ZSA Moonlander

I have both a ZSA Moonlander and Voyager. I've used the former for five years or so, and the latter as a travel keyboard for about a year. [...] I switched to Dvorak at the same time that I switched from row staggered keyboards (so five years ago), and I must say, if you're thinking about switching layouts like that, there is no better time than when switching to a wildly different keyboard. My Dvorak muscle memory is entirely tied to typing on a split, columnar keyboard, and my QWERTY muscle memory is entirely tied to row staggered keyboards. I have never used Dvorak on a row staggered keyboard, and I have never used QWERTY on my Moonlander or Voyager. I think that's helped with maintaining my ability to use standard QWERTY keyboards after not using them regularly for years.

[...] It's an comparatively ancient keyboard, 10 years old now probably, and it was my first, so I didn't really know what I wanted re switches and caps. [...] At the bottom end I could believe, 10 years ago, that maybe the USBC parts were more expensive and the extra $2 wasn't worth it (I dont agree but I follow the reasoning...), but the ZSA Moonlander sells for $360 USD and still uses a TRRS. [...] At that price it just seems lazy, or cheap, or that you actually don't have the engineering skills to build a product and are just reselling cobbled together opensource designs. (Edit: Their new keyboard the Voyager from a year or two ago also still uses TRRS!) The SOL was pretty ahead of i

I bought a ZSA Moonlander a few years ago and it went a bit like this: 1. [...] This is PAINFUL, slow and unproductive. [...] Got comfortable with Colemak and stopped doing any typing exercises. [...] Didn’t know where to position my mouse, so I got an Apple Trackpad 2 that sits beautifully between the two halves. [...] It’s just so comfortable. And don’t worry about forgetting how to type QWERTY; the secret to retain muscle memory is that an ortholinear split keyboard is sufficiently different from a regular one that it’s like learning a completely new instrument. [...] I love my split keyboard now. [...] Specialist tools like Blender might need minor rebinding to find comfort. [...]

I solved my RSI with rest, a vertical mouse, and ZSA Moonlanders. I eventually bought one for home use and one for work use with great performance for the past four years. [...] The split keyboard opens up the middle of my desk to fit an adjustable stand (Parblo and ElevationLab work well). [...]

[...] I decided to switch at the same time as switching to a columnar split keyboard (specifically the ZSA Moonlander, which is still my primary keyboard (my secondary is the ZSA Voyager for travel)). I did this switch at the same time, because I felt like it would be a sufficiently different keyboard that I wouldn't have as concrete of muscle memory, and I wouldn't be fighting my QWERTY instincts as much. [...] I wanted to properly type from the home row, and the split columnar keyboard basically enforces that, and Dvorak makes it even easier. [...] The split keyboard allows me to rotate my shoulders back a lot more, which makes me feel way better at the end of the day. [...]

[...] I myself took my type from 65 wpm to 124 average wpm[1] in about 6 months as opposed to 1 year by OP by moving to zsa moonlander. [...]

[...] Probably about four years ago I bought a ZSA Moonlander, and started learning Vim keybindings right at the same time. [...]

I switched to a ZSA Moonlander last year. [...] I love the keyboard now though, and don't really enjoy typing on standard membrane keyboards with staggered layouts anymore. [...] The price is the most painful part...but a keyboard is a tool of the trade, so I don't feel too bad splurging on it.

[...] Using ZSA Moonlander with Colemak-DH - My programming layout: - The basic Colmak-DH layout on a split keyboard: --------------------------------- Switching from QWERTY to Colemak-DH only took a week (it's really easy to leave a diagram of the layout on the screen to learn faster). [...] When I put my hands on my split keyboard (which moves my hands apart from each other) at work, my muscle memory just types in colmak-dh without me needing to think about it at all. Then when I get back home and use my 10ish year old traditional mechanical keyboard, my muscle memory just types in qwerty without me needing to think either. [...] With no keyboard and just my hands on an empty table, when I put my hands together I can touch type the table in qwerty, then when I move my hands apart they touch type in colemak-dh. [...] Getting a keyboard of a separate shape will instantly change things for people.

