This guy is amazing, I have just started to learn steno for a passion project at my school, I got the uni v4 and this guy has helped me so much. THANK YOU!
Yes! This is the review I've been wanting! I've been torn between the Georgi and the Splitography, and after watching this I had decided that I would go with the Splitography. Too late though, I went on the website to buy one and they are all sold out, so I guess I will be waiting longer. Great video though! You do a really good job and I've been trying to recommend them to as many people as possible.
Oh hey, my Splitography just arrived on Monday! Totally love it. 😁 Just bear in mind that it’s not a standard Cat5 Ethernet connector… if you use one, the top row and right column of the right half won’t work. EDIT: Ha you mentioned it later in the video! I learned the hard way after switching to a longer Ethernet patch cable I had laying around.
Please make more videos. Your videos are excellent, more please! I purchased the Splitography and I will soon start my steno journey, all thanks to you! If possible the more of these high quality videos you can make, the more of them I will have to appreciate! It would be amazing if you could collaborate with Mirabai Knight. I would really like to hear her thoughts on this keyboard. You guys could be a great duo, seriously consider working with her! I am dreaming about 10+ video collaborations right now!!!!!
Thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately, Mirabai Knight is quite busy with her captioning work, and I'm not sure how well a collaboration with her would work. I'd totally love to, but there is also the issue of interesting video ideas which is part of the reason why I haven't been making more videos. I do intend to at one point, but I've just started my senior year of high school and I am quite busy as well. I'll definitely be returning to making more videos, just don't hold your breath!
Nice review! Going to be purchasing the Georgi myself pretty soon. Can't wait... I think it's beautiful, especially when compared to traditional steno machines. Thanks for sharing your experiences with Plover
Tl;dr, the Splitography is great and rivals the Georgi if you swap the springs! If you can't swap springs or you're on a budget, then go for the Georgi. I do actually like the Splitography more with the lighter springs (but it is, of course, a bit more expensive). And if you want a review of the Georgi, check this one out by Mirabai Knight: plover.stenoknight.com/2019/12/georgi-review.html Get compatible springs here: rndkbd.com/products/sprit-alps-springs?_pos=2&_sid=8923a2aef&_ss=r%3Fvariant%3D39942353715352&variant=39942353715352 Also, if you want to change the protocol to Gemini PR, there are precompiled hex files on Josh Gram's steno firmware repository. Check out my video here for how to flash the Splito: ruclips.net/video/UMGT-qyJeJk/видео.html
nice video, I got one of your videos on my for you page and i got inspired so installed plover and i am planning to get a steno keyboard. I am also using Kubuntu by the way.
2:01 I could not use my Splitography when it arrived because of the short twisted cable. I wasn't aware enough to look at it and realize it was an RJ50 and not RJ45. I never got a response when I emailed about cable specs and the keyboard was just shelved (because of course the RJ45's I tried couldn't work). I'll order an RJ50 and try it. THANKS!
@@AerickSteno Oh well idk how to do that By the way, I'm new to steno and trying to decide between lapwing and plover theories. Do you have any suggestions?
@@astronaut31415 I mean, I created and use Lapwing and I think it's easier for beginners to pick up. The default dictionaries that come with Plover theory isn't great and there isn't a standard way to easily write multisyllable words.
How does steno handle symbols and arrow keys for me as a programmer? Is there even an advantage in Steno for programming compared with standard qwerty knowing that most IDE have autocompletion?
I can't speak on behalf of programmers (I don't code much, let alone with steno) but Ted has an awesome presentation where he talks about coding in steno. ruclips.net/video/XlThyTMjujg/видео.html He shows some snippets on coding with steno as well as some explanations about how he goes about stroking symbols and code jargon and such.
@@AerickSteno Thanks. I can see that there are too few keys on your steno keyboard. What is your setup so it handles keys such as basic symbols, function keys, crtl, alt, and most especially arrow keys?
