I ordered their K11 Max. I like it more than I thought I would. I have had other split, mech, ergo keyboards like the Ergodox and Defy. But this one solves the problem I had with standard keyboards (chest pain due to squeezing my shoulders together) while being much less extreme. I can use other keyboards without struggling. Those other keyboards were so different going to a standard one was a legitimate struggle. What I unexpectedly liked was the key feel. Those other ergo keyboards I mentioned were all mechs, and honestly I didn't get the hype. The K11 uses low profile switches and I am really impressed with them. They still don't live up to the hype that r/mkb pushes, but they are a nicer typing experience than any of the other keyboards I have. And they look nicer too. The only complaint I really have, is I think keys are too big (wide) which makes keys reaching for certain keys a bigger distance than it has to be.
The build quality alone is worth consideration. I own 2 Moonlanders, but they are plastic. It feels cheap to type on. Even after modding in some foam and adding better wrist rests. It's still a plastic case. I wish for a $300+ Keyboard it would come with a more premium housing. I'm considering trying out the Keychron for that reason alone.
Just ordered the K15max, and it will be my entry into ergo keyboards with more mapping capabilities. Like you I think having one more button on the right thumb would have made this perfect...
If you can't adjust the split distance to match your shoulder width (I have wide shoulders), I don't consider it a true split keyboard which is better ergonomically in my opinion than static splits like these and Microsoft and Logitech ergonomic ones. True split keyboards I prefer: ZSA Moonlander, ZSA Voyager, Glove 80.
I am exactly the demographic for this. All these people saying "just build your own"... Please. I want an ergonomic keyboard that works. Not everybody cares to learn how to solder.
I have a keyboard from this brand and the built quality was very impressive especially for its price. My only issue with it was the fact that the switches didn't last very long. I've had mine for roughly 4 months and the switches very often register twice or don't register at all. I'm not using the same switches in the video (I've got brown) but it's something worth checking. That being said the fact that it's hot swappable makes it worth it imo as buying a keycap set plus the keyboard is still less than most ergo keyboards lol
I was definitely surprised by the built quality! Very annoying that the switches started giving out however. Another good reason for hot swappable though as you said. Soldered on always concerns me for repairability.
The review really interested me as I searched for an affordable ergonomic keyboard for years. I ordered it $104. They added delivery fees -> $137. Ok, ordered it anyway. They wrote me to ask for more taxes, and extra delivery charges, ending up at $205. And they also say that DHL may add some extra fee during the delivery. I am cancelling this purchase. Never saw such scam, I am very disappointed..
I really didn't need another keyboard but you managed to sell me on the idea. I have a couple of home made (from kits) split keyboards but they are too much of a jump for me currently so they don't really get any use. I'm hoping this layout can bridge the gap so that i can get used to the split design and utilising layers, without having to get to grips with
Alice keyboards are hardly ergonomic at all. It’s not physically split, the keys are still staggered, and you can’t adjust rotation or tilt. Don’t get me wrong I love the Alice layout, it looks awesome, but in terms of ergonomics its only marginally better than your normal keyboard layout imo
I really like keyboards and I think the split design is super interesting. I wonder if I should purchase a split keyboard of some kind for coding and keep my custom built one for gaming. I'm not too sold on this one yet since I really enjoy brown switches, but since the keyboard is hot swappable perhaps I might just pull the trigger on it. :)
I have a moonlander and a voyager and after moving to split keyboards I would never go back! Interested in where you get your TRRS cables from. The ones you have look good quality, braided and coiled. Exactly what I'm looking for but I'm finding them quite difficult to source...
Would you need a wrist-wrest here for comfort? Alice layout wrist-wrests are rather pricey here (~$35-40) so its definitely something I have to consider. Also, whats the kb in the end? I don't wanna order this one, just to find there was a better alternative available 😅
I've bought this keyboard because of this video. Currently typing on it! Can you also show how to use the QMK, as i understand there is no support for the max versions for now.
noob question here: You sound English yet this is an ANSI Layout as opposed to UK-ISO. Is this because it was what Keychron sent or because you prefer it? Thanks for the video :)
splits are cheap now. For price of my budged keychron k8 (less than $80), I bought pre-soldered corne (with e-ink displays), second body for it, 3 different sets of keycaps, switches and 25g springs. So my corne turns out is significantly cheaper than a usual mechanical keyboard.
