Thank you. Great review. I loved the "forbidden snack" and the comments on the Cherry brown. I have tried many switches but always seem to come back to the Cherry browns. I am very interested in the Moonlander due to the layers, programability, tap-dance etc. I am currently rocking a Kinesis Advantage 2 which I love, but the Moonlander is way more advanced on the software side
I've been watching a number of reviews and other videos about the Moonlander recently, trying to decide if I can justify spending the money to try it out. This was very helpful - straight and to-the-point and with a sensible level of detail! Thank you very much!
I got my Moonlander just las month and I am over the moon with it! (Pun, of course, intended) I absolutely love the customizability and I would never go back to a regular non-split keyboard. It is true the Moonlander doesn't hold a light to some of the most high-end keyboards out there, but I'd say it is not its purpose. As you very well stated in your video, it is a keyboard to tinker with and to bend to your needs. ZSA customer support team and their extensive and thorough documentation attest to it. It is true that it is not cheap, but I'd say it is well worth it. ^^
"oh verdmannt" :D btw. one tipp for the users of zsa keyboards: Use a labeling device with transparent tapes to label the keys. Cut them to a perfect size and place them on the left or right sides of the Keycaps. @Taire 3D you can get some cherry keycaps with german layout too, if needed!
i have the Ergodox EZ and i love it. these keyboards are compatible with stenotype, but it is not supported in the firmware currently. i still look forward to a better keyboard though, one that integrates dual trackball or trackpad directly onto the board, located in a position for the thumbs, probably. Touching these would instantly turn all the keys on the board into mouse controls. get on it ZSA!
Danke für das ausführliche review! Sehr sympatisch vorgetragen. Die import Kosten sind heftig... denkst du es lohnt sich trotzdem? Auch wenn man die ganzen "Spielereien" nicht braucht/benutzt? Ich will einfach nur ein ergonomisches mechanisches Keyboard, dass cool aussieht und "gut für die die Gesundheit" ist.
I got this keyboard thinking it would be overkill-I just wanted to sit with open shoulders and have better ergonomics. However, the level of customization on this thing has been amazing. I use a program called aText. With that program and macros, my productivity has shot through the roof. The only bad thing I can think of is that it drains the battery of my iPad Pro even with the lights off. But I can't get mad at that because it was not built with that in mind. Although! It totally does work on iOS, if anyone is wondering. Also! You can learn stenography on this thing-or at least get started. If you set up a layer for steno, it seemingly works with Plover without issues. However, I am just looking into steno so take anything I have with a giant grain of salt.
Great review. Do you travel with the board? I am considering to buy a moonlander but I am on the road a lot and I fear I wont use it as much as I need to get comfortable with the ortholinear design, but I really do like split boards and the customization abilities are just marvellous.
Awsome review :) Have a few questions if it is okey. Was it easy to adjust to a german keyboard layout (thinking about those 3 extra letters to the right of L and P) - im norwegian and thats my biggest fear by getting this that it wont have æøå available. Also wondering if you tested it through RDP, kinda curious how it would work through a guacamole session from a linux machine. And maybe the biggest question, are you still using it? :-D
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I’m at the three-days-in-and-I-want-to-bin-it stage. It’s encouraging to hear that you are back and surpassed yr original typing speed in only weeks. Die you use US Layout before or did you also switch from german to US Layout at the same time?
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:05 🖋️ The Moonlander is a split keyboard designed for a more ergonomic typing experience. 01:03 💼 It offers extensive customization options, including keycaps, switches, and accessories. 02:34 ⚙️ The keyboard is versatile, with the option to disconnect one half for gaming and various tilting adjustments. 03:32 🧩 The Oryx software allows for advanced key remapping, macros, and customizable layers. 05:51 ⌨️ Adjusting to the Moonlander may take time, especially with its unique thumb cluster layout. 06:50 🏆 Typing speed can improve with practice, and the Moonlander helped the user surpass their previous typing speed. 08:16 💰 The Moonlander is relatively expensive but offers good value for its customization options. 09:15 🤔 The user plans to continue using the Moonlander for its ergonomic benefits and doesn't plan to switch back to a regular keyboard. Made with HARPA AI
Da hab ich doch ein "ah-verdammt" gehört ;-) ZSA's moonlander is a great kit. Me, personally, I prefer key wells like in the Advantage or Dactyl, but the moonlander will surely do. Just wait for some years, you will be so accustomed to the new layout that you will outright hate normal layouts. Yes, no more working just with a laptop.
