I am using the keyboardio Model100 as a daily driver now for quite some time. And I love the Palm-Keys. I can rest my writst next to the palm-keys and whenever I need to switch to my navigation layer (cursor keys) I just need to stretch my thumb a bit out. This is very comfortable for me - so the palm keys were kind of a major upgrade for me. But I agree, getting the keyboard to do, what you want it to do is not easy if you are not skilled in programming. Fiddling with code is my daily work, so I was more than confortable with it. Actually, for me this is a must have for a keyboard, that I am able to put my personal firmware on it, using my personal set of plugins, led effects etc. for example: I configured my model 100 to use different LED-Effekts when different layers are active. So when switching to game mode, I have the "wavepool effect" active, when in my normal mode, I use "Stalker". When switching to Special layer (for braces and such) I get "Solid Red" - makes the keyboard look very "active". This kind of behaviour is not possible with Chrysalis (or any other of those configuration software as i see it). That's nerdy for sure... but I like it. I also did similar things with my other split ergonomic keyboards (ergodox-ez, Model01) but thanks to Kaleidoscope it is actually very easy to do that, compared to the others. Flashing the Model100 (or Model01 in that respect) is a breeze compared to the Ergodox for example. In a nutshell: it's very individually different. Unfortunately it is a very pricy product to just try out... but it is actually that.
I tried homerowmods some time ago and hated it - I am a fast touch typist (~100wpm) and I end up both having modifiers, when I want to have the key and vice versa. This was not worth it. So I need to have enough keys to also have my Modifiers available (so the voyager is probably not for me ☹)
I'm a software developer, not a keyboard enthusiast per se but I really appreaciate the value in good hardware and ergonomics. I've been maining the model 100 for a year and so. The chrysalis software, while allows about 80/90% of the things you would expect, is still not to par to the premium experience the hardware provides. They do make frequent updates though and I still have hope in it reaching a good point. I use the stand and I need to say is a key part of my good experience with it, the easy to adjust tilt and the ability to rotate if you leave the screw not too tight ensures that I can have the palm super well rested in the wood with any position of my body. The keycaps worry me, they already show shine. I think I'll order a backup set as this will probably be my last keyboard and I want it working in top condition as long as we need keyboards. As you say, is an expensive keyboard, and is not for everyone, but if you are not afraid of the split or the staggered-columns key distribution, I can tell you I even game in this keyboard.
@@benfrainuk wouldn't it be possible to just have pressing two thumbkeys at the same time be a separate modifier key or layer instead; ie. 8 thumbkeys as is, allows for 8 single + 8*7 double = 64 different layers or modifier combinations in total. Very much eliminating the need for any palm key that's in the way.
@@benfrainuk You are too far away from the mic. Therefore one has too much ambient delayed sound in the recording. A boom arm with the mic from above would solve that. I use a small condenser mic for that and it works great.
Enjoyed the video! I have two Model 1s (the predecessor) in the closet. Might have to dig them out. I always had a problem with the octopus strands being wobbly, something I don’t think they were able to resolve satisfactorily. Perhaps for your use case a small wrist rest, maybe a foam pad, would help with the need to hover?
Ah, interesting with the Octopus. Cheap as they are I just never feel I benefit from tenting so gave them a swerve. The hover thing is more just having to have my thumb poised in a position where it is lifted up beyond where it wants to be by default. And that over hours is quite fatiguing. It was just be due to about 25 years using conventional keyboards first!
@@benfrainuk No need at all to hover. Just rest your thumbs about the outside of them fully in contact. They wont activate until you intend to activate them.
I have been using dactyl manuform for a month with boba u4 silent tactile-extremly smooth . Started using my m100 yesterday (kaihl silent tactile). I like the feel of wood and thockyness but the key presses feel un even and scratchy . Did you have similar impression on key bottom out or yours was smooth? Not sure if this is just before keys get broken in or they are by design like that..
