Which is Better: Split Design Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboards vs Traditional Design

When you type on a traditional membrane keyboard (your office keyboard), observe your posture. You will notice that your forearms are inwards towards the center of the keyboard. While your forearms are bent inward, your wrists and hands are facing slightly forward so you can hit the home keys. Looking at your wrist, hand, and forearm position from above, you would quickly see that they are not aligned with each other.

This misalignment is not a natural position of the human body. This position can cause muscle strain, stress, and exhaustion; that's why you feel tired and sore after long hours of typing. In the worst case, this will lead to tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other injuries.

But there's a way to correct your typing posture. That is, by using a split-design mechanical keyboard. By putting each half of the keyboard apart, you type at shoulder length, which properly aligns your arm with your shoulders.

Let's discuss how the split ergonomic mechanical keyboard design works, its ergonomic benefits to keyboard users, and how to choose one.

What Is a Split Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard 

Can you imagine a keyboard that can be divided in two? Well, that's what a split ergonomic mechanical keyboard is. It is designed so that the device can be split into two separate keyboard halves. This allows you to position each half independently. 

The wonders of technology come into play here. Despite being split, the keyboard functions as it should because each half contains its own set of keys and microcontrollers. Thus, you can use it as you normally would on a traditional keyboard. The split design allows you to type in a more natural hand position with your forearms and wrists parallel to your shoulders. It effectively reduces the strain on your wrists and shoulders and can help lessen discomfort after typing for long hours.

Here are some key features typically found in split ergonomic mechanical keyboards:

1. Split Layout: The keyboard is split into two separate halves, connected by either a cable or through wireless means. You can adjust the spacing between the halves.
2. Adjustable Tenting: Many split ergonomic keyboards have tenting pegs. Each half can be tilted upwards along the center axis. This tenting feature helps reduce wrist pronation and ulnar deviation by aligning the hands and wrists in a more neutral position.
3. Ortholinear or Columnar Layout: Some split ergonomic keyboards have an ortholinear or columnar keyboard layout. The keys are arranged in vertical columns rather than the traditional staggered layout. This layout potentially improves typing comfort and reduces excessive finger movement.
4. Programmability: Like many mechanical keyboards, split ergonomic keyboards have programmable keys or layers, allowing you to customize key mappings and assign macros. This customization helps increase your productivity and efficiency.
5. Integrated Palm Supports: Some split ergonomic keyboards have built-in palm rests or supports to provide additional comfort and reduce wrist strain during long typing sessions.
6. Modular Design: Certain models have a modular design, allowing you to add or remove components such as palm rests, wrist pads, or accessories.
7. Mechanical Switches: Like traditional mechanical keyboards, split ergonomic keyboards often utilize high-quality mechanical switches for tactile feedback and durability. 

Pros and Cons: Split Design Ergonomic Keyboard vs Traditional Design

It's easy to conclude that split ergonomic keyboards trump conventional keyboards. Yet, it's always good to know the advantages and disadvantages of these products. After all, a split mechanical keyboard might be a hefty investment, and you don't want that investment to go to waste.

Split Keyboards

Pros

1. Improved Ergonomics: Split keyboards allow you to position each half independently, encouraging a more natural hand, wrist, and shoulder alignment. A natural, neutral typing posture significantly reduces strain and discomfort when typing.
2. Customizable Layout: Many split keyboards have adjustments such as tenting or negative angles that make your setup even more ergonomic.
3. Reduced Risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries: The ergonomic design of split keyboards can help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
4. Increased Comfort: The split layout and customizable features of split keyboards make typing comfortable. It helps boost productivity by reducing fatigue.
5. Programmable Features: Many split keyboards have programmable keys or layers that allow you to customize key mappings, assign macros, and optimize your workflow.

Cons

1. Learning Curve: Typing on the unique layout of a split mechanical keyboard may be counterintuitive or awkward at first if you're used to typing on a traditional keyboard. You will need time and practice to accustom yourself to the new layout and hand positioning.
2. Limited Availability: While split ergonomic keyboards have become popular, they may not be as widely available or accessible as traditional keyboards, especially in brick-and-mortar stores.
3. Cost: Split ergonomic keyboards are usually more expensive than traditional keyboards due to their specialized design and features.
4. Space Requirements: Depending on the layout and tenting options, split keyboards may require more desk space than traditional keyboards.

Traditional Design Keyboards

Pros

1. Familiarity: Most people are familiar with the intuitive QWERTY layout of traditional keyboards. These make them easy to use without the need for a learning curve.
2. Widespread Availability: Traditional keyboards are widely available and come in various styles and price ranges.
3. Lower Cost: Traditional keyboards are more affordable than split ergonomic keyboards.
4. Compact Size: Traditional keyboards, even full-size ones,  have a compact design that takes up less desk space than split keyboards.

Cons

1. Limited Ergonomics: Traditional keyboards are not designed with ergonomics in mind. With few to no ergonomic features, they cannot correct poor typing posture, leading to wrist strain and other issues.
2. Increased Risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries: The fixed layout of traditional keyboards may increase the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries.
3. Less Customization: Traditional keyboards have limited or no customization options compared to split ergonomic keyboards.

Split Design Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboards and Improved Ergonomics 

A healthy computer setup means a healthy you. A split-design ergonomic mechanical keyboard is specifically designed to keep you healthy while typing through the following means.

1. Natural Hand Positioning: When you can position your wrists and forearms at shoulder length, your entire front body becomes relaxed. You are in a "neutral" and natural position. Splitting the keyboard into two separate halves enables you to do that.
2. Reduced Wrist Pronation: Traditional keyboards force you to pronate your wrists inward, which causes discomfort and strains the tendons. On the other hand, a split ergonomic keyboard, with its split design and adjustable tenting, allows you to type shoulder width. Also, by tilting each half upwards like a triangle, you significantly reduce wrist pronation.
3. Key Spacing: Split ergonomic keyboards usually have strategically spaced keys so you won't have to overstretch your fingers when typing.
4. Proper Typing Technique: By splitting the keyboard, your fingers are always on the proper home keys; your fingers don't cross over to the other side of the keyboard. This encourages you to type using the right techniques. 

How to Choose a Split Design Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard 

Are you ready to invest in a split-design ergonomic mechanical keyboard? Let us share some tips.

1. Ergonomic Features: Look for keyboards with adjustable tenting angles and key spacing. Look for models with integrated palm supports or wrist rests for added comfort.
2. Switch Type: Choose a keyboard with mechanical switches that match your typing style and preferences. Mechanical switches come in various types (e.g., linear, tactile, clicky) and actuation forces.
3. Customization Options: Choose keyboards with programmable keys or layers so you can tailor key mappings, assign macros, and optimize your workflow. This flexibility can enhance typing efficiency and reduce repetitive finger movements.
4. Build Quality: Make sure the keyboard is durable. Look for keyboards made from high-quality materials and with sturdy construction.
5. Compatibility: Ensure that your keyboard is compatible with your computer's operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux) and connectivity preferences (e.g., USB, Bluetooth). Some keyboards may require additional drivers or software for full functionality, so always check for compatibility before making a purchase.

Conclusion 

Split-mechanical keyboards are the way to go if you want a healthier, more relaxing gaming and working setup. Sure, it's more expensive. It takes getting used to. But the advantages it can give you can't be denied. The device gives you more bang for your buck; it gives you good health.