Perixx PERIBOARD-512B Wired Ergonomic Split USB Keyboard with 7 Multimedia Keys - Black - NDAA Compliant - US English

I have been searching and searching for a good ergonomic keyboard. You may have even read my comments on other like kind keyboards. I used the Microsoft 7000 wireless keyboard/mouse for many, many years (I'm sure at least 15-20 years). I would buy them when I saw them on Ebay just to have when the current one I had died or keys became non-responsive. I LOVED that keyboard.So I went on the hunt. I found one that didn't work at all (tried 2 of them) and also bought the Logitech ergonomic keyboard (a bit pricey, but a good keyboard and worth it). That one had the feel of a laptop style keyboard, low profile, soft to the touch and a bit cramped on the width. I just couldn't get my hands to work with that keyboard although I think many would really like it. I tried for 3-4 months to get my arms and hands to fit it and just kept failing.I read several reviews on this keyboard and finally decided, what could it hurt. It turns out, I like this one the best! It is about and inch wider that the others and my hands are now comfortable with my elbows relaxing on the arms of my chair. So a WINNER! It reminds me a great deal of the feel of the Microsoft 7000.If I had to find something wrong, it would be the the depth of the keyboard to allow for the multimedia keys at the top. I personally don't need those keys and the "perfect" keyboard would take those out and only keeping the Num lock and Cap lock indicators then add that area back into more wrist support. The other thing is the different placement of the movement keys between the letters and num pad. I am getting used to the different layout (much easier than the width reduction of others). If any change, I would put the Delete and Insert Key on the top row instead of the bottom. But that's just me. I keep hitting the insert key instead of the page down key. Take a good look at the keyboard to see what I'm referring to.BUT having said all of this, it IS the keyboard I am using and will continue to use. It was a great fit out of the box. I have a slide out keyboard tray and it sits nicely on there and it just the perfect size for me! I am SO glad I considered and finally bought this unit. After all my searching, I do think this one and the Logitech (K860 I think that's the model) are the two best ones out there.If you're on the fence with this one, consider the height of the keys, the clicking of them and the breadth of them. If these feature are important to you, then buy it. I think you will for the most part like the "feel" of this one. I really depends on what style you like. If you want the low profile, quiet keys on a smaller platform, then this is not the one for you. (use the Logitech K860 instead).I hopes this helps someone. I have been searching and finally have found a suitable replacement! I am so happy with this purchase.UPDATE: 8/23/20 -I had been using this keyboard for about 30 days when the right space bar started acting up. It would stick and put in many unwanted spaced. I continued to use it and it just go worse so at 60 days I tried to get it replaced. It was past Amazon's warranty period so I went to the manufacturer's website and filed for a replacement (their warranty is one year). As instructed by the manufacturer, they said to remove the bar, clean it and replace. That was a fail, while it did reduce the amount of sticking, it then required hard pressure to make the space bar react as it would then not space otherwise. So I contacted them again. They said to use DeOxit on it. They even sent a link to show me what to do. (it was a pictorial guide - funny how they had this already done to send). I had never heard of DeXoit but found it on Amazon and purchased it (it's not inexpensive). I wrote an email to the manufacturer explaining that it was not my position to "fix" their keyboard, but I would try and let them know. They replied and stated they would replace the keyboard. I got the DeOxit and that was a miserable fail! It was awful after that. It would stick and would also not space as before only it was 10 times worse. I got back to Perixx and expressed that and never heard another word from them again. I tried a couple of times and then finally went back to Amazon to report their action. While good initially, when it came time to replace it they (Perixx) disappeared. So I contacted Amazon to report the seller and they listened to my story and I even volunteered to send them the email exchange so they could see it. The representative put me on hold and then came back stating they would replace the keyboard. I got it yesterday and I am using it right now and it is working perfectly. We'll see how it goes. But Amazon - thank you for stepping in where your seller didn't. You went above your call to react and it is greatly appreciated. I had a 5 star rating and left it that way as I really do like this keyboard alot. I just hope it stays working this way!

Long review ahead: short version, just buy it and try it. You won't be returning it, trust me!This is not only an absolutely fantastic SPLIT style keyboard, but also one of the best in terms of key/tactile feel I've ever owned. I've tried all the usual mechanical keyboards, blue & brown switches (way overrated IMO) along with the legendary buckling spring switches. Yes, this is a rubber dome keyboard, BUT, it feels to me anyhow like a quiet and lighter touch buckling spring keyboard (think IBM Model M) without all the racket a buckling spring or cherry blue switch (or even brown) keyboard can make. It has a nice tactile snap to the keys and sounds similar to a Topre keyboard (youtube it) and has a nice muffled "thock" type sound, no clacky-ness at all. Even the larger stabilized keys are mostly quiet, and the one or two that aren't can be made quiet by adding a little white grease lube (search amzn for elite keyboards grease) to the metal stabilizer underneath the key after carefully removing it with a keycap puller or very carefully prying off.This keyboard has a little shorter key travel distance than a full key height keyboard; about 80%, but is just enough shorter that it is actually a better travel distance IMO and allows for a very quick and light touch to the keys, but still gives that satisfying "press" you get on a full travel keyboard. As noted above, the key feel is light, but not too light and has a nice tactile snap (think buckling spring) that you will not get with the overrated mx brown style switch.The split of the board is perfect and puts your hands, arms and shoulders in a very natural position for typing, and also has a full size wrist rest to place the palms of your hands when not actively typing.One thing some folks may complain about is the arrow/home key cluster; do not let that deter you from trying this board. I actually prefer this layout as it allows your trackball (or mouse) to come in closer to your hands than if they used the standard ibm layout. Once you get used to the more condensed layout of the arrow keys and home/end/delete cluster, you'll realize it is very very logically laid out and actually makes more sense. So IMO I believe it's truly a better layout than the older IBM format. Your mileage may vary.I've been using split keyboards since the original MS one came out in the late 90's and this Perixx split keyboard is very similar to the old MS elite version, but much better. The key feel and overall construction along with a split spacebar make THIS keyboard the best split keyboard you can buy, not to mention it's an incredible value also. I pair this board with a Logitech M570 trackball and it's a match made in heaven. My hands and wrists never experience pain and typing on this board is so comfortable and the muted/quiet, light snappy tactile feedback is incredible. I have never enjoyed a keyboard more than this one. It hits ALL the checkboxes. I'd happily pay 2-3 times what they charge for it also. And have for other boards that couldn't hold a candle to this one.Note: I was NOT paid or compensated in any way to write this review, and I normally don't write reviews unless I really like something. I LOVE this keyboard :-) and you will too. If you are new to split keyboards, use this one solely for a week and you will not go back to a non-split board ever again, and when/if you have to use a "normal" keyboard you'll wonder how you ever did.Ping me in the questions section, happy to share my experience or answer any questions you may have. Happy typing!

This keyboard comes very close to being a worthy successor to the beloved Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000. The key feel is excellent, with great tactile feedback that makes typing comfortable and satisfying.However, after nearly a year of use, two issues have become dealbreakers for me. First, the cluster of keys—Home, End, Delete, Insert, Page Up, and Page Down—is arranged vertically, unlike any other keyboard I’ve used. I thought I would adapt, but I still find myself having to look down to locate the correct key, which slows me down more than I expected.Second, there’s no dedicated media key or shortcut for play/pause. While there are a few shortcut buttons at the top, I’m baffled by the decision to include WWW, Search, and Email buttons but leave out something as essential as a play/pause control.Sadly, because of these shortcomings, I’m now back in the market for another keyboard.