Where to start?

Introduction

This article is written for those who are just discovering the world of ergonomic split keyboards. Here you will learn why a traditional keyboard is not a physiologically optimal tool, get familiar with the key concepts and features of splits, and receive practical recommendations for choosing your first device.

Ergonomics

Place your hands on the table in a relaxed position. Chances are they are slightly turned outward — this is natural for the anatomy of the shoulder girdle. Now place them on a standard keyboard: your wrists rotate inward, your shoulders slightly round forward. This is the forced position in which most people spend hours at the computer every day.

A split keyboard solves this problem simply: two independent halves can be spread to shoulder width and rotated to a comfortable angle. Your hands rest the way they naturally want to, not the way the device’s form factor demands.

Another feature of ergonomic splits is columnar key layout. On a standard keyboard, key rows are staggered horizontally — a legacy of typewriter mechanics. Fingers move vertically, so on a columnar keyboard each finger lands on its own column with minimal effort. Fewer unnecessary movements means less fatigue during long work sessions.

Anatomy of Split Keyboards

Switches

Mechanical switches are the foundation of any mechanical keyboard. Your choice determines the feel of keystrokes, the sound, and the actuation force required. All Ergohaven keyboards support hotswap: switches can be replaced without soldering at any time.

The keystroke is smooth, with no tactile bump and no extra force at the actuation point. Great for fast typing and gaming.

Example: Outemu GTMX Red (50 g, low-profile)

Keycaps

Keycaps are the caps placed on top of the switches. They affect the keyboard’s appearance, the feel under your fingers, and the convenience of labeling.

Keycap profiles

A profile is the shape and height of a keycap. The Ergohaven lineup offers the following options:

XDA — low, spherical, uniform across all rows. Convenient on splits where there is no conventional row division.
DSA — similar to XDA, slightly more rounded. Also row-agnostic.
Low-profile — specially selected keycaps for low-profile switches.
Space Encounters LP — original low-profile keycaps with a unique design.

Labeling options

Keycaps are available in two variants:

Labeled — keys are marked, convenient for beginners.
Blank — clean keycaps without markings, for those who touch-type and prefer a minimalist look.

Materials

PBT — hard and durable plastic that doesn’t develop shine with extended use. The primary material for most keycaps.
SLA resin — keycaps made by photopolymer 3D printing. Allows for detailed shapes and unique designs.

All Ergohaven keyboards use the standard MX mount, ensuring compatibility with most keycaps on the market.

Form factor: key count

Compactness is one of the defining characteristics of ergonomic keyboards. Fewer keys means less hand movement and a more focused layout.

Format	Keys	Description	Ergohaven example
60%	~60	Full alphabet, no number row. A good balance for beginners	K:03 (60 keys)
40%	~40–46	Ultra-compact. Requires active use of layers	Imperial44, Velvet
30% and below	36 and fewer	For experienced users, maximum minimization of hand movement	Omega Point 36

Form factor: case

Traditional design: both halves lie in the same horizontal plane. Simple to manufacture and maintain. A good starting point.

Example: K:03, Imperial44

Connection type

The halves are connected to each other via a USB-C cable, and one half connects to the computer. Minimal latency, no charging required.

Firmware: QMK. Configuration: Vial.

Software

Firmware	Configurator	Supported devices
QMK	Vial (desktop)	All wired Ergohaven models
ZMK	Keymap Editor (web)	All wireless Ergohaven models

Both configurators require no programming knowledge — just a mouse and a browser.

Add-on modules

Several Ergohaven keyboards support plug-in modules that extend functionality:

Encoder — a rotary knob for adjusting volume, zoom, scrolling, and other functions;
Trackball — cursor control without taking your hands off the keyboard;
Touchpad — a touch panel with gesture support;
Joystick — an alternative method of cursor control.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Joint health. The natural hand position reduces stress on wrists, elbows, and shoulders. For people who spend 6–8+ hours a day at a computer, this is a significant factor.
Flexible customization. Every key can be programmed for a specific task. Work layers, gaming profiles, macros — all configured without any programming.
Long-term value. A quality split lasts for years. Hotswap lets you change switches as your preferences evolve.
Mindful typing. Switching to a split often comes with adopting touch typing — and typing speed ultimately increases.

Disadvantages

Adaptation period. For the first 2–4 weeks, your typing speed will drop. This is a normal process of retraining muscle memory. Returning to a standard keyboard during the learning period significantly slows down adjustment.

Learning curve. You need to understand layers, firmware, and the configurator. This takes a few hours with good documentation.
Cost. A quality split is more expensive than a mass-market office keyboard. However, it is an investment in health and productivity, not just an accessory.

First Steps: How to Choose Your First Keyboard

Step 1: Decide on wired vs. wireless

If you work at one computer and don’t want to think about charging — go wired. If freedom from cables and the ability to switch between devices matters — go wireless.

Step 2: Choose a form factor

For split keyboard beginners, starting with the 60% format is recommended. It keeps the familiar number of letters and symbols but removes unnecessary rows. Moving to 40% is better done consciously, once you’ve figured out layers.

K:03

60%, wired or wireless. The optimal choice to start.

High Plains Drifter

60%, wired, curved case, modular system. For those who want maximum ergonomics right away.

Imperial44

40%, wired or wireless. For those ready for compactness.

Step 3: Choose your switches

If you’ve never used a mechanical keyboard — start with tactile switches of medium weight (45–55 gf). They provide clear feedback without tiring your fingers. Linear switches are a great fit for those who value silence and smoothness.

Thanks to hotswap, switches can be changed at any time — your initial choice is not final.

    flowchart TD;

    First[Is this your first split?] -- Yes --> Q3
    First -- No --> Second

    Second(Do you want a 40% or 60% layout?) -- 40% --> Q4(Do you want a curved case?)
    Second -- 60% --> Q3(Do you want a curved case?)

    Q3 -- No --> K03[K:03]
    Q3 -- Yes --> HPD[High Plains Drifter]

    Q4 -- No --> I44[Imperial44]
    Q4 -- Yes --> V[Velvet]

    I44 --> Q5(Need even fewer keys?)
    Q5 -- Yes --> OP36(Omega Point 36)

    click K03 "https://eh.works/k03" _blank
    click HPD "https://eh.works/hpd" _blank
    click I44 "https://eh.works/imperial44" _blank
    click V "https://eh.works/velvet" _blank
    click OP36 "https://eh.works/op36" _blank

Conclusion

A split keyboard is not just a different input device. It is a rethinking of a familiar tool from the perspective of anatomy and long-term comfort. Yes, the transition will take time. But most users who have mastered a split never go back to standard keyboards.

Ergohaven designs devices where ergonomics, quality, and customization options come together in one package. Every model comes with a 3-year warranty and community support.

Ergohaven Shop

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Help for beginners

Ergohaven community on Telegram