Holy smokes! This looks like an endgame keyboard for me! It checks off so many boxes. The one thing that doesn’t make any sense to me are those palm buttons. What is going on with that? In theory, they sound like a great idea. But they don’t see very practical to me. Have you thought about taking the palm key caps and switches out and putting felt or silicone in its place? I know it would take away from the design or aesthetics of the board, but it would be a lot more practical
@@benfrainuk I just got my ergodox setup and it works for the time being. I’ve been so indecisive about purchasing a keyboard for over $350. The ergodox hot dox was $185 for the barebones kit (which I should have gotten and purchased the key caps somewhere else). But the model 100 will definitely be on the radar in a year or two! That thing looks awesome!
by default those palm buttons are essentially a 'move to layer 2' buttons where the left side is mousekeys with l/r mouse buttons, and the right side is arrow keys w/ pg up/dn/home/end and the top row are your F-keys. Those palm keys are fine to leave in place, they do not obstruct or interfere with anything. They kind of nestle under the bottom knuckle of your thumb where you feel them lightly but never actually actuate them until you mean to by kind of rotating your thumb down to make the press. You can feel the thoughtfulness and testing that went into this board to ensure things feel good, are positioned and shaped well, and operate easily. Its a great board. Even the octos-stands are nice, they have an asymmetry that modifies the tilt of the board depending on where you rotate them. You can really fine tune the orientation of each side to find your sweet spot, but they do not have a radical pitch if that's what you are looking for. Just like any of these style of keyboards every key is modifiable, so you can set things up to your hearts content. Or even if you have a setup with another keyboard you like, you can emulate much of that layout to ease your transition to using this one. Put whatever mx style switches you want on them, and keycap sets are very reasonably priced if for any reason you might want another set, but its true that they are proprietory as nobody out there makes caps like they have on these. But this is true for many boards in this category, if you want replacments, you gotta get them from the manufacturer.
What were your thoughts on the wrist rests? When I tried one of these that a friend owns, I found that despite being quite bulky and expansive, I never really felt that comfortable using the board. It always felt like my wrist was about to fall off the edge. Compared to the Glove80, which is a bit more compact and much more comfortable, I found it too big. Really like your reviews mate! Any plans on reviewing some designs that we typically only see on custom builds like the Dactyl Manuform?
I have an extensive Dactyl manuform review 👍Review: Dactyl Manuform - Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard, hand built, build guide and testing th-cam.com/video/foSmpE_aefI/w-d-xo.html
by default the palm keys go to the layer that has f-keys, mousekeys and arrowkeys. They are really not uncomfortable or intrusive at all. There really is no reason at all why you would feel its best to remove them, other than 'just because'.
@@garolstipock You can only speak for yourself. Others find the palm key uncomfortable. I have the model 100 and thought the palm keys would be a great idea. But in practice you need to kink your wrist from the floating position to activate those. This is first not comfortable and second also disturbing the flow -- it can not be done fast in an easy way. In case you would tilt the keyboard quite a bit the palm is closer to the palm key and might actually work, but IMO a too strong tilted keyboard is also not good for several reasons. I now use a UHK, which overall is the best keyboard I had. The only real wish I have is to remove the top (and number) row stagger. But even like it is I find it to be more comfortable to type on.
@@nickgoogle4525 Bro. One can only speak for ones own experience. Typing this comment from a model 100, wrists firmly comfortably planted on the rest area, not floating or hovering at all. Not even a little bit, nor kinking nothing at all. But, admittedly each of our experiences are equally valid, I'm not arguing that at all. What is a UHK keyboard btw? That doesn't ring a bell...
@@garolstipock Im not your bro, but your description explains why the palm rest works for you. Floating hands vs not floating... UHK = Ultimate Hacking Keyboard (v2 btw)
I am using the keyboardio Model100 as a daily driver now for quite some time. And I love the Palm-Keys. I can rest my writst next to the palm-keys and whenever I need to switch to my navigation layer (cursor keys) I just need to stretch my thumb a bit out. This is very comfortable for me - so the palm keys were kind of a major upgrade for me.
But I agree, getting the keyboard to do, what you want it to do is not easy if you are not skilled in programming. Fiddling with code is my daily work, so I was more than confortable with it. Actually, for me this is a must have for a keyboard, that I am able to put my personal firmware on it, using my personal set of plugins, led effects etc.
for example: I configured my model 100 to use different LED-Effekts when different layers are active. So when switching to game mode, I have the "wavepool effect" active, when in my normal mode, I use "Stalker". When switching to Special layer (for braces and such) I get "Solid Red" - makes the keyboard look very "active". This kind of behaviour is not possible with Chrysalis (or any other of those configuration software as i see it).
That's nerdy for sure... but I like it.