@@LJustin my info is useless because I live in China and I don't have access to stores that you have outside. But in general, there are few open source keyboard designs (like corne). As result, many individuals produce them, and some people sell them very cheap. You can check keyhive and beekeeb websites, but they often overpiced there IMO.
@@LJustin looks like yt deleted my comment (as usual). I wrote something like: you can find them on keyhive and beekeeb. But they are quite pricey there. I live in China, so my sources are useless for you. In general, these keyboards are open sourced, therefore there are many individuals who produce them. Some of them sell it quite cheap.
Fantastic review. Thanks 🙏 If price is not an issue, which split keyboard would you recommend for someone coming from a standard keyboard (Keychron K3 75% layout) What I dont like about the V10 max is that it is one piece. Looks too bulky =)
Frankly, it looks like an uglier version of Microsoft Natural Keyboard :D But design aside, it doesn't look comfortable, as for me, the main advantage of a split keyboard is the ability to have your hands outwards and shoulders at neutral. In here, you still need to keep your hands close and stretch the back. If I was on a budget and really want a split, I think I would just build one. There's tons of materials on it, and it seems like great fun (I've built some arcade sticks back in my time and it was a blast). In general, keyboard is something we often forget about and settle for whatever comes with the PC or laptop. And in reality, it's something we use every day for many hours. After going through some keyboards and, apart from the nice "clicky" feeling, not seeing any significant difference, I got the Moonlander and it frankly is the most comfortable thing on my desk. I can just keep my hands natural, and not having to massage my wrists each time I take a break.
A few hundred dollars for a high quality piece of work equipment is not "out of budget". Long term care for you RSI will cost orders of magnitude more.
It is if you don’t have that much money up front. The principle of paying more over time for cheaper items applies here just like with any other product
You do realize Keychron makes a true split keyboard? It's the Q11 model. Too bad you didn't pick that one, I wonder how it stands against Moonlander and the rest from your collection :) I also use Alice/Arisu from Keychron but low profile variations (K11 Pro and K15 Pro) and they are great especially for the price.
But Q11 has staggered keys. From my personal experience, columnar/ortholinear key layouts (I haven't tested the concave key wells) are much better ergonomically as your fingers are designed to go up and down in a straight line.
@@earthling_parth You are absolutely right about ortholinear keyboard. I would argue however that split is by far more important for the comfort of your wrists. The best keyboards (and sadly the most expensive) are both split and ortholinear (ortho-Alice if you will) like Kinesis Advantage/360 and ZSA Moonlander. Keychron has one ortho model (without a split), the Q15 Max but it's ridiculously overpriced and I would recommend any Alice/Arisu over it :)
If they make the keyboard wired only, remove the switches on the back, and no backlight for $80 then I'd buy it in a heartbeat. They can call it the V10 Min.
I cannot understand the argument of a keyboard being "out of budget" when the keyboard is your main working tool. You only have 2 wrists and a $300 keyboard should always be worth not having to suffer from karpal tunnel syndrome. But I guess, the V10 is a good first step into the right direction, even though it will only mean that your journey to the right keyboard will end up costing you an aditional $100, because now you bought the V10 AND the keyboard you'll be working with as a daily driver.
Yeah, I think if you have the budget, go for the more expensive ones as it's worthwhile. Some people just don't have that kind of money though, at least at the start of their careers. I was pretty poor for the first 2 years of working! (Although SWE salaries were not as they are now)
building my own wireless split keyboard with more ergonomic features and more customization than this alice (this is not a split keyboard) cost me less btw
A 6-column corne can be built for around 120€, it does require some soldering skills but I personally really enjoy the process. It can also be purchased pre-assembled for around 30 extra bucks from most retailers
@@dreamsofcode Indeed, it demands greater investment and technical expertise. If you possess some switches and electronic components already, you could reduce the cost to approximately 50€ 😎. I recall there being a particularly aggressive promotion at JLCPCB at that time.
I'm waiting for my urchin (a ferris sweep based keyboard) :D and it didn't cost a lot much Tho these solutions don't have features like 2.4ghz, and you need some soldering skills and depending on the board, if it's ZMK it's usually difficult for beginners as it's code based and there isn't a UI as QMK + VIA yet
i've the normal v10, and couldn't find a decent "alice" layout set of keycaps which allow to see the keys in the dark... keyboard has south facing leds, so most of the keycaps sets will not work well, i tried 4, all went back...
