Glove80 review after using it for around 2 years (first split keyboard)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their experience with the Glove 80 split keyboard, highlighting its comfort, fun typing experience, and impressive battery life. As a programmer, they enjoy how the keyboard improves their workflow, with customizable keys and minimal hand movement. Despite a learning curve and a few cons like portability issues, flimsy build quality, and occasional Bluetooth problems, the Glove 80 has proven to be an enjoyable and efficient tool. The creator recommends it for those who type a lot, especially for programming, though its high price and the learning curve are factors to consider.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Glove 80 is the user's first split keyboard, which was chosen for its fun design and popularity among experienced programmers.
• 😀 One of the main reasons for selecting the Glove 80 is its comfort, as it fits the user's hands well and reduces unnecessary hand movement.
• 😀 The typing experience with the Glove 80 is enjoyable, especially for programming tasks, making it a better option than a traditional QWERTY keyboard.
• 😀 The keyboard allows for efficient access to arrow keys and other functions, reducing the need to move hands around too much.
• 😀 Minor key remapping, such as reassigning keys on the thumb cluster, enhanced the keyboard's convenience for the user.
• 😀 Battery life is excellent; the user only needs to charge one side of the keyboard, and the unconnected side only needed charging twice in over a year.
• 😀 Customer support was efficient when the right side of the keyboard broke after a year, quickly sending a replacement part for a simple repair.
• 😀 The user experienced a significant learning curve when switching to the split keyboard, initially typing at a much slower speed than usual.
• 😀 The keyboard's build quality is light and plastic, which might feel flimsy to some users, though it doesn't actually affect its functionality.
• 😀 The keyboard’s portability is hindered by its large, briefcase-like travel case, making it impractical for frequent travel.
• 😀 Bluetooth connectivity can be finicky, particularly when switching between devices, though regular users might find it less troublesome.
• 😀 The right half of the keyboard can shift out of place during heavy typing, which requires occasional adjustment to maintain comfort and efficiency.

Q & A

Why did the user choose the Glove 80 keyboard?

The user chose the Glove 80 because it seemed fun, and they noticed that many top programmers use split keyboards. They also wanted to experience the benefits of a split keyboard, as they rarely see people switching back to a regular one.

What makes the Glove 80 keyboard comfortable for the user?

The Glove 80 is comfortable because it allows the user's hands to rest naturally without needing to move them much. The keys are easily accessible, even for someone with smaller-than-average hands for their height.

How did the user's typing experience change after switching to the Glove 80?

The user initially struggled with a significant decrease in typing speed, going from 160 words per minute on a regular keyboard to just 6 words per minute on the Glove 80. However, they eventually regained their speed and now type at the same speed on both keyboards.

What customizations did the user make to the Glove 80 keyboard?

The user rebinded some keys in the bottom thumb cluster, assigning one key to 'or' and another to '+' to make programming tasks more efficient without moving their hands.

How does the Glove 80's battery life compare to other keyboards?

The battery life of the Glove 80 is impressive. The user keeps one side plugged in all the time, and the other side only needs charging about twice. Each time, charging takes just a few minutes.

What was the issue the user faced with the right side of the keyboard, and how was it resolved?

After about a year of use, the right side of the keyboard began double-spacing when the spacebar was pressed. The user reached out to Moo support, who promptly sent a replacement part and provided an easy, hassle-free fix.

What is the biggest downside of using the Glove 80, according to the user?

The biggest downside is the learning curve. The user found it hard to type initially and had to adjust to a slower typing speed. They also noted that switching between the split keyboard and a regular keyboard could slow them down.

How does the build quality of the Glove 80 compare to other keyboards?

The build quality of the Glove 80 feels somewhat flimsy because it is made of plastic. While lightweight, it lacks the heft that many people expect from a high-quality keyboard.

Why does the user consider the Glove 80 not very portable?

While the keyboard itself is not very large, the carrying case is very bulky. The case is described as a 'briefcase,' which makes it impractical for easy transport.

What issues did the user encounter with Bluetooth connectivity on the Glove 80?

The user found Bluetooth setup to be finicky. Switching between devices using Bluetooth was described as an annoying process, especially since they don’t use it regularly. However, frequent users may not find this as much of an issue.

What is the main issue with the stability of the Glove 80 during use?

The right side of the keyboard tends to shift over time, requiring the user to readjust it frequently while typing. This lack of stability is a significant annoyance during extended typing sessions.

Would the user recommend the Glove 80 to others, and why?

Yes, the user highly recommends the Glove 80, especially for people who type all day, like programmers. The keyboard offers a more enjoyable and comfortable typing experience, but the user also notes that it is expensive, which might deter some people.