Matias Ergo Pro  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Feb 28, 2020 at 08:33am
Test bench update Oct 26, 2021 at 03:52pm
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Matias Ergo Pro
6.6
Gaming 
3.3
Mobile/Tablet 
8.5
Office 
6.6
Programming 
3.0
Entertainment / HTPC 
 0
The Matias Ergo Pro is a very good TenKeyLess (TKL) office keyboard thanks to its split keyboard design and great ergonomics. The wrist rest is comfortable and the tactile switches give good feedback, delivering an impressive overall typing experience. However, without any dedicated macro keys, RGB backlighting, or a programmable software, most gamers will be disappointed with it. On the upside, there are two variants for Windows and macOS, so you can get the one that suits your computer.

Our Verdict

6.6
Gaming 

This is a disappointing gaming keyboard. They Matias Ergo Pro doesn't have any programmable macro keys, there's no dedicated software, and there's no backlighting for people who game in dark rooms. However, the tactile keys give good feedback, which might please some gamers.

Pros
  • Great ergonomics with three incline settings.
  • Very good typing quality.
Cons
  • Key caps feel cheap.
  • No dedicated software.
3.3
Mobile/Tablet 

The Matias Ergo Pro keyboard doesn't have wireless connectivity.

8.5
Office 

The Matias Ergo Pro is a great office keyboard. Its split keyboard design allows you to place the two halves however you like. There are three incline settings, including a negative incline, for more ergonomic options. The wrist rest is comfortable and the switches don't make too much noise. Unfortunately, the keycaps feel a bit cheap, but there's enough space between them to help reduce typos.

Pros
  • Great ergonomics with three incline settings.
  • Very good typing quality.
Cons
  • Key caps feel cheap.
  • No dedicated software.
6.6
Programming 

Mediocre for programming. The typing quality feels great with a nice tactile bump and the Ergo Pro itself has a solid build to it. It also has great ergonomics, with different incline settings and a comfortable wrist rest, but there aren't any macro programmable keys or multi-device connectivity. Programmers will be happy with its compatibility with different operating systems, as it's available in Windows or macOS variants.

Pros
  • Great ergonomics with three incline settings.
  • Very good typing quality.
Cons
  • Key caps feel cheap.
  • No dedicated software.
3.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

Pros
  • Great ergonomics with three incline settings.
  • Very good typing quality.
Cons
  • Key caps feel cheap.
  • No dedicated software.
  • 6.6
    Gaming
  • 3.3
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 8.5
    Office
  • 6.6
    Programming
  • 3.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Oct 26, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
    2.  Updated Feb 28, 2020: Review published.
    3.  Updated Feb 25, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Feb 25, 2020: Early access published.

    Check Price

    Black/Windows
    Amazon.com
    Black/macOS
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    This keyboard is available with tactile and linear switches, but our unit had the tactile switches. It's also available in Windows or macOS versions to provide full compatibility on both operating systems; ours is the Windows version. We expect the same results across the variants, except for typing experience and compatibility.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Matias Ergo Pro has a similar office performance compared to other ergonomic or split-design keyboards such as the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, Kinesis Freestyle Pro, or Logitech ERGO K860. The multiple incline settings give it an edge over some of its competitors in that regard. Check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best keyboards for writers, and the best keyboards for programming.

    Logitech ERGO K860

    The Logitech ERGO K860 is a much better keyboard than the Matias Ergo Pro. The Logitech is a full-sized curved design keyboard with much better ergonomics and a slightly lighter typing experience thanks to its scissor switches. It also has mobile connectivity, which the Ergo Pro doesn't have. However, the Matias has a split keyboard design and is available with tactile switches if that's what you prefer.

    Kinesis Freestyle Pro

    The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is a better overall keyboard than the Matias Ergo Pro, although the Matias is a bit superior for office use. It has a wrist rest and incline settings, plus the build quality is also better. However, the Kinesis has full compatibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems with dedicated software with a few customization options.

    Microsoft Surface Keyboard

    The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a marginally better keyboard than the Matias Ergo Pro. It's a wireless keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, but it doesn't have multi-device pairing. It's not nearly as heavy as the Matias, so it's also a better portable option. However, the Matias is somewhat better for office use because it has a better ergonomic design with a wrist rest and multiple incline settings. The Ergo Pro also uses mechanical switches, which deliver good feedback when typing.

    Adesso Tru-Form 150

    The Matias Ergo Pro is better than the Adesso Tru-Form 150. It has multiple incline settings and a comfortable wrist rest, plus the typing quality is very good. It has a better build quality than the Adesso, but the keycaps still feel cheap and wobble like the Adesso. Neither keyboard has a dedicated software, but the Adesso has a multi-color backlighting and dedicated media keys.

    Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB

    The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is a better gaming keyboard than the Matias Ergo Pro. The Kinesis features mechanical Cherry MX switches, while the Matias has proprietary Matias Quiet Click switches. You can't program keys on the Matias, while you can on the Kinesis, and you even have access to 9 dedicated macro keys. You also have RGB lighting on the Kinesis, while the Matias lacks any type of backlighting.

    Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

    The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is a slightly better keyboard than the Matias Ergo Pro. The Microsoft has a better ergonomic design, and although it's a wireless keyboard, it can only be connected through its USB receiver. The Matias has a better typing experience with tactile switches, and with a split keyboard design, you can place the two halves however you like.

    Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard

    The Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard is significantly better than the Matias Ergo Pro. Although they have very different approaches to the split keyboard design, the Microsoft is better in almost all aspects, such as build quality, ergonomics, and versatility, since it can be paired to anything that has a Bluetooth connection. However, the Matias has better compatibility with Linux.

    ErgoDox EZ

    The ErgoDox EZ is a much better ergonomic keyboard than the Matias Ergo Pro. It's better built, has more incline positions, and overall simply offers more options. The Matias also completely lacks software, although it might be a bit easier to get used to typing on this keyboard than the ErgoDox.

    Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Keyboard

    The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Keyboard and the Matias Ergo Pro are both great ergonomic keyboards, but with two very different designs. The Kensington is curved with a split-key layout, while the Matias has two different halves that you can position however you want. The Matias is wired while the Kensington is wireless. Also, the Matias uses mechanical switches, which offer a better overall typing quality than the rubber dome switches of the Kensington.

    Dygma Raise

    The Dygma Raise is significantly better than the Matias Ergo Pro. The Dygma has a better build quality, ergonomics, and it has RGB backlighting. It's also much more customizable and it has software support. The Matias has incline settings though, which the Dygma doesn't have.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    TenKeyLess (80%)
    Height
    1.4" (3.5 cm)
    Width14.2" (36.0 cm)
    Depth
    9.1" (23.2 cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    9.1" (23.2 cm)
    Weight
    3.53 lbs (1.600 kg)

    The Matias Ergo Pro takes up a good amount of space and takes up even more if you split the two halves. The wrist rest is removable if you want to make it smaller.

    7.5
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialABS

    Very good build quality. It's made out of a solid plastic, with a metal base underneath the wrist rest, but the ABS keycaps feel cheap with a slight wobble to them. The wrist rest is solid with a cushion-like feel to it. The wiring between the two halves of the keyboard is thin and feels cheap.

    9.0
    Ergonomics
    Board Design
    Ergonomical
    Minimum Incline
    -7°
    Medium Incline
    Maximum Incline
    Wrist RestDetachable

    Great ergonomics on the Matias Ergo Pro. With its split keyboard design, you can place the two pieces wherever you like, as it comes with a long cable between them. There are three incline settings, including a negative incline setting, but when all the legs are up (pictured above), there's an almost unusable wobble to the keyboard. The wrist rest is detachable, but unfortunately you need to unscrew it and it doesn't come with a screwdriver.

    0.0
    Backlighting
    BacklightingNo
    Color
    No Backlighting
    Individually Backlit Keys
    No
    Color Mixing
    No Backlighting
    Effects
    No
    Programmable
    No

    There's no backlighting on this keyboard. If you prefer an ergonomic keyboard with backlighting, check out the Adesso Tru-Form 150.

    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityWired
    Detachable
    Yes (Wired Only Keyboard)
    Length6.6 ft (2.0 m)
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    Micro USB

    The cable to connect to your PC is long and feels sturdy. The two halves of the Ergo Pro are connected with a 3.5mm cable, but the wire connecting them is fairly thin.

    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    No
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    No
    Proprietary Receiver
    No
    Battery Type
    No Batteries

    The Ergo Pro is wired-only and can't be connected wirelessly.

    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    Hot Keys
    Macro Programmable Keys
    No
    Trackpad / TrackballNo
    WheelNo
    USB Passthrough
    No
    NumpadNo
    Windows Key Lock
    No
    Lock IndicatorCaps & Num Lock

    There are some extra features on this TKL keyboard. The 'Fn' key gives you access to media keys and there are three USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard itself.

    In The Box

    • Matias Ergo Pro keyboard
    • 2 micro-USB wires
    • 2 3.5mm keyboard connectors
    • Manual
    Typing Experience
    Keystrokes
    See details on graph tool
    Mechanical
    Yes
    Key Switches
    Matias Quiet Click
    Feel
    Tactile
    Operating Force
    56 gf
    Actuation Force
    38 gf
    Pre-Travel
    1.5 mm
    Total Travel
    3.5 mm

    The Matias Quiet Click switches have a nice tactile bump, which actually feels like two tactile bumps when pressed all the way down. If you don't like the feedback from the tactile switches, it's also available with linear switches.

    8.0
    Typing Quality

    The overall typing quality is very good. The switches give nice tactile feedback, but the cheap keycaps make it feel like an average office keyboard. You shouldn't feel tired typing on this keyboard thanks to its low actuation force.

    Typing Noise
    Noise
    Quiet

    The switches are fairly quiet, and they shouldn't bother your coworkers.

    7.5
    Latency
    Latency Wired
    9.8 ms
    Latency Receiver
    N/A
    Latency Bluetooth
    N/A
    Software and Operating System
    0.0
    Software & Programming
    Software NameNo Software
    Account Required
    No Software
    Profiles
    No Profile
    Onboard Memory
    No
    Cloud Sync
    No
    Macro Programming
    No
    Ease Of Use
    No Software
    Software Windows Compatible
    No
    Software macOS Compatible
    No

    There's no dedicated software for the Matias Ergo Pro keyboard. For customization options, check out the ErgoDox EZ.

    7.6
    Keyboard Compatibility
    WindowsFull
    macOSPartial
    LinuxFull
    AndroidNo
    iOSNo
    iPadOSNo

    Our keyboard is the Windows variant, so it had full compatibility on Windows and partial compatibility on macOS. There's a macOS variant available, but we didn't test the compatibility with it. If you want a similar keyboard that's fully compatible with macOS, check out the Kinesis FreeStyle Pro.