@@jhoravi1 what do you mean by "too few keys"? I use the same layout that everyone else uses (including Ted). In fact, the steno keyboard I use (the Splitography) has the same number of keys that Ted is using in his talk (his stenomod). Though, currently, Ted is actually using a Georgi which has fewer keys than my Splitography. Most of the extra keys on my Splitography aren't being used, and aren't necessary for regular English steno (as well as coding). To write shortcuts, we create our own dictionary entries for each one that we need. It's not ideal, but you can get dictionaries like Emily's modifiers (github.com/EPLHREU/emily-modifiers) which deal with shortcuts really well. One side is responsible for the modifiers and such, while the other is responsible for the key. With it you can put together any combination of modifiers, function keys, etc. I don't use my steno keyboard as a full keyboard replacement, so I haven't had a need to use many shortcuts and function keys. But for the few ones that I do use a lot while writing (for example, Ctrl-S, Ctrl-A, Ctrl-backspace) I have easy to stroke entries for them. As for arrow keys, again, I just have dictionary entries for them. In fact, I just use the default recommended strokes as outlined here: github.com/openstenoproject/plover/wiki/Dictionary-Format#example-shortcuts The same goes for symbols. We just create other own dictionary entries for them, and Emily also has a really good system that achieves this similarly (github.com/EPLHREU/emily-symbols). Emily uses this dictionary as a fall back of sorts, as she uses more easier to stroke entries for symbols that she uses a lot. The same goes for me, really, as I will just use `PREPB` (pronounced "pren") for an opening parenthesis (and with an asterisk for a closing parenthesis) and other common symbols that I write often. Since your dictionary is completely editable, you can decide the entries for yourself entirely.
@@AerickSteno How about those custom steno keyboards with dedicated number row with symbols? Do you think they're faster for typing none letters that pure steno?
@@jhoravi1 Yes, the Splitography I'm showing in this video has a dedicated number row. But there are already enough combinations for symbols, and we really don't need an extra key. Some theories such as magnum do use the number row for regular words and phrases, however, as it is very brief heavy which is useful for writing short, and faster in a way. For regular use, abusing the number row isn't necessary. The regular stenotype layout without a dedicated number row is sufficient enough for the hobbyist.
I am going to start working with a NKRO for now but if i enjoy it i will look more into these two keyboards. For the splitography, do you have a detailed video or pictures for changing out the springs? It makes me pretty nervous to buy at @180 keyboard just to take it apart and risk breaking it.
This is the closest I have to a video of swapping the springs: cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/322442139906736128/870141841431994429/OpeningSplitoSwithces.mp4 There's also this guide which is for removing the dampers from the switch, but it goes over opening them: stgmva.github.io/keyboards/2016-02-27-Adventures-In-Alps-Linear-Switch-Mods Hope this helps!
Changing the key map requires you to tinker with some QMK code and reflash the keyboard, unfortunately. That said, however, if you join the Plover Discord server, there are more knowledgeable people who would be able to help you. This is a good starting point: gist.github.com/analyticd/b7dba71e7f41e37fb420793c1a61230e . If you look in the keymaps folder of the Splitography's QMK repository, there is a Dvorak layout. You might want to look at that keymap and see what you have to change from the default layout. Hope this helps!
So at 7:34, I say that I switched to Gemini PR, and I've included the link to my key map in the description, as well as a guide on how to flash and create custom key maps. If you've already checked those out and you're running into problems, you can either leave a comment saying what you've tried and what errors you've encountered, or you can contact me on Discord. Though, I'm not the best with QMK firmware and all of this, so you might want to join the Plover Discord server and ask around as there are more knowledgeable people.
I've written a blog post about my Georgi keyboard mount here: www.erikto.com/steno/georgi-stand/ You can find the stl files there, but unfortunately, it's not as simple as just printing it and assembling as I explain in it.