Du hast die Tastatur recht weit auf dem Tisch stehen. Dadurch muss man die Arme relativ weit nach vorne strecken und damit dann auch beinah automatisch die Hand aufstützen auf die Handballenauflage. Besser ist nach meiner Erfahrung und auch Empfehlung vieler Fachleute, wenn man beim Tippen die Hände nicht aufstützt und nur in Pausen die Handballenauflage verwendet. Dazu ist es am besten die Tastatur sehr nahe an die vordere Tischkante zu schieben, auch zu schauen, dass der Tisch nicht zu hoch ist, ist wichtig. Ich hab' mir ein Keyboardio model 100 gekauft, da mir beim Moonlander u.a. nicht gefällt, dass die Tasten sehr weit auseinander sind, die Daumentasten nicht wirklich ergonomisch angeordnet sind und die "Kurve" für die Finger zu schwach ausgeprägt ist, speziell die Tasten für den kleinen Finger müsste weiter nach "unten".
Stimmt, gute Bemerkung! Keyboardio sieht echt interessant aus, wie kommst du mit den vergleichsweise "wenigen" Tasten klar? Zur Handballenauflage: Beim 10-Fingerschreiben lege ich normalerweise meine Handballen ab, weil meine Finger nicht auf der Grundreihe liegen, sondern leicht darüber hovern - jeder Umtrainierversuch ist bisher gescheitert, aber ich starte nochmal einen Anlauf :)
I have rather wide shoulders so use a MS ergo atm , but need more space . This is perfect for me for coding . Also great for when using 3D apps like Blender , Zbrush , etc. I use a Razor Tartarus atm to bind to hotkeys .
yes, it's a toggle button! when switching between layers, you can choose between: - change the layer while the toggle key is held - change the layer until the toggle key is pressed again - change the layer for one key press, then switch back ... or more, but these are the options i'm aware of
The Halfmoon is interesting, but it's still 2 - 3 times the cost of it's main competitors. Granted, there's much more to the build and long-term viability of the ZSA product line -- is it worth 2 - 3x cost... ehhhhh.
Hey I noticed that you have the "blank sculpted keycaps". How do you like them? are they comfortable to type in? I currently have the non sculpted ones in my ML but wanted to order the sculpted ones but since they are no cheap... any insight about them I would really appreciate it!
I really like the sculpted keycaps, but I don't have any personal experience with non sculpted ones. A friend started with the printed ones on his ML (like you), and later on switched to the sculpted ones - he regrets not changing earlier. But I feel your pain, they ain't cheap, but their "standard" OEM height keycaps, so you don't necessarily need to get the ones sold by ZSA.
Just FYI: at 1:00 you are bending your wrist up way too much while typing in this "ortholinear ergonomic keyboard". Your wrist should be straight, slightly bent downwards. I truly hope you are not typing like that, because it defeats the purpose of an ergonomic keyboard.
"Forbidden snack" I love it. Great video and review!
I just got mine this weekend and finally I have it set up where i can type on it and I love it!
writing, coding, gaming, blender. this girl is a g.
Thank you. Great review. I loved the "forbidden snack" and the comments on the Cherry brown. I have tried many switches but always seem to come back to the Cherry browns. I am very interested in the Moonlander due to the layers, programability, tap-dance etc. I am currently rocking a Kinesis Advantage 2 which I love, but the Moonlander is way more advanced on the software side
I've heard great things about the Advantage 2!
I like the Gateron Pro Browns the most. Almost he same as Cherry Browns but with lubrication and just a super satisfying feel.
