| Several advantages: - More keys for the thumbs allows for using the thumbs more instead of the (weaker) pinky fingers. - I like symmetrical keyboards; it's more comfortable than the standard row-stagger. - The custom firmware has some nice features which allow for reducing hand movement. e.g. putting a numpad layer where your hands rest. e.g. I have "go to prev/next virtual desktop" when I hit the keys "cv" or "m,". - The keyboard firmware is on the keyboard itself. This is nice if you switch between different computers. - More desk space for e.g. notes between the split halves. Disadvantages: - In the same way that e.g. a Vim config can be ultra-personalised to the point no one else can use it, the same applies to split keyboards. - Mechanical keys can be quite loud. - The keyboards are either DIY, expensive, or both. They can be quite difficult to acquire. - It can take some time to adjust to a new layout. Moreso if you've not done per-finger typing practice with e.g. Dvorak layout. - It's more difficult to use with "keyboard + mouse" programs like Blender, CAD, or videogames, which use QWERTY keybindings. - As with any external keyboard, difficult/awkward to use with laptops e.g. at a cafe. |