ZSA has recently released a new mechanical keyboard called the Voyager, which is designed to provide comfort and reduce wrist and shoulder stress for users. Priced at $365, the Voyager is a split ergonomic keyboard that allows users to type with their hands further apart than traditional keyboards. It also allows for fine-tuning of the height and tenting angle of each side, and reduces the overall movement necessary to type. What sets the Voyager apart from other keyboards is its compact size and unique design.
The Voyager uses Kailh Choc low-profile switches, which results in an overall vertical height of only 1.6cm from base to keycap top. This is about half the height of the Moonlander Mark I, which uses standard MX-style switches and keycaps. The keycaps on the Voyager are doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps made by Tai Hao, and they are exclusive to this keyboard. While there are other shine-through Choc keycaps available, they are laser-engraved ABS and tend to wear out faster. The Voyager also features adjustable feet to set the height and typing angle, with the feet attaching magnetically to the bottom.
With a columnar ortho-linear layout, the Voyager’s 52 keys are arranged in a way that requires fewer diagonal finger reaches. It also has a steel backplate that can be easily opened for repairs or user customizations. The keyboard comes with ZSA’s graphical configurator software, which allows for easy programming with up to 32 function layers and support for macros, shortcuts, and remapping.
One notable feature of the Voyager is that it is strictly a wired keyboard. It does not have Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless capabilities, as ZSA intentionally designed it this way to eliminate the need for batteries. The Voyager comes with three lengths of USB-C cables to accommodate different setups.
The Voyager is hot-swappable and comes prebuilt with a choice of linear red, tactile brown, or clicky blue switches. It is available in several key setups, including USA (with shift symbols on the numbers), International (with no shift symbols), and Blank (dots instead of alphanumeric legends). Each Voyager kit comes with a carrying case, a two-year warranty, and 36 extra keycaps for customization. For those seeking even more versatility, ZSA also offers a tripod mounting kit for $89, which allows users to mount the keyboard on a tripod for ultimate spatial freedom.
ZSA is known for its commitment to ergonomic keyboards, and the Voyager is their third split keyboard in their current lineup, joining the Ergodox EZ and Moonlander. While the mechanical keyboard hobby is growing rapidly and more affordable options are becoming available, split ergonomic models still cater to a niche market. Some of these keyboards can be quite expensive, while others require varying levels of DIY skills, such as soldering or printing your own circuit boards. In this regard, the Voyager stands out as a compelling option. It may not be the most affordable option, but it is one of the very few prebuilt low-profile split ergonomic keyboards on the market. Plus, its sleek and futuristic design adds to its appeal.
In conclusion, the ZSA Voyager is a unique and innovative keyboard designed to provide comfort and reduce stress while typing. Its split ergonomic design, compact size, and customizable features make it an attractive option for those in search of a more ergonomic and efficient typing experience. While it may not be the most affordable keyboard out there, its prebuilt nature and low-profile switches make it a standout choice in the niche market of split ergonomic keyboards. Whether you’re an astronaut or someone simply looking to improve your typing experience, the ZSA Voyager is worth considering.
