Short / compact keyboard more ergonomic?

[TameRacingDriver]

It's just occurred to me today that perhaps a full size keyboard may not be optimal for comfort or ergonomics.

When I work at my machine I've often thought I'd like the mouse to be closer so I don't have to have my right arm stretched out to use it.

Just wondering if anyone has swapped out their full size keyboard for a smaller one and found it a better experience?

Also any recommendations for small keyboards that have decent full sized keys and are good to type on?

[xeny]

TameRacingDriver said:

Just wondering if anyone has swapped out their full size keyboard for a smaller one and found it a better experience?

Yes - it eliminated some elbow/shoulder discomfort I was experiencing.

[John87]

I have a 65% keyboard which retains the arrow keys but loses the number pad. I then have a separate number pad which I keep out of the way when not used. I find this a decent compromise as I still have all functions I would have on a full size keyboard but more desk space to use the mouse in a comfortable position.

My keyboard is a "Ducky One 2 SF" which I am very happy with but make sure you choose a version with switches that suit. I have very clicky MX cherry blue switches on mine which I love but are very noisy.

[x5tuu]

I use a Mac and the keyboard that comes with it that’s much smaller than a standard keyboard and find it very comfortable day in day out

[TameRacingDriver]

Encouraging. Thanks all. I think I'll have to give one a blast. It must be nice to type on though. Looks like the Apple one might work but might be better to stick to windows.

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Friday 26th January 18:32

[thebraketester]

TameRacingDriver said:

Encouraging. Thanks all. I think I'll have to give one a blast. It must be nice to type on though. Looks like the Apple one might work but might be better to stick to windows.

Edited by TameRacingDriver on Friday 26th January 18:32

Apple ones are awful to type on as they are very low profile.

[mikef]

Yep, Filco TenKeyLess for me, just right (except that FS2020 seems to expect you to have the numerical keys for some key actions)

https://www.keyboardco.com/category.asp?path=mecha...

Edited by mikef on Friday 26th January 18:42

[x5tuu]

thebraketester said:

Apple ones are awful to type on as they are very low profile.

That’s just personal preference. To me, long throw clicks keyboards are horrific to use. But to each their own.

[TameRacingDriver]

This looks nice, pricey though! However, it would go well with my MX Master

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Mechanical-Wirel...

Can get a used (excellent) one from ebay for under 100 notes which seems a little more reasonable.

[Derek Smith]

I agree.

I have a mechanical Logitech with no numeric keys. I have various auxiliary keyboards I use fairly often. A Speed Editor for video editing, a drawing pad for photo manipulation, a little keyboard with 11 key all programmable, and a plug-in numeric keyboard, the last two for 3D software. I have two trackballs as I have RSI in my right arm (no tasteless jokes please) and the beginning in my left, so chop and change.

[CorradoTDI]

Look at the Nuphy Air range - superb quality!

They don't do a UK ISO layout which is annoying but you soon get used to it.

[Griffith4ever]

Yes yes yes!! I switched recently to a tenkeyless and its so much nicer to have the space back and room for my mouse.

Apex Pro TKL. £119 at Currys. The full size is closer to £200. I thought, for almost half the price, I'd see if sacrificing the num pad was do-able, and it turns out it is, and I love the extra space. When I do my accounts if it drives me nuts I'll buy a USB num pad just for that.

I game a lot online so the adjustable sensitivity for every key is a massive USP for me (I dial down the tab and shift and control keys to reduce accidental presses when i panic in a gunfight)

Edited by Griffith4ever on Saturday 27th January 09:31

Edited by Griffith4ever on Saturday 27th January 09:32

[AlexC1981]

I use a Microsoft LXM-00004 Ergonomic keyboard, which does not fit your brief at all as it is massive, however the way it is laid out makes it very comfortable as your hands rest in a more natural position.

It is a little on the large side for me, so if I was buying again, I'd be looking at something like the Logitech Wave Keys or a different type of split keyboard. A number keypad is also a must for me.

[Craikeybaby]

Yes, I have switched to a Keychron K7, which is a low profile 65% keyboard. As I rarely use the F numbers, or number pad I don't find it an issue, but like having more space on my desk.

[TameRacingDriver]

I haven't jumped at one yet, waiting for the small Logitech mechanical one to be on offer, of maybe just go with eBay.

[LeeM135i]

I have the small and the full length Apple Magic keyboards.

The small one is great for typing on and I agree the mouse is always in the right place but I do need the number pad a couple of times a day when keying data. I always go back to the small keyboard as soon as I get out of Excel as reaching for the mouse is a pain in the butt. First world problems.

[Richyvrlimited]

TameRacingDriver said:

I haven't jumped at one yet, waiting for the small Logitech mechanical one to be on offer, of maybe just go with eBay.

I have a 60% keyboard for when I travel to other offices, it's a Nuphy Air60, it's a lovely keyboard to use once you get used to the compactness. I've still not memorized the key combos for F keys etc.

the only thing I miss on it is the lack of an insert key.

also you can only get them in US layout, not a huge dealbreaker though IMO

[Mont Blanc]

I have a full size Dell USB keyboard (Model KB216d1), a full size wireless Apple Magic Keyboard, and the keyboard on my 2022 MacBook Air which is obviously a more compact keyboard.

I type a lot as I write a lot of lengthy reports, and can generally type fairly fast, so differences between keyboards become apparent to me quite quickly.

The Dell keyboard is the least easiest to type on, but it isn't too bad considering it is likely VERY cheap (given to me by work) it has fairly short throw keys and is very quiet in use, but the size and spacing of the keys mean I often hit the key nearer to where I intend to hit as my fingers are clearly having to reach further.

Between the full size Magic keyboard and the one on my MacBook, there isn't much to choose from. They both have very short throw keys which I like, but for really fast typing, I actually prefer the layout of the MacBook over the Magic. The magic having the separate numeric pad is really helpful though. Much faster for inputting figures and doing spreadsheets etc. Just my opinion.