Tag Archives: ergonomic

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Split 65 Review: A Budget Ergonomic Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent the Split 65 mechanical keyboard for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review of the keyboard. Make sure you also check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker Tide Alice and Aula F108. I will also leave my Amazon Affiliate link where I can because it really helps me out.

What’s in the box?

  • Split 65 Mechanical Keyboard
  • 3 Extra Switches
  • Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • USB-C to USB-C Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

If you are looking for a budget friendly ergonomic keyboard, then the Split 65 might be for you. This beautifully designed 65% keyboard 68 keys and a knob for volume controls. Each key and switch can be easily swapped with the included tool, and each has a soft south facing RGB for a little added flare. The split design and height make it easy to for users to find the most comfortable typing angle. There is also a magnet to keep the two halves together for a cleaner layout when you’re done.

As for performance, the anti ghosting N-Key rollover makes every keystroke count. The QMK/VIA support gives this keyboard tremendous utility. Its 3000 mAh battery gives it a respectable lifespan through its high speed wireless and Bluetooth connections. The even faster wired connection is ready to pick up the slack when it needs to.

Most importantly, the gasket mounted design and the four layers of dampening material gives the keyboard its satisfying typing sound without it becoming obnoxious.

The Sound Test

Review

I was a little disappointed by the Split 65’s design of because the keyboard looked a little too simple. I love the color scheme and appreciate the simple clean design, but it didn’t impress me like other Epomaker keyboards have. With time, the opinion did change, especially when I got to enjoy the benefits of a split keyboard.

I have a repetitive stress injury in both hands that require specific ergonomics. The wrong keyboard will cause so much pain that I can’t use my hands. Split keyboards have the solution to my problem, and Epomaker really nails it with the Split 65. My injury never triggered once, and I use my keyboard for an unhealthy amount of time. The amount of slack the connecting wire was more than enough to fit my frame, and the keys are soft to the touch. Most importantly, the keyboard has such a soothing typing sound that it is going to be difficult to go back to a normal keyboard.

As far as performance goes, I didn’t notice any latency or ghosting throughout my workflow or gaming. I do think the battery is a little small, but I guess it has to. I was getting about 6 hours per charge which is more than enough, but I was getting used to one less wire on my desk. The battery would last a lot longer if I turned off the RGB, but it looks so pretty, I didn’t have it in me.

Overall, if you are looking to upgrade your set up or looking for something ergonomic to relieve some of that hand strain, do yourself a favor and get a Split 65. It is a fantastic option for the price, and you can always change the key caps to fit your style.

You can pick up the Split 65 keyboard on the official Epomaker site, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Tide Alice Review: Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Tide Alice to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my latest reviews for the Luma 84 and the Tide 49.

What’s in the Box?

  • Tide Alice
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Mini Screw Driver
  • Allen Wrench
  • 2 Extra Key Switches
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Manual

Features

Epomaker brings the Alice layout to a sleek, well manufactured, aluminum body. This 65% keyboard sports 66 hotswappable keys and a convenient knob for volume and media controls. The Tide Alice is VIA compatible, maximizing the keyboards utility. The 4000mAh battery boasts up to 14 hours of battery life with the backlight on (150 with the backlight off) for a good amount of uninterrupted use through its supported 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connections. The 2ms latency wired connection is read to pick up the slack when the battery does eventually die. Most importantly, the Alice layout and the keyboards gasket design ensures a comfortable typing experience with a very satisfying sound.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker Tide Alice is an impressive keyboard with a sleek design and well constructed frame. I love how elegant the keyboard looks. The Tide Alice is an instant visual upgrade for any setup. The unique Alice layout definitely leaves an impression at a glance, but using it can be life changing. If you are looking for an ergonomic keyboard that isn’t breaking the bank, you definitely need to consider the Tide Alice. I have a repetitive stress injury that requires very specific ergonomics, and the Tide Alice is good enough. I didn’t need to take as many breaks, and I honestly forgot about my injury.

As far as performance goes, the Tide Alice does the job. I just about got the 14 hours of battery in a single charge, and the connection was fine. I didn’t experience any ghosting, or any noticeable latency. They layout didn’t take much time to get used to, but I don’t like the lack of Windows key. I can reprogram the keyboard through VIA, but there is a nice empty space that would be perfect for a windows key. That being said, the Tide Alice is a fantastic keyboard that I recommend to everyone.

You can pick up the Epomaker Tide Alice on the official store fro $129.99.

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard

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Last post I wrote about the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Keyboard, an ergonomic gaming keyboard that is nice but expensive. Know that if you are purchasing the Freestyle Edge, you are paying for the luxury of RGB backlighting. You can see my full review of the Freestyle Edge here. For a more affordable option, consider the Kinesis Freestyle2.

