For some users they’re fine, but terrible for hypervisors, remote desktops or systems you don’t own (it’s far easier to sneak a keyboard into some places than a software solution). A hardware solution was far better for my usecase, obviously ymmv,though.
I have a Kinesis advantage pro. I bought it 11 years ago (in 2 months). When you look at it over the time it’ll last.. it gets easier to swallow. It also solved a lot of issues for me.
In that time, I’ve had 3 desks, 5 computer chairs, and 7 computers.
I've definitely spent way more than $500 over the several models of keyboards, albeit the ASP was more like $200 or so.
My view on it is, a good keyboard will get several years of use out of it, the average yearly price isn't really that much. Second, it's something I'm touching several hours most days of my life. I'm using a keyboard more than I wear shoes personally (I do prefer the barefoot life, so I'm a bit odd there). I'm touching it more than my couch or my dining chairs or other things in my home. Isn't it worthwhile that it's comfortable and exactly what I want from it?
The way I thought about it was that I would gladly pay $500 to have a reduction in RSI symptoms, let alone prevent them beforehand. Not to mention the potential loss of enjoyment & employment from pain during computer use.
And as such, I'm an extremely satisfied Advantage 360 Pro user. The Adv 360 + a mouse side-grade massively reduced pains in my hands/wrists to the point where I don't notice any issues 99% of the time, even with heavy (7+ hour) computer use and quite a lot of FPS gaming.
Though note that there are several keyboards with split layouts + tenting (the two most important aspects for relief) that cost a fraction of the Adv 360; $200-300 of the price tag is for features, build quality, it being pre-built, and ease of programmability.
Totally agree that it is worth the investment and who knows, maybe I will even get one one day. But I’m definitely getting some sticker shock regardless haha
