Are smaller keyboards viable for translators?
Hi, first time poster here. I work as a full-time translator editing text in various different Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools. I have start experiencing some discomfort in my right hand and forearm, so recently I've been diving into the YouTube rabbit hole of ergonomic keyboard. My main concern is that most of the reviewers seem to be software developers/programmers, so I am a bit afraid of following their recommendations only to find out that it's not applicable to my use case.
I have some minor experience with split keyboards and programmable layers, as I once bought the Dygma Raise 1, but I don't think I ever got used to not having arrow keys on the main layer. You see, I often need to "move" back and forth between words, so I make heavy use of Ctrl+Arrow Left/Right. In CAT tools, we also need confirm segments (basically an Excel cell with a string of text), which in my most used application has the shortcut "Ctrl+Enter", so assigning it a thumb cluster key might be a good idea, as my left pinky often gets quite strained from holding down Left Ctrl for longer periods. I basically need to use a lot of sometimes very different shortcut key combinations.
I am kind of tempted to try some of the more portable options like the ZSA Voyager + Naviagator or the MoErgo Go60, as I often like to work from my laptop in libraries or cafés. However, I worry that not having dedicated arrow keys on the main layer will make me strain my fingers even more, since I use them all the time.
Basically, I'm looking for advice from other people who edit natural language rather than code. Are the more layer key-based/home row mod-based options practical in our use cases, or should I just be safe and go a more traditional 80 key keyboard?
Buying advice is also very welcome. Thank you.