Ergonomic Keyboards: Are They Worth the Switch for Developers?
A review of the Matias Ergo Pro, an affordable split keyboard that might just be what you didn't know you needed.
Hey there! 👋
Let me ask you a question: what keyboard do you use daily for your coding tasks?
As someone who's been in the trenches of software development for years, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have the right tools. And let's face it, our keyboard is our sword. With that in mind, for the past few years I’ve been digging into the ergonomic keyboards world, learning about and personally trying some of these incredible creations.
Recently the folks from Matias.ca were kind enough to send me a review copy of their Ergo Pro programmable keyboard.
So I decided to give it a try and share my experience with you all (plus a little gift at the end).
My thoughts on the Ergo Pro from Matias
The whole ergonomic world is a treasure trove for those of us seeking comfort during our marathonic coding sessions. When the Matias Ergo Pro landed on my desk, courtesy of the kind folks at Matias, I was eager to see if it stood up to its claims.
The Comfort Quest: The distinct split design and adjustable tenting settings (up to 9 degrees!) promised a haven for my wrists. I found myself enjoying the new angles, feeling the strain on my wrists dissipate as I typed my way through projects — a true blessing for any developer familiar with the dread of carpal tunnel.
Coding Streamlined: We developers have a knack for customization, and the programmable keys on the Ergo Pro didn't disappoint. No extra software needed; just plugged the keyboard and I was flying through my code with custom snippets at the ready. Granted, it's not the complete overhaul some might yearn for, but it's a sizable leap towards a smoother workflow.
The Set-and-Forget Appeal: Unpack, plug in, and voilà — you're all set! The seamless setup experience was a breath of fresh air. I appreciate not having to wrestle with software installations and configurations before I can even start coding.
Aesthetic Pleasure: Style matters, even for tools of the trade. The Ergo Pro's sleek, black look adds a modern, professional touch to the workspace. And while its keystrokes won't serenade you like some alternatives might, the Quiet Click switches hold their own, offering a discreet auditory backdrop to your keystrokes.
Embracing the Imperfections: I won't gloss over it — the keyboard isn't without its quirks. The sound might not be music to everyone's ears and the special function keys require a bit of a stretch to use them. But aren't all good things worth a little effort?
The Verdict: After extensive use, I had to tip my hat to the Ergo Pro. It's an accessible entry into the ergonomic realm, with a few tweaks here and there, it might just be the sidekick you didn't know you needed.
A little something for you
I'm all about sharing the spoils, and Matias has extended a gracious offer for those who'd like to claim an Ergo Pro as their own (or anything from their “Ergonomic & Specialized” collection). Fancy a 10% discount? Use the code "FERNANDO" at checkout. Just remember, it's only for the USA & Canada store, and make sure to claim it before February 29th, 2024.
What are your thoughts on the quest for the perfect keyboard? Have you ventured into the world of ergonomic designs? Or, perhaps, have you already crossed paths with the Matias Ergo Pro? Let's exchange tales in the comments below!
For the full-fledged review, including a typing test video, check out the article here: Is This The Best Keyboard for a Developer?
Stay comfortable and code on!
As a side note, did you know I recently launched a new YouTube channel? That’s right! I’ll be uploading video content there about different aspects of software development (there are some already there!).