@@maleldil1 maybe learn to answer to what someone asks and not give useless suggestions no one asked for? I'm perfectly fine in writing in full dark, and fast, too, but I'm not the only one using the pc...
The K11 Max DOES actually have a right function key! While it is a low profile keyboard, you may enjoy it a lot. I use one and can recommend itto anyone.
Loved the way you handled the sponsorship. Awesome video!
I ordered their K11 Max. I like it more than I thought I would.
I have had other split, mech, ergo keyboards like the Ergodox and Defy. But this one solves the problem I had with standard keyboards (chest pain due to squeezing my shoulders together) while being much less extreme. I can use other keyboards without struggling. Those other keyboards were so different going to a standard one was a legitimate struggle.
What I unexpectedly liked was the key feel. Those other ergo keyboards I mentioned were all mechs, and honestly I didn't get the hype. The K11 uses low profile switches and I am really impressed with them. They still don't live up to the hype that r/mkb pushes, but they are a nicer typing experience than any of the other keyboards I have. And they look nicer too.
The only complaint I really have, is I think keys are too big (wide) which makes keys reaching for certain keys a bigger distance than it has to be.
The build quality alone is worth consideration. I own 2 Moonlanders, but they are plastic. It feels cheap to type on. Even after modding in some foam and adding better wrist rests. It's still a plastic case. I wish for a $300+ Keyboard it would come with a more premium housing.
I'm considering trying out the Keychron for that reason alone.
lovely. good angle to hear from you
Just ordered the K15max, and it will be my entry into ergo keyboards with more mapping capabilities. Like you I think having one more button on the right thumb would have made this perfect...
what a great review, I'll have to pick one of these up and try it out!
If you can't adjust the split distance to match your shoulder width (I have wide shoulders), I don't consider it a true split keyboard which is better ergonomically in my opinion than static splits like these and Microsoft and Logitech ergonomic ones. True split keyboards I prefer: ZSA Moonlander, ZSA Voyager, Glove 80.
the attention to detail at the very end LOL.
Haha. I honestly thought making RUclips videos would get easier/quicker but it turns out my personality type is my biggest enemy.
I am exactly the demographic for this. All these people saying "just build your own"... Please. I want an ergonomic keyboard that works. Not everybody cares to learn how to solder.
@@gustavoaraujo8710 most boards are hotswap these days
@@gustavoaraujo8710 you can still order the diy ones (like the Corne) for about as much as the featured keyboard
I have a keyboard from this brand and the built quality was very impressive especially for its price.
My only issue with it was the fact that the switches didn't last very long. I've had mine for roughly 4 months and the switches very often register twice or don't register at all. I'm not using the same switches in the video (I've got brown) but it's something worth checking. That being said the fact that it's hot swappable makes it worth it imo as buying a keycap set plus the keyboard is still less than most ergo keyboards lol
I was definitely surprised by the built quality! Very annoying that the switches started giving out however. Another good reason for hot swappable though as you said.
Soldered on always concerns me for repairability.
The review really interested me as I searched for an affordable ergonomic keyboard for years.
I ordered it $104. They added delivery fees -> $137. Ok, ordered it anyway.
They wrote me to ask for more taxes, and extra delivery charges, ending up at $205.
And they also say that DHL may add some extra fee during the delivery.
I am cancelling this purchase. Never saw such scam, I am very disappointed..
did you order from keychron website? and which country?
I really didn't need another keyboard but you managed to sell me on the idea. I have a couple of home made (from kits) split keyboards but they are too much of a jump for me currently so they don't really get any use. I'm hoping this layout can bridge the gap so that i can get used to the split design and utilising layers, without having to get to grips with
This keyboard is really good, I replaced the switches with kailh silent pink switches. I am switching regularly between this one and the glove80.
Love the oldschool dome keycaps on it
Really cool review!
Nooo not the sixth keyboard
Narrator: _He did indeed buy his sixth keyboard._
Been rocking this keyboard for year and have yet to try the macro keys. I guess it's time to step up my game
You can go super budget and build your own split like chaepino, I really recommend doing it.
I may give this a go! I just ordered a soldering iron 😉
If you love the Moonlander, you should try the Dygma Defy 🥰
Alice keyboards are hardly ergonomic at all. It’s not physically split, the keys are still staggered, and you can’t adjust rotation or tilt. Don’t get me wrong I love the Alice layout, it looks awesome, but in terms of ergonomics its only marginally better than your normal keyboard layout imo
this keyboard seems like the best thing ever made, what a dream come true
I really like keyboards and I think the split design is super interesting. I wonder if I should purchase a split keyboard of some kind for coding and keep my custom built one for gaming. I'm not too sold on this one yet since I really enjoy brown switches, but since the keyboard is hot swappable perhaps I might just pull the trigger on it. :)
I have a moonlander and a voyager and after moving to split keyboards I would never go back!
