how Ergonomics impact the Economy?

[@Brian-L]

Having flashbacks to the days of mandatory “Ergoman” CBTs.

[@salair54]

Dang, a trackball on a modern keyboard? Thank you so much UHK! I love me a cursor manipulator on a keyboard. Love the thinkpad nipple also! I have a military keyboard which has a similar cursor manipulator

[@JosephHarry]

May I suggest Kinesis for a review, I have been using it for ages and it is wonderful

[@sixxtylol]

Really loving all the keyboard content lately

[@Wolfskind1993]

Nice to see this one featured on the channel! Been using the UHKv2 since October 2021. Key Cluster on the left, Trackball Module on the right. Using two separate layouts for Games and Work, this thing made playing MMOs way easier cause you can have way more actions on every key in your left-hand zone (since you can have both space and the mod key (and thus additional layers) on your thumb through the key cluster). Programming is also somewhat easier thanks to easier to reach shortcuts! But yeah, even after a year I occasionally miss my F1-F12 keys. Also takes some time getting used to and figuring out all the useful macros and shortcuts you can set up on your mod layers... even after a year I occasionally add new wacky things in either Agent or my IDE of choice... only to then miss them whenever I'm forced to work on my company laptop. ^^ The left half as a tiny design flaw, where if I put my phone right above it, it's connection gets flakey. Nothing one can't work around with, but took some time to figure out. x) Also, the feet are insanely stable if you put them on correctly, just gotta RTFM, but it was kinda funny to see you struggle with them. :'D

[@SidTheGeek]

After watching this I miss my old Off white Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard

[@fundude365]

Why is not hurting your wrists considered to be a luxury expense?

[@gcolombelli]

Considering how most people seem to hate / loathe ergonomic keyboards, I'm not surprised so few companies decide to develop and sell such products. Also, different people have different opinions on what is worth or not doing for ergonomics. Curved keywells are pretty popular in some niches and you can find them on the Maltron, Kinesis, Glove80, Charybdis, Dactyl and a few others, but it's just one of those things that you either love it or hate it, and most people seem to hate it. Another thing is the split layout, or column-staggering instead of row-staggering, or ortholinear layouts... And considering how low volume those are, they're going to be expensive, in the end most companies just decide it's not worth to cheap out on other stuff when their base price is already going to be high and tend to make some quality improvements that end up making those keyboards even more expensive. I'm actually surprised that there are quite a few ergonomic keyboards that aren't way more expensive, considering all the features they offer and the build quality on some of them. There are definitely cheaper options out there as well, you'll just have so let go of some luxury features like RGB lighting, mechanical switches, N-key rollover and so on.

[@inplfw]

1:10 Either James is real short or he's breaking records with his impressively low Ape Index.

[@mundzine]

I know you showed what ergo keyboard you use at work but do you have any other suggestions?

[@holly_hacker]

Coleman is not a mix between Dvorak and qwerty, it's a completely separate thing and actually has better statistics than Dvorak

[@el_es]

IDEA : make a split keyboard for the Framework 16 - configurable to pull the halves of keyboard to the sides (and to put the num pad in between).

[@UltimateHackingKeyboard]

Thanks so much for the nice review! It was quite an eventful one. :)

[@nickgoogle4525]

Nice review? Rambling on without saying much!??? Not reading any instructions, unplugging the keyboard while updating the firmware... Send me a keyboard and I can do a nice review with _much_ more information and meaning!

[@muhimahiofficial]

Remember, once a time, James said, *"adapt or die"*

[@erebostd]

Very cool! I love to learn about ergonomic keyboards, i have one on every computer i use 🙂👍

[@bareflix]

It's good except for the staggered keys, they always cause ulnar deviation of the left hand.

[@vitortrindade5617]

Tenting and mustard color? James is a man of culture

[@likebot.]

Ergonomic keyboards exist because we have our desks at the wrong height. They're a patch to fix bad behaviour and it still doesn't solve the problem. It's like making roundabouts because people don't know how to drive: wrong fix for bad behaviour. They're not teaching us how to type or drive safely any more.

[@nickgoogle4525]

How do you setup your desk and keyboard?

[@likebot.]

@@nickgoogle4525 A half inch below the height of my elbow from the floor when sitting.

[@nickgoogle4525]

@@likebot. Thanks, that basically means the table is as low as possible, so you still can fit your legs under it, right? Do you rest your hands on the table or a wrist rest while typing? I find that when you attach a wrist rest that forces you the keyboard to be be farther away from the body and thus increasing the efforts it takes, because one needs to "hold" the weight of the arm -- thus in the end needing you to rest the palm on the rest while typing, which I think is not ergonomical.

[@likebot.]

@@nickgoogle4525 I never rest my arm or wrist on anything while typing. Any pressure on the wrist is pressure on the carpal tunnel. You don't want that while typing.

[@nickgoogle4525]

@@likebot. that is so true!

[@bluephreakr]

You wanna know what the funny thing is? I think, with the way I use my keyboard, I end up having better long-term health. I do not do thumb-row. I do nto try to strain my hands too much. I use my arms more than anything else and I end up typing with like, three fingers and a thumb on each hand at best. But in typing like this, what I end up losing in speed, I more than make up in longevity. Ergo keebs are nice for people who want both. Else just brace your wrists.and use it dumb.

[@RealGengarTV]

HELL YEAH they have Nordic keyset! I might get this

[@elliottsw]

You're absolutely right, I've never wanted a small keyboard as I use all the keys including the numpad. I wish more custom manufacturers wake up to this as there's a huge market out there being shunned by them!

[@JustinEmlay]

"WE have bricked the keyboard". I would have loved to see the eyebrow raise on the camera person when they got dragged under that bus!

[@erice6755]

So James being the ergo God at lmg, has he tried Logitech MX Vertical (Advanced) I wonder? I personally love it, going from a "regular" mouse to one of those and the pain that I usually got from sitting in front of the computer to long (at least from using the mouse) went away. It took some time to truly get used to it, and it might not be the best for gaming, but as far as I understand the advanced version is much better at that due to faster updates the original version. For posture if you use the mouse a lot it's fantastic, I have tried many other so called ergo mouse but this is the only one I would recommend for that purpose.

[@nightsabre6425]

I wonder if you can flip the attachment and attach it to the top section of the left piece.

[@Trevski13]

You cannot, it only has the contacts at the bottom of each side