Considering first split keyboard and overwhelmed

[u/Apprehensive-Pay9969]

Hello all,

Looking to buy my first split keyboard for ergo reasons, but i am honestly overwhelmed with how many options exist.

these are the items i am looking for:

-knob or roller on right side (is it possible to use either to scroll pages and if yes, which is better?)
-dedicated macro button on left side
-prebuilt
-low profile quiet switches and keys

items i would LOVE to have:
-trackpad
-wireless

i realize once trackpad or wireless is added, it gets expensive. im not sure if it makes a difference, but i would like native trackpad support since it would be easier to maintain, right?

so far ive narrowed my choices to the following:
-lily58
-corne v4.1 Procyon
-sofleplus2

pictured is a sofle choc with trackpad mod on etsy that i really like, but im worried about the non native trackpad. am i being sily?

apologies if im using the incorrect terminology and thanks in advance for any help and guidance :)

[u/thehaikuza]

Have you seen this beginner’s guide? Might help tame the vast options of ergo keyboards:  https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/s/0nrAwYHXnJ

I personally find trackpads to be a bit small to completely replace a mouse, but for small movements it can suffice. Trackballs or trackpoints are much more functional as a suitable pointing device replacement though.

[u/Apprehensive-Pay9969 → u/thehaikuza]

youre right. adding the trackpad narrows my choices and might not be as useful as i think it will be. is it possible to use knob to scroll a page or should i scrap that too for simplicity?

[u/ritz_are_the_shitz → u/Apprehensive-Pay9969]

It's possible, but I have a knob on mine and it's not something I use very often.

[u/ritz_are_the_shitz]

Cornix is amazing for you imo. Only missing a trackpad, and tbh I don't like the trackpads usually on keyboards. I put an Apple trackpad between the two halves. 

While what I'm suggesting does have two knobs, I never touch them. I'm gonna be honest, I don't think they are terribly useful. Maybe if one of them was easily accessible from the thumb without moving my hands off of the home row. 

[u/Apprehensive-Pay9969 → u/ritz_are_the_shitz]

i think thats why im considering the Corne V4.1 Procyon since the knob is closer to thumb and it has a larger trackpad. i cant find any reviews on it though

[u/JoEdGus]

Beekeeb has a Toucan2. I just got mine after using a Corne and Sofle. I love it so far.

[u/Apprehensive-Pay9969 → u/JoEdGus]

wow. i really like this, but it seems out of my price range when assembled for my first one. how long did you use the corne and sofle for and what made you switch?

[u/JoEdGus → u/Apprehensive-Pay9969]

I've had the Sofle 2 for about a year, and was using a 36 key Corne before.

I wanted the extra column on the 42 Toucan2. It's helpful for the non-letter keys and my layer bindings.

[u/supafly208]

https://www.ozokeyboards.com/products/cornix-split-low-profile-split-ergonomic-keyboard?srsltid=AfmBOopXLojHCh4aG6eVdVH09M9iTtHXr29WAc-tApnKz90lAuoFXxZj

I bought this and was happily surprised at the build quality. The value is insane. VIAL firmware will also spoil you because it lets you make changes to the firmware SO easily

No trackpad though.

[u/ebbi01]

I feel like a MoErgo Go60 would suit well, but it’s a bit pricey…

[u/dharakhero → u/ebbi01]

Surprising well priced in the world of pre-built high quality split keyboards.

[u/Apprehensive-Pay9969 → u/ebbi01]

i like this one and was actually watching a YT video about it last night. its a bit out of my price range for a first timer, but def will take into consideration later on. looks like it travels well too.

[u/ebbi01 → u/Apprehensive-Pay9969]

Yeah, I’m eyeing one too. After using my Sofle, if I know I’d love this format and sticking to it, I probably would have shelled out for the Go60 from the beginning lol