Interested in where you get your TRRS cables from. The ones you have look good quality, braided and coiled. Exactly what I'm looking for but I'm finding them quite difficult to source...
They really are great keyboards.
I get my cables from Custom Cable Co on Etsy!
I would like a room/office tour a LOT
Would you need a wrist-wrest here for comfort? Alice layout wrist-wrests are rather pricey here (~$35-40) so its definitely something I have to consider.
Also, whats the kb in the end? I don't wanna order this one, just to find there was a better alternative available 😅
I've bought this keyboard because of this video. Currently typing on it! Can you also show how to use the QMK, as i understand there is no support for the max versions for now.
noob question here: You sound English yet this is an ANSI Layout as opposed to UK-ISO. Is this because it was what Keychron sent or because you prefer it? Thanks for the video :)
splits are cheap now. For price of my budged keychron k8 (less than $80), I bought pre-soldered corne (with e-ink displays), second body for it, 3 different sets of keycaps, switches and 25g springs. So my corne turns out is significantly cheaper than a usual mechanical keyboard.
That's pretty awesome!
I'm going to have to order one to do a review
Would you be able to share where you bought one? Im looking for a budget split keyboard pre-soldered
@@LJustin my info is useless because I live in China and I don't have access to stores that you have outside. But in general, there are few open source keyboard designs (like corne). As result, many individuals produce them, and some people sell them very cheap. You can check keyhive and beekeeb websites, but they often overpiced there IMO.
@@LJustin looks like yt deleted my comment (as usual). I wrote something like: you can find them on keyhive and beekeeb. But they are quite pricey there. I live in China, so my sources are useless for you. In general, these keyboards are open sourced, therefore there are many individuals who produce them. Some of them sell it quite cheap.
Fantastic review. Thanks 🙏 If price is not an issue, which split keyboard would you recommend for someone coming from a standard keyboard (Keychron K3 75% layout) What I dont like about the V10 max is that it is one piece. Looks too bulky =)
Frankly, it looks like an uglier version of Microsoft Natural Keyboard :D But design aside, it doesn't look comfortable, as for me, the main advantage of a split keyboard is the ability to have your hands outwards and shoulders at neutral. In here, you still need to keep your hands close and stretch the back.
If I was on a budget and really want a split, I think I would just build one. There's tons of materials on it, and it seems like great fun (I've built some arcade sticks back in my time and it was a blast).
In general, keyboard is something we often forget about and settle for whatever comes with the PC or laptop. And in reality, it's something we use every day for many hours. After going through some keyboards and, apart from the nice "clicky" feeling, not seeing any significant difference, I got the Moonlander and it frankly is the most comfortable thing on my desk. I can just keep my hands natural, and not having to massage my wrists each time I take a break.
any plan to create a video on wezterm?
All free devices from manufacturers are always good by default! 😂
I've just got this keyboard. Do you know how to setup TMOD behavior in keychron launcher? I cant find any guide online
A few hundred dollars for a high quality piece of work equipment is not "out of budget". Long term care for you RSI will cost orders of magnitude more.
It is if you don’t have that much money up front. The principle of paying more over time for cheaper items applies here just like with any other product
You do realize Keychron makes a true split keyboard? It's the Q11 model. Too bad you didn't pick that one, I wonder how it stands against Moonlander and the rest from your collection :) I also use Alice/Arisu from Keychron but low profile variations (K11 Pro and K15 Pro) and they are great especially for the price.
They do! It's a little more pricey but I do wanna give it a go!
But Q11 has staggered keys. From my personal experience, columnar/ortholinear key layouts (I haven't tested the concave key wells) are much better ergonomically as your fingers are designed to go up and down in a straight line.
@@earthling_parth having used the glove80 I'm also not a big fan of the well. It works pretty well for touch typing, but not great for key combos.
@@earthling_parth You are absolutely right about ortholinear keyboard. I would argue however that split is by far more important for the comfort of your wrists. The best keyboards (and sadly the most expensive) are both split and ortholinear (ortho-Alice if you will) like Kinesis Advantage/360 and ZSA Moonlander.
