Bought the Moonlander mechanical keyboard. Cherry Brown MX switches. Arms and wrists have been hurting enough that it’s time I did something about it.
Picked this vs. others because of the wristpad, ortholinear keys, and the command key placement. Excited to re-learn how to type 
Looks really cool! Shall we split into a dedicated thread? 
(In fact I think we should have dedicated threads for all the major keyboards/brands as I’m sure I’m not the only one who’ll have questions about them.)
Definitely a separate thread - although I don’t know anything about mechanical keyboards apart from the fact that there are a lot of them!
Extremely interested in your feedback about the keyboard after a few days – or weeks.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
I’ve set a bookmark for December 1 - It should be here by then, and I should have had a chance to use it for at least a little bit at that point. Hope it goes well!
I’ll be curious to hear what you think too Brent! Looks like it’s made by the same people who make ergodox?
I like that it works without having to install any special drivers:
Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
No special drivers or resident software needed.
Now that I’m using a sanding desk most of the time (while on the bike) I could put one half of each keyboard on either side of the base of my monitor stand and I think that would be a comfortable position (and negate the additional space it takes up at the front). So definitely curious to hear your thoughts!
They are a bit pricey here in the UK tho, by the time you add VAT they’re £332
If it doesn’t need any special software then I am making it my new keyboard for sure. The question remains though: will it work-work or just work? I mean, every keyboard will just work but could you actually configure the backlighting and other aspects without a program in your OS? Or do they have a program for all 3 major OS-es?
After macOS 10.14 many keyboard controlling apps / drivers stopped working on macOS and now it’s pretty rare to actually have one that works. Logitech does it, and they are the only ones I know of. The rest just don’t care.
Looks like it is all done via firmware - so the software you need is for that (rather than for drivers). Perhaps @brentjanderson can confirm for us 
I have the Plack EZ from the same manufacturer. You compile the firmware using a website. And you load it onto the keyboards with a dedicated app.
This is my current layout: https://configure.ergodox-ez.com/planck-ez/layouts/MZOxJ/latest/0
Did you do that on macOS?
Which is available for which systems?
And if Linux is available, as source or binary only? The latter makes it for me close to non existent.
The dedicated app to load the firmware onto the keyboard is open source: https://github.com/zsa/wally
I actually just hopped on to see if there were any threads about keyboards and saw this. I also just purchased a Moolander! I heard about it on the Elixir Outlaws podcast. I can’t wait try it out.
I probably heard about it on the Elixir Outlaws podcast too!
A lot of the custom diy boards that are kits use QMK to flash board. Moonlander uses a fork of qmk. https://qmk.fm/. I built my own custom ortholinear board last year:
How did you get on with it @foxtrottwist? I really want to try a split keyboard and am seriously considering the Moonlander!
Did anyone else get one after?
Edit: I’ve just added our keyboards portal btw 
@AstonJ I still haven’t received it yet 
. I knew it would be late October early November when it would arrive, so I’m not disappointed. But of course sooner is always better than later.
I did however receive my Keyboardio Atreus. It’s meant to be my “travel” keyboard. It has also allow me to hone my layout 
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The Atreus looks pretty neat too! You’ll have to post a review for them both when you get time
Which switches did you order for the Moonlander btw? I’m tempted to order it, even if I don’t like it I’m pretty sure I could sell it on eBay and not lose too much…
Definitely! I’m enjoying the Atreus, but looking forward to comparing the the two.
I hadn’t had any experience with switches until ordering these boards. I selected the Mx cherry browns (tactile) with the MoonLander. However, I have Kailh box whites (clicky) on the Atreus and I am enjoying them very much.
I do own a couple of switch testers that come with various kinds of switches on them. And I’ve even put them in the Atreus since it’s hot swappable. I think I want tactile but not cherry. So I’m looking into other options. Kailh speed copper (tactile) but also exploring Kailh speed silver (linear) just try something different.
Guess what I ordered 
I’m blaming you @foxtrottwist!!
I actually chose the Kailh box whites as I wanted something clicky to help get used to it being ortho. I can always get tactile browns later if need be. I’m in batch 4, so delivery is Nov to Dec 25th… just in time for the new year 
