Ask HN: Favorite ergonomic/mechanical keyboard for programming and typing?

I'm looking for a keyboard that is comfortable to use because prolonged typing causes strain on my wrists and hands.

Currently considering the Surface Ergonomic keyboard, any particular experience with that?

(My budget is ~120€)

jaden · 7 years ago

Apparently there's not as much evidence as you'd think that ergonomic keyboards make a difference for wrist pain. I used to think I could only use an ergonomic one, but I've been I've been using a brown switch CODE keyboard for almost 3 years now and it's been no better or worse than my old ergonomic keyboards. As long as I don't overdo it, my wrists are fine.

https://codekeyboards.com/

kasey_junk · 7 years ago

You usually need to figure out what particularly is causing the strain. For instance for some strain types mechanical switches are basically out.

Meanwhile ergo split key keyboards don’t help me as my wrist strain is caused by laziness in my posture. Both standing desks and very resistant keyboards help.

All said I use a code keyboard and don’t have wrist issues. I do have shoulder nerve issues at times (especially when my lifting routine is lax).

PaulHoule · 7 years ago

Years ago I had pain in my wrists so bad I thought I had to stop coding.

I started doing push-ups and in two weeks my hands were OK.

kasey_junk · 7 years ago

Small joint jujitsu solved my problems for years.

muzani · 7 years ago

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

It's awesome and well within your budget. Not mechanical, though. It's perfect for wrist strain as it gives your wrist a resting place.

But if you have strain on your wrists, consider adjusting your table and chair height. Your elbows should be about even height with your keyboard.

punchclockhero · 7 years ago

Microsoft have a lot of decent ergo keyboard offerings. A friend with wrecked wrists swears by his Sculpt Ergonomic (within your budget and stocked by many physical stores so you can try it in person), although it acts funny under Linux. I have a Comfort Curve 3000 which is under $20. It's the only curved keyboard in this price range I know of.

sethammons · 7 years ago

I love my 4000. I feel if they made a mechanical one that it would sell like hotcakes.

return1 · 7 years ago

Imho ergonomic keyboards are not much better. They are hard to learn and you get confused as soon as you use someone else’s computer, plus they have annoying features like a tiny Esc key. I think overall a gaming / mechanical keyboard helps you type faster and more accurately, which itself leads to less strain. I recently got a logitech g-413 and i m very pleased with how fluently it works , without a lot of noise.

For ergonomics you should consider an upright mouse, in my case it eliminated ulnar nerve pain

peterbecich · 7 years ago

Keeb.io Iris https://keeb.io/products/iris-keyboard-split-ergonomic-keybo...

gnicholasgreen · 7 years ago

I had major forearm/hand tendon pain for years, and switching to an ErgoDox EZ cured it. I also switched to a standing desk at the time, which helped.

I've also spent lots of time with an Atreus62 and a Dactyl Manuform, and still use the ErgoDox EZ as my daily driver. It's just so great.

UnoriginalGuy · 7 years ago

Mechanical keyboards require deeper compression and are thus the opposite of what you want. They'll worsen strain.

Have you checked your chair/table height, monitor height, and are you placing both feet on the floor? You might be able to mitigate this without buying things.

iamthelord · 7 years ago

I am in love with Realforce 87U Tenkeyless

https://www.amazon.com/Realforce-87U-Tenkeyless-White-Gray/d...

pepper_sauce · 7 years ago

A truly excellent keyboard, but not particularly ergonomic. I recommend Kinesis Advantage for reducing wrist strain.