I’ve been looking around the subreddit and have been heavily confused by the options and need some more help getting to a starting place. I know about splitkbcompare, so my goal here is to get a couple of names that more knowledgeable people would recommend so I can put together a file of layout tests before heading to a print shop.

I’ve been looking for a keyboard that fits the following

is comfortable for smaller hands (if it helps, from my thumb-first finger reach is 6.3“/16cm)

has a full split

has a carry case, either manufacturer or third party, but something I can throw in a backpack with no worries

has a palmrest, attached or detachable

tents enough so it’s not flat, I don’t need the full vertical

has a max of 2 thumb keys/side

no soldering required

More Information: I’ve used the Sculpt and the Kinesis Freestyle (really like the full split), so I haven’t used a mech keyboard before. I would keep using the kinesis I’m fed up with the constant need to take it apart to clean it, and the fact that it’s a bit too large to travel well. I do like the key press experience on it though, so something that fits that feel would be great.

I often need to use someone else’s keyboard, so I don’t want to destroy my muscle memory too much. I don’t mind using a second layer for a number pad or the the like, but I am a programmer, so the special keys are needed.

Budget-wise, the ZSA keyboards make me wince, especially with the return policy, but if it helps, it helps, and I’ll shell out for it.