All three of the vendors ship internationally, but I wouldn't rely on international shipping entirely because of current times. You might want to consider paying more for more reliable shipping. If you want to contact them, you can find all of their emails on their web sites. But I would recommend asking on Discord for the Uni (sold by Peter) and the Georgi (sold by Jane) as they are more active on there and will respond to your questions much faster. You can join the server here: discord.me/plover .
Definitely tenting and more downwards tilt (as I had gotten with my tripod setup and my Georgi). Using it on my lap isn't the most ergonomic, but it's pretty convenient most of the time.
@@AerickSteno Sorry don't know what "tenting" means. English is not my native language. I meant mostly regarding how tired you feel after typing for long on it,how easy the keys are to press compared to Georgi.
@@encapsulatio By tenting and tilt, I'm talking about how the two halves are arranged (see i.imgur.com/nRlVyEm.png). The keys themselves are actually more pleasant than the Georgi. I said in this video they can be quite sharp, but honestly I've actually come to like them. I think it's pretty subjective and personal.
The learning curve is probably comparable to learning a different keyboard layout, but the possible speeds with it are quite low. And I don't really like the idea of having to press multiple keyboard keys for one character, but I can see its usefulness on a tablet.
It really doesn't matter, I probably got lazy. Besides, for that particular clip it would've looked weird if it was upside down because of the angle I filmed it.
Excellent information, but the speaker is very difficult to understand. His syllables are all too short and the vowel sounds are all clipped to a minimum. He needs to slow down and to articulate his words better.
This guy is amazing, I have just started to learn steno for a passion project at my school, I got the uni v4 and this guy has helped me so much. THANK YOU!
Yes! This is the review I've been wanting! I've been torn between the Georgi and the Splitography, and after watching this I had decided that I would go with the Splitography. Too late though, I went on the website to buy one and they are all sold out, so I guess I will be waiting longer.
Great video though! You do a really good job and I've been trying to recommend them to as many people as possible.
Oh hey, my Splitography just arrived on Monday! Totally love it. 😁
Just bear in mind that it’s not a standard Cat5 Ethernet connector… if you use one, the top row and right column of the right half won’t work.
EDIT: Ha you mentioned it later in the video! I learned the hard way after switching to a longer Ethernet patch cable I had laying around.
Please make more videos. Your videos are excellent, more please! I purchased the Splitography and I will soon start my steno journey, all thanks to you! If possible the more of these high quality videos you can make, the more of them I will have to appreciate! It would be amazing if you could collaborate with Mirabai Knight. I would really like to hear her thoughts on this keyboard. You guys could be a great duo, seriously consider working with her! I am dreaming about 10+ video collaborations right now!!!!!
Thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately, Mirabai Knight is quite busy with her captioning work, and I'm not sure how well a collaboration with her would work. I'd totally love to, but there is also the issue of interesting video ideas which is part of the reason why I haven't been making more videos. I do intend to at one point, but I've just started my senior year of high school and I am quite busy as well. I'll definitely be returning to making more videos, just don't hold your breath!
Nice review! Going to be purchasing the Georgi myself pretty soon. Can't wait... I think it's beautiful, especially when compared to traditional steno machines. Thanks for sharing your experiences with Plover
Tl;dr, the Splitography is great and rivals the Georgi if you swap the springs! If you can't swap springs or you're on a budget, then go for the Georgi. I do actually like the Splitography more with the lighter springs (but it is, of course, a bit more expensive). And if you want a review of the Georgi, check this one out by Mirabai Knight: plover.stenoknight.com/2019/12/georgi-review.html
Get compatible springs here: rndkbd.com/products/sprit-alps-springs?_pos=2&_sid=8923a2aef&_ss=r%3Fvariant%3D39942353715352&variant=39942353715352
Also, if you want to change the protocol to Gemini PR, there are precompiled hex files on Josh Gram's steno firmware repository. Check out my video here for how to flash the Splito: ruclips.net/video/UMGT-qyJeJk/видео.html
tl;dw* lol
@@MrFrazerz Some viewers use captions, that counts as reading still!
nice video, I got one of your videos on my for you page and i got inspired so installed plover and i am planning to get a steno keyboard. I am also using Kubuntu by the way.
