Hello geekhack,
I've lurked for sometime but recently registered and wanted to introduce myself.
I've been using Microsoft ergo keyboards since around the time they were introduced. I think I still have one of the beige full sized splits with the PS/2 connector in a box somewhere
I used them not because I have any repetitive stress related issues but because I didn't want to develop any symptoms.
For me, the typical "comes-with-your-computer" keyboard forces my wrists to bend at uncomfortable angles both vertically and horizontally. Even with an adjustable desk I can't get the keyboard low enough to be where I'd want it. Split keyboards starting with the MS Natural and now the Sculpt did a lot to alleviate that issue. They felt much better but they were only good; not great.
On a separate track, I've been a gamer forever, too and I got some exposure to mechanical keyboards through that interest. Corsair, Creative Labs Vanguard 08, GMMK. I liked the switches and feel and the programmability of the RGBs to make certain key clusters stand out, so I've used mass produced "gaming" mechs for years. Somehow, I never put two and two together until about 2 years ago when it dawned on me that there must be mechanical ergonomic keyboards that combine the elements of both my interests.
HELLO RABBIT HOLE!So, I read and browsed. And read. And browsed. I made bookmarks and lists and spreadsheets. And I read and browsed some more. I saw things like the Kinesis, Matias, Diverge, Mistel, Ergodox-Ez, etc etc but none of them seemed right. I kept looking and eventually game upon the "sub"dox keyboards like the Ergodash, Lily58, and Iris. These seem to be about as good as it gets for me with the Ergodash leading the pack.
My soldering iron has slain many a diode and resistor on practice PCB boards but I think I am finally ready. So, I've sourced the components for the Ergodash and am awaiting their delivery. I know I'll have a lot of questions
