My shameful first attempt at typing on a split ortholinear keyboard

Kevin Hofer

27.5.2022

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Video: Manuel Wenk

So-called split ortholinear keyboards are said to be very ergonomic. I’ll assemble one and type away on it for a month.

The keys on a keyboard are usually staggered and not aligned. This is a relic of the past. Earliest typewriters had keys that were offset so that the type levers wouldn’t jam. The design has never been revisited. So that’s why the keys on most modern computer keyboards are staggered.

Ortholinear keyboards are taking a different approach. In this kind of keyboard, the keys are arranged in a chessboard pattern. This is supposed to be more ergonomic. As the name suggests, split ortholinear keyboards are also split down the middle. This allows you to place the left and right half at a distance and angle that feels most comfortable for you. An additional feature that is meant to give ergonomics yet another boost.

I know want to use one of these models for a month. But first I need to assemble it. Being the keyboard nerd that I am, I’m done with prefab keyboards. Check out the video to see how I fared with the assembly and my first typing session. In a month’s time, I’ll be reporting back with the lowdown on my endeavour.

Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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