Ortholinear Keyboards (Planck, Preonic) for Touch Typists
Standard keyboards have staggered rows (legacy from typewriter mechanical needs). Ortholinear keyboards arrange keys in straight columns, matching how fingers naturally move vertically. The result: smaller hand movement, claimed ergonomic benefits — but a real learning curve.
What's ortholinear?
Staggered (standard)
- Row 1 offset by 1/4 key
- Row 2 offset by 1/2 key
- Row 3 offset by 3/4 key
- Historical reason: typewriter levers
Ortholinear
- All keys in straight vertical columns
- All keys in straight horizontal rows
- Grid pattern
- Modern design philosophy
Claimed benefits
Smaller finger movement
Each finger moves straight up/down to its column. No reaching diagonally.
More natural for fingers
Fingers naturally curl vertically, not diagonally.
Better for non-standard layouts
Easier to remember positions when columns align.
Aesthetic appeal
Clean grid look.
Drawbacks
Steep learning curve
Muscle memory built for staggered = re-learning required.
Slower typing initially
2-6 weeks to match previous speed.
Limited keyboard options
Only ~10 brands make orthos. Less variety.
Compatibility issues
Some games assume staggered layout (less common issue).
Not universally faster
Speed gains not proven scientifically.
Top ortholinear keyboards
Planck (40%)
- 47-key compact
- Iconic ortho
- Heavy use of layers (no number row, F-row)
- $150-200
Preonic (50%)
- Planck + number row
- More approachable than Planck
- $150-250
ZSA Voyager (split ortho)
- Premium split ortho
- Customizable with Oryx
- $365
ZSA Moonlander (split ortho + thumb cluster)
- Premium with extra thumb keys
- $365
Drop ALT/CTRL
- Staggered, not ortho. (Just for comparison)
Keychron K9 (mini ortho)
- Wireless ortho option
- More accessible price
Learning curve reality
Week 1
- 20-30% slower than your normal speed
- Confused about column positions
- Frustrating
Week 2-3
- Matching old speed
- Habits forming
- Better day-to-day
Week 4-6
- Faster than before (claimed)
- Comfortable
- Hard to go back
Week 8+
- Adapted muscle memory
- Some report 10-15% speed increase
- Others report parity
Who should consider ortholinear
Definitely
- Touch typing enthusiasts
- Custom keyboard hobbyists
- People with hand pain
- Already comfortable changing habits
Maybe
- Programmers (love minimal designs)
- Vim users (love minimal keystrokes)
Skip ortho if
- Standard staggered works fine for you
- Sharing keyboard with others (they'll struggle)
- Frequent traveler (your hosts likely have staggered)
- Don't want learning curve
Layer systems
Ortho keyboards (especially 40% like Planck) rely on layers:
- Hold a key (Lower or Raise) to access different functions
- Number row = one layer
- F-row = another layer
- Symbols = another layer
Touch typing learning + layer learning = double challenge initially.
QMK firmware
Most ortho keyboards use QMK (open-source firmware):
- Fully customizable
- Custom layers
- Tap dance (different action on tap vs hold)
- Home row mods (modifier on home keys)
See Custom keymapping with QMK/VIA.
Should typists try ortho?
Yes, if
- Curious about ergonomics
- Like puzzles
- Heavy daily typing
- Custom keyboard interest
No, if
- Just want to type fast on QWERTY
- Limited time for adaptation
- Need to use other people's keyboards
Frequently Asked Questions
Faster than staggered?
Claim is yes, evidence mixed. Mostly placebo + practice effect.
Best beginner ortho?
Preonic (has number row) easier than Planck.
Will my staggered skills transfer?
Partially — finger assignments similar, positions slightly different.
Mechanical or other switches?
Mostly mechanical. Hot-swappable common.
Should I switch to Colemak too?
One change at a time. Master ortho first, then consider Colemak.
Wireless ortho exist?
ZSA Moonlander, Voyager, Glove80 (concave), Keychron K9.
Try ortholinear
Major commitment. If interested: Preonic or Voyager as approachable entry. Typing Hero App — practice on any keyboard.
For more: Best keyboard for touch typing, Best ergonomic keyboard, Custom keymapping with QMK/VIA.