Which Split Keyboard to Choose?

6-10-2026 Jake Dinger

When first looking into ways to alleviate pain in your wrists, hands, back etc you may stumble down the rabbit hole of the glorious world of split keyboards.  I have been using split keyboards and building them for a while now and hope to help you in your research.  To start I think people should focus more on matching a keyboard to your specific situation rather than the specs. 

 

Decision criteria:

• Key count / layout style
• Learning curve
• Ergonomic features
• Price and extra

Current lineup:

Corne: This is still one of the most popular keyboards for a reason.  It's also my daily driver for the last few years so yes I may be a bit biased.  The Corne can come in either 42 keys (3x6+3 key thumb cluster) or 36 keys (3x5+3 key thumb cluster) with the outer column removed from the full size.  This keyboard also comes in both MX(most popular switch and keycap compatibility) or Choc(low profile uses Choc v1 switches and keycaps)

I would rank the base 42 key Corne Split Keyboard at medium-low difficulty.  Once you get used to using layers for your symbols and number keys you will begin to understand the benifits.  With minimal keys your hands and fingers dont have to move so far which greatly improves any strain.  

I would rank the 36 key Corne Mini as medium-hard difficulty.  The main reason for this is due to losing the outer column will mean you will need to use what are called homerow mods or tap-holds for most of your modifiers like Ctrl, Alt, Shift.  This keyboard is very compact and would be good for those on the go.  You can also make great use of combos to make up for the loss of keys.

 

Lily58: The Lily58 split keyboard is a great step up for anyone who likes the idea of a compact split keyboard but isn't ready to give up the number row.  It comes in at 58 keys (4x6+5 key thumb cluster) giving you a dedicated number row so you can lean on layers far less then you would on a keyboard like the Corne, Totem, Urchin, etc.  It's also available in MX and Choc(Regular and low profile) it also comes in wired for both MX and Choc but only wireless MX version.  If you want a low profile wireless then I'd recommend the Allium58

I would rank the Lily58 split keyboard at low to low-medium difficulty - it's one of the most beginner-friendly keyboards in the split keyboard world because of the extra keys and number row.  The trade-off is a slightly larger footprint and a bit more hand and finger movement.  So if portability and less finger and hand travel is what your after then I would recommend the Corne, Totem or Urchin.  However if you want a gentler entry point into split keyboards without feeling like you're missing too many keys then the Lily58 is a great first board.  If your looking for RGB or Encoders(knobs) then check out the Lotus58 or Sofle Choc

 

Sofle:  The Sofle also has 58 keys but unlike the Lily58 the thumb cluster is a bit different and it also has 2 encoders(volume knobs) that can be programmed to any 3 keyboard actions(turn left, right and press down).  The Sofle is a 4x6+6 key thumb cluster.  It also offers the bonus of offering per key RGB lighting if you go with the wired version.   If you decide to go with the wireless route it wont have RGB but will give you the option of choosing 58 keys with 2 encoders like default or 59-60 keys with either 1 or 0 encoders.  This is only available on the wireless version due to PCB limitations.  This comes in both MX and low profile.

I would rank the Sofle at low to low-medium difficulty the same as the Lily58.  If you are looking for a keyboard with encoders are RGB then this is the keyboard for you.  If your looking for a cross between the Lily and Sofle with MX capabilities then I would point you toward the Lotus58.

 

Lotus58: The Lotus58 has the exact same key layout as the Lily58 but it also has an encoder knob on the right half and 1 display on the left half.  This keyboard also features per key RGB lighting if you choose the wired version.  The Lotus58 split mechanical keyboard also has the variants of either TRRS or USB C.  This means that unlike most of my other wired keyboards that only use TRRS cable to connect the two halves the Lotus58 has the option to go with either the TRRS version or USB C version.  If you want to go with the wireless route then the Lotus58 has the bonus of a built in NiceView! screen that comes by default showing layer, battery, connection and more.  It also comes stock with a large 750mah battery.

I would rank this keyboard at low to low-medium difficulty and its my go to keyboard I refer to people just looking into get a split keyboard.  The wired version is a great starter keyboard.

 

Totem: The Totem is a 38-key column-staggered split keyboard and the most ergonomically focused board in this lineup. It comes exclusively in Choc (low profile), which keeps it slim and flat on the desk.  At 38 keys with a 3×5 layout and 3 thumb keys per side, it sits close to the Corne Mini in key count, so you'll be relying on layers, home row mods, and combos in a similar way. I'd rank the Totem at medium-hard difficulty for that reason — it's not the place to start if you're brand new to compact keyboards. Where it really shines is in the ergonomics: the aggressive column stagger is designed to match the natural curve of your fingers, which makes a noticeable difference for anyone dealing with finger or hand strain. If you've already spent time on a Corne or Lily58 and want to push further into ergonomics, or if you're specifically chasing that low-profile feel, the Totem is worth the learning curve.   If your looking for ultimate ergonomics I offer a resin build with built in tenting and sculpted KLP Lame keycaps.

 

I have a few more keyboards not included but I hope this helps in your journey!