[distances]

> I'm currently eyeing up the successor (Microsoft surface ergonomic keyboard) even with the unnecessary numpad - it looks to be of a higher build quality, and the bluetooth freeing up a port is a bonus.

Anecdotal word of warning -- this was the worst keyboard I've used, and I promptly switched back to Sculpt. My issues: less ergonomic, worse keys with worse typing experience, fixed numpad, major connection issues with dropped and stuck keys (this was obviously the breaking point), and Bluetooth didn't work during Linux bootup (LUKS password input).

[600frogs]

Thanks for the warning, doesn't sound too promising! May go back to drawing board on this one.

> less ergonomic ... fixed numpad I was aware of these and was willing to reach further for the mouse in exchange for aesthetics, build quality, and one less dongle on a 2-port (!) MacBook Air.

> major connection issues with dropped and stuck keys ... Bluetooth didn't work during Linux bootup Are these two related? I've had dodgy experiences with Bluetooth on Linux in the past, but no issues on Mac.

> worse keys with worse typing Can you expand on this a bit? From what I've heard and from the look of it, it looks to be an improved typing experience, especially coming from the awful F-keys of the sculpt.

[distances]

> Are these two related? I've had dodgy experiences with Bluetooth on Linux in the past, but no issues on Mac.

Both may be Linux only, but not related. If I understood correctly, the bootup issue was because bluetooth drivers are loaded only after LUKS unlock. Missed/stuck key connection issues could have been Linux specific.

> Can you expand on this a bit? From what I've heard and from the look of it, it looks to be an improved typing experience, especially coming from the awful F-keys of the sculpt.

I don't have the keyboard any more and it was a couple of years ago, so I frankly don't remember that well. I didn't like the sharp key corners vs. rounded keys on Sculpt. Could be that otherwise the typing experience was similar and my memory is just colored by the connection issues which obviously destroyed the typing experience, I'd check what other sources say about this.

[600frogs]

Thanks for the info, I'll probably continue to deliberate and delay choosing a keyboard for about 3-5 years until my sculpt gives up the ghost and forces my hand. What are you using now, out of curiosity?

[distances]

Still the Sculpt. And new ones are still sold, so it won't force your hand yet :)

I would next try some wired model, using wireless has only downsides in my setup. I've been checking some split mechanical models like the Kinesis Freestyle but not sure if I can go back to the long key travel of the mechanical models.

Someone in this comment section posted a link to a list of more esoteric keyboards, I'll have to go through that list at some point.

[600frogs]

Agreed on the key travel, I know most keyboard enthusiasts refuse to use anything other than mechanical, but I've been through that and come out the other side preferring chiclet - it's just more gentle on the fingers, and imo more aesthetically pleasing.

For what it's worth, I've been through the DIY ergo board phase as well - I made a Corne (or Helidox as it was known then). It was a fun project, but the build quality just wasn't there which ruined it for me. The sculpt is still the closest I've got to my ideal board - good build quality (minus the F keys), relatively good ergonomics, and wireless. I was hoping the Microsoft surface ergonomic would solve the F key and dongle issue, but may have to rethink my plan.