How do I choose a split keyboard?

There are quite a few split keyboards to choose from, and you can use our Composer to help you choose. There are a number of aspects that factor into the choice of keyboard, here are a few of them:

Number row

If you're an avid gamer, it can be helpful to have a number row. On smaller keyboards, pressing a number may require also holding a layer key, which can be awkward when you need to quickly perform actions such as in a shooting game.

Programmers, researchers and other people who frequently work with data and symbols may be inclined to go for a number row too. However, you may find them more accessible when you place these functions on a layer instead.

When in doubt, we usually say: "You can choose to not use keys you do have, but you can not choose to use keys that you don't have." There's no harm in using a bigger keyboard: you'll just need more switches, and it'll be a little bit bulkier to carry around.

Thumb keys

Thumb keys are very frequently used. Common uses include the Space, Shift and Backspace keys, and usually people put keys here to access their layers, too.

Having more thumb keys makes it easier to access other modifiers too, such as Control, Alt and GUI. Alternatively, people often place these on the outer columns of the keyboard, similar to how they're placed on a normal keyboard.

Most split keyboards have three thumb keys per half: usually, only three thumb keys are comfortable to access very frequently. Having more keys can be convenient, and are usually used for less common modifiers like Alt.

Some split keyboards have only two or as little as one thumb key per half. These are less common, and are usually used by those who are already acquainted with split keyboards and have developed strong preferences.

Layout

To determine which layout is right for you, we recommend downloading and printing the layout tester which you can find using our Composer. With a printed layout tester, you can get a feel for the layout by relaxing your fingers and placing them on top of the layout. You can then reach for the various keys and feel whether that's comfortable to you.

We discuss the various aspects of a layout in one of the other questions.