Before I begin, I would like to mention that I am not a doctor, and this review is based on my personal experience. For medical advice, always consult a doctor. This is not a paid review, but I will be using affiliate links to the products. If you choose to purchase anything I recommend, I get a small commission if you buy using my links. It isn’t much, but every little bit helps.

The Kinesis Freestyle2 is a wired split keyboard designed for ergonomics. The keyboard comes in a nine-inch split and a 20-inch split variation. I have the nine-inch split version, and I don’t feel like I need any more. Plan for your setup. I have wide shoulders, and the split design has allowed for a more comfortable position.

All images are from the amazon Product page.

My only complaint about the Kinesis split keyboards is that they do not come with the optional tenting kit. Kinesis offers an optional tenting kit for all their split keyboards for a more ergonomic experience. I used the Freestyle2 without the kit, but I am so used to the tilt that I had to buy the kit for this one as well. Most people should be fine using the keyboard without the kit, but personally, the tenting kit makes long typing sessions a lot more comfortable. The Freestyle2 has two options for tenting, a 15-degree variant ($40 on Amazon) and a 90-degree variant ($200 on Amazon). I use the 15-degree variant and think it is perfectly fine, but the 90-degree is a solid option if you prefer a vertical keyboard. I don’t have any experience with the 90-degree version and can’t speak on how sturdy it is.

The main differences between the Freestyle Edge and the Freestyle 2 are the switches and backlight. The Freestyle2 is a membrane keyboard with no backlight and it honestly doesn’t need either. The key presses are soft and responsive, but they aren’t customizable. I have been using this keyboard regularly for two years and haven’t seen any visible signs of wear and tear. Unfortunately, Kinesis doesn’t offer keycap replacements keycaps or mac conversions for this keyboard. The Freestyle2 also comes with a few preprogrammed macro keys for productivity. I haven’t found too much use for these with my workflow.

I used to use a cheap flat keyboard for work that left my hands useless by the end of my shift. There were days when I couldn’t finish my work because the pain would be unbearable. Since making the switch to the Freestyle2, I haven’t had any issues with pain in my hands and wrists. I recommend taking regular breaks and looking into stretches for added comfort. My only other complaint about this keyboard is that there is no number keypad. I don’t really need one for my workflow, the number line works well enough, but the split design makes using numbers a slower experience. It isn’t unmanageable, but people who work with numbers should look into getting a separate keypad. Kinesis offers a Numeric Keypad, currently $35.95 on Amazon, but you can choose your presence.

If you are looking to make your setup a bit more ergonomic, consider the Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard, currently $89 on Amazon. This is the perfect option if you don’t care about a backlight, customizations, or key switches. I will be continuing this series with some gaming peripherals that have also helped save my hands a bit more strain. Stay tuned for more.

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Kenisis Freestyle Edge RGB Keyboard

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I’ve done a lot of research to find an ergonomic setup that fits my lifestyle. I do a lot of typing and gaming on my computer, and I needed a keyboard that could transition from both seamlessly. I was using a cheap mechanical keyboard before that left my hands useless. I love mechanical keyboards and wanted to find an ergonomic version that also had a backlight. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB keyboard was my answer, but it might not be yours.

Before I continue with this review, I would like to take a moment to mention that I am not a doctor. This review is based on my experience. Please consult your doctor for any medical concerns. I will also be using affiliate links for the product. If you decide to purchase the product, I get a small commission, but these will be my honest thoughts on the keyboard.

The Kinesis Freestyle Edge is a split keyboard. The split design allows for more natural hand placement, ideally relieving unnecessary strain from your hands and wrists. I have wide shoulders, and the split design allows for a more ideal placement that better fits my frame.

As far as mechanical keyboards go, the Edge is on the quieter side. I did opt for the quieter brown switches because I wanted softer key presses, but you can get one with the louder and more tactile blue switches if that fits your style better. The brown switches aren’t completely quiet, and you do get some sound, but it isn’t as loud as some of the cheaper mechanical keyboards out there.

This keyboard comes with nine programable macro keys that can be easily adjusted on the keyboard or through the official software. You can save two different profiles, which is nice if you share a computer with someone else or if you need nine extra macro keys. I don’t have much use for the macros except for media keys at the moment, but setting them up was very simple. The RGB profile can also be adjusted easily through the software. Any changes you make to this keyboard whether it be macros, profiles, or RGB is saved to the keyboard directly. If you switch to a different computer, all your profiles and macros transfer with the keyboard. It’s nice to not have to have another account to access your preferences or lose them if your computer wipes.

