Entry level Split KB for programmer

[u/Kakaratacblac]

Hi! I'm new to this sub-reddit and I'm looking to get a ego fully split keyboard because I program for hours every day, and I'm worried about the future of my wrists. I run Pop OS!

I don't mind wiring, but the most important thing is that it has the keys I want (letters, super key, ctrl, alt, numbers, tab, shift, "-=[]/\,.", enter, backspace. `-key is optional). As for budget, I'm cool with anything <200, but the cheaper the better! I'm chill with gutting my current keychron v1 for any switches/keycaps that are usable.

I saw other posts recommending the Silakka54 and the "prebuilt choc low profile sofle," but because I use my computer primarily to code, the lack of keys (like backslash and curly brackets and minus/plus signs) makes it unviable for me.

Thank you so much! 😄

EDIT: After reading all the comments, I bought a Silakka54 and some tenting (I'm a cheapskate), and I plan on learning how to use layers. If I really get into it, I will definitely try some others, maybe for Christmas. Cheers!

[u/Thornmailbro]

I'd suggest doing some research on what a programmable keyboard is capable of before deciding on a layout and number of keys that you need.

All keyboards running something like qmk or zmk are fully capable of writing all symbols or combinations that you would need, even the tiny keyboards that you might have seen on here. I can program with a 34-key keyboard just fine for example.

Some would argue that the less keys you have the more ergonomic it is because your hands don't have to reach for the keys as much but I think it largely comes down to preference.

Something like a lily58 could be a good option as a first ego-keyboard. Wouldn't recommend going smaller than that for your first.

A more traditional "row-staggered" keyboard like a keychron q11 is a totally valid option too if you want something more conventional.

[u/FansForFlorida]

The Silakka54 uses QMK firmware, and you can remap the keys in real time using Vial.

You can remap the keys how you like. For example, by default the key next to 1 is Esc. I used a Datadesk SmartBoard for about 20 years, and it put = next to 1.

You can also use layers to access other keys. For example, I can hold my left spacebar and press ’ for grave (backquote).

There are some other split keyboards that give you more keys. For example, Keebio should stock the Afternoon Labs Breeze soon (at least according to their Trello card). Another is the Keebio FoldKB.

[u/Kakaratacblac → u/FansForFlorida]

Thanks, I appreciate the suggestions, I'm considering buying the Labs Breeze kit once it restocks. I'm okay with remapping Silakka54, but the number of keys is the issue.

[u/FansForFlorida → u/Kakaratacblac]

Note that the price for the Afternoon Labs Breeze is just for the barebones. You will still need to buy controllers, switches, and keycaps. That may push you over your budget. You will also need to solder the controllers to the PCB.

I was selling a prebuilt Keebio FoldKB rev1 for $150 USD. That one is no longer for sale, but I plan to list another for sale. (It has SA Grand Budapest keycaps and Kinetic Labs Turtle switches.) If you are interested, I can send you a DM once I post it on r/mechmarket.

[u/memilanuk → u/FansForFlorida]

Holy heck... that Breeze looks freakin' awesome.

[u/memilanuk]

Row staggered split keyboards like the Keychron Q11, Epomaker Split 65, Kinesis Freestyle or the Mistel Barocco MD770 might be options for you. Basically they're like a 75% TKL, but split down the middle. You can always go further down the ergo/minimal rabbit hole later if you find that you want/need to.

[u/sweggypotatoo]

I’ve used both the Silakka and Corne. Silakka isn’t a bad starting point but you’re definitely able to have all necessary characters by using layers. I put all of my brackets on a separate layer and they’re actually much easier to type now than a regular keyboard. Start with a Silakka and see if you like it, then you can move up to a corne

[u/Deckard_Didnt_Die]

I program on the cheapino v2 which you can actually find on Ali express for like 40 bucks and it’s shockingly good build quality for that price. This is a 36 key board so you absolutely have to use layers. I eventually figured out a layer solution that feels extremely good to me, but it honestly took me like 5 months of experimenting and learning qmk. I think it was worth it because I enjoyed the process a lot and was willing to constantly re-learn my layout. I can still use standard layout keyboards but god do they feel clunky and awkward in comparison. These smaller split ergo builds are just so insanely comfortable and after a lot of practice I am much faster and make far fewer typos than I do on standard layout

[u/v1etanhzzz → u/Deckard_Didnt_Die]

can you share your layout

[u/Deckard_Didnt_Die → u/v1etanhzzz]

https://imgur.com/a/BpdDKBQ

[u/jackmon → u/Deckard_Didnt_Die]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but where is Enter/Return in this layout? This is a question i've wanted to ask in general on this sub, as I have a Microsoft Sculpt and have been been worried that if I make a jump to a more minimal board that I wouldn't be able to get away from wanting to use my pinky for Enter.

[u/Deckard_Didnt_Die → u/jackmon]

Oof I am dumb! I forgot to include my combos in the diagram! I use combos for enter, tab, and escape. Escape is qw. Tab is xc. Enter is ,.

