What's the term for the distance between keys called? (midwest.social)

submitted 8 months ago by sxan@midwest.social to c/ergomechkeyboards@lemmy.world

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I have been using a piantor built for me by beekeeb.com, and am enjoying the more agressive stagger than my previous Ergodox. However, my typing experience is being spoiled by how tight the key spacing is. I have large hands, and can span an octave on a full-size piano; the Piantor is downright cramped.

In looking for a possible replacement (the Kyria was my primary option, but I guess splitkb.com has entirely given up on selling pre-builts, and I don't solder), what should I be looking at for specs to get some wider spacing on the keys? Is it simply "key spacing?"

Most commercial keyboards are fine; my prior was an Ergodox and the spacing was fine. The Piantor supplies that - it might even be a touch too much, but it's still better than the tepid stagger on the Ergos.

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[-] luckybipedal@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

I had similar problems with a Cantor build, and I have pretty small hands. I think the problem was not necessarily the key spacing, but the flat key profile that makes it harder to feel the key positions and easier to press two keys at once. MX keys typically have larger gaps between the key tops, which makes orientation easier for me. Interestingly I also have no problem with chiclet keys on my laptop with 3mm gaps between keys.

I was hoping to try LDSA key caps to fix this, but they never came back in stock before I moved on from my Cantor. There are other sculpted key cap options to try. E.g. https://lowprokb.ca/collections/keycaps/products/ddc-choc-pbt-blank-keycaps, https://www.asymplex.xyz/product/cs-chicago-stenographer-profile or https://3dkeycap.com/products/klp-choc-keycap-set-low-profile-ergonomic-sculpted-keycaps.

[-] sxan@midwest.social 1 points 8 months ago

Interesting. I have the MBK Legends, which look about as sculpted as those CS Chicago ones; both of the others do have quite a different profile. You may be right; if so, I should try the KLPs, because they're pretty extreme!

I do think splay is part of my issue, in any case - I feel as if I have to force my fingers closer together than they naturally tend toward.

It's still cheaper than a new KB, and so worth a shot - thank you!

this post was submitted on 03 Mar 2024

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