Thoughts on Mechanical Keyboards and the ZSA Moonlander

Split Keyboards, Function Rows, and “Missing Keys”

• Many want a high‑quality split mechanical keyboard that still has a full set of keys (F‑row, nav cluster, numpad).
• Popular splits (Moonlander, Defy, Voyager, Corne, etc.) often cut keys heavily and rely on layers, which some find intolerable—especially IDE users who depend on F‑keys and complex shortcuts.
• Suggestions for more conventional splits with function keys include Kinesis Freestyle/Advantage, UHK 80, Perixx 535, Dygma Raise, Keychron splits, and various DIY/Keeb.io boards.

Programmability, Layers, and Keyboard Hobbyism

• QMK/ZMK‑style programmability is widely praised: layers, tap‑dance, combos, macros, and dual‑role keys can bring everything under the fingers and reduce movement.
• Others feel this turns a work tool into a hobby, with ongoing tweaking, firmware flashing friction, and forgotten chords. Some explicitly want “a keyboard, not a keyboard hobby.”
• Fast, low‑friction configuration (e.g., instant flashing, good GUIs, per‑key LEDs) strongly influences whether people actually customize.

RSI, Ergonomics, and Non‑Keyboard Factors

• Multiple comments describe severe RSI that was only manageable after moving to split, tented, concave, thumb‑cluster boards (Kinesis 360, Glove80, Svalboard, etc.).
• Key ergonomic features cited: split halves, tenting, concavity, thumb clusters, programmable modifiers, and minimizing pinky/ring‑finger stretch.
• Others report bigger gains from physiotherapy, strength training, postural changes, vertical/trackball mice, regular breaks, or simply varying devices.
• There is skepticism that exotic keyboards alone solve RSI; some argue basic posture, movement, and exercise matter more.

Moonlander and Relatives: Mixed Experiences

• Many like Moonlander/Voyager: ortholinear comfort, tenting, strong firmware tools, and ZSA’s support. Some bought multiple units.
• Common complaints: unstable stock tenting, wobbly palm rests, lack of F‑row and dedicated modifiers, complex thumb clusters, ortholinear learning curve, and slow firmware iteration (partly improved via WebUSB/platform kit).
• Reports of hardware issues include Matias Ergo Pro reliability and Moonlander thumb‑cluster bracket breakage; others counter with long‑term durability plus reparability via switch replacement.

Layouts, Muscle Memory, and Thumb Use

• Experiences diverge on ortholinear and alternative layouts (Colemak, Middlemak, tiny 34–42‑key boards). Some never adapt; others say after 1–3 months they can’t go back.
• A strategy that often works: keep laptop/standard boards on QWERTY and treat the ergo board as a separate “instrument.”
• Thumb clusters are praised for moving modifiers off weak pinkies, but several warn about thumb overuse injuries and now restrict frequent actions to one or two easy thumb keys.

Cost, DIY, and Alternatives

• High prices ($300–$500+) cause sticker shock, but many frame them as cheap compared to lost productivity or medical bills.
• DIY and open‑source builds (e.g., Advantage clones, hand‑wired customs, printed cases) can dramatically cut costs for those comfortable soldering.
• Others ultimately prefer inexpensive low‑profile or membrane boards (often in the lap) plus simple software remapping, finding that more effective than high‑end mechs.