I also did similar things with my other split ergonomic keyboards (ergodox-ez, Model01) but thanks to Kaleidoscope it is actually very easy to do that, compared to the others. Flashing the Model100 (or Model01 in that respect) is a breeze compared to the Ergodox for example.
In a nutshell: it's very individually different. Unfortunately it is a very pricy product to just try out... but it is actually that.
Love it. Straight to the point: home row mods are a pain to implement. Thanks for saving me the time and money, Ben!
I tried homerowmods some time ago and hated it - I am a fast touch typist (~100wpm) and I end up both having modifiers, when I want to have the key and vice versa. This was not worth it. So I need to have enough keys to also have my Modifiers available (so the voyager is probably not for me ☹)
@@stephanbosebeck9721 Thanks for this info, as this will probably be my experience too.. Been skeptical of this "modifer on homerow" due to this.
I'm a software developer, not a keyboard enthusiast per se but I really appreaciate the value in good hardware and ergonomics. I've been maining the model 100 for a year and so. The chrysalis software, while allows about 80/90% of the things you would expect, is still not to par to the premium experience the hardware provides. They do make frequent updates though and I still have hope in it reaching a good point.
I use the stand and I need to say is a key part of my good experience with it, the easy to adjust tilt and the ability to rotate if you leave the screw not too tight ensures that I can have the palm super well rested in the wood with any position of my body. The keycaps worry me, they already show shine. I think I'll order a backup set as this will probably be my last keyboard and I want it working in top condition as long as we need keyboards.
As you say, is an expensive keyboard, and is not for everyone, but if you are not afraid of the split or the staggered-columns key distribution, I can tell you I even game in this keyboard.
I had to buy 2x LowerPro CS 80 hardcases for my 360.
It's so great that they have a case included.
Nice review, as always)
So your thumbs accidentally actuated their keys? Could a solution be to change those switches (and leave the others)?
Have you considered using the palm keys "full time" to activate your primary layer and then releasing them activates your secondary layers?
Interesting thought but it’s holding the palm switches down which causes the discomfort so not sure that would alleviate the problem
@@benfrainuk wouldn't it be possible to just have pressing two thumbkeys at the same time be a separate modifier key or layer instead; ie. 8 thumbkeys as is, allows for 8 single + 8*7 double = 64 different layers or modifier combinations in total. Very much eliminating the need for any palm key that's in the way.
Very glad this doesn't come in regular Colemak, because I'd be too tempted to resist.
🤣
Great vid as always. Cheers
great review as always, audio was a bit quiet though. Have you considered a lapel mic or something?
Funnily enough I had the same thought while editing this one. Or maybe another mic in the direction I’m speaking. Will look into it, thanks 👍
@@benfrainuk You are too far away from the mic. Therefore one has too much ambient delayed sound in the recording. A boom arm with the mic from above would solve that. I use a small condenser mic for that and it works great.
As per manual you shouldn’t use the tented centre bar without the octo stand.
Enjoyed the video!
I have two Model 1s (the predecessor) in the closet. Might have to dig them out. I always had a problem with the octopus strands being wobbly, something I don’t think they were able to resolve satisfactorily.
Perhaps for your use case a small wrist rest, maybe a foam pad, would help with the need to hover?
Ah, interesting with the Octopus. Cheap as they are I just never feel I benefit from tenting so gave them a swerve.
The hover thing is more just having to have my thumb poised in a position where it is lifted up beyond where it wants to be by default. And that over hours is quite fatiguing. It was just be due to about 25 years using conventional keyboards first!
@@benfrainuk No need at all to hover. Just rest your thumbs about the outside of them fully in contact. They wont activate until you intend to activate them.
Which board are you using for your daily driver?
Right now I am running a Boardwalk PCB in a HMKB case but it’s unlikely this will be true for long as I’m always trying out new boards
Do you you still use glvoe80?
@@titan-0016I do 👍 not as much currently but definitely still a keeper 👍
I have been using dactyl manuform for a month with boba u4 silent tactile-extremly smooth . Started using my m100 yesterday (kaihl silent tactile). I like the feel of wood and thockyness but the key presses feel un even and scratchy . Did you have similar impression on key bottom out or yours was smooth? Not sure if this is just before keys get broken in or they are by design like that..
No, mine felt fine. Very smooth.
