How ergo is the Alice design?

[jamster]

I've been seeing Alice boards pop up in renders and other threads.

How 'ergonomic' are they, or is the key angling more of a cosmetic effect? Looks like the keys under the pinkies are canted back towards horizontal, which would require the wrists to kink out away from straight to frequently accessed keys such as Enter, Backspace and Shift.

I have found earlier posts on the Alice layout which talk about the design, but there's no mention of ergonomics.

[yuppie]

its not really, it just looks cool.

[yicaoyimu]

It's better than traditional staggered layout for sure. I have been using Alice layout for a couple months and it really helps relieve shoulder pain.

[jamster]

It's better than traditional staggered layout for sure. I have been using Alice layout for a couple months and it really helps relieve shoulder pain.

Do you need to kink your wrists a bit to access the outermost keys like on a straight board? e.g. Enter or Control?

(I guess different people need different amounts of 'ergo')

[squizzler]

I am not familiar with such a design. Would somebody be so kind as to put a link to what we are talking about?

[jamster]

I am not familiar with such a design. Would somebody be so kind as to put a link to what we are talking about?

Show Image

Just Google "Alice keyboard" and it'll pop up. It looks a bit like a Microsoft Natural board.

[Findecanor]

I'd say that they are mostly for people who have developed muscle memory on Microsoft's "Natural" keyboards before discovering mechs.

But do check out Slice. and BuzzSaw.

[nevin]

Alice is not very ergo. Yes, better than straight, angles help when you can't split the board. Splits are better, space between halves. Ortho is a pretty easy transition as well. You won't miss the wide keys as much as you think you will. (At least in my experience)

Research & explore all the wonderful keyboard options we have these days.

Figure out what you can & can't live with and find a board that fits your guidelines.

[harlekein]

its not really, it just looks cool.

It's better than traditional staggered layout for sure.

That's a very low bar to pass.