Split keyboard recomendations

[Nirnex]

Looking for something similar in design to the Keymouse Track. I know they've decided to stop producing, and were a tad pricy to start. For the functionality I'm trying to get I don't mind spending a little extra. I've been doing searches but haven't found anything that's anywhere close. Heck if I had the files necessary to 3d print, along with electrical schematics I'd consider building one out myself. Anyone out there have any suggestions? 

[geo3]

Do you need it to be a mouse as well or just a split keyboard?

[Nirnex]

I'd prefer it to have trackball  capability, but I've I've about resolved myself to not finding that. I don't do well with mice, have a bit of carpal tunnel these days.

[geo3]

Maybe a setup like this then? Where the track ball is just a separate unit?  This one is an Ergodox EZ. You can buy for around $350 (Not including the trackball)

 

 

Or Dactyl,  which is a bit nicer but you will need to build yourself.

[Nirnex]

I'll look into both of those. They look like decent alternatives. I notice both the Ergodox and Dactyl shown have an absence of F keys. Are those being handled using a function key combo arrangement of some sort?

[nox_]

15 minutes ago, Nirnex said:

I'll look into both of those. They look like decent alternatives. I notice both the Ergodox and Dactyl shown have an absence of F keys. Are those being handled using a function key combo arrangement of some sort?

You should mention or quote those people you want to answer, like this @geo3

If I'm not mistaken those keys are being handled through layers so yes basically.

[Nirnex]

2 hours ago, noxdeouroboros said:

You should mention or quote those people you want to answer, like this @geo3

If I'm not mistaken those keys are being handled through layers.

Sorry about that, honestly didn't think about it. Think I'm going to try the Ergodox EZ. Thanks for the ideas. Been looking for a solution for some time, hard to find something reasonable. I liked the idea of the Keymouse Track since it also had the trackball  built in. Sadly not made anymore, but I think this will work as well. Being someone who spends more time on a computer than off with a job that makes heavy use  of keyboard and mouse the challenge is balancing usability and ergonomics. We'll see how well this works paired with my Logitech MX Ergo. I'm curious to see how it does in terms of portability.

[geo3]

10 hours ago, Nirnex said:

I'll look into both of those. They look like decent alternatives. I notice both the Ergodox and Dactyl shown have an absence of F keys. Are those being handled using a function key combo arrangement of some sort?

Both are fully programmable so it's handled how ever your want. But typically F row keys are just Fn + some number row key.

 

7 hours ago, Nirnex said:

Sorry about that, honestly didn't think about it. Think I'm going to try the Ergodox EZ. Thanks for the ideas. Been looking for a solution for some time, hard to find something reasonable. I liked the idea of the Keymouse Track since it also had the trackball  built in. Sadly not made anymore, but I think this will work as well. Being someone who spends more time on a computer than off with a job that makes heavy use  of keyboard and mouse the challenge is balancing usability and ergonomics. We'll see how well this works paired with my Logitech MX Ergo. I'm curious to see how it does in terms of portability.

If portability is a consideration maybe you'd be interested in the Atreus 62 instead? https://shop.profetkeyboards.com/product/atreus62-keyboard

[Nirnex]

Quote

If portability is a consideration maybe you'd be interested in the Atreus 62 instead? https://shop.profetkeyboards.com/product/atreus62-keyboard

Honestly portability is an afterthought at most. I do some travel so being able to take it with me would be nice but I can deal with laptop keyboards for that. If what I get fits for my portability great, if not it's no big deal. I spend probably 90% of my time at my home office desk.