Holy smokes! This looks like an endgame keyboard for me! It checks off so many boxes. The one thing that doesn’t make any sense to me are those palm buttons. What is going on with that? In theory, they sound like a great idea. But they don’t see very practical to me. Have you thought about taking the palm key caps and switches out and putting felt or silicone in its place? I know it would take away from the design or aesthetics of the board, but it would be a lot more practical
I’m aware from reading other reviews that some people have done that. But you might be surprised and find them useful 🤷♂️
@@benfrainuk I just got my ergodox setup and it works for the time being. I’ve been so indecisive about purchasing a keyboard for over $350. The ergodox hot dox was $185 for the barebones kit (which I should have gotten and purchased the key caps somewhere else). But the model 100 will definitely be on the radar in a year or two! That thing looks awesome!
by default those palm buttons are essentially a 'move to layer 2' buttons where the left side is mousekeys with l/r mouse buttons, and the right side is arrow keys w/ pg up/dn/home/end and the top row are your F-keys.
Those palm keys are fine to leave in place, they do not obstruct or interfere with anything. They kind of nestle under the bottom knuckle of your thumb where you feel them lightly but never actually actuate them until you mean to by kind of rotating your thumb down to make the press. You can feel the thoughtfulness and testing that went into this board to ensure things feel good, are positioned and shaped well, and operate easily. Its a great board.
Even the octos-stands are nice, they have an asymmetry that modifies the tilt of the board depending on where you rotate them. You can really fine tune the orientation of each side to find your sweet spot, but they do not have a radical pitch if that's what you are looking for.
Just like any of these style of keyboards every key is modifiable, so you can set things up to your hearts content. Or even if you have a setup with another keyboard you like, you can emulate much of that layout to ease your transition to using this one.
Put whatever mx style switches you want on them, and keycap sets are very reasonably priced if for any reason you might want another set, but its true that they are proprietory as nobody out there makes caps like they have on these. But this is true for many boards in this category, if you want replacments, you gotta get them from the manufacturer.
What were your thoughts on the wrist rests? When I tried one of these that a friend owns, I found that despite being quite bulky and expansive, I never really felt that comfortable using the board. It always felt like my wrist was about to fall off the edge. Compared to the Glove80, which is a bit more compact and much more comfortable, I found it too big.
Really like your reviews mate! Any plans on reviewing some designs that we typically only see on custom builds like the Dactyl Manuform?
I have an extensive Dactyl manuform review 👍Review: Dactyl Manuform - Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard, hand built, build guide and testing
th-cam.com/video/foSmpE_aefI/w-d-xo.html
@@benfrainuk amazing, cheers mate
I kinda want this keyboard since my wrists are on fire usually. But it’s so expressive i don’t know I’d I’ll actually like it
I accepted a while ago that the only way to really know is to buy it, and try it. And sell it on if it isn’t for you
@@benfrainuk i see makes sense... 📝 always buy used .
If that would be your dream board otherwise, you could just disable the palm switches. They are not needed anyways. Enough other keys for layers IMO.
by default the palm keys go to the layer that has f-keys, mousekeys and arrowkeys.
They are really not uncomfortable or intrusive at all. There really is no reason at all why you would feel its best to remove them, other than 'just because'.
@@garolstipock You can only speak for yourself. Others find the palm key uncomfortable. I have the model 100 and thought the palm keys would be a great idea. But in practice you need to kink your wrist from the floating position to activate those. This is first not comfortable and second also disturbing the flow -- it can not be done fast in an easy way. In case you would tilt the keyboard quite a bit the palm is closer to the palm key and might actually work, but IMO a too strong tilted keyboard is also not good for several reasons. I now use a UHK, which overall is the best keyboard I had. The only real wish I have is to remove the top (and number) row stagger. But even like it is I find it to be more comfortable to type on.
@@nickgoogle4525 Bro. One can only speak for ones own experience.
Typing this comment from a model 100, wrists firmly comfortably planted on the rest area, not floating or hovering at all. Not even a little bit, nor kinking nothing at all.
But, admittedly each of our experiences are equally valid, I'm not arguing that at all.
What is a UHK keyboard btw? That doesn't ring a bell...
@@garolstipock Im not your bro, but your description explains why the palm rest works for you. Floating hands vs not floating...
UHK = Ultimate Hacking Keyboard (v2 btw)
@@nickgoogle4525 didn't realize I so horribly offended u. Good enuf.