I've been watching a number of reviews and other videos about the Moonlander recently, trying to decide if I can justify spending the money to try it out. This was very helpful - straight and to-the-point and with a sensible level of detail! Thank you very much!
I ordered my Moonlander earlier today! So excited! :D
grats!
I got my Moonlander just las month and I am over the moon with it! (Pun, of course, intended) I absolutely love the customizability and I would never go back to a regular non-split keyboard. It is true the Moonlander doesn't hold a light to some of the most high-end keyboards out there, but I'd say it is not its purpose. As you very well stated in your video, it is a keyboard to tinker with and to bend to your needs. ZSA customer support team and their extensive and thorough documentation attest to it. It is true that it is not cheap, but I'd say it is well worth it. ^^
Thank you very much. I really enjoyed that. You answered a lot of questions.😊
I highly recommend having the delete button on the home row on the right hand pinky. Super convenient for writing :)
Nice video, very informative
"oh verdmannt" :D btw. one tipp for the users of zsa keyboards: Use a labeling device with transparent tapes to label the keys. Cut them to a perfect size and place them on the left or right sides of the Keycaps. @Taire 3D you can get some cherry keycaps with german layout too, if needed!
i have the Ergodox EZ and i love it. these keyboards are compatible with stenotype, but it is not supported in the firmware currently. i still look forward to a better keyboard though, one that integrates dual trackball or trackpad directly onto the board, located in a position for the thumbs, probably. Touching these would instantly turn all the keys on the board into mouse controls. get on it ZSA!
Great review! Sounds interesting thanks for sharing 🙌
Danke für das ausführliche review! Sehr sympatisch vorgetragen. Die import Kosten sind heftig... denkst du es lohnt sich trotzdem? Auch wenn man die ganzen "Spielereien" nicht braucht/benutzt? Ich will einfach nur ein ergonomisches mechanisches Keyboard, dass cool aussieht und "gut für die die Gesundheit" ist.
I got this keyboard thinking it would be overkill-I just wanted to sit with open shoulders and have better ergonomics. However, the level of customization on this thing has been amazing. I use a program called aText. With that program and macros, my productivity has shot through the roof. The only bad thing I can think of is that it drains the battery of my iPad Pro even with the lights off. But I can't get mad at that because it was not built with that in mind. Although! It totally does work on iOS, if anyone is wondering.
Also! You can learn stenography on this thing-or at least get started. If you set up a layer for steno, it seemingly works with Plover without issues. However, I am just looking into steno so take anything I have with a giant grain of salt.
Great review. Do you travel with the board? I am considering to buy a moonlander but I am on the road a lot and I fear I wont use it as much as I need to get comfortable with the ortholinear design, but I really do like split boards and the customization abilities are just marvellous.
Awsome review :) Have a few questions if it is okey. Was it easy to adjust to a german keyboard layout (thinking about those 3 extra letters to the right of L and P) - im norwegian and thats my biggest fear by getting this that it wont have æøå available. Also wondering if you tested it through RDP, kinda curious how it would work through a guacamole session from a linux machine. And maybe the biggest question, are you still using it? :-D
Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I’m at the three-days-in-and-I-want-to-bin-it stage. It’s encouraging to hear that you are back and surpassed yr original typing speed in only weeks.
Die you use US Layout before or did you also switch from german to US Layout at the same time?
Lovely. Thanks for sharing. I got it, too. How is your experience of using Blender with Moonlander?
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:05 🖋️ The Moonlander is a split keyboard designed for a more ergonomic typing experience.
01:03 💼 It offers extensive customization options, including keycaps, switches, and accessories.
02:34 ⚙️ The keyboard is versatile, with the option to disconnect one half for gaming and various tilting adjustments.
03:32 🧩 The Oryx software allows for advanced key remapping, macros, and customizable layers.
05:51 ⌨️ Adjusting to the Moonlander may take time, especially with its unique thumb cluster layout.
06:50 🏆 Typing speed can improve with practice, and the Moonlander helped the user surpass their previous typing speed.
08:16 💰 The Moonlander is relatively expensive but offers good value for its customization options.
