Advantages, disadvantages, and how to choose a separate keyboard

What is a separate keyboard?

As the name suggests, a "separate keyboard" is a keyboard that is divided into left and right sides in the center.

With a full-size keyboard, the width of the keyboard is about the width of a human shoulder, but that includes the numeric keypad. The letter keys, which are actually typed most of the time, are narrower than the width of a human shoulder.

This makes the posture and the direction of the arms when typing unnatural for the body, which leads to pain and fatigue. The aim of the separate keyboard is to separate the keyboard into left and right sides so that the body can assume a posture that is comfortable for the user.

The concept is similar to the ergonomic keyboard, but the separate keyboard offers a higher degree of freedom.

Advantages and disadvantages of ergonomic keyboards

Ergonomic keyboards are optimized for the human body using ergonomics. We summarize its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of having a separate keyboard

The advantage of having a separate keyboard would be the freedom to position the keyboard where you want it.

When using a keyboard, "what is uncomfortable and what is less burdensome" is determined by various factors such as the distance from the desk/display, the height of the desk/chair, and where the mouse is placed, but in most cases the layout is determined around the main interface, the keyboard.

Conventional keyboards have the problem that when the body is centered on the center position, the mouse is far to the right, and when the body is centered on the keyboard, the center position is to the left when typing.

By separating the left and right sides of the keyboard, the keys are in front of the shoulders, which not only reduces the burden on the body, but the open center also reduces malfunctions when the mouse or trackpad is placed in the middle, as on a notebook PC.

Disadvantages of separating the keyboard

When the keyboard is separated on the left and right, cables are naturally required to connect the left and right keys. This makes the desk a little messy.

Another major disadvantage is that there are few options for left-right separated keyboards, as they are a "rare breed" of keyboards in terms of keyboards as a whole. Not having a switch you like or a layout you like can be an obstacle when it comes to keystrokes.

Points to consider when selecting a separate keyboard

When selecting a separate keyboard, pay attention to the following three points.

1. connection method
2. layout
3. switch

Most connection methods are USB wired, but check whether your current PC environment can handle wired connections.

As for the layout, most separate keyboards have an English layout, so if you are used to a Japanese layout, you will make frequent typing mistakes at first. Although it is a matter of getting used to it, if you use it for work or other purposes, try to use it at home and get used to it before switching to another keyboard.

As for the switches, the key touch is important, but durability is also important. Separate keyboards are likely to be replaced if any key breaks, so choose a keyboard that uses reliable switches such as Cherry MX switches.

You may be interested in making your own keyboard

If you are interested in a separate keyboard, you are probably a keyboard enthusiast.

If you are looking for a keyboard that you like, a self-made keyboard is an option. With a home-built keyboard, you can create your own keyboard, from the switches and keycaps to the layout.