Ferris Sweep Reviewed by EKI (Ergonomic Keyboard Index)

This is an extended follow-up to my earlier Ferris Sweep reviews:

Those posts focused on hands-on impressions and my developer layout. Since then, I introduced the Ergonomic Keyboard Index (EKI) — a 0–20 scoring framework that lets us compare keyboards at a glance. In this article I apply the EKI to the Ferris Sweep to produce a concise, comparable score. Consider it an “extended review” aligned with the new scoring rules. You can visit EKI to comparison of Ergonomic Keyboard Index all reviewed by me keyboards.

EKI Breakdown and Rationale

Core Ergonomics (9/12)

  • Programmability: 1/1 — Fully programmable (QMK firmware)
  • Palm Stability: 2/2 — Layers and dual-role keys keep palms anchored
  • Columnar Layout: 2/2 — Full columnar matrix
  • Column Staggering Quality: 1/1 — Columns tuned by height to finger lengths
  • Concavity: 0/1 — Flat PCB
  • Thumb Wells: 0.5/1 — Minimal thumb keys, no sculpted wells
  • Split Design: 2/2 — True split with adjustable width/angle on desk
  • Tenting Support: 0/1 — No built-in tenting adjustment
  • Switch Profile: 0.5/1 — Mechanical switches (Kailh Choc). Note: low-profile but not laptop scissor.

Practicality & Portability (4/5)

  • Compactness: 2/2 — Extremely compact yet functional
  • Portability / Backpack Readiness: 1/1 — Easily carried; tiny footprint
  • Wrist-Rest Independence: 1/1 — Thin build, comfortable without wrist rests
  • Hot-Swap Switch Support: 0/1 — Typical builds are soldered; variants may differ

Buildability (3/3)

  • PCB THT: 3/3 — Easily buildable with proper tools; beginner-friendly as its through‑hole

Final EKI Score: 16/20

Ferris Sweep is a minimalist, split, columnar 34-key board powered by QMK. It excels in core ergonomics such as split placement, palm stability through layers, and compactness, while naturally missing points on concavity and thumb wells typical of sculpted, heavier boards.

A high-level takeaway: Ferris Sweep is extremely capable ergonomically for its size, with outstanding portability. Its flat PCB build and minimal thumb clusters are the main reasons it doesn’t reach the very top of the scale. Also due to small Footprint it’s have some learning curve to start typing on it efficiently.

Notes vs. My Earlier Reviews

  • The earlier articles dive into the philosophy of small boards and my developer-centric layout. This EKI review focuses on a consistent, comparable score — so you can quickly see where Ferris Sweep stands among other ergonomic keyboards.
  • The board remains my go-to portable keyboard. Its compact split form and QMK layers deliver palm-stable, efficient typing in a truly tiny package.
  • If you’re deciding between portable minimalism and maximal comfort (concavity, thumb wells, tenting), EKI highlights that trade-off clearly.

Who Is It For?

  • Typists and developers ready to leverage layers and dual-role keys, and face bigger learning curve
  • Minimalists who value portability and an uncluttered desk
  • Travelers or hot-desk workers needing a reliable, compact split keyboard

If you want a sculpted, concave thumb-well experience with built-in tenting, consider larger, more ergonomic shells. If you want the smallest serious tool that still promotes healthy posture and efficiency, Ferris Sweep scores impressively well.

Thanks for reading!

Bartosz