I've had my ZSA Moonlander since 2021. I normally rotate between keyboards but the point is well outside of any type of warranty I reached out to ZSA for a replacement part and they offered it at a fair price, but also suggested a DIY repair article. Long story short I repaired the keyboard myself

I bought the same keyboard when I was a teenager as my first "real" keyboard! These days I have a ZSA Moonlander. [...] I love how easy it is to program it without any software installed and it's been phenomenal to customize it to fit me perfectly. [...]

[...] I control my work computers from my gaming machine using Synergy and a customizable keyboard (Zsa moonlander), and though it took some time to get things to work properly, it works without a hitch. [...] Other than the keyboard shortcuts for deleting a word Vs deleting a line differing (cmd delete deletes a line, whereas ctrl delete deletes a word, but in 99% of other case, ctrl/cmd are interchangeable in shortcuts), the experience is great.

I tried an ergonomic keyboard with just 3x10 keys (or rather since it was a split keybaord, 2x3x5). [...] In the end, I chose a ZSA Moonlander and I'm super happy with it, even though it might have too many keys for enthusiasts ;) That being said, I do have a soft spot for handheld hacker keyboards like this. [...]

I use a zsa moonlander and a Kensington trackball, separately. Just to be clear, I don't think ergo/split keyboards will necessarily help you type faster. [...]

[...] Mod tap is my favorite thing ergonomics-wise: v and m act as shift when held, normal letters when tapped. [...] I use a ZSA Moonlander. [...]

[...] I've been using a ZSA moonlander at home and at work, and it's subtle, but I can definitely tell that this layout is easier to use. It's especially great with this keyboard and its macros and layers. [...]

As someone who does not have fingers that angle to the left, I think perhaps even more important than the thumb cluster is having a columnar or ortholinear layout. I switched from a staggered QWERTY layout to a split, columnar layout similar to the Kenesis (ZSA Moonlander) with Dvorak, and I feel like the columnar aspect was probably the biggest improvement for my hand health. I also recommend moving control to the location commonly used for caps lock if you're specifically struggling with your pinky hitting control like the OP.

mac ui is nice but just thinking about the keyboard and mouse (iMac) give me carpal tunnel syndrome. [...] I don't disagree that Apple's stock keyboard is bad and their mouse team seems actively hostile to the idea of making their product not stupid in some way, but it's a desktop computer so....just plug in any other USB keyboard and mouse you prefer, or pair up some Bluetooth ones, whichever way is your jam. I use a Macbook Air for work so when I'm mobile I'm stuck dealing with this thin squishy thing keyboard (IMO the trackpad is pretty good as they go), but when I'm at my desk I'm typing on a ZSA Moonlander full of Boba U4 switches and mousing with either a Logitech MX Vertical or a G700S, and it all "just works".

[...] You're totally right though, it lacks explanations and examples To answer your question here, BIFL (in my experience) means paying extra for a premium quality item that will last significantly longer than the cheaper alternative. However, in some cases, it's worth buying the cheaper item if you don't use it enough. The ZSA Moonlander example is a product I spent the extra $$$ on, and in the end it was totally worth it given how many hours I've spent using the keyboard. I built the site to put into perspective what the value of the keyboard is. Would I spend $0.04 an hour to rent this keyboard? [...]

WFH office: Ergodox EZ Office: ZSA Moonlander Both programmed with a slightly adapted US layout and ESC instead of caps lock. Plus I have "hold down ESC" as a layer for very primitive vim binding simulation for Windows (e.g. mapping hjkl to arrow keys or b to ctrl-left and e and w to ctrl-right).

I went the opposite way: I started with UHK, then went for a ZSA moonlander, but settled on a kbdcraft Israfel, which is a relatively cheap, split ortholinear. [...] It was cool and fun and useful to try a bunch of different stuff, but then over time, I wanted things to be simple and small which UHK and ZSA Moonlander aren't (ZSA voyager wasn't at the time). All I'm saying is if you've got comfortable with a cheap Corne, I think you might feel underwhelmed if you spend a lot on something a lot fancier.

I bought a ZSA Moonlander and have a poor on-and-off-again relationship with it. However, the smaller ortho on the MNT Pocket was easier for me to use and I am not a great typist. Unfortunately the small screen of the Pocket at this stage in life is a bit of a strain to use for long periods so I wind up using my surface or X1 carbon when not at my PC.

