I originally learned to type the "proper" way with wrists bent, but my hands have long since found a more comfortable angle (no bend) and it hasn't slowed my typing. Never did figure out what was so proper about keeping your hands aligned with the keyboard, since keys aren't in neat vertical rows anyway.

+1 on weight lifting.

Issues began when I stopped lifting. Since then, they flare/fade according to the 90 day trend line of gym attendance.

not scientific evidence but just one more data point to corroborate this line of thought.

i never had even the slightest wrist problems during 26 years of typing and software development - but i've also never stopped exercising, including frequent weight-lifting.

I’ve been strongly considering a split keyboard recently, and have been looking at (and loving the ergonomics of) the Moonlander, but struggle to reason paying $365 when every keyboard I’ve bought in the past has been <$80. Do you by chance know of any cheaper alternatives with similar ergonomics?

Are you a professional keyboard user? If so, I'd prioritize picking the keyboard that suits you best over price.

I agree with this. After compressing one my nerves quite nastily ( right hand wouldn’t move ) I invested what was at the time a significant amount of money into a keyboard ( kinesis). Best money I’ve ever spent!

I bought ergodox EZ and haven't had a bad RSI flare-up since. It's worth the money if you can afford. The switches are individually replaceable. Should last decades.

I have an iris, I would highly recommend. Similar to a Moonlander (not as many keys though).

https://keeb.io/collections/iris-split-ergonomic-keyboard/pr...

microsoft sculpt keyboard

The Sculpt keyboard is the best. Unfortunately, I understand Microsoft has discontinued it.

Kinesis freestyle is pretty cheap. I bought the mechanical one which is more expensive but don't use it. I'm too comfortable with microsoft ergonomic keyboard with light membrane keys https://www.microsoft.com/en/accessories/products/keyboards/... of which I have three. The only issue with the microsoft one is that it has to fit you since it is split but one piece. With a fully two piece split keyboard you can adjust it to your needs.

Kinesis Freestyle could be it

I came her to comment on the quote from Ousterhout that, "It's not clear to me that you can ever "recover" from RSI; all you can do is stabilize at your current level of disability." I hope he got a chance to fully recover.

I too had debilitating RSI, leading to needing wrist braces and typing with a pencil lodged in my left hand and a few achy fingers on my right.

The book "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals" [1] really opened my eyes on how to treat it.

I didn't start weight training, but did spend at least 20 minutes a day on trigger point therapy between my shoulder blades and elbow crease. That helped the most.

Then a vertical mouse, split keyboard, ergonomically placed chair, and correct table height helped prevent the recurrence.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Its-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Profession...