If You’re Not Using This Type of Keyboard, It’s Time to Switch

Key Takeaways

• Alice keyboards offer an ergonomic layout to reduce wrist movement.
• Customizable options are available, like switches and keycaps, for comfort.
• Switch to an Alice keyboard for increased comfort during long typing sessions.

If you’re looking for a new keyboard, there are many options. Apart from different sizes and switches, different layouts provide a more ergonomic user experience. Depending on how much you type, the comfort an Alice keyboard provides might just be reason enough to switch.

What Is an Alice Keyboard?

Alice keyboards split the traditional keyboard layout into two parts and angle the keys, so minimal wrist movement is required when typing. They’re also fairly new, with the first Alice-style keyboards designed by keyboard enthusiast Yuk Tsi in 2018. The split format in a single frame results in a much more ergonomic and comfortable typing experience than the standard "slab" keyboards we’re all used to.

Additionally, since your wrists aren’t moving as much, your shoulders and forearms feel more at ease during longer typing sessions. Note that Alice keyboards aren’t the same as split keyboards, which are divided from the middle into two separate units, each covering one side of the QWERTY layout.

Just like every other keyboard on the market, there’s a fair amount of customization, layout, and design options you can choose from when looking for an Alice keyboard. Since most, if not all, Alice keyboards you’ll find will be mechanical, you can change things like the switches and keycaps and even install mods to enhance the sound or feel of your keyboard.

The mods aren’t very different from regular keyboards either, so you can easily adapt them to the Alice format. Since they’re mostly mechanical, you’ll also be able to fix your keyboard when it doesn’t work as relatively easily.

More interestingly, Alice keyboards come in a few different options. These options vary between keyboards that change the number of keys, their alignment or orientation, and sometimes add extra features like additional buttons or dials.

How Are They Different From Regular Keyboards?

Alice keyboards, even in the QWERTY layout, differ from regular ones. It’ll take a while to get used to an Alice keyboard when first starting out, as the keys are in different places and angled differently. You’ll also try to subconsciously move your wrists, which throws you off at first.

However, once you get used to the layout, the real benefits of the Alice keyboard start kicking in. Since your wrists aren’t moving as much, you won’t feel as exhausted after long typing sessions. Additionally, if you have wrist pain or issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, an Alice keyboard can go a long way in providing comfort.

Why You Should Switch to an Alice Keyboard

The main reason you should switch to an Alice keyboard, especially if you type a lot, is comfort. They aren’t necessarily as ergonomic as the keyboard manufacturer would want you to think, but they’re easier on your wrists, forearms, and shoulders compared to a regular keyboard.

Just like gaming keyboards can be a great fit for even non-gamers, Alice keyboards are the next step. That is if you’re okay paying for them. Alice keyboards are not a popular product, so expect some markup from manufacturers. You can find some pretty good budget options, such as the Keychron V8 Max or Epomaker Cidoo, coming in at $100 and $45, respectively, at the time of writing.

There is a catch, though. Regular and fully split keyboards offer much more freedom of movement when typing, allowing you to type in different positions. Alice keyboards will work best when you’re in a certain position, meaning you won’t get to move around that much. If you often find yourself typing in different positions, an Alice keyboard might not be the best decision.

Overall, an Alice keyboard will provide better comfort during long typing sessions, with the same advantages as any regular mechanical keyboard. So, if you’re a programmer, writer, or anyone who spends a significant amount of time typing, you should definitely consider an Alice keyboard.