I Used an Orthrolinear Keyboard for 30 Days...

Ortholinear keyboards were once said to be "the next thing". It was popular all over Youtube. However, now in 2023, it has seemingly disappeared into oblivion. I will be spending 30 Days with this keyboard to try and answer the simple question: Why is this the case and should you try one?

Video Information:

The narration is split about 50/50 live commentary, and reflection (usually about the day after each).

I used a BM40 40% Ortholinear Keyboard and I AM NOT sponsored or given this keyboard by KPRepublic. I bought it myself. (Although I’d love to collab on a molded mechanical keyboard *heart*)
Angled brackets are not allowed lol :v

Alas, only the carbon fiber plate is still on Amazon, so this is an Amazon associate link :)

The microphone I use [AT2020] (affiliate link):
Modding kit I use (affiliate link):

Credits:

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro/Overview
0:44 Week 1: Building/Keyboard Specs
2:10 Firmware Bug/Instructions
4:00 Week 1: First Attempts/Impressions
7:20 Week 2: Real-World Tests #1 (Writing)
9:02 Week 2: Real-World Tests #2 (Basic Video Editing)
10:32 Week 3: Real-World Tests #3 (Gaming)
18:57 Week 4: Typing Tests #1 (Sentences/Typing-Tube)
23:46 Potential Latency WARNING
24:12 Week 4: Typing Tests #1 Continued...
25:23 Week 4: Typing Tests #2 (Speedtyping/Monkeytype)
29:58 Week 4: 15s Typing Test Result (Monketype) & Thoughts
31:31 Week 4: 60s Typing Test Result (Monketype) & Thoughts
32:12 30 Day PB (15s) & Concluding Thoughts
33:48 Suggestions Chart (if you want to try)
33:58 30 Day PB (15s) Result

[newdev]

I was using that same keyboard for 2 years and it improves a little bit if you use a split layout, but in the end it is simply a better option to change to a real split keyboard, ortho grid layouts for me is a outdated layout right now.

[ultimaq]

I've been using an ortholinear board for about 6 years now and I got to say that my hands and fingers feel leagues better than when I used to use a basic staggered keyboard.
The only downside is that when I move to a default keyboard I get a bit mixed up and my muscle memory makes it a bit difficult to type quickly and my pinky, middle, and ring fingers tend to be a bit sore after long sessions.

[gphreak]

Dude your videos are great. Keep making them and you will keep growing. Your videos are enjoyable and informative, and as objective as opinions can be.

[jesselferguson]

I just built an ortho 75% keyboard and while it's still awkward, the extra keys alleviate most of the issues you called out here, and it's still considerably smaller than a standard keyboard. Great video!

[st.armanini]

I have a Planck and no complaints whatsoever. And I'm using it with 36 keys, 'cause 48 were just too many, eh.

[my_negative_world]

I have been using my JJ40 on and off for the past 3 years and I absolutely love it. I also own a Corne split ortho keyboard and yes Corne is a bit more comfortable but the looks of the tiny 40% ortho just hits so hard.

[banzooiebooie]

I have a Planck EZ and I have no problems with it except that there are way too few keys. I am more and more 100% but at the same time I really like my Planck for portability reasons which is why I still use it. But for programming and such things, a full sized keyboard all the way.

[houghwhite]

I still use Ortho daily, improves comfort and is compact enough to be daily carry