I love this keyboard and have been daily driving it for nearly three years without any issues. My only complaint with this keyboard is that it doesn’t come with the lift kit. Kineses offers a separate kit which isn’t necessary, but I do recommend it getting one. I used the keyboard without the kit for about a week before giving in and buying one. There was nothing wrong with the flat setup of the keyboard, but I use my computer too much and needed the additional ergonomics. The lift kit offers a more natural position for your hands, and I honestly can’t go back to using anything else.

The keycaps are nice. They are very soft to the touch, but you can customize your keyboard with third-party caps if they fit MX switches. Be mindful of the measurements. You might have trouble finding spacebars that fit this board. If you have a mac, Kinesis offers a separate kit to change your command keys. Unfortunately, the kit is an additional $28, and you have to install it yourself. The installation is very easy, even if you have no prior experience.

The Freestyle Edge is an adequate keyboard for gaming. The keys are responsive and easy to press, but the function keys are a bit out of reach for me. I often had to stretch to hit these keys, and my performance suffered. Games where I needed to press these keys more often would also tire my hands out more quickly. This is possibly a personal problem for my short stubby fingers, but it is something to keep in mind. Games that don’t require the function keys are fine. I could play for a lot longer before feeling any discomfort. I still recommend taking regular breaks and doing stretches keyboard this won’t fix the issues completely. For people who play and work a healthy amount, the Freestyle Edge is a fantastic solution.

So is it worth it? Honestly, this keyboard is a bit pricey for what you get. I bought it because I liked the style and the RGB and didn’t mind the tax for both options. But if you are on a budget and only need the ergonomics, there are better options. The Kenisis Freestyle Edge has made a huge difference in my setup, and I do not regret my purchase. I understand that this keyboard isn’t for everyone, but for those interested, you can buy it on Amazon.

Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Logitech MX Ergo

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I’d like to do something different with my reviews. My line of work and hobbies keep me stuck in front of my computer most days. As a result, I do have issues with repetitive stress disorder that has rendered my hands useless from time to time. It had gotten so bad that I had all but lost the function in my hands. Simple tasks like holding a pencil and writing became impossible due to the pain.

I have since done a lot of research and testing to find a setup that would save my hands from chronic pain, and I would like to share some of my findings. Please note that I am not a doctor, and these recommendations are based on my personal experience. Always consult your doctor with any ailments. I will also be linking affiliate links to any items I review which will give me a little bit of money if you choose to buy anything I recommend.

The first accessory I tried to change was the mouse. I tried a few different mice, but Logitech MX Ergo was by far my favorite. It is by far a bit on the expensive side, but it was worth it since I no longer endure that crippling pain.

The Logitech MX Ergo is a roller mouse, and it will come with a slight learning curve. The device is Bluetooth compatible, but it comes with a dongle that will help you pair it with your computer wirelessly. You can pair and switch between two different computers by default. There is a third-party application that you can use, it isn’t required, but I found that it makes configuring the mouse easier.

The software is pretty easy to set up. You download it from the Logitech website and configure the settings to your liking when it’s done. It asks for an account, but it isn’t mandatory. Every button on this mouse can be rebound as button presses, macros, and even gestures. You can create program-specific bindings that will switch automatically when using said program. If you have two different computers you work between, make sure you set up Flow. Flow comes with the software; it allows you to transfer files between two computers that are connected to the same wifi and have Logitech Connect installed.

Out of the box, I thought the sensitivity was too low. I raised it on the app for it to do what I needed. The mouse has a precision mode by default that can be activated by a side button that will slow the cursor speed when you need it. The mouse also has some insane battery life. I charge the mouse every 1-2 months with heavy use and never turn it off.

Ergonomically, this mouse is a godsend. You can adjust the tilt of this mouse by 20 degrees to better match the natural curve of your hands. I prefer having the full tilt for maximum comfort. This curve in combination with the right height will help reduce the strain on your wrist and hand. One thing to note, there is a learning curve to this mouse that you will need to adjust to. It requires a different range of moments that will tire a different set of muscles. It took me about a week to get used to the movement, so plan accordingly.

I have no issues gaming with this mouse. I mainly play MMOs and whatever games I get to review, but I have not seen any negative effect on my performance. I don’t consider myself a competitive gamer, but I can complete end-game content in all the MMOs I play. I’ve also had no problems with PVP content. Your mileage may vary. At the very least, this will make for a more comfortable gaming session.

I have been daily driving this mouse for two years and have noticed the difference. I no longer feel the crippling pain in my hands and wrists. This mouse isn’t a perfect fix, you should take regular breaks and look into stretches, but I don’t see myself going back to any other mouse. Do your hands a favor and start looking into the ergonomics of the tools you use.

The mouse is $97.50 usd as of writing this. Get yours today