Perixx PERIBOARD-535RD Wired Ergonomic Mechanical Split Keyboard - Low-Profile Red Linear Switches - Programmable Feature with Macro Keys - Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X - US English, Black

Very good starter keyboard for ergonomic enthusiasts. I bought the red linear switch variant. Gives me a good feel while typing, and I feel I am typing faster and making fewer mistakes because my pinky fingers have to do leas gymnastics to reach several keys due to the more natural position of my hands and palms. Some rewiring of my muscle memory is required because I was used to typing the letter B using my right index finger, but the correct finger should have been the left index. Now I keep typing ‘nut’ instead of ‘but’ 😅. The palm rest is good and comfortable, though I had read earlier that the plastic edge is not very comfortable. That may be true, but it turns out that my keyboard tray’s palm rest is of exactly the same height, so I get a pretty broad palm rest. For those who are interested I bought the ErgoYou clamp-on ergonomic keyboard tray - extra spacious 27”.

I bought 2 wired ones, one linear (red switches) for home and one clicky (blue switches) for office, to replace the MS Natural 4000s that I've been using for years. (The MS 4000 shape and layout is good, and the key feel is acceptable, but they always die eventually, repairing them is a tedious business, and they're no longer manufactured so the supply of good ones will dry up.) Good points: * standard layout with all keys present: navigation cluster (with separate PrtSc and Pause/Break keys), F keys, numpad. No missing keys, key multiplexing for F keys only * symmetrical meta key layout for Shift, Ctrl, Alt and Start * unobjectionable Fn key behaviour: it's easy to get the F keys to behave as F keys * nice 2-piece space bar with uncomplicated-looking mechanism * tent and backwards tilt angles similar to the MS 4000 and MS Sculpt, both proven very comfortable in my view * nice braided cable that's a useful length * keyswitches feel good to type on. The clicky switches go click when you press them and then go click again when you release them, and it feels glorious to type quickly; the linear switches feel pretty effortless to type on, nice and smooth, fairly quiet but with a bit of an echoey clack. (I was expecting the linear switches to feel a bit disappointing, but actually they are quite satisfying) * US layout available internationally (if at a premium), possibly a minority thing but I like that nice wide enter key Less good points: * f6 is on the other side of the split compared to the Microsoft keyboards. Slightly annoying, but it didn't take long to get used to * plastic wrist rest is nowhere near as nice as the padded ones on the MS 4000 or MS Sculpt * clicky switches go click independently of activation - it's possible to activate without clicking, and click without activating. My hand-ear coordination must be better than I thought as this actually took some getting used to (I can't comment regarding the macOS mode. I haven't had any reason to use the keyboard macros.)

Used for over a year, and much better than the non-ergo style. Keys a little clicky, but not overly loud. Good typing feel. Like having it wired so don't need to worry about batteries.

If you have RSI or tendonitis get the red switches.

I have been using a 25 year-old Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard. Reddit told me about this Perixx mechanical ergonomic keyboard and it's exactly what I wanted. A 1-piece chassis, mechanical keys, and an easy way to switch between Windows and Mac. If you are a fan of the classic Microsoft ergonomic Natural Keyboard, this Perixx Px Ergo Mech 535 is a solid upgrade. The main chassis has an aluminum faceplate on top of the plastic chassis and everything is very well-made. No issues pairing with either Windows or Mac OS. Recommended!