Looking to give your gaming experience a major power-up? Let’s talk about ortholinear keyboards. Crafted with a one-of-a-kind key layout and spacing, these keyboards take your gaming precision and comfort to new heights. Imagine making lightning-quick, dead-on movements while relishing a comfortable typing feel – that’s what an ortholinear keyboard offers. We’re about to unpack the best ortholinear keyboards in today’s market, digging deep into their game-changing features. So, if a more ergonomic gaming journey is on your wishlist, you’re in for a treat!
Kinesis Advantage2
The Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard is a great choice for gamers looking for the best ortholinear keyboard. It has a patented design with split keywells, thumb keys, and an orthogonal layout that fits comfortably in your hands and helps to reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions. The genuine Cherry mechanical switches provide premium typing feel and performance with low activation force so you can type accurately without feeling strain. It also has full onboard programmability, including custom layouts in QWERTY or Dvorak, on-the-fly macro recording, one-touch key remapping, and Windows/Mac/PC modes. Plus it’s plug-and-play compatible with most major operating systems like Windows 7-10, Mac OS X, Linux, Chrome.
The Kinesis Advantage2 also features concave key wells and thumb keys to help place your hands in a natural relaxed position to shorten key reach; 20 degree tenting to elevate the thumb side of the hand; fixed split and vertical keys that keep wrists straight; palm supports with cushioned palm pads; sculpted home row keycaps for easy navigation; and a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty.
Overall the Kinesis Advantage2 offers an ergonomic design built for comfort during long gaming sessions while still offering top performance features like programmable keys and genuine Cherry mechanical switches. However there is a high learning curve as well as limited space for all of the additional keys which might be problematic if you’re used to having more control options at your fingertips.
YMDK Idobao x ID75
If you’re a gamer looking for a top-tier ortholinear keyboard, the YMDK Idobao x ID75 is an excellent option. Its CNC anodized aluminum case with acrylic layer and RGB underglow is sure to turn heads, and its MSYS and VS Code software provide plenty of customization options. The keycaps can fit across two keys in a linear design, making typing or gaming more comfortable. Plus, it has an integrated plate on top which makes pressing switches easier.
However, you will need to learn how to use the VS Code and MSYS software on the website before you can take advantage of any special functions. Additionally, the USB port may be loose and cause accidental disconnects if not stabilized with slight bending of the casing. Despite these minor issues though, this keyboard comes with adjustable feet included so you can customize it to your height preference. And thanks to its heavy aluminum case preventing sliding around while gaming, you won’t have to worry about interruptions!
OLKB Preonic
The Drop + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact ortholinear keyboard. Designed by Jack Humbert, the Preonic includes a 304 stainless steel MX plate with five mounting holes and comes pre-soldered, pre-programmed with 9x bottom-lit RGB LEDs. Additionally, it is LED ready and features a built-in speaker. The kit also offers plenty of ways to customize it to your needs, including Cherry MX and Matias/ALPS switch footprints as well as reprogrammability with QMK.
As an ortholinear layout keyboard, the Preonic is great for learning to homerow type correctly in a smaller space bar size that allows you easy access to additional layers. However, some users have reported stiff stabilizers that need lubing as well as pinging sounds when using the loose build method. Furthermore, the color may be more muted than what photos suggest.
Overall though, the Drop + OLKB Preonic Keyboard MX Kit V3 is a great option for those seeking an efficient and compact ortholinear keyboard that offers tons of customization options as well as reprogrammability with QMK.
Keebio Nyquist
If you’re a gamer looking for an ortholinear keyboard that comes pre-built, the Keebio Nyquist is the perfect choice. Equipped with PCB Revision 3.5, this board offers USB-C connection, snap-off bottom row, and solid design so you can set up an ideal gaming experience. You’ll also find Kailh Box Jades (Clicky), Durock Shrimp 67g (Silent Tactile), Durock Dolphin 62g (Silent Linear); Milky Gateron Yellows (Linear); or Customer Supplied switches to customize your gaming experience further. Plus, it comes with Nyquist Plates & Middle Layer for added convenience and comfort while gaming. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a USB-C to USB-C Cable included and it’s built and shipped within 3-5 business days usually. The only downside is that keycaps and tenting hardware are not included in the package so those will have to be purchased separately if needed. Regardless of this minor drawback however, the Nyquist still provides all of the features necessary to give you a great gaming experience without sacrificing quality or performance.
