[mkozlows]

I feel like the Ergodox was traditionally a lot of people's first wacky split keyboard -- but for those that stuck around, it was rarely their last. These days, there are so many better options that it's hard to recommend Ergodox despite its historic importance.

[tumdum_]

Can you recommend one that is clearly better that ergodox in every manner?

[mkozlows]

Lots of options, but the one I use and would recommend is the Iris: https://keeb.io/products/iris-se-kit

Advantages over the Ergodox:

1. No pointless layer of "inner" keys that you never use 2. The thumb keys are closer to the main keyboard, so more of them are in a natural reach, rather than being a big stretch (this is the biggest one in usage) 3. Uses all 1u keys, so greater keycap compatibility (any ortho kit will work) 4. If you're comparing to the Ergodox EZ, construction is better, with a metal case instead of plastic 5. Takes up less desk space

And it's still QMK, still hotswappable, still has the columnar layout. I don't think the Ergodox offers anything over it.

[tumdum_]

> No pointless layer of "inner" keys that you never use

I use all the keys on my ergodox-ez, so this keyboard has not enough keys for me to switch to.

[sesm]

Ergodox offers extra keys, they are not a disadvantage, they are a trade-off.