I've been using a Dvorak keyboard layout for close to 30 years. Ever since I started, I've relied on software to remap the keys on standard keyboards.
Linux is my preferred operating system and it supports Dvorak extremely well. It even has Dvorak layouts that change back to Qwerty when you press the modifier keys (like ctrl and alt). Mac OS also has such a layout, but it only supports Qwerty for the command modifier key. Good enough for me when I've used it.
My new job uses Windows, and it looks like that OS doesn't support a Dvorak layout that switches back to Qwerty when the modifier keys are pressed. Because of this limitation I've been investigating hardware solutions. I bought a programmable keyboard that stores the layout in the keyboard and sends keystroke signals to the computer based on my preferred layout.
I considered the Kinesis Advantage 2 and the Ergodox EZ keyboards. I ultimately decided on the Ergodox because it is small enough to fit in my laptop bag. Used keyboards on Ebay are about half price, so I purchased a lightly used one.
The Good
- The keyboard is programmable as advertised.
- The adjustable tilt and split halves make it comfortable to type on.
- Having multiple thumb buttons is a huge improvement compared to standard keyboards. I've put space, backspace, enter, tab, escape, and delete on thumb buttons because I use them frequently.
- You can program multiple layouts (called layers) and configure a button to switch between them.
- You can have a single button send multiple keystrokes. For example I have a button that sends alt-F4 to close applications with a single button press.
- The software for modifying the layout is easy to install and use.
- It is easy to share your layouts through the manufacturer's website.
- I like the optional feature that can be enabled to hold a key to auto-shift it.
- When held, a modifier key can both send the key and switch layers, so it is easy to implement the Dvorak-Qwerty layout. (It took me a bit of time to figure out that this functionally cannot be associated with tapping keys, only with holding them.)
Could be Improved
- The Ergodox EZ doesn't have dedicated number pad, function, or media keys. As a workaround you need a layer to be able to press those buttons.
- The layout editor doesn't have a batch mode or search and replace. It is time consuming to create similar layers.
