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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: menuhin on Mon, 05 September 2016, 16:42:04

Title: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: menuhin on Mon, 05 September 2016, 16:42:04
I don't know why I'm starting this: because I'm using mostly the 70%-75% keyboards, i.e. those space savers still having the arrow keys. I am still reluctant to give up (or move them to the function layers) the function keys, not to mention the number keys.

However, quite a few 40% keyboards caught my eye: compact size, multiple thumb keys, and the philosophy of shorter finger travel distance (i.e. without R4).

For those who have experienced the 40% keyboard, do you like them? And which one is your favorite? And why?

Here are a few I've read about:
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: iamtootallforthis on Mon, 05 September 2016, 16:45:24
I love my JD45 but then again I have only used  a JD45.
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: chuckdee on Mon, 05 September 2016, 19:19:22
I have a Planck, miniVan, kb45p, and two JD45s.

Didn't like the Planck at all.  The lack of the staggered layout really killed it for me.

I love my miniVan for writing.
I use my kb45p on my separate terminal.  It's the smallest of the lot, and is usable even 1-handed.
My JD45/BT JD45 are pretty much the one I use all around to connect to my laptop.  I just need to reprogram the BT one to the default layout; I haven't so far.
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: Moistgun on Mon, 05 September 2016, 20:46:02
I can only comment that I prefer the normal layout boards over an ortholinear board.

much easier to learn a new keymap setup when the keys are generally in their normal spot
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: oneproduct on Mon, 05 September 2016, 21:23:44
I use a Diverge TM, which you can find here: http://unikeyboard.io/

I would say it's likely more comfortable than many other choices due to the fact that it's a split keyboard, though at the same time that could make it harder to learn.
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: S1llyC0ne on Tue, 06 September 2016, 03:30:26


I can only comment that I prefer the normal layout boards over an ortholinear board.

much easier to learn a new keymap setup when the keys are generally in their normal spot

Funny you ! Calling normal a layout designed because of the internals of a typewriter. "Traditional" would be more accurate.

@menuhin : I would have a look at the   Atreus 40% (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54759.0). Typing on a small keyboard can be hard on the wrists since the hands are kept close as long as you type.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: PollandAkuma on Fri, 07 October 2016, 18:44:35
I don't know why I'm starting this: because I'm using mostly the 70%-75% keyboards, i.e. those space savers still having the arrow keys. I am still reluctant to give up (or move them to the function layers) the function keys, not to mention the number keys.

However, quite a few 40% keyboards caught my eye: compact size, multiple thumb keys, and the philosophy of shorter finger travel distance (i.e. without R4).

For those who have experienced the 40% keyboard, do you like them? And which one is your favorite? And why?

Here are a few I've read about:
  • Planck
  • JD45
  • JD40
  • Van44 / miniVan
  • MA42
  • kb45p
  • Golbat
  • Minorca

I really like your username OP. Could you be refering to our one and only Lord?  ;)

I myself was thinking about getting a minivan. But now that I've found Diverge TM, I started thinking about whether I should go for a split ergo like Atreus. Not to mention, Atreus is the very board which atrracted me to this hobby  :rolleyes:

I've literally seen zero videos of Atreus owners doing typing tests on it. I really want to know how it works IRL!
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 07 October 2016, 18:46:28
My vote goes for the JD40.
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: PollandAkuma on Fri, 07 October 2016, 18:47:37
My vote goes for the JD40.

Where can one get a JD40? Haven;t been seeing them around, I've only seen JD45.
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: Puddsy on Fri, 07 October 2016, 18:52:56
My vote goes for the JD40.

Where can one get a JD40? Haven;t been seeing them around, I've only seen JD45.

PM JD, check classifieds.

I haven't been around for a while, so there might be another outlet.
Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: chuckdee on Fri, 07 October 2016, 23:01:21
http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/jd40

http://1upkeyboards.com/index.php?cPath=42_44

Title: Re: 40% keyboard: which one is the easiest to learn and/or most comfortable to use?
Post by: dilbertprogrammer on Tue, 25 October 2016, 20:53:56
I've grown fond of the staggered offerings from Panc Co -- the Minorca and the Sebright.
Having the ability to program your own layout makes settling into the form factor that much easier.