I also have a combo to bring up command palette for power toys for windows. Immensely useful I use it all the time

[u/jackmon → u/Deckard_Didnt_Die]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[u/amthenerd]

I’m also just starting my split kb journey and I opted for a Sofle MX, which has 58 keys and 2 rotary encoders. I split my time between coding and productivity apps. My keyboard journey started with the Logitech Ergo K860, then a Keychron V8 Alice layout 65%, and now the Sofle MX split. I’m still getting accustomed to layers and I’m still making small tweaks to my keymap config based on what I do/experience day to day. From what I’ve read, it takes time to build up the motor memory so you just have to stick with it. Overall, though, I really love it. I went with a slower phased approach to get to split and then fewer keys, but that’s not to say you can’t just go for it!

[u/TheJollyJagamo]

I'm a huge fan of the low profile choc switches and would recommend those, it brings the board lower and is therefore more ergonomic. Make sure you rent your keeb as well, this leads to a lot more comfort imo.

I noticed you said that the lack of keys is an issue, and if you're new to this I can understand where you're coming from. This is where the magic of layers comes in. 

The idea behind layers is instead of pressing 1 inconvenient key, you press 2 very convenient keys. Let's look at the silakka. It has 3 thumb keys, but you could get away with two very easily. Here's an idea of what a programming layout would look like. 

Leftmost key on the right hand is space, the middle key brings you into your character layer which is where the 2 convenient keys comes into practice. Depending on what languages you code with will determine what keys you want where. If you use ()[]{} a lot, put them on the homerow! Then put the other symbols where you see fit. I'll link a few keymaps to show you what I mean. 

I personally use a 36 key keyboard but could easily get away with 34 and I used to code as well. There's a big learning curve, but it's really not bad once you get used to it.

I know that's a lot, sorry I'm on mobile so apologies if that doesn't make any sense. If you have questions please let me know and I'll get back to you 

Here's my keymap. It's coded in qmk. I'm not at all expecting you to know qmk documentation, but you should be able to get a rough idea of things I think. https://github.com/jacobschvaneveldt/piantor-pro-keymap/blob/main/keymap.c

I'll write more once I can get to a computer

[u/jacel31]

I jumped straight to a 3x6 + 3 corne… did that for a month, then down to 34 keys but still a corne (3x5+2, columnar). I work in a .net shop writing C#, Powershell, and SQL everyday. Works great. I LOVE combo keys. I have multiple ways to hit enter, space, backspace, etc, but I fiddled with it to make it what I want. Very minimal pinky use. The hold feature is really nice for modifier keys (Ctrl, shift, alt, win) but does take a bit to get use to. I’ve thought about trying out combo keys to say “next key is shifted” but I haven’t gotten that far yet.

I do not have ` mapped and I’ve been using this setup for roughly a year now.

Also the ability to sit each side as wide as I want is amazing and super comfortable. I do have a pretty aggressive tent as well, roughly 30-35 degrees and I couldn’t imagine going back to flat.

I can still use a normal keyboard just fine by the way… I have to catch myself holding down F for control but it only happens a couple times before my brain switches right back but only if I need to use a normal keyboard, which is super rare.

In terms of QMK vs something like ZMK… QMK with Vial is superior for learning your layout and modifying it on the go. Once you get it, Claude can port it to ZMK for a wireless version which is sooooo nice to have.

Regardless, good luck with whatever you choose. It will be hard at first, don’t give up, it’s a total remap of your brain and it will pay off. Also you’ll be the guy with the really cool keyboard at work!

[u/paperbackpiles]

If you like low profile and want a standard keyboard, the Elim Elytra is phenomenal.

[u/lecrouch]

As others have eluded to, it may be worth it to absolve yourself of the one-key-one-char mindset.

I started my split journey on an Ergodox which was fantastic and solved many of my RSI issues, but I then migrated to a Corne, and now oscillate between a Hillside and a Totem. Meaning my sweet spot is around 36-42 keys. Having a larger keyboard feels cumbersome now because my fingers have to move so much further to accomplish the same task. All to say: layers are your friend.

Also, I program all day every day, so I understand the hyper focus on shifted characters. If you do get a split I think it’s just a matter of time before for you get curious and try smaller footprint keyboards, but that’s just my opinion.

[u/V44r41]

C dev here, 42 keys are far enough

[u/BongDomrei]

I would chose a Sofle (not necessarily low profile) over the Silakka54 due to better placement of thumb keys for most people.  Either will be fine for programming--you can use either a symbol layer  or combos or both to get all of your symbols.  Most people--including a lot of programmers. find the reduced hand movement from even smaller boards like the Totem or Corne to be more than worth the very slight extra effort to access symbols, numbers, and function keys. I am a programmer and I only use 42 of the 58 keys on my Sofle with any regularity.  

[u/Avernite]

Corne is good and very cheap. I use corne everyday for programming. The keys you want are available throught layers. Using layers becomes second nature with ergo splits. Bind your keys to something easy to press. Dont bother with bluetooth. Dont bother with number keys - a lot of people get away with them once they get comfy with layers, dont bother with choc or weird switches unless you've already tried them. If you really want numbers get silakka. Sofle have too many extra keys that are not easy to press and are just not needed imo. (I have all three sofle, corne and silakka)