Keychron has one ortho model (without a split), the Q15 Max but it's ridiculously overpriced and I would recommend any Alice/Arisu over it :)
The K11 seems to have the button next to the spacebar as you mentioned
This kb in Brazil costs almost the minimum wage
If they make the keyboard wired only, remove the switches on the back, and no backlight for $80 then I'd buy it in a heartbeat. They can call it the V10 Min.
Do you also like the Moonlander on Linux? I read that it doesn’t support layers on linux. Any info would be great 👍
Moonlander does support layers on any OS. The firmware is on-device so it doesn't depend on the computer for the layers to work.
Event if this video is about keyboards, I would like to know your mouse brand?
Mx Master 3s!
What linux distro are you using and how does it look so clean?
Where do you get your cables? I have the Voyager and the stock cables are kind ugly!
Haha they really are.
I get mine from Etsy! There's a store called CustomCableCo. Highly recommend
@@dreamsofcode Just found them myself and placed an order!
remap your right side b key as an extra function key?
Bought one after watching this video (was looking for some entry level split keyboard). It died after 3 minutes of use 😂
RIP
It's good, don't use the macro keys though.
I'm buying this. Strange internet man told me to
I told you to be skeptical of the Internet!
I cannot understand the argument of a keyboard being "out of budget" when the keyboard is your main working tool. You only have 2 wrists and a $300 keyboard should always be worth not having to suffer from karpal tunnel syndrome. But I guess, the V10 is a good first step into the right direction, even though it will only mean that your journey to the right keyboard will end up costing you an aditional $100, because now you bought the V10 AND the keyboard you'll be working with as a daily driver.
Yeah, I think if you have the budget, go for the more expensive ones as it's worthwhile. Some people just don't have that kind of money though, at least at the start of their careers. I was pretty poor for the first 2 years of working! (Although SWE salaries were not as they are now)
Why not to put separate End key there?!
What app @ 4:44? Thanks!
building my own wireless split keyboard with more ergonomic features and more customization than this alice (this is not a split keyboard) cost me less btw
How much did it cost! That's definitely the way to go but does require technical skills.
A 6-column corne can be built for around 120€, it does require some soldering skills but I personally really enjoy the process. It can also be purchased pre-assembled for around 30 extra bucks from most retailers
@@dreamsofcode Indeed, it demands greater investment and technical expertise. If you possess some switches and electronic components already, you could reduce the cost to approximately 50€ 😎. I recall there being a particularly aggressive promotion at JLCPCB at that time.
@@henrymoutarde605 sounds like this might be a fun video idea!
I'm waiting for my urchin (a ferris sweep based keyboard) :D and it didn't cost a lot much
Tho these solutions don't have features like 2.4ghz, and you need some soldering skills and depending on the board, if it's ZMK it's usually difficult for beginners as it's code based and there isn't a UI as QMK + VIA yet
i've the normal v10, and couldn't find a decent "alice" layout set of keycaps which allow to see the keys in the dark... keyboard has south facing leds, so most of the keycaps sets will not work well, i tried 4, all went back...
Maybe learn touch typing so you don't have to see the keys at all?
@@maleldil1 maybe learn to answer to what someone asks and not give useless suggestions no one asked for? I'm perfectly fine in writing in full dark, and fast, too, but I'm not the only one using the pc...
There is a solution, get a C1 keyboard and cannibalize keycaps (any from C series will do but C1 is the cheapest one).
@@sedtui it's not alice layout, so that will not have all the special format addon caps needed...
That's annoying! I don't often switch my key caps around but that definitely does reduce the customizability.
I came 2min after upload, and already seeing comments of people acting like they saw the video.😑
@@harunyussuf3593 well they are obviously some sort of bots, i mean look at thier names and pictures.
The bots have made their way to RUclips
@@dreamsofcode lol your the first RUclipsr to reply to my comment, and also the first to answer my Livestream question.
if u test advantage pro 360 u will change ur opinion
“Ergonomic” and yet forces the wrists to be bent UP unnaturally.
Even more budget friendly is an axe to cut your existing keyboard in half.
How is this a *split* keyboard
Google the Alice layout sir.
This is not a split keyboard.
SplitKeyboard -> "overkill"
> staggered rows
Hard pass
The K11 Max DOES actually have a right function key! While it is a low profile keyboard, you may enjoy it a lot. I use one and can recommend itto anyone.