2:01 I could not use my Splitography when it arrived because of the short twisted cable. I wasn't aware enough to look at it and realize it was an RJ50 and not RJ45. I never got a response when I emailed about cable specs and the keyboard was just shelved (because of course the RJ45's I tried couldn't work). I'll order an RJ50 and try it. THANKS!
Does anyone know if the Splitography can be used with Stenovations Stenocat software?
Out of curiosity, would it be possible to use the Georgi's QWERTY mode on something like the Uni?
Should be. But you need to be able to write your own firmware.
@@AerickSteno Oh well idk how to do that
By the way, I'm new to steno and trying to decide between lapwing and plover theories. Do you have any suggestions?
@@astronaut31415 I mean, I created and use Lapwing and I think it's easier for beginners to pick up. The default dictionaries that come with Plover theory isn't great and there isn't a standard way to easily write multisyllable words.
@@AerickSteno Ok, thanks!
Your videos will help me a lot.
And the plover discord.
How does steno handle symbols and arrow keys for me as a programmer? Is there even an advantage in Steno for programming compared with standard qwerty knowing that most IDE have autocompletion?
I can't speak on behalf of programmers (I don't code much, let alone with steno) but Ted has an awesome presentation where he talks about coding in steno.
ruclips.net/video/XlThyTMjujg/видео.html
He shows some snippets on coding with steno as well as some explanations about how he goes about stroking symbols and code jargon and such.
@@AerickSteno Thanks. I can see that there are too few keys on your steno keyboard. What is your setup so it handles keys such as basic symbols, function keys, crtl, alt, and most especially arrow keys?
@@jhoravi1 what do you mean by "too few keys"? I use the same layout that everyone else uses (including Ted). In fact, the steno keyboard I use (the Splitography) has the same number of keys that Ted is using in his talk (his stenomod). Though, currently, Ted is actually using a Georgi which has fewer keys than my Splitography. Most of the extra keys on my Splitography aren't being used, and aren't necessary for regular English steno (as well as coding).
To write shortcuts, we create our own dictionary entries for each one that we need. It's not ideal, but you can get dictionaries like Emily's modifiers (github.com/EPLHREU/emily-modifiers) which deal with shortcuts really well. One side is responsible for the modifiers and such, while the other is responsible for the key. With it you can put together any combination of modifiers, function keys, etc.
I don't use my steno keyboard as a full keyboard replacement, so I haven't had a need to use many shortcuts and function keys. But for the few ones that I do use a lot while writing (for example, Ctrl-S, Ctrl-A, Ctrl-backspace) I have easy to stroke entries for them.
As for arrow keys, again, I just have dictionary entries for them. In fact, I just use the default recommended strokes as outlined here: github.com/openstenoproject/plover/wiki/Dictionary-Format#example-shortcuts
The same goes for symbols. We just create other own dictionary entries for them, and Emily also has a really good system that achieves this similarly (github.com/EPLHREU/emily-symbols). Emily uses this dictionary as a fall back of sorts, as she uses more easier to stroke entries for symbols that she uses a lot. The same goes for me, really, as I will just use `PREPB` (pronounced "pren") for an opening parenthesis (and with an asterisk for a closing parenthesis) and other common symbols that I write often.
Since your dictionary is completely editable, you can decide the entries for yourself entirely.
@@AerickSteno How about those custom steno keyboards with dedicated number row with symbols? Do you think they're faster for typing none letters that pure steno?
@@jhoravi1 Yes, the Splitography I'm showing in this video has a dedicated number row. But there are already enough combinations for symbols, and we really don't need an extra key. Some theories such as magnum do use the number row for regular words and phrases, however, as it is very brief heavy which is useful for writing short, and faster in a way.
For regular use, abusing the number row isn't necessary. The regular stenotype layout without a dedicated number row is sufficient enough for the hobbyist.
