Logitech ERGO K860, split ergonomic keyboard, reviewed

It remains a funny old world where we continue to live with QWERTY keyboards. As most of you will know, the arrangement of the letters of the keyboard, which may be embedded into our memory at this stage, where laid down in this order to slow down rather than speed up typists many many decades ago. While this may seem counter intuitive the reasoning was that typists were typing faster than the old typewriter metal spokes(?) could reach up and hit the typing ribbon, so marking the piece of paper inserted into the typewriter. I know it must even sound slightly bizarre to even be describing this to a post type writer generation.

QWERTY was intended to slow down the speed of humans typing, back when the physical limitations of the device could not handle this degree of competence. Therefore it is legitimately weird, in 2021, to have to still be typing using the letters in this sequence many many decades after almost all of us have ever used a typewriter. This does naturally raise the question of why on earth are we still doing things in this way. In this context it does make huge sense for companies like Logitech to reimagine the typing interface, why suffer from RSI (repetitive strain injury) in various forms, to serve a non-problem that no longer exists.

This keyboard is aimed to be as helpful now to us, as we use it now. Much like the ‘save’ visual icon that refers to a floppy disc, something else that no one has actually used in decades, QWERTY is a redundant part of our operating systems. We are hopeful that Logitech and others will continue to innovate and rework the framework of what is possible to aid how we work. Naturally it does raise the question of how much longer we will even need keypads once our thoughts can be directly read and converted into text. Until we reach that point this keyboard is a smart and pleasant upgrade on what has come before.

More about the product ->

A FEEL-BETTER TYPING EXPERIENCE
Introducing ERGO K860, a split ergonomic keyboard designed for better posture, less strain, and more support.

Youll type more naturally with a curved, split keyframe that improves typing posture. The sloping form reduces muscle strain on your wrists and forearms keeping your hands and shoulders relaxed.

BETTER POSTURE, BETTER RESULTS
ERGO K860s curved keyframe places your hands, wrists, fingers and forearms in a more natural posture youll notice the lack of strain the moment your hands land on the keyboard.

ERGO K860 has even been proven to reduce muscle activity by 21% in the upper trapezius musclea key muscle in the center of the back that stabilizes and facilitates shoulder and neck movement.

THREE LAYERS OF COMFORT AND SUPPORT
A pillowed wrist rest places your forearms just above the keyboard, offering 54% more wrist support while reducing wrist bending by 25%.

GIVE YOUR WRISTS A LIFT
Keep your wrists in a natural and comfortable posture, whether you’re seated or standing with an innovative palm lift feature. Tilt legs of 0°, -4°, and -7° lift your palms into the optimal ergonomic position depending on your unique set up.

EFFORTLESS PRECISION WITH PERFECT STROKE KEYS
A fluid and ultra-precise typing experience with no compromise in speed and accuracy. Your fingers glide effortlessly across the matte surface of the keys, and tactile details make it easy to orient your fingers and stay focused. The split layout and convex curve promote a more natural hand and finger placement.

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