Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard Review: My Hands-On Experience

When it comes to ergonomic keyboards, the Matias Ergo Pro often gets mentioned as one of the top contenders. As someone who spends countless hours typing every day, I decided to give this keyboard a try. This review will share my personal experience with the Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Buckle up and join me on this typing adventure!

Unboxing the Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard

First impressions matter, right? Unboxing the Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard was an experience in itself. The packaging was simple yet elegant, with everything neatly arranged inside. As I pulled out the two halves of the keyboard, I was immediately intrigued by the unique split design. There were also two USB cables of different lengths and a bridge cable to connect the two halves. It was clear that Matias had put thought into ensuring flexibility in setup.

Setting Up the Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard

Setting up the Matias Ergo Pro was straightforward. With the USB cables provided, I connected each half of the keyboard to my computer. The bridge cable linked the two halves, ensuring they communicated seamlessly. One thing I appreciated was the generous length of the cables, which allowed for a more customized setup. I could place the two halves of the keyboard exactly where I wanted them, ensuring optimal ergonomic comfort.

Typing Experience

The Split Design

The split design of the Matias Ergo Pro is one of its standout features. Initially, it felt a bit strange having the keyboard divided into two separate pieces. However, after a few hours of typing, I began to appreciate the freedom this design provided. I could position each half of the keyboard to match the natural angle of my arms, reducing strain on my wrists and shoulders. It’s like the keyboard was giving my arms a high-five for making a healthier choice!

Switches and Key Feel

The Matias Ergo Pro uses Matias’ own quiet click switches. These switches are tactile and silent, making them ideal for an office environment. As someone who enjoys a bit of tactile feedback without the loud clacking noise, these switches hit the sweet spot. Typing on this keyboard felt satisfying; the keys provided just enough resistance to make typing comfortable without causing fatigue.

Ergonomics and Comfort

One of the main reasons I was drawn to the Matias Ergo Pro was its emphasis on ergonomics. The keyboard offers three incline settings, including a negative incline, which helps keep the wrists in a more natural position. The wrist rest is another feature worth mentioning. It’s plush and comfortable, providing ample support during long typing sessions. If my wrists could talk, they’d probably say, “Thank you!”

Build Quality and Design

Build Quality

While the Matias Ergo Pro excels in many areas, the build quality of the keycaps left something to be desired. They felt a bit cheap compared to other keyboards I’ve used. However, this didn’t significantly affect my typing experience, and the spacing between the keys helped reduce typos.

Aesthetic Appeal

In terms of aesthetics, the Matias Ergo Pro has a clean and professional look. It’s not flashy or overly modern, but it has a certain charm that fits well in an office setting. The lack of RGB backlighting might be a downside for gamers, but for someone like me who prioritizes functionality and ergonomics, it was a non-issue.

Compatibility and Connectivity

The Matias Ergo Pro comes in two variants: one for Windows and one for macOS. This is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that users can get the keyboard that best suits their computer. I used the macOS version, and it worked flawlessly with my MacBook. The keyboard’s USB connectivity was reliable, with no lag or connectivity issues.

Usability in Different Settings

Office Use

As an office keyboard, the Matias Ergo Pro shines. Its ergonomic design and comfortable wrist rest make it ideal for long typing sessions. The quiet switches are a bonus, ensuring that my typing doesn’t disturb my colleagues. If only the keyboard could also make coffee, it would be the perfect office companion!

Gaming

Now, if you’re a gamer, the Matias Ergo Pro might not be your best bet. The lack of dedicated macro keys and RGB backlighting means it doesn’t cater to the specific needs of gamers. However, if you occasionally dabble in gaming and prioritize ergonomics, it could still be a viable option.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Great Ergonomics: The split design and three incline settings provide excellent ergonomic options.
  • Comfortable Wrist Rest: The plush wrist rest offers great support, reducing strain during long typing sessions.
  • Quiet and Tactile Switches: The Matias quiet click switches deliver a satisfying typing experience without being noisy.
  • Customizable Setup: The generous cable lengths and bridge cable allow for a flexible and customized keyboard setup.
  • Compatibility: Available in both Windows and macOS variants.

Cons

  • Cheap Keycaps: The keycaps feel a bit flimsy compared to other keyboards in the same price range.
  • Lack of Dedicated Software: There’s no dedicated software for customizing key functions or macros.
  • Not Ideal for Gamers: The absence of macro keys and RGB backlighting might disappoint gamers.

My Overall Verdict

Office Rating: 8.5/10

The Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard is a fantastic choice for office use. Its ergonomic design, comfortable wrist rest, and quiet switches make it a pleasure to type on for extended periods. While the keycaps could be better, this minor flaw doesn’t overshadow the overall positive experience. If you’re looking for a keyboard that prioritizes ergonomics and typing comfort, the Matias Ergo Pro is definitely worth considering.

Gaming Rating: 6/10

For gaming, the Matias Ergo Pro falls short. The lack of dedicated macro keys and RGB backlighting means it doesn’t cater to the specific needs of gamers. However, if you occasionally game and prioritize ergonomics, it might still work for you.

Recommendations

If you’re in the market for an ergonomic keyboard that excels in typing comfort and office use, the Matias Ergo Pro should be at the top of your list. Its unique split design and customizable setup make it a standout choice. However, if you’re a gamer looking for a keyboard with all the bells and whistles, you might want to explore other options.

In conclusion, the Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard is like a reliable friend who’s always got your back – or in this case, your wrists. It may not be the flashiest keyboard out there, but it delivers where it counts: comfort, ergonomics, and a pleasant typing experience. So, give your wrists a break and give the Matias Ergo Pro a try. Your hands will thank you!