[...] I used to daily drive a ZSA Moonlander but it got unwieldy with desk space taking notes on my laptop as well. [...] If I was coming back to a smaller keyboard, I doubt I would even know where to find punctuation.

I like keyboards with layers support, but layers aren't a replacement for sufficient keys. Holding down the layer button means another finger unavailable for hotkeys. For instance, on my keyboard (ZSA Moonlander) I have the function keys in an alternate layer. [...]

I ended up getting the ZSA Moonlander, which I'm quite happy with. I probably would have gotten the Advantage 360, but the measurements indicated it would be too tall to fit on my keyboard tray and still slide under my desk. [...] And while the tenting is collapsible, The Platform lifts increases my keyboard height just enough that it now no longer slides under my desk with my keyboard tray. [...] I just unplug my keyboard and set it aside when I need to close my keyboard tray. [...] Though getting the timing right for using home-row mods is very tricky, and it is unclear to me if it is worthwhile or not.

I went down the split keyboard rabbit hole for a bit, starting with a ZSA moonlander followed by a corne and then a ferris sweep but ultimately came to the conclusion that it's just too much hassle. The former was way too bulky to take out and about and I couldn't find a layout on the latter two where I could navigate quickly - be that around my mac using stuff like "cmd+tab", "cmd+" or around my editor using the cmd+arrow keys. The lack of keys meant you had to start using layers and everything was just slower. [...] I'd only get one with low profile chocs or ideally Kaihl scissor switches, but these don't seem to have really made their way into the custom keyboard scene. Chocs plus the case still sits significantly higher than the Magic Keyboard which is bad for the wrists unless you've got some kind of wrist pad to make up the distance from the table. I've settled on using a Protoarc full-size folding keyboard which I'm seriously impressed with. Typing experience is almost identical to the full size Magic Keyboard but it costs a quarter of the price and is way more portable. I'm surprised that I always see the Arteck keyboard being used in videos and photos because I tried another folding keyboard with a similar layout and having to use the function button to hit escape and other keys was super annoying. [...]

More expensive for what you get, but I've had my ZSA Moonlander Mark I for a few years and really enjoy it.

I bought the ZSA Moonlander a few years ago, but never really got into it. Too much configuring to get the layout right, and when I finally thought I was comfortable with a layout, I realised I had missed one key and had to reconfigure it all over again.

I heart my ZSA Moonlander. Pricey, but five years in it's 100% worth it.

i mean i can't speak for how useful it might be for you, but I have been using a ZSA Moonlander for over 2 years now and it is a purchase that i dont' regret at all. But it is a split keyboard with a ortholinear layout (and it's super easy to program should you wanna do that).

You know, when I pay over 500 dollars (CAD, but whatever) for a keyboard, I expect that I won’t have to suddenly replace it less than three years later And it’s not quick and easy to replace a split tilted ergonomic keyboard with planck linear keys (It’s a zsa moonlander. I know you were curious.)

I think this is exactly it. I started getting RSI, spent a little time researching, bought a zsa moonlander and it cured me. I haven't turned it into a hobby, it's just a tool that solves a problem.

You may be interested in the ZSA moonlander with their "the platform" tent kit. It can go near vertical, got mine a few weeks ago and it is really nice.

I just upgraded from my ZSA Moonlander to a Voyager for Christmas, and I am so excited.

Nothing but praise for KeebArt , I got my new keyboard from them (Piantor Pro BT) and couldn't be happier: Here it is surrounded by my old, wired ZSA Moonlander.

I did it. I bought a ZSA Moonlander split keyboarder. I am on my way to becoming an insufferable keyboard nerd.

I'm using ZSA Moonlander with the platform. It tool me about a week to get confortable with it and my shoulder pain is gone since I use it

[...] I see the "ZSA - Moonlander" example, but I'm unsure how to interpret what I'm seeing: "Hours" means how long I've had this particular item? [...]

I have a ZSA Moonlander but it makes me want to make a Dactyl Manuform of some of the larger sizes just for those extra keys.