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[davkol]

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[hoggy]

I switch boards around a lot and it seems to help.

I've got an older 2020 stuck in a box somewhere.  Just never got on with it, for me the two halves are too close together (and the 2030's halves are closer still).  I think it's a layout you'll have to commit to for a while before you can rotate boards freely.

80$ all in is pretty cheap - would you be able to return it?  In the UK laws covering mail order give a window of about a week in which you can return (most) stuff no problem.

Ebay uk has a few access-is boards on occasionally, if you wanted an xy (or matrix if you prefer) keyboard you might find it easier long term to create your own layout.

[shrap]

I have a TypeMatrix 2030, the successor to the 2020. The key action is a little more pleasant than a normal membrane board, but not as full travel as a normal mechanical. It's reasonable for typing sentences, but dreadful once I have to use modifier keys (ctrl, alt, tab, Windows).

[Kurk]

I'm typing on a 2030 (1st generation, Dvorak) for 7 years now and I really like their layout. Especially the vertical shift keys in the home row work very well. There's also the very useful Fn-Cut-Copy-Paste row on the 2030 that the 2020 doesn't have.
If you can afford it, I would go for a 2030 instead of a 2020, even better imo would be the 1st generation 2030 as its modifier keys are better positioned. In any way, be prepared to spend some time learning the unusual locations of enter and backspace. Personally I'd say it's totally worth the time. BTW, I have no trouble switching between the typematrix layout and an ordinary, staggered keyboard.

[davkol]

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[dotancohen]

2020 users: can someone rip-o-meter the keys? I need relatively soft keys and I am considering a 2020. Just gently stack a few nickels (or euros) on the J key and let me know how many coins (and which coin) were needed to register a keypress.

Thanks!

[reinerfox]

You might want to check out the kinesis freestyle as the two haves separate and give you some room.
The Freestyle Solo utilizes a quiet, low-force, tactile membrane key switch. The typical average maximum key force of a switch is 45 grams. more info here http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/freestyle-solo-features.htm

[dotancohen]

You might want to check out the kinesis freestyle as the two haves separate and give you some room.
The Freestyle Solo utilizes a quiet, low-force, tactile membrane key switch. The typical average maximum key force of a switch is 45 grams. more info here http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/freestyle-solo-features.htm

Thanks, I actually do have a split low-force keyboard but it is a bit bulky:
http://www.comfortkeyboard.com/keyboards_comfort.html

The features of the 2020 that I am looking for, in addition to the split, are the matrix layout, tab/enter in the center, and the arrow keys closer to the home row. Additionally, the 2020 can be had, shipped, for $50 USD. I will be in the US in a few months so that is my chance to pick up a keyboard.

I'm currently typing on a regular Cherry Brown keyboard, which requires 55 grams of force, and this is the absolute limit to the amount of force that my fingers can take.

[hoggy]

Dotancohen,  You might like the goldtouch then - small, very light keys and can be adjusted (but nothing like the comfort board for that).

[sordna]

Yes, the Goldtouch needs about 40grams of force. Other alternatives with the softest cherry MX switches and matrix layout: The Kinesis Advantage LF ($325) and the Truly Ergonomic with red switches ($249).

[dotancohen]

Hi Sordna! I am not interested in the Goldtouch as I am looking to try a matrix layout. It is quite the fault of the Comfort Keyboard System that I am now spoiled enough to realise how poor a design the staggered layout is (despite its terrific home-row hand layout)! Additionally, I have always been bothered by the arrow keys so far off to the right and the 2020 (like the Truly Ergonomic) seem to have the arrow keys in a better place.

I still wonder what the pressure on the 2020 is. I did call the telephone number on the TypeMatrix website, but the man that I spoke to did not have a 2020 available to check. I wrote them an email, but have yet to receive a reply.

[boli]

I am now spoiled enough to realise how poor a design the staggered layout is

I once put together a list of keyboards with non-staggered rows. I tried 4 of the keyboards listed (including the TM 2030), and the TE and Advantage are my favorites, and IMHO far superior to the TM 2030 (way more expensive too, though). I Can't comment on the TM 2020 though.

[dotancohen]

Thanks, boli.

In the email reply from Typematrix the tech mentions 70 grams of force. I can't do that! I'm now eyeballing the TE with reds...

[davkol]

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