Typematrix alternative DVORAK keyboards to consider...

[docbill]

I was just reviewing this older thread trying to decide what my next keyboard should be.   I have been using the Typematrix 2030 since 2013.   Before that I used a Kenesis Freestyle.   Overall, I've been pretty happy with the Kenisis.  However, my Typematrix  is no longer consistently responding to keys.  I find I have to type my passwords multiple times, because if I don't press down at just the right angle, it won't record the keypress anymore...   I had to do a warranty replacement in 2015.   But overall, not bad.

But it has been enough years, I figured I better look and see what else is available before just ordering another...

One of the issues I have is my thumbs get sore very easily.  Some days I can't use my right thumb, and some days my left.   For awhile I used touch pad only for my mouse, but eventually the tapping started bothering my fingertips, so I've switched to a horizontal mouse.   It has been decades since I could use a regular mouse for more than an hour or two.

I notice 99% of my typing on the Typematrix is restricted to the letters and number rows.   I almost never use the function key row, because that requires taking my hand off the home position.   And if I have to use any key other than the space bar below the letters, I have to take my eyes off the screen, as I shift my hands around and determine what will cause me the least amount of discomfort.     Likewise I almost never use the far right column, because again it is just too much of a reach and requires moving my eyes off the screen.

An exception to this seems to be the arrow keys.   I will take my hand off the keys and use those without even thinking about it, just like using a mouse.   As far as my mind is concern, it acts like those keys are completely separate input device.

Of the other keyboards I see people mentioning, I looked at the Dropdox-EZ, and quickly concluded my thumbs would make that keyboard unusable.   The plank seems like a logical choice, but the lack of a numbers row seems like it would make software development virtually impossible.   I can't really see how I would be any happier with that keyboard than a Typematrix.

Really, my ideal keyboard would probably be a split Typematrix.   Give me a little more freedom how I hold my hands relative to eachother, and it would help avoid some of the stresses.   Non-staggered definitely works better for me than staggered.   But I can't really find that type of product.   Are there other keyboards I should be looking at?

[hoggy]

Something like a 'let's split' or an Atreus 62.  I think they're both kits though.

Alternatively maybe two point of sale keyboards...

[tp4tissue]

Split is the way to go,  because it's the most versatile for various mousing situations one may have.

[vosechu]

I think you just described my exact path, except my Typematrix/thumbs failed slightly before yours.

I am also a dvorak user, and cut my teeth on the Typematrix. I still have a fond spot in my heart for it, but I tried using it recently and I just cannot handle it anymore. My first Mech was the Atreus regular; which I purchased from Phil pre-built because I didn't know how to solder. It was eye-opening and maddening at the same time. So few keys! But I'm really glad I tried it because now that I'm on the Atreus62, I can't figure out what to do with all these extra keys and I still just use the normal 42.

I heartily recommend the Atreus or the Atreus62. If you don't solder, you might be able to use Holtites which I would like to do on my next keyboard: https://mehkee.com/products/holtite-sockets-for-switches?variant=41169538959

For my next kb, it's going to be another Atreus62 or maybe a Preonic or Ergodox.

I hope this helps!

[docbill]

Thanks.  The Atreus looks like one I should consider.  I can do a small amount of soldering, but probably can't do long enough periods to complete a whole keyboard.   However, I see there are fully assembled boards I can order.

[ander]

The whole ergo thing's quite interesting.

I never understood the need for dedicated Dvorak keebs, though. You can pick the Dvorak layout in any OS; and the whole idea is to get in the habit of not looking down at what keys you're pressing. Presumably, most people learn or switch to Dvorak because they want to type faster than they could on QWERTY. And fast = unconsciously, automatically.

When I switched to Dvorak decades ago, I printed a little chart and kept it next to my (QWERTY) keyboard so I could refer to it when necessary. But I never looked at the keys—that keeps you on a key-by-key basis, which is counterproductive.

Since then, I've typed Dvorak on countless QWERTY keebs. The only time I had a problem was back in the days of Windows 3.1, when I was yelled at and ejected from a job interview when I used a floppy disk to add the Dvorak layout—which wasn't a standard option yet—to the PC they were testing me on.   

Also, typing Dvorak on a QWERTY-labeled keeb is like saying, "Ha, nothing's going to hold me back." This seems like a good attitude.

[hoggy]

Something like a 'let's split' or an Atreus 62.  I think they're both kits though.

Alternatively maybe two point of sale keyboards...

Forgot about the Datadesk Smartboard.

[crystalhand]

I second the split ortho-linear suggestion. I am currently in love with my dactyl and have been typing on it full time for a number of months.  No plan to move on from this anytime in the near future.
The dactyl takes a lot of inspiration from Kinesi.