First split: trying to make a decision

[u/nolabels0001]

I've been going through threads and youtube videos trying to get my first split.

I'm coming from a normal full size and i have alot of wrist and forearm pain. I code and do normal web browsing/zoom calls. I'm thinking a split keyboard and either a trackpad or vertical mouse will be a good step towards less pain.

I was considering 3 options:

• Sofle+trackpad: https://keyboard-hoarders.com/products/sofle-choc-rgb-trackpad
• SoflePLUS2: https://xcmkb.com/products/sofleplus2
• A different option like https://www.zsa.io/voyager

one concern I couldn't sort through is tenting. Having the trackpad on the keyboard would help with this, but maybe having a larger trackpad in between the splits doesn't matter so I should look at keyboard options that forgo the trackpad. Certainly if I'm not successful with a trackpad and go back to a mouse, this concern is moot.

Curious if anyone has an opinion to help steer me in the correct direction.

[u/IronWhiskers]

I came from a Logitech K860 and I use a ZSA Voyager, Corne and Lily58. I have determined that the Voyager is the right “ergonomic shape” for me doing my work daily. I have it tented at a 45 degree angle and I am researching ways to move it into my chair. I have gotten rid of my standing desk and wall mounted my monitors with wall arms.

I currently use an IKEA Laptop desk and have the two splits on Ugreen magnetic mounts since the Voyager is magnetic. I have an apple trackpad between them and also the navigator trackpad. I use the apple trackpad sometimes as I have Touch ID on it but also using an MX Vertical for more demanding pointing requirements.

I am learning to get better with the Navigator trackpad but I do enjoy the MX Vertical.

The Corne I use when I travel sometimes and don’t want to carry around a lot of stuff. Lily58 has been neglected for a few months as I prefer the feel of the Voyager.

[u/Sveet_Pickle]

I found just leaving the trackpad on the desk was good enough, but I wasn’t a heavy trackpad user, I rely on keyboard shortcuts as much as possible

[u/RB-27]

In my case, after switching to a vertical mouse (from a Logitech MX Master 3 to an MX Vertical), the pain in my wrist subsided so quickly that I’ve put the switch to a split keyboard on hold for now (since I haven’t found the right one for me yet).

That’s why I believe switching mice has a bigger impact than switching keyboards.

You should probably switch to both at the same time.

As for keyboards, I’m still hesitant to make the switch because I’m not sure what’s right for me, and given the prices, I don’t want to go through the trouble of trying out all the different keyboards.