Thank you for watching! If you want to save time drafting messages to recruiters on LinkedIn or proofreading important work emails, remember to sign up for a free account and get 20% off Grammarly Premium: grammarly.com/shortcircuit

Could we please have a deeper dive into ergonomics, especially keyboards? Things like pronation, extension, ulnar deviation, etc have been mentioned in a few recent videos but it'd be awesome to see a full explanation of wrist ergonomics and the solutions on the market.

The best part of this was learning the F4 shortcut. I never knew that!

As a teenager in the mid-90s, I actually learned to play games before I learned to type. As a result, I instinctly hit the space bar with my left thumb because that is what you use when you jump on PC games. So, it actually does irritate me when split keyboards only put the spacebar on the right.

Loved the Colton letter at 5:28, I didn't know that he was fired yet again

I've had the Moonlander for a couple months and LOVE it. A bit of a learning curve but after a few iterations of my layout and a lot of poorly typed messages, I'm a faster, more accurate typer with way less shoulder and elbow pain. 10/10 would recommend, but you gotta take the time to setup and learn your layout.

I got one as my first non standard keyboard and James is totally pointing out all the right stuff. It took some time to get used to columnar split keyboard, but the software to configure it is awesome. It also lets you see and grab other people’s layouts which is awesome. QMK on the back end so you can layer and configure to your heart’s content (which could have used slightly more highlighting I guess)

Man that looks like a good alternative to my kinesis advantage. I use it for work but it's too much for home and it's not convenient for gaming. The fact that it can double as a left hand gaming keypad is great. Still I think I would rather build a Dactyl, because I really like the curvature of the keys pit. It's great to have someone knowledgeable about keyboard ergonomics on this channel. Thanks James

Considering how much more time I've been spending in front of a computer, I might consider an ergonomic keyboard. Have you guys considered a deep dive into ergonomic gear so as to provide a buyer's guide?

Hi. I know this is a bit of an older video now, but as I now have a Moonlander keyboard, I want to point out a few things. I won't get into some of the more obvious details not mentioned in this video, as they can very easily be found on ZSA's website in the front page for the Moonlander, but I will get into the others. And also, before that, thanks for making this video. It is always good to get more eyes and attention on these kinds of keyboards. The video itself was entertaining and interesting. I also apologize for any typos I make, English is not my native language. (Hello from the lands of Baguettes!) 1:34 This connector connects the thumb cluster to the keyboard half. Both halves have these. You can completely remove the thumb cluster if you don't want to use it, or want to use your own or mod the existing one. 3:46 These keys are actually meant to be used with your index fingers. I do not know how ZSA thought that was a good idea, especially on *thumb* clusters, but it is how it is. So, no, they are not the principle buttons on the Moonlander. If anything, this is more made for looks than anything else. 4:09 Yes, you have fewer keys, but the possibility of having up to 32 layers of completely different keys, and each key having up to four actions. This is not really a limitation for most people that are going to use the Moonlander. 4:14 No, it doesn't have an [F] row, but you can access one in the default layout, or access it using your own layout that you create on ZSA's Oryx configuration tool. 4:27 No, this is not a sacrifice that you have to make, you have the [F] row, and you can configure your layout to even have them on your main layer. I think that, in general, the software hasn't been talked about enough in this video, and some parts of the video linked to the software makes the Moonlander look worse than it actually is. It is understandable, but still disappointing. 5:55 I appreciate that you tried it out with the default layout. One thing I don't like about the default Moonlander layout that ZSA gives it, is that it seems to be more to showcase some features of the keyboard, rather than having a better layout in general. I would have loved to see you use a custom layout on it, but I understand, because of the short format of these videos, that you were probably not able to do it. 7:13 Again, this is something that can be changed in software. I won't mention things that can be configured in the software again, as this is repetitive, and you get the point by now. 8:05 One thing to note with the Dark Matter color for the Moonlander, the lighting will be more easily visible through it, especially in daylight or in more bright environments in general. This can be especially useful when first learning a new layout where you have color-coded your keys, as at first, you will likely look at the keys some time to learn their disposition before being able to learn to touch-type properly. 8:14 That is indeed the case, it is designed to be white, just as it is designed with Cherry MX Brown switches first. Because they are the default on the website, most people bought it in white with Cherry MX Brown switches, followed by the Dark Matter color with the same switches, which would explain why these tend to get shipped sooner than others. For example, I have ordered a Moonlander with the Dark Matter color, blanked and shaped key caps, and Kailh Box White switches, whilst a friend of mine ordered it with everything as default. He got it a week before I did. That's it ! Thanks for reading my comment, be it someone from LTT or someone from the community. I hope this comment brings up a bit of clarity and useful feedback, even if it is almost a year-old video by now. - Atmo

I've had one of these for a few months, and I'm in love with it. I've found that the TapDance feature on the layout software makes a very suitable replacement for a function row.