I am going to start working with a NKRO for now but if i enjoy it i will look more into these two keyboards. For the splitography, do you have a detailed video or pictures for changing out the springs? It makes me pretty nervous to buy at @180 keyboard just to take it apart and risk breaking it.
This is the closest I have to a video of swapping the springs: cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/322442139906736128/870141841431994429/OpeningSplitoSwithces.mp4
There's also this guide which is for removing the dampers from the switch, but it goes over opening them: stgmva.github.io/keyboards/2016-02-27-Adventures-In-Alps-Linear-Switch-Mods
Hope this helps!
Just got ordered one, great review! Do you happen to know whether it's easy to swap the qwerty layer with Colemak?
Changing the key map requires you to tinker with some QMK code and reflash the keyboard, unfortunately. That said, however, if you join the Plover Discord server, there are more knowledgeable people who would be able to help you.
This is a good starting point: gist.github.com/analyticd/b7dba71e7f41e37fb420793c1a61230e . If you look in the keymaps folder of the Splitography's QMK repository, there is a Dvorak layout. You might want to look at that keymap and see what you have to change from the default layout.
Hope this helps!
@@AerickStenoThanks for the response. Seems like a bit of a pain, but all's well as long as it's well-documented.
Hi! Excellent review! Do you have some page explaining how to upgrade the splitography to a better steno protocol other than TXBolt?
So at 7:34, I say that I switched to Gemini PR, and I've included the link to my key map in the description, as well as a guide on how to flash and create custom key maps. If you've already checked those out and you're running into problems, you can either leave a comment saying what you've tried and what errors you've encountered, or you can contact me on Discord. Though, I'm not the best with QMK firmware and all of this, so you might want to join the Plover Discord server and ask around as there are more knowledgeable people.
@@AerickSteno you're the man!! thanks!!
Hello Aerick, can you please share the 3D design for plover keyboard stand ?
I've written a blog post about my Georgi keyboard mount here: www.erikto.com/steno/georgi-stand/
You can find the stl files there, but unfortunately, it's not as simple as just printing it and assembling as I explain in it.
Thank you for making this video.
Is it possible to get Uni, Splitograph or Georgi keyboard in Korea?
All three of the vendors ship internationally, but I wouldn't rely on international shipping entirely because of current times. You might want to consider paying more for more reliable shipping. If you want to contact them, you can find all of their emails on their web sites. But I would recommend asking on Discord for the Uni (sold by Peter) and the Georgi (sold by Jane) as they are more active on there and will respond to your questions much faster. You can join the server here: discord.me/plover .
@@AerickSteno Thank you for your answers!
Awesome review. Keep up the great work.
Excellent review!
How would you modify it to be good for long periods of use?
Definitely tenting and more downwards tilt (as I had gotten with my tripod setup and my Georgi). Using it on my lap isn't the most ergonomic, but it's pretty convenient most of the time.
@@AerickSteno Sorry don't know what "tenting" means.
English is not my native language.
I meant mostly regarding how tired you feel after typing for long on it,how easy the keys are to press compared to Georgi.
@@encapsulatio By tenting and tilt, I'm talking about how the two halves are arranged (see i.imgur.com/nRlVyEm.png).
The keys themselves are actually more pleasant than the Georgi. I said in this video they can be quite sharp, but honestly I've actually come to like them. I think it's pretty subjective and personal.
Any opinions on asetniop?
The learning curve is probably comparable to learning a different keyboard layout, but the possible speeds with it are quite low. And I don't really like the idea of having to press multiple keyboard keys for one character, but I can see its usefulness on a tablet.
Why don't you flip the video at 10:08?
Nice vid though
It really doesn't matter, I probably got lazy. Besides, for that particular clip it would've looked weird if it was upside down because of the angle I filmed it.
Really nice video!
Excellent information, but the speaker is very difficult to understand. His syllables are all too short and the vowel sounds are all clipped to a minimum. He needs to slow down and to articulate his words better.
Please gift me this keyboard
no sir