ZSA Voyager
The ZSA Voyager is a low-profile, columnar split mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches. It is configured through Oryx, ZSA’s web-based layout editor, which compiles firmware that you flash to the board via USB.
Physical layout
- Split — two independent halves connected by a TRRS cable, so each half can be positioned to match your shoulder width. This keeps your wrists straight instead of angling inward.
- Columnar — keys are arranged in straight vertical columns, not the staggered rows of traditional keyboards (see row stagger explanation). Each finger moves straight up and down within its column.
- 52 keys total — 26 keys per half: a 3x5 letter grid for each hand plus 2 thumb keys per side (4 thumb keys total). This is minimal — many functions (numbers, symbols, navigation) live on layers.
- Low-profile — uses Kailh Choc v1 switches and keycaps. The reduced key height means shorter finger travel.
- Hot-swappable — switches can be pulled out and replaced without soldering.
Noise reduction
Mechanical keyboards are noisy by default. The sound comes from two sources:
- Bottom-out clack — the sound when a pressed key hits the bottom of its travel, plastic impacting the plate or PCB.
- Click — an intentional audible click built into certain switch types (called “clicky” switches). The Voyager’s default Kailh Red switches are linear (no click), so this doesn’t apply unless you swap to clicky switches.
O-rings (gommini)
O-rings are small rubber rings (in Italian: gommini) that fit around the keycap stem. When the key is pressed, it bottoms out against the soft rubber instead of the hard plate, dampening the clack. They are the simplest and cheapest noise reduction option.
- How they work: the rubber absorbs the impact energy at the bottom of the keystroke, converting the sharp clack into a muffled thud.
- Trade-off: they slightly reduce key travel distance (the key bottoms out earlier because the rubber takes up space) and change the feel — some people describe it as “mushy.” On low-profile Choc switches the travel is already short (3mm), so the reduction is more noticeable than on full-height switches.
- Installation: pull the keycap off, slide the O-ring onto the stem cross, press the keycap back on.
Other noise reduction options
- Silent switches — Kailh Choc switches come in silent variants that have built-in rubber dampening on both the downstroke and the upstroke. More effective than O-rings but requires buying new switches.
- Desk mat — a thick desk mat or mouse pad under the keyboard absorbs vibration transmitted through the desk, which is often a bigger noise contributor than the keys themselves.
- Foam mod — placing thin foam (shelf liner, neoprene) between the PCB and the case dampens resonance inside the keyboard body. More involved but effective.
When to switch layouts
If this is your first split/columnar keyboard and you’re currently on QWERTY:
Phase 1 — Master the form factor. Spend 3-4 weeks on QWERTY. Get your symbol layer dialed in, build comfort with layers and thumb keys. The physical adjustment to split columnar is a big change on its own.
Phase 2 — Decide your keyboard situation. Can the Voyager be your primary keyboard (at home and at work)? If noise is a concern at work, try O-rings or silent switches first. If you’ll be switching between the Voyager and a MacBook keyboard frequently, that changes the calculation.
Phase 3 — Choose a layout based on your usage pattern:
- If the Voyager is your primary keyboard (>80% of your typing) → switch to Colemak DH. You’ll be slow for 2-4 weeks, then faster and more comfortable than before.
- If you split time roughly equally between the Voyager and a laptop keyboard → stay on QWERTY. The cognitive cost of maintaining two different layouts eats the benefit. Focus your energy on optimizing your Voyager’s layers instead — a great symbol layer on QWERTY is worth more than a Colemak DH setup you can’t use at work.
The layout knowledge pays off either way
Understanding layout metrics (SFBs, rolls, finger load) helps you build better layers and make smarter key placement decisions even if you stay on QWERTY. Knowing why certain key combinations are uncomfortable lets you optimise your symbol and number layers to avoid the same patterns.