Can't really help with this specific decision, but maybe consider crossposting to [email protected] for more exposure ot the ergo crowd :)
Mechanical Keyboards
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Do you like choc switches? For some it's hit or miss. I like them a lot, but the only choc tactile I've liked is the Sunset V1 (my daily driver on a Piantor). Choc V1 browns had no bump for me and were somehow both scratchy and mushy.
I've had friends with moonlanders and those are gorgeous. I also have a ZSA Planck and ZSA's software ecosystem for customization is lovely. That said, I ultimately prefer a columnar layout over an ortholinear layout because my hands move less and I feel less strain. Moonlander is ortho, and it seems like the Glove80 is kind of a mix.
I've never tried any particular switches. I'm going into this fresh. ๐คท๐ฟโโ๏ธ
Choc V1 browns had no bump for me and were somehow both scratchy and mushy.
This sounds unappealing, especially the "mushy" part. ๐ฌ
Since this is your first split maybe you should start with something cheaper like a Lily58 kit (lot of online store sell the lily) or something to see if split if something that works for you?
Looks like the Lily 58 Pro would be $162 pre-built plus switches and keycaps. So I'm guessing half the cost of a Glove80 ($400)? Mightest well go all in from the gate since I'm not gonna do the labor of building it myself. ๐คท๐ฟโโ๏ธ
I can check out cheaper split options on Etsy, though, if people really think I should test things out first. ๐ค
That's fair. If you really don't wanna build it yourself then finding a budget option is gonna be be difficult yeah.
For switches, I would probably get the silent red since you wanted something quieter, (and personally i would swap them out later with something better like TTC Wilds or some jwick blacks)
I had my eyes on a Moonlander but ended up sticking with my Iris Rev 3 and jumping on the Kickstarter for the Dygma Defy. Eagerly awaiting that one. I know this isn't really helpful but maybe just another option to consider.
For switches I really like my Zilents but there are plenty of great options out there at a wide range of prices. If you can I recommend getting a switch tester to try out a handful of options.
I have the Moonlander and currently like it, but have no experience with the glove80. I swapped out the stock caps to a DSA set. Also, if you like MX Browns, all the more power to you, but I really hated them. They didnโt provide enough feedback at the activation point. Iโve used Kalih Box shades and Durock T1s and liked both of those