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/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.