A split keyboard divides into two separate halves, letting you position each half where your hands naturally rest. This keeps your shoulders open, your wrists straight, and reduces the inward rotation that causes repetitive strain over time. Most people who type for more than four hours a day notice a meaningful improvement in comfort within the first few weeks of using a split keyboard.

No. Every keyboard ships fully assembled, firmware-loaded, and ready to use. Plug in the USB receiver or pair via Bluetooth and start typing. No soldering, no firmware flashing, no configuration required to get started. If you want to customize your key layout later, the VIAL or VIA app makes that straightforward without any coding.

Most people reach comfortable typing speed within one to two weeks of daily use. The first few days feel slow — your muscle memory is adjusting to the new layout — but the adjustment is faster than most people expect. Using the keyboard consistently every day is the most important factor. Switching back to a regular keyboard occasionally does not reset your progress.

A split keyboard can significantly reduce the strain that causes wrist and shoulder discomfort, particularly the inward wrist rotation and forward shoulder position that comes from typing on a standard keyboard. Many customers report noticeable improvement within weeks. However, if you have an existing injury, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional alongside making ergonomic changes.

Wired keyboards connect via USB-C and use QMK or VIAL firmware. They are the simplest option — plug in and start typing, with full key remapping available immediately through the VIAL app. Wireless keyboards connect via Bluetooth (ZMK firmware) or 2.4G receiver (VIAL firmware). Wireless gives you a cable-free desk; 2.4G is the easiest wireless option since it connects via a small USB receiver with no pairing required.

QMK and VIAL are firmware for wired keyboards. VIAL is a fork of QMK with a simpler real-time remapping interface — open the VIAL app, plug in your keyboard, and all keys are immediately configurable. ZMK is firmware for wireless (Bluetooth) keyboards. It handles the wireless connection between the two halves and to your computer. ZMK keyboards ship with a functional default keymap and are ready to use without any firmware configuration.

Hot-swap sockets let you remove and replace switches without soldering. You can change the feel of your keyboard — from linear to tactile to clicky, or from standard to silent — at any time, without any tools beyond a switch puller. All Artkeeb keyboards (except barebone kits, which include the sockets but not the switches) ship with switches pre-installed.

A barebone kit includes the PCB, case, and all electronics, but does not include switches or keycaps. It is designed for users who already have preferred switches and keycaps, or who want to build out the keyboard to their exact specifications. All barebone kits use hot-swap sockets, so no soldering is required to install switches.

A trackball split keyboard has a built-in trackball — typically positioned at the thumb cluster — that lets you control your cursor without reaching for a separate mouse. Rolling the ball moves the cursor; dedicated keys handle clicking and scrolling. Most users find they can replace their mouse entirely for day-to-day productivity work after an adjustment period of a few weeks.

For most beginners, we recommend starting with a keyboard that has a number row (58 keys or more), hot-swap sockets, and VIAL firmware. The Sofle V2 and WK Ergo 360 are good starting points — they have enough keys that the transition from a standard keyboard is manageable, and VIAL makes customization accessible without any technical knowledge.

Most keyboards in the Artkeeb lineup include keycaps. The exception is barebone kits, which are sold without switches or keycaps. Check the individual product listing for what is included.

Yes. All Artkeeb keyboards are compatible with macOS and Windows out of the box. No drivers are required. Wired keyboards connect via USB-C and are recognized immediately. Wireless keyboards pair via Bluetooth or connect through a 2.4G USB receiver, both of which work natively on Mac and Windows.

Yes. All keyboards are recognized as standard HID devices and work with Linux without drivers or additional configuration.

Yes. Wired keyboards connect via USB-C to any laptop. Wireless keyboards connect via Bluetooth or a 2.4G USB receiver — both work with laptops the same as with desktops.

ZMK Bluetooth keyboards support up to five Bluetooth profiles and can switch between them with a keypress — useful if you work across a laptop, desktop, and tablet. 2.4G keyboards connect to one device at a time through the USB receiver.

ZMK Bluetooth keyboards pair with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including iPad and Android tablets. 2.4G keyboards require a USB-A port or USB-C adapter to connect the receiver.

Orders ship from Canada or China depending on stock availability and your location. We route each order to minimize delivery time.

Delivery typically takes 7–15 business days depending on your location. Some regions receive orders faster. Tracking information is provided for every order.

Yes. Free worldwide shipping is included on every order, with no minimum order value.

We ship worldwide. If you have a specific question about delivery to your region, contact us at the email address on the Contact page.

Depending on your country and order value, customs duties may apply upon delivery. These charges are determined by your local customs authority and are the responsibility of the buyer. We are not able to predict or control customs fees.

Contact us as soon as possible after placing your order. We can cancel or modify orders that have not yet shipped. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled.

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for items in original, unused condition. Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. Contact us to initiate a return before sending anything back.

Contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos of the damage or defect. We will arrange a replacement or refund depending on the situation. We stand behind the quality of every keyboard we ship.

Contact us. We take product quality seriously and will work with you to resolve issues even outside the standard return window on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. All Artkeeb keyboards support full key remapping. VIAL keyboards use the VIAL desktop app — open it, plug in or connect your keyboard, and every key is remappable through a graphical interface. ZMK keyboards use keymap configuration files; the keyboard ships with a sensible default layout that works well for most users without modification.

Yes. All keyboards support multiple programmable layers. A layer lets you assign a completely different function to every key when a layer key is held. This is how compact keyboards access function rows, navigation clusters, and media controls without having dedicated keys for each.

Yes. All keyboards use standard MX-compatible stems. Any MX keycap set will fit.

Use the contact form on the Contact page. We respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days.