Review Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS Mechanical Split Keyboard Review: Ergonomic Without the Weird

[Admin]

The Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS mechanical split keyboard finds a rare balance between ergonomics, gaming functionality and familiarity.

Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS Mechanical Split Keyboard Review: Ergonomic Without the Weird : Read more

 

[turbotong]

I've been wanting a mechanical version of the Ergonomic 4000 for a loooong time. I was this close ---> <--- to purchasing the C989. Had the credit card and shipping filled out.

Then I saw the messed up location of the Windows key in a review, and someone describing the difficulty in remapping it. Also the comments had a section about not being able to press keys simultaneously (it presses them quickly sequentially).

CLOUD9, WHY CANT YOU PUT THE WINDOWS KEY WHERE IT BELONGS??? ALSO, PROPER N-KEY ROLLOVER SUPPORT IS A MUST.

 

[Gam3r01]

I've been wanting a mechanical version of the Ergonomic 4000 for a loooong time. I was this close ---> <--- to purchasing the C989. Had the credit card and shipping filled out.

Then I saw the messed up location of the Windows key in a review, and someone describing the difficulty in remapping it. Also the comments had a section about not being able to press keys simultaneously (it presses them quickly sequentially).

CLOUD9, WHY CANT YOU PUT THE WINDOWS KEY WHERE IT BELONGS??? ALSO, PROPER N-KEY ROLLOVER SUPPORT IS A MUST.

Where are you used to the windows key being located? Based on the pictures Ive seen this one is located the same as every keyboard Ive ever used.

 

[ma2oliveira]

The current version (V2) of the UHK is backlit (also changed to hotswap switches and PBT keycaps).

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Looks pretty weird to me ngl

 

[Editer]

I've been wanting a mechanical version of the Ergonomic 4000 for a loooong time. I was this close ---> <--- to purchasing the C989. Had the credit card and shipping filled out.

Then I saw the messed up location of the Windows key in a review, and someone describing the difficulty in remapping it. Also the comments had a section about not being able to press keys simultaneously (it presses them quickly sequentially).

CLOUD9, WHY CANT YOU PUT THE WINDOWS KEY WHERE IT BELONGS??? ALSO, PROPER N-KEY ROLLOVER SUPPORT IS A MUST.

The Windows key is an easy swap -- just physically swap the key, and install an alternative firmware available on their website. Annoying to have to do it, but it's a one-time-and-forget-it operation.

N-key rollover works fine; the issue brought up in the comments on the Cloud 9 site has to do with creating combo-key macros with certain firmware versions.

 

[sepuko]

There is nothing ergonomic about this keyboard, keys are still staggered in a linear fashion with no curvature in x, y or z axis. This is mechanical and ergonomic:

 

[bigdragon]

This is a well-timed review! I was just looking for an ergonomic mechanical keyboard. Seems like the options are very limited. This Cloud Nine C989 and the Kinesis Freestyle Edge were the ones I kept coming across. I've been thinking of buying one, but I have this nagging feeling that the C989 is too big. Might be ok. Reading a few reviews of people complaining about how far off to the side they had to put their mouse makes me hesitate. That is the price you pay for having the keypad, but there is also a lot of plastic edging to C9's design.

 

[gamebynight]

Great review. This is the first time I've read anything about there being a response time difference between switches. Anyone have any more information on this?

 

[turbotong]

Where are you used to the windows key being located? Based on the pictures Ive seen this one is located the same as every keyboard Ive ever used.

The windows key should be on the bottom left. If you look at their picture, the C989 windows key is bottom right. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...rry-Blue---Copy-_2-min_2000x.jpg?v=1621952825

 

[turbotong]

The Windows key is an easy swap -- just physically swap the key, and install an alternative firmware available on their website. Annoying to have to do it, but it's a one-time-and-forget-it operation.

N-key rollover works fine; the issue brought up in the comments on the Cloud 9 site has to do with creating combo-key macros with certain firmware versions.

My problem is that I need this for a secured work environment where admins don't allow users to run .exe files from untrusted sources. I can't run the firmware.

 

[Gam3r01]

The windows key should be on the bottom left. If you look at their picture, the C989 windows key is bottom right. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...rry-Blue---Copy-_2-min_2000x.jpg?v=1621952825

Look like since the time this article was published they changed the keyboard.
The one reviewed has two windows keys, one on each half. It was replaced on the left half by an FN key it seems.