Some context: I write code and play videogames, primarily on Windows and currently on a Logitech K860, which I've been thinking of replacing with something that is less wide and/or two-piece. In looking into this I have discovered that there's quite a number of keyboards that fit my criteria, so I could use some help figuring out what's more likely to be a good choice.
What do I desire:
- US-like QWERTY layout
(LShift next to Z, horizontal or otherwise reasonable-sized Enter)
- TKL (or otherwise not too wide)
- Split
(ideally two-part, but the classic 15(?)-degree triangle in the middle is also okay)
- Probably a normal staggered layout
(I touch-type, but it's not strict home-row typing)
- Normal arrow keys
(read: separate keys not requiring an Fn press/layer switch; Up-arrow being above Down-arrow)
- Home/End keys next to arrow keys, or accessible via Fn+arrow
(or a couple useless keys next to arrow keys that could be remapped)
- A Delete key somewhere in that area
(or another useless key that can be remapped)
- Digit keys
- A Windows/Option key
Nice to have:
- F-keys (to use for keyboard shortcuts)
- Tenting
- (detachable?) palm supports
- Wired connection or optional cable.
Things that don't mean too much:
- Lighting
- Key labels and their durability
- High-end macro recording (key codes can be remapped on PC side)
Misc:
- I've not owned enough mechanical keyboards to have a switch preference beyond "shouldn't take much force to press / shouldn't be too loud".
- I can assemble and disassemble devices, but probably wouldn't find time to solder.
- Not particularly limited in terms of budget - been a few years since I've last got a fancy keyboard.
- I'm used to low-profile keyboards, though it's more about travel time and how much the keys poke out of the keyboard than actual key cap height.
What else I've used that's worth noting:
- MSI GK-701 (non-split)
Bought to see what was the fuss with Cherry MX brown switches, but couldn't get used to how tall this thing was (~4cm).
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
Very good keyboard layout, somewhat stiff (?) keys and clicky F-keys.
- HAVIT HV-KB390L (non-split)
A pretty pleasant TKL low-profile keyboard with Kailh white switches that I used for a little while before going back to split keyboards.
- Logitech K860
Better keys than Sculpt, but full-sized.
- Perrixx/MoKo/etc. Foldable Keyboard (aka B.O.W. keyboard)
It's a pocket comedy split keyboard. Not very high-quality, but beats typing on the phone, you know?
- Logitech K280e (non-split)
A curious low-profile, quiet (rubber-domed?) office keyboard that I use with secondary devices.
Considerations so far
Sculpt-likes (one-piece ~75%):
- Perixx PERIDUO-606
A mouse wheel in the middle?
- Perixx PERIBOARD-613 B
This one has a 4:1 Enter key. I think it's for people that like their RShift keys.
- Perixx PERIBOARD-335 (TKL)
A mass-market-ish keyboard with mechanical switches? That's neat. Not hot swap, but still!
- Lenovo Go Wireless Split
Apparently Lenovo made a conventional TKL split keyboard once.
- BC Split Ergonomic
Seems like an almost 1:1 replica of Sculpt layout, except for distribution of F-keys. UK layout only, I think?
- X-Bows Knight
Column-staggered, has a 2x2 Backspace key, and the most obnoxious website I've seen as of late.
- Truly Ergonomic 229 Mechanical Keyboard
A similar design to X-Bows, but with a more symmetrical layout.
-Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE
A slightly different design with a handful of large keys for your thumbs.
Two-piece (pre-assembled):
- Goldtouch V2 (>75%)
A seemingly normal rubber-domed keyboard.
- Kinesis Freestyle2/Pro/Edge (>75%)
A similar layout. I guess this one made it big because every other split keyboard post I find includes a sponsored listing from Kinesis.
And what's the difference between these? Switches, programmable buttons, and lighting?
- Matias Ergo Pro (>75%)
That's a quirky layout, but technically has all the buttons.
- Cloud Nine ErgoTKL (>75%)
A fairly Sculpt-like layout with a couple extra buttons.
- Core Mechanics Project: 0001 (>75%)
Pretty good layout and a couple macro keys too. A clean look.
- Perixx PERIBOARD-524B (75%)
A perfectly normal two-piece layout.
- Goldtouch Go!2
The wireless/scissor edition of the seemingly normal keyboard, now with a couple sacrifices and navigation keys on the left.
- R-Go Split Break
This is a different kind of a compact comedy keyboard, except it's a wired PC keyboard.
Two-piece (kits):
- Mistel MD770 (75%)
An (almost) perfectly normal layout that's split into two halves.
650L seems similar sans the f-key row.
- YMDK Split 64/75/84
All QMK-based I believe?
- Keychron Q11 QMK (75%-ish)
Also a pretty normal layout featuring two knobs.
- Keebio collections (65%..>75%)
I've not even heard of some of these switches before, but Cepstrum looks intriguing.
- Sinc R3 (>75%)
One-piece (kits):
- Keychron Q8
That's not how you curve a keyboard.
- Feker Alice 80 (65%)
A very sensible layout sans the relocated Win-key.
The keycaps are a part of this keyboard's cost (Keebio prices a similar set that comes with Cepstrum at $52), though it's not easy to find choc-spaced keycaps for cheap unless you 3d-print them.
The primary drivers for the cost are likely the R&D work behind the keyboard and that it's a keywell (with more complicated assembly process).
Perhaps you could get a used one - IIRC there was a channel on MoErgo's discord.
If you mean the thing for strafing, there was a QMK pull request, though this is now being hastily banned from just about every competitive game. If you mean hall effect switches, I'm not aware of any keywell keyboards with them - there's just a single 58-key (Lucca 58-HE) as far as column-staggered boards go.