ErgoDox EZ
The ErgoDox EZ is a great choice for anyone looking for an ergonomic and feature-rich mechanical keyboard. Its split design allows you to position each half of the keyboard where it makes sense to you, at shoulder width, reducing finger travel and fatigue. This reliable workhorse design has been used by over 100,000 people since 2015 and is customizable with a powerful graphical configurator. Hotswap switches can be changed out at any time, making it even more versatile. It’s also backed by a 2 year warranty with the option of extending for an additional two years. For those who want to customize their key mapping even further, the open source QMK firmware offers new features that make this keyboard stand out from the crowd.
The left side of the keyboard shows its columnar layout which helps reduce finger movement when typing as well as providing a comfortable gaming experience. It also comes with a heavy, custom molded wrist rest which adds comfort while using it. The keys are printed or blank and have sculpted DCS profile which makes them easy to identify in low light conditions like during gaming sessions or late night coding sessions. If you want even more flair with your keyboard then you can opt for the RGB LED lighting option with custom double shot keycaps – though we wouldn’t recommend splashing out on this extra cost given there are better options on this market for backlighting keyboards.
Overall, this is one of our top picks if you’re looking for an ortholinear board that offers flexibility in terms of positioning and programming options. Although there are some drawbacks such as acoustics (in comparison to other keyboards) and lacklustre tenting capabilities – these don’t detract from all the positives it provides in terms of comfortability, usability and customization potential!
XD75 Custom Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Meet the XD75 Custom Mechanical Keyboard Kit – your ticket to the ortholinear keyboard wonderland. This beauty rocks a 15×5 full grid layout, striking a balance between the full-size and compact keyboards. And it doesn’t stop there – it rolls out a DIY kit, complete with case, plate, PCB, screws, and a USB cable. Set up and installation? A walk in the park. To sweeten the deal, it even throws in a vibrant array of keycaps, hot-swappable switch inserts, and an LED base for a customization spree like no other.
The XD75 also features REVB and REVQE compatible expansion ports allowing you to add more keys if desired – something not many other keyboards offer! The dimensions are 11.6 x 4.4 x 1.5 in (29.5 x 11.2 x 3.8 cm) and it weighs 22.7 oz (644 g). Plus, the QMK firmware link by fabiant7t allows you to flash supported layouts for even more customization options!
Overall this keyboard is an excellent choice with its stainless steel build quality and thick acrylic layer giving it great durability while still being lightweight enough for travel or use at home/office desk setup without taking up too much space. The only downside we found was that some of the switches conflict with certain screws but aside from that this keyboard is top notch!
Ortholinear keyboards have become an ever-popular choice among tech aficionados, gamers, and typists due to their distinctive design and multiple advantages. This guide will provide a comprehensive analysis of the most suitable ortholinear keyboards on the market and what to consider when making your purchase.
Ascertaining Ortholinear Keyboards
The most apparent contrast between an ortholinear keyboard and a classic one is the positioning of the keys. Unlike regular keyboards, which display curved rows of keys, ortholinear keyboards possess straight line keys that are simpler to learn and memorize, along with shorter finger travel distance for faster typing speeds. Moreover, they usually tend to be much smaller than conventional ones which makes them more transportable. As an additional benefit, ortholinear keyboards do not necessitate a wrist rest like certain traditional keyboards do.
There are two main types of standard keyboard formats for ortholinear: the grid layout (traditional look with straight line keys) and the MIT layout (mechanical keys in a staggered arrangement). Though both have benefits, it’s essential to contemplate your own inclinations before choosing which one is best for you. For more info check out our detailed guide of ortholinear vs staggered keyboards.
Ergonomics & Comfort
Ortholinear keyboards are often purported to be better ergonomically because of less distance between arrow keys; however, studies have indicated that using split keyboards can upgrade workstation ergonomics and reduce discomfort. Additionally, lots of people find that the grid-like format of ortholinear keyboards is more pleasant for programming work as it forces users to get accustomed to an exact sequence of keys.
Things To Think About When Buying An Ortholinear Keyboard
• Key type: Mechanical or membrane?
• Switch type: Linear or tactile?
• Layout: Grid or MIT?
• Size: Full size or compact?
• Price range: Economical or luxurious?
• Extras: Programmable macros or backlighting?
If you’re on the lookout for an ergonomic keyboard with faster typing speeds and a distinct design then an ortholinear keyboard could be just what you need. Before sealing the deal research sizes and make sure you factor in all of these points so that you can find the ideal ortholinear keyboard for your needs!
Conclusion
In conclusion, ortholinear keyboards are a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their typing and gaming experience. They offer the convenience of a shorter finger travel distance and unique layouts such as grid or MIT formats that can make typing feel more natural. Additionally, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when considering key types, switch types, sizes ,price range and extras like backlighting or programmable macros. With careful consideration of all these factors, you’ll be sure to find an ortholinear keyboard that will take your gaming experience to the next level!