I think having a split keyboard so my mouse can be in the middle would really help my comfort at the desk. Is there a style that doubles up the middle keys? My typing style means sometimes I use my right hand to hit T, left to hit Y, etc.
Is this a style already, or would I need to build my own?
I am completely new to this domain and would appreciate advice from knowledgeable enthusiasts.
Not really something that I’m aware of; you would probably need to build one custom yourself if you wanted that. But I don’t think that would be worth the effort. If you get a split keyboard, it’s pretty easy to train yourself to use it the “correct” way, hitting T with left and Y with right.
EDIT: Or if you go with a pre-built PCB, you could build a keyboard with a non-standard ortholinear layout like this one, but you’d have to re-learn how to type on that anyway…so just going with a standard split layout is the easiest option.
Yeah, it isnt worth the effort or cost at all for somwthing I can un/re-learn. I want to keep it close to standard keyboards since I have to use them often away from my pc. And starting in a new domain by going custom and conplicated is not dipping your toes in.
I’m actually pretty partial to ortholinear after switching to it, for the record. It’s easier to reach every key and it wasn’t that hard to learn. It also didn’t break my brain and force me to “un-learn” a standard QWERTY layout, I can switch between my split ortho keyboard and crappy laptop keyboard on the fly.
I built my own Redox but there are plenty of kits you can get that come partially or totally pre-assembled (that keeb.io website is a good place to start, and there are a bunch of builders on Etsy). I’m trying out putting my trackball between the two split sides right now and it’s not bad; I just have to angle the trackball so that it keeps my wrist straight.