09:15 🤔 The user plans to continue using the Moonlander for its ergonomic benefits and doesn't plan to switch back to a regular keyboard.
Made with HARPA AI
Thanks for the informative review. Moonlander is really cool, considering to get one. Do you use mouse or trackpad alongside with this keyboard?
I use a mouse, placed in between the two halves
customizable keycaps, amirite?
Da hab ich doch ein "ah-verdammt" gehört ;-)
ZSA's moonlander is a great kit. Me, personally, I prefer key wells like in the Advantage or Dactyl, but the moonlander will surely do.
Just wait for some years, you will be so accustomed to the new layout that you will outright hate normal layouts. Yes, no more working just with a laptop.
Du hast die Tastatur recht weit auf dem Tisch stehen. Dadurch muss man die Arme relativ weit nach vorne strecken und damit dann auch beinah automatisch die Hand aufstützen auf die Handballenauflage. Besser ist nach meiner Erfahrung und auch Empfehlung vieler Fachleute, wenn man beim Tippen die Hände nicht aufstützt und nur in Pausen die Handballenauflage verwendet. Dazu ist es am besten die Tastatur sehr nahe an die vordere Tischkante zu schieben, auch zu schauen, dass der Tisch nicht zu hoch ist, ist wichtig. Ich hab' mir ein Keyboardio model 100 gekauft, da mir beim Moonlander u.a. nicht gefällt, dass die Tasten sehr weit auseinander sind, die Daumentasten nicht wirklich ergonomisch angeordnet sind und die "Kurve" für die Finger zu schwach ausgeprägt ist, speziell die Tasten für den kleinen Finger müsste weiter nach "unten".
Stimmt, gute Bemerkung! Keyboardio sieht echt interessant aus, wie kommst du mit den vergleichsweise "wenigen" Tasten klar?
Zur Handballenauflage: Beim 10-Fingerschreiben lege ich normalerweise meine Handballen ab, weil meine Finger nicht auf der Grundreihe liegen, sondern leicht darüber hovern - jeder Umtrainierversuch ist bisher gescheitert, aber ich starte nochmal einen Anlauf :)
I have rather wide shoulders so use a MS ergo atm , but need more space . This is perfect for me for coding . Also great for when using 3D apps like Blender , Zbrush , etc. I use a Razor Tartarus atm to bind to hotkeys .
how do you toggle the numpad? do you hold another button down?
yes, it's a toggle button! when switching between layers, you can choose between:
- change the layer while the toggle key is held
- change the layer until the toggle key is pressed again
- change the layer for one key press, then switch back
... or more, but these are the options i'm aware of
The Halfmoon is interesting, but it's still 2 - 3 times the cost of it's main competitors. Granted, there's much more to the build and long-term viability of the ZSA product line -- is it worth 2 - 3x cost... ehhhhh.
Hey I noticed that you have the "blank sculpted keycaps". How do you like them? are they comfortable to type in? I currently have the non sculpted ones in my ML but wanted to order the sculpted ones but since they are no cheap... any insight about them I would really appreciate it!
I really like the sculpted keycaps, but I don't have any personal experience with non sculpted ones. A friend started with the printed ones on his ML (like you), and later on switched to the sculpted ones - he regrets not changing earlier. But I feel your pain, they ain't cheap, but their "standard" OEM height keycaps, so you don't necessarily need to get the ones sold by ZSA.
this looks fantastic, but oooooh boy, 350$...
interesthing! i subscribed ^_^
what switch you got there?
I got the cherry browns :D
Cute. Keyboard I mean.
Are you German? I think I recognize your accent. You speak similarly to Joscha Bach.
Yes, German here! I even studied computer science, but sadly not with Mr. Bach
You are good looking.
Just FYI: at 1:00 you are bending your wrist up way too much while typing in this "ortholinear ergonomic keyboard".
Your wrist should be straight, slightly bent downwards.
I truly hope you are not typing like that, because it defeats the purpose of an ergonomic keyboard.
Forbidden Snacks. classic