James : "This keyboard doesn't have an F row" Thinking to myself "Why does a keyboard needs an AFRO?" Me after 2 seconds "Dumba$$"

I've been using a moonlander for about half a year now. there are a few things i would change but nothing's perfect. this is still waaaay better then any other keyboard i've ever typed on

This keyboard was the best purchase I ever made. It's just so much more comfortable, and I no longer have pain from longer typing sessions.

The older I get the more interested I get in ergonomics. I recently switched to a trackball on a cushion so my hand position is more vertical. This is still more expensive than my most expensive mech keyboard build but maybe some day.

So glad to see this. As someone with a lot of pain who is more sensitive to ergonomics, the moonlander has been high on my priority list for next buys for some time - even though I already have a kinesis advantage 2

I gotta say, James is one hell of a variety nerd and i appreciate it tbh. Dude has all the important points on the most unexpected products but its still stuff we care about

Ulnar deviation, pronation, extension, I wonder what James does on the side

I have their Planck EZ 40%, love it. I use a gamepad for gaming, so having the smaller keyboard is excellent for saving desk space, and the ortholinear layout is nice once you get used to it.

I got my Moonlander at the end of May and absolutely love it. I switched to a Colemak-DH layout at the same time, so it took a bit of time to relearn how to type, but now it's great (though I'm still practising daily to increase my speed). I've also got a bunch of layers set up so that my F keys and the num pad are easy to access, as well as a QWERTY layer for games where I can't or don't want to change all my shortcuts. Took a few iterations in the configurator tool to get my mostly final layout, but once I got it to my liking I haven't had to change anything. There are a number of designs available for 3D printed parts to change the tenting or make use of the mounting holes on the bottom too.

Just wait till he learns an iris build costs like 250 bucks complete with whatever switches you want plus like any set of premium caps in budget

Got one of these like 6 month ago and I absolutely love it! so many customization options and it looks amazing

One BIG missconception in this review - YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE EVERYTHING you dont loose F keys or things like that you have the software where youcan configure different layers and then you can move all the switches, like the arrow switches, to wherever you want.

The gritty chalky feeling in the keys indicate they are PBT (type of plastic), means they will last longer and not get shiny/slipery over time like ABS does.

I’m sure someone has already said this, but James! ctrl and + for add row, ctrl and - to remove row. Easier to hit than f4 imo. Also ctrl/shift space to select column or row.

One of the biggest advantages to this is the ease of programmability. That was barely mentioned. That is almost the entire reason I use the Ergodox-EZ and the Moonlander.

as a left handed mouse user, I love my ergodox for the orthlinear setup, due to the standard stagger direction on regular keyboards, reaching over to other keys with the right hand in the opposite direction can feel taxing and painful, as moving one key over in some cases is really like 1.5 keys over, and two keys over is like 3 keys over. With and ortho design, the distance is less, and much less painful. Am excited to pick this up and try it when I get the chance.

Thanks for the review James! I would love to see more keyboard content - the space seems to be growing recently (as seen in the other comments) and with so many new options I could use more reviews and comparisons from a knowledgeable professional. And my trusty Razer Orbweaver, the Saver of Wrists is in dire need of a successor ;-)

I got one a number of months ago and I love it. Best keyboard I’ve ever had.

Now I need to know what James is using now

I have this keyboard and it is soooo amazing. And the software for it is great!

I really missed these keyboard videos

I want more keyboard content! Maybe more custom stuff?

if they had a thumbstick where those thumb buttons were on the left hand pad (or sold as an individual unit) that'd be an awesome gaming pad as well

As soon as I get a job, I'd probably buy it, simply out of appreciation for how much value the EZ has added to my life. Not sure I'd care too much about it being an "upgrade"

Ummm, you don't have to use the default layout... Add layers for arrow cluster, f keys, etc. Don't know why he would complain about something he can he easily change...

I bought a Dygma Raise 2 months ago and I love it. I like the look of the Dygma better than this personally. I was able to get used to the split tying within a day or two since I was used to using the Microsoft Sculpt wireless keyboard. I just wish the Dygma came with a tenting kit but I preordered it. Still unsure about the learning curve of ortholinear layout of the moonlander vs the Dygma raise.

