Moonlander vs ErgoDox EZ Keyboard (Long-term Review)

I was a happy-go-lucky user of my two ErgoDox EZs for four years. But when ZSA launched the Moonlander, I wanted to give it a try. Here are my thoughts comaring the Moonlander vs ErgoDox EZ.

TL;DR: If you’re already happy with your ErgoDox EZ, the Moonlander probably isn’t a necessary upgrade. If you don’t have a split ortholinear keyboard but are caught between the two, I would go with the Moonlander.

Moonlander vs ErgoDox EZ Thumb Cluster Layout

The primary functional difference between the Moonlander and the EZ is the thumb layout.

I prefer the thumb cluster on the Moonlander. It’s more comfortable, and even though it has fewer keys, it really hasn’t made an impact on my #shortcutlife.

The large thumb key is also much easier to press than the EZ’s smaller top thumb cluster keys. This means I actually use it more often than I did with the smaller keys on the EZ. I would call the layout changes a win.

Moonlander USB Cable Positioning

Other than the layout, the other major design difference is the location of the USB cable. On the EZ, the USB cable connects on the right-hand side. This makes cable routing easy but makes it a pain if you want to use the keyboard in a one-handed configuration.

In order to use the one-hand configuration on the EZ, you have to awkwardly position the right-hand side of the keyboard out of the way. You can’t disconnect it because it houses the connection to your computer.

The Moonlander has the USB cable on the left-hand side of the keyboard. This means you can use the one-handed configuration and simply disconnect the right-hand side and store it somewhere else.

Now, to be completely honest, I rarely disconnect the right-hand side. BUT on the bi-monthly occasion that I do, it’s really nice.

If you plan on doing a lot of gaming and really want a minimal setup that allows you to place your mouse in the perfect location on your desk, I’d say the Moonlander is a win.

Moonlander Accessories

I mentioned the positioning of the USB cable, but another win is that the Moonlander uses USB-C!

While this is a minor thing for a device that sits on your desk most of the time, if you ever travel with your Moonlander, the switch to USB-C is a major improvement. You can just use the same USB-C cables you probably already have; no need to carry that nasty USB Mini cable in your bag.

The Moonlander comes with a carrying case. I have yet to use it, as my keyboards usually stay put, but it’s a nice case.

The Moonlander comes with the positioning legs by default. This was a paid upgrade on the ErgoDox EZ. Another minor thing, but a nice addition to the default configuration.

Would I Recommend “Upgrading” to the Moonlander if you own an ErgoDox EZ?

Unless you highly value any of the features that I mentioned above, I think you’ll be just fine sticking with your EZ. I like the Moonlander enough that I sold my home ErgoDox EZ, but I’ll be keeping my second one that I use at work. I already have my different layouts for work and home, so I’m happy to continue using the EZ at work.