Since de Ergodox is basically a 2d version of the kinesis and the Ergodox thumb keys are too far for most people with smaller hands.... does the same happens with the kinesis??? is the ctrl button usable without being weird???
I read a post either here or on deskthority that kinesis thumb cluster feels nearer compared to ergodox thanks to the curving. If you search the ergodox threads then you can probably find the post.
My experience with kinesis (I'm a long time user) is that all the thumb cluster buttons are easy to reach except the Alt buttons. Those require a bit of stretch but nothing serious. It is still usable. That is the reason I also moved the top two thumb cluster buttons on my
Katy keyboard.
In my opinion kinesis is better than ergodox except possibly the firmware. If you would mind it you can
replace it.
It will depend on the size of your hand. My hand is 19.5 cm long form the middle-finger tip to the first wrinkle on my wrist.