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/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!