Split Up With Your Old Keyboard

If you spend a lot of time at your keyboard, you’ve probably noticed that even small details — like key shape, wrist angle, or typing position — can make a big difference in comfort. Over time, those little differences can add up to either smooth, pain-free typing or nagging wrist and shoulder discomfort.

That’s why more people are turning to split keyboards — a setup that’s redefining what it means to type comfortably. And as more users make the switch, we’ve seen a growing trend: many of them are pairing their split boards with customizable cork wrist rests for a truly ergonomic and sustainable upgrade.

Let’s take a look at why split keyboards are catching on, what kinds are out there, and finding the perfect wrist rest companion.

The Growing Popularity of Split Keyboards

A traditional keyboard keeps your hands fixed close together, forcing your wrists to bend inward and your shoulders to roll forward. It’s a posture that might not seem like a big deal at first, but hours of typing in that position can lead to stiffness, tension, and even repetitive strain injuries over time.

Split keyboards take a different approach. By separating the keyboard into two halves, you can position each one at shoulder width, allowing your arms and wrists to rest naturally. Your forearms stay straight instead of angled in, and your shoulders can relax instead of hunching forward.

That ergonomic positioning has real benefits:

• Reduced wrist strain — less twisting of the wrist means less pressure on the tendons.
  
• Improved posture — keeping your arms at a natural angle encourages your shoulders and back to stay aligned.
• Greater flexibility — you can tilt or “tent” each half slightly to suit your wrist angle.
  
• Customization — you decide how far apart or angled each half should be for maximum comfort.
  

The Different Types of Split Keyboards

Part of what makes split keyboards so appealing is the sheer variety of options available. Whether you want something simple and ready to use or a board that you can completely customize, there’s a setup out there for you.

Fixed Split Keyboards

These boards keep both halves connected but angled apart for a more ergonomic typing posture. They’re great for anyone new to ergonomic designs. Popular examples include the classic Goldtouch. They offer immediate relief from wrist strain without requiring any new habits or layouts.

Alice Layout Keyboards

The Alice layout has emerged as a popular middle ground for those curious about ergonomics but hesitant to commit to a fully split design. These keyboards feature a distinctive "winged" shape where the keys are arranged in two angled sections that curve outward from the center, typically at 10-15 degrees. This subtle split allows your hands to rest at a more natural angle while keeping everything in one compact, connected piece. With a centered spacebar spanning both halves and all standard keys easily accessible, Alice-style boards like the Keychron K15 Max offer ergonomic benefits without the learning curve of separated halves or unconventional key layouts.

True Split Keyboards (Separate Halves)

These are the classic “fully split” boards, such as the ErgoDox EZ, Moonlander, QK Alice Duo, or Keychron Q11. With each half completely independent, you can position them however you like — shoulder-width apart, slightly tented, or angled outward. They’re the go-to choice for people who want total flexibility and the best ergonomic alignment.

Low-Profile and Compact Splits

For those who prefer sleek, portable setups, low-profile splits like the Sweep, Kyria, or Corne LP offer a lightweight design with shorter key travel. Compact boards (often with 34–60 keys) trade some redundancy for simplicity and efficiency, using layered keymaps to fit more functions into fewer keys.

Custom and DIY Split Boards

The mechanical keyboard community has embraced the split format, leading to a wave of DIY and semi-custom keyboards that blend personalization with craftsmanship. Builders often assemble boards from kits or open-source designs, choosing their own key layouts, switches, and cases.

Brands like KeebMaker have made this process far more accessible, offering both pre-built and customizable split keyboards for every experience level. From approachable models like the Corne or Sofle to low-profile builds and hot-swappable designs, KeebMaker caters to the growing demand for ergonomic, user-configurable setups without the steep DIY learning curve.

The Customizable Keyboard Meets the Customizable Wrist Rest

Our cork wrist rests come in multiple lengths, which makes them especially convenient for split keyboard users. No matter how unique your set up is, you can customize the exact length wrist rest to meet your keyboard or mousepad’s design. You can order two smaller rests and position them under each keyboard half exactly where you need them — or push them together when you want a single, unified surface.  

https://tactiya.com/products/yoga-thin-cork-keyboard-wrist-rest

One customer summed it up perfectly in a recent review:

“It really is soft yet firm. My other wrist rests are wood and one that’s K9, and after using them for a long time you feel the stiffness start to bother your wrists. The cork is firm but somehow softer than the wood — I can use it longer without fatigue. I bought the short size for a low-profile sweep and it’s the perfect height. For anyone even considering a split keyboard, you can buy two split items and push them together — WAY more utility. I also really appreciate how environmentally friendly and sustainable these are.”

Cork offers a unique combination of qualities that make it ideal for split setups: it’s firm yet slightly cushioned, lightweight, and eco-friendly. It molds subtly to your wrists without losing its shape, providing that “soft yet firm” feel that so many users love.

Summary

No matter which route you take — fixed, true split, or fully custom — the goal remains the same: to type in a way that feels natural, balanced, and tailored to your body.