I bought that Ergodox and I love it! I’ve recently cleaned it and changed out the switches and it’s been delightful I would love to get this one one day and I still would love a wireless option but I understand why it can’t be wireless but if that could ever happen I would buy another one 🤣 I’ve debated getting this even though I don’t have any intention of getting rid of my Ergodox ez

I've had mine since January, and I LOVE my moonlander. Hands down my favourite keyboard of all time.

I'd say that's not that much more expensive than other ergo keyboards. It comes pre-built and has those really nice feet for slanting, most ergo cases are 3D printed and you can't do that. It has RGB, and hot-swappable switches. It's not a bargain, of course, but I think is a good bang for the buck.

As someone who learned to type on a ZX Spectrum (original with rubber keys) I'm amazed how far we've come.

Using the moonlander since a year or so, and was using the ergodox EZ before that for quite a long time. Never gonna switch Really sad that you didn't say much about the software. YOu can for example, place the arrow keys on a second layer and use them like normal, but without moving the hand. It's amazing

Just got mine TODAY and I couldn't love it more. Highly recommend!

4:29 "tight minimal look" thats exactly the opposite of what i would call it

I kinda need the opposite of this, I want a split keyboard that has EXTRA keys compared to normal keyboards and I’d just straight up bind an extra row of keys twice since my typing is all over the place and I definitely need to have the space bar accesible for both my left and right hand

I don't understand why you say that you lose functionality by using a more compact keyboard?? You use layers instead and have the same functionality of a full sized keyboard but don't have to move your hands as much

But why have you been waiting for it?

Thanks for this overview! I've got mine on the way and paused your video to go see which thumb I use to hit the spacebar, lol.

Took me about a week to get comfortable with a split ortho, I’ve found people who have a better typing technique can transition easier.

I've bought this one a day after this video. Fast delivery to Russia. Awesome quality, awesome looking, and it's so customizable, omg... But the learning curve isn't so easy. Some keys are super intuitive, like left thumb = space, others are not, like CTRL+C = Z+C. Thanks, that I can reassign it to any key, or download community setups.

Took a course on Microsoft office and totally didn't know about that F4 trick.... Thanks!!

This is the keybaord I want for my main PC, and the ZSA Planck EZ for gaming. Ortholinear everywhere FTW! And their configuration software is amazing. So you can get use to the arrow keys, or any keys the way they are, or change everything to how you want it.

Not having F-keys is kind of a non-issue for this. You're supposed to customize the key layout for your needs. It is trivial to put all the F-keys on the number row in another layer, and trigger that layer when holding another key. And something I haven't tried (I haven't received mine yet) is that you can have a regular letter key have double duty as a modifier/layer activation key by holding it down, while tapping the key still functions normally.

I have the Moonlander and love it. Not a fan of the stock cables, so I got some braided custom length from mech cables.

I'm ordering one in 1-2 weeks. Just got a job at Microsoft and looks like my career as programmer finally got started. I wanna take care of my wrists, hands, and posture in general when on the job so gotta get ergonomic sht. Thanks!

Been using this keyboard for almost a year now, and it's amazing!

White looks so much better with RGB, black just absorbs it all

I'm actually really interested in these kind of keyboards now.

I have this already and love it, wanted LTT to give it some exposure

Might be compelling if they make it wireless. This is perfect for wireless application instead of wired. Perhaps with ball type tracking mouse.

Using it for 2 months now, love my Moonlander!

been hotkeying my way through windows for 30+ years and this is the first i'm hearing about F4. Honestly, I'm more embarrassed than anything else.

I loved my ergo dox ez. Game changer for macro-lovers.

I love my ergo dox, so much. Plan to get a moonlander at some point too. If you are getting one of these for the first time, and use it for coding, i would also recommend learning vim at the same time if you have not. You have to relearn how to type anyways, and the investment is worth it.

This channel is basically like 40% videos regarding ergo keyboards

Love RGB! You can turn them off! So nice!

for someone who wants something a little less crazy, the Dygma Raise is worth a look

You know, the feet allowing you to superpronate your keyboard could be useful in the extremely niche case where the only surface you can put your keyboard on is not horizontal. Like if you had to rest part of it on the back of a couch or a stack of books or something

I've had it since January and loved it

I have one with Gazzew Boba U4 and it's pure madness... I am loving it...

Thank you for covering the niche topic of ergo keyboards! More content please!

