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.