The shift to remote work during the pandemic brought office ergonomics to the forefront of many people’s minds. Individuals, regardless of their prior diligence towards their workspace, began investing in accessories such as laptop risers and wireless devices to alleviate neck strain. As remote work persists for many, the demand for ergonomic hardware that enhances work efficiency has only grown. This trend is not confined to just chairs and desks; it extends to the devices we use daily. A variety of ergonomic mice and keyboards flood the market, many featuring designs that prioritize user comfort without necessitating significant learning curves.
The Keychron Q10 Max incorporates an Alice layout to enhance ergonomics compared to traditional keyboards.
Among the offerings are customizable ergonomic mechanical keyboards, which come with a range of options for users seeking comfort and aesthetics. Traditional split keyboards with an Alice layout, such as the Keychron Q8, provide a single body but with modified key placements. In contrast, the Keychron Q11 features physically separated halves that users can adjust for optimal ergonomics.
Another option is custom-made ortholinear keyboards, which maintain a classic look while offering improved ergonomics through a compact non-staggered key layout designed to minimize hand movement. At the extreme end are ergonomic and tented split keyboards such as the Naya Create and ZSA Moonlander, which prioritize ergonomics and reduced finger movements, promoting nearly injury-free typing.
The Naya Create features a split ortholinear layout with hot-swappable modules.
X-Plus, a company based in Hong Kong, presents the VickyBoard, which integrates the Alice layout with an ortholinear typing experience into a unique cross-radial design. This innovative configuration aims to combine the advantages of both designs while minimizing strain on the wrists and fingers during extended typing sessions.
So, does this eye-catching keyboard justify its price tag? After a month of use, clarity has emerged.
Analyzing the X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V: Price and Contents
The X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V is currently available for purchase on Indiegogo, offered in four distinct case finishes—Ruby, Sapphire, Onyx, and Neon. Buyers also get to choose from an array of keycap options based on their selected case. Users can personalize their keyboard further by selecting a mechanical switch type from the range of Gateron switches available.
The base kit, which includes a key removal tool and charging cable, is priced at an early bird rate of Rs. 14,903 (excluding shipping and customs), with a regular price of Rs. 20,688.
The VickyBoard Ergo Split-V features a transparent bottom case, crafted from CNC-machined acrylic.
The VickyBoard All-Star kit, which includes additional components like a special switch puller tool and accessories, is available at an early bird price of Rs. 17,304 (excluded shipping and customs), subsequently retailing for Rs. 27,309. Given the premium pricing of these accessories, opting for the All-Star kit may provide better value.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V: Design Overview
Constructed entirely from CNC-machined acrylic, the VickyBoard’s striking design features a transparent top and bottom case. My Ruby-colored unit, with its clear sapphire keycaps, stands out distinctly from typical pre-built mechanical keyboards. The vibrant color choices may be polarizing, but the striking, angular design commands attention and prompts reactions of surprise from onlookers.
A transparent acrylic case offers an added aesthetic benefit by revealing the keyboard’s internal components, enhancing visual appeal. Furthermore, the RGB lighting creates a captivating underglow effect on the desk.
The VickyBoard Ergo Split-V boasts impressive RGB lighting effects and vibrant ground illumination.
However, the oversized X-Plus logo detracts from the overall appeal, prominently featured on both the top center of the case and adjacent to the directional keys. Additionally, while the CNC finish is exemplary, the screws that secure the case halves lack metal sleeves, raising concerns about durability.
Upon first unboxing, I noticed deep scratches on my review unit. Throughout the review period, I managed to avoid further scratches during normal use, but the acrylic surface is prone to damage from contact with metal objects.
The X-Plus logo is a striking yet detracting feature on the acrylic casing.
While acrylic is significantly stronger than glass, it is still susceptible to breakage. Polycarbonate offers superior durability, but acrylic does not suffer from yellowing like polycarbonate and has a certain flexibility that reinforces the VickyBoard’s sturdiness.
My shipping experience was less than ideal, with the keyboard arriving inadequately packaged, resulting in visible cracks. It remains to be seen whether retail units will offer a more secure shipping experience once they launch in February 2024.
The VickyBoard features a 75% layout with 72 keys, but its spacing and additional keys provide a larger feel compared to standard 75% layouts. My review model featured the Ruby color paired with clear sapphire keys and Gateron yellow mechanical switches. The Eva case and essential connectivity accessories were shipped separately.
The X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V utilizes transparent acrylic Cherry profile keycaps.
The keyboard’s design includes a fixed 6-degree incline, limiting adjustability in favor of comfort. The Cherry profile keycaps, while visually appealing, may present readability challenges, limiting the usability while backlit or unlit.
The PCB is designed for hot-swappable switches.
The keyboard’s PCB supports hot-swappable switches, but I found the acrylic cutouts to be somewhat constricting, complicating the switch changes during testing.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V Review: Performance Evaluation
The VickyBoard’s unique cross-radial key design enables both halves to angle inward while fanning out, facilitating an ortholinear layout that encourages natural finger movement. Although typing felt comfortable due to the design and key angle, the lack of low-profile switches necessitated the addition of ergonomic wrist rests for enhanced support.
Coming from a standard 65% keyboard, I attempted to recondition my muscle memory for the VickyBoard’s unconventional layout. However, the transition proved challenging and would require significant adjustment for users accustomed to traditional layouts.
The unique fanned-out design may pose a learning curve, even for ortholinear keyboard users.
Despite the learning curve, I found the overall typing experience quite comfortable, aided by the centrally placed additional keys, which reduced the frequent movements typical of standard layouts. Overall, the keyboard is designed to minimize wrist strain, particularly with wrist rests, although the need to adapt typing habits presents a significant hurdle.
Equipped with Gateron G Pro yellow mechanical switches, the keyboard delivers a comfortable typing experience with a soft sound during use. However, out of the box, two switches featured bent pins, hindering my experience.
Reading characters on the transparent keycaps can be challenging.
The keyboard’s sound quality, particularly due to the acrylic case and keycaps, lacked satisfying acoustics compared to metal keyboards in a similar price range. Utilizing PBT caps could have potentially improved this aspect.
Moreover, while lacking standard features like a mac/windows switch, the keyboard’s function key row is absent, requiring software reconfiguration. Unlike typical VIA software, the keyboard uses a custom QMK solution for remapping, necessitating manual profile loading, which complicates the remapping process.
The placement of additional keys is part of the innovative cross-radial design.
While the remapping process was straightforward, I encountered a hiccup with the provided cable, which was incompatible with the VickyBoard. Thankfully, a replacement allowed access to DFU mode, enabling necessary key adjustments.
Another remarkable feature of the VickyBoard is its wireless connectivity, supporting simultaneous connections to five devices via Bluetooth and offering low-latency cable connectivity. With its acrylic construction, the keyboard should maintain reliable wireless performance, alongside respectable battery life—lasting about a week with RGB lighting enabled.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V: Final Thoughts
The X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V is undeniably appealing due to its striking design; however, its unique layout may not be suitable for those accustomed to standard keyboard configurations. While it effectively promises ergonomic benefits, adapting to its unconventional setup demands significant dedication.
As such, this keyboard is likely to attract a niche audience, particularly enthusiasts familiar with similar layouts. Its steep learning curve may deter casual users seeking a straightforward ergonomic typing experience. Ultimately, the VickyBoard caters to specific preferences and offers distinct advantages for those willing to embrace its unique design.
Ratings out of 10
Design: 8
Performance: 8
Value for money: 7
Overall: 8
Pros
Stunning design
RGB features appeal to enthusiasts
Enhanced ergonomic support
Ability to connect with five devices
Cons
Delicate acrylic build
Complex key remapping process
Requires additional wrist support for optimal comfort