I have both ergodox and moonlander, and I like the moonlander MOAR

I daily drive a Dark Matter Moonlander, it is fantastic. Easily worth the price if you spend a ton of time typing. The keyboard is made to have lots of layers accessed via modifier keys. Seriously though, try it, they have a great money back thing.

I have an ergodox and my F keys are mapped to the number keys on a different (I think they call it) layer. They are actually much easier to press than on a normal keyboard.

I've been wanting to buy one for months, thanks bois!

The function keys being in a alternate layer is so much better that having to reach for exposed buttons… Sorry but really big fail of this review mentioning the F4 issue and not mentioning layers…

I wish they will make all wireless version of this keyboard

I have my white moonlander with kailh box blacks , I really love them, just some notes that is not so portable than looks like becuase the hex key includes is for tighten up the thumb module so everytime that you move from one place to another you will need to be setting up every time ( but on home office who cares ? ) also other thing that I didn't like is the integrate wrist rest paint quality , I dont know whats happened but I screshed it to remove some dirty, the paint just came off , so I needed to paint it again unfortunately although it's very nice keyboard and the QMK configurator that ZSA provides it's really handy and intuitive.

Still on a Natural 4000, which is probably the best ergonomic keyboard ever made. Sadly MSFT discontinued it, so time to build my own DIY version of it, with mechanical keys, ofc :)

Bro you gotta try key wells, it feels so much better than a flat keyboard. Ortho linear is great, I don't know how I typed before.

James is the best LTT staff member imo, he's very relatable and subdued, I can't deal with Linus voice anymore it's too brutal on my soul. Just more James chilledness please, also Madison cus she's a legend. Damn that competition video she did was a comedy gold.

4:14 you should have probably mentioned that since the keyboard is programmable and has custom layers, you can just have the F keys in a separate layer. The video makes it seem like this keyboard just doesn't support F keys and you have to give them up. Edit: kind of disappointing, that the video barely mentions the facts that the keyboard is programmable. That's like one of the main attractions for any custom/ergonomic keyboard. Most people are used to fixed keyboard layouts so the video will probably be very misleading for them.

in some countries loud box white switches are illegal to use in an office or public space

I've been using the ML for about 2 weeks and it's really nice. Prefer ortho too so that's a plus.

Like a respelling if the pop singer.

My favorite switch is the low profile Kailh blue. I find it to be the best experience overall for me. Give me an almost perfectly flat keyboard with that switch and I will happily type for hours at a shot. Low profile gateron blue is a good substitute. I know that gateron switches are considered superior, but my hands like what they like.

The fact that it has split arrowkeys, makes this The Ultimate FNF Keyboard!

I was also really happy seeing this keyboard. It was everything I wanted ortholinear and split. Then I looked at the price.

Just because your thumb is stronger than any other finger doesn't exactly translate into it being able to spend more energy bending than a finger does to type... after a while your thumb gets muscle cramp, where a finger is more just a ligament moving up and down, less articulation involved and thus less energy.

If they want to do it right they should ditch the cable that connects both halves together and connect the 2 wireless. Could also make the keyboard wireless or bluetooth get rid of all the wires.

I've been considering this a while. Realistically I think I'd have to calculate on getting two sets, though I suppose there's a chance I could get the company to pay for at least one. But if you do a lot of keyboard work, having the same layout at your main workstations - home and office - makes sense. I like that you can remove half of it and use the other half as a game keypad, very useful - I've moved on to an Azeron for gaming and won't be swapping that out anytime soon but this is a good design. I like it.

0:11 James has obviously never heard of Zsa Zsa Gabor...

I'm waiting for oled or e-ink keycaps.

"DELETE products where id>0" Hits enter . "Nooo. Where's backspace?"

omg this was next on my list to buy. I had it saved. I have been using ergonomic keyboards for 20 years. I have 5 ergonomic keyboards and the razer Tartarus v2 . I want to get one black and white to fit my stormtrooper scheme.

The title reminded me of any group buy on mechanical keyboard parts

James completely missed layers and programming this keyboard.

Personally I'm quite happy with my Hotdox, and I can't imagine the moonlander giving me over $300 value above what my hotdox is giving me already.

I've had this for a few months now and really like it. I also switched to Workman while I was at it because there's no better time. Now the only thing I need is to be able to do a custom layout on my phone

I may put a tent peg on the other side and only use one half of the keyboard for gaming. I'm left-handed so my right hand needs to use the left side of the keyboard with my mouse in my left hand