The Naya Create is an ergonomic keyboard with a unique gimmick. This split-layout board—which starts at an imposing $499.99 and is a whopping $849.96 in the configuration we tested—uses a modular system for swapping out different optional input methods that work alongside the keys. So far, these modules include a trackball, two different dials, and a touch pad. With even more modules in the works, the Create aims to be the only keyboard-and-mouse solution you’ll need for any software application. However, a massive learning curve to equal its massive price is keeping us from recommending it over the Matias Ergo Pro, our current Editors' Choice pick for split ergonomic keyboards.

Design: Typing at Every Angle

The Naya Create is easily the most distinctive ergonomic keyboard we've reviewed in recent years. The keyboard consists of two freestanding halves with a nonstandard key layout. The layout is based on the standard QWERTY layout we’re used to, but some of the keys, like the space bar, are altered. (In the space bar's case, it's split in two, and the two pieces are on different halves of the board.)

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

In addition, the Naya Create uses a set of multi-purpose keys, which you can program using the keyboard’s software utility. Every key can be reprogrammed as you see fit, a feature that’s incredibly important in a keyboard that bills itself as the most comfortable keyboard you can buy.

The Create has a compact design. When not in use, both halves of the keyboard can magnetically stack together to fit into an included hard-shell carrying case. The case also holds the Create’s accessories, including the modules—either attached to the keyboard frames or in cutouts next to them. 

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

For this review, we received the Naya Create with three modules: a touch pad, a control dial, and a trackball. The keyboard by itself is $499.99, and each module costs extra. This configuration of modules is available for $849.96, and a larger bundle with a fourth module—a second dial meant for 3D modeling applications like Autodesk Fusion—is available for $1,029.95. The add-on modules are designed to snap onto the "rings" you see on each half of the board and engage with the keyboard electrically via pogo pins. (More about why in a moment.)

Once you take the keyboard out of its case, you can enjoy an additional novel feature. By taking advantage of two hinges built into the keyboard, running from the front edge to the rear edge, each half of the board can bend to fit the natural resting position of your hands, in something of a shallow, upside-down "V" shape. The stiff hinges don’t lock at specific points, so you can place them at whichever angle is most comfortable. If you prefer typing on a flat keyboard, leave it flat. If you need a curve for your wrist pain, give the frame a bend and get to typing.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

A USB-C cable with a split end is included in the carrying case to connect the keyboard halves to your preferred device and charge them. The cable is a little over 3 feet long, a good length for connecting with a laptop or USB dock, but annoyingly short for a desktop tower placed farther from your work area. This is easily fixed by supplying your own USB-C cables or purchasing a longer split one.

Both halves of the keyboard can also be used separately, with no cable to link them together. When we reviewed the split-design Keychron Q11, we were disappointed by its short 4-inch USB-C cable used to join the halves. The Naya Create, on the other hand, is wireless via a 2.4GHz connection or Bluetooth. While the cable is short, it’s only needed to charge the keyboard—if you’re OK going wireless, that is.

The carrying case is a nice addition, but the Create isn't necessarily a travel-friendly keyboard. It is fairly thin, and while the frame is carved out of CNC aluminum, I’d worry about shock damage. This isn’t the type of keyboard you’d want to break out at a coffee shop; instead, it is a better fit for traveling from a home office to your workplace and vice versa.

The Create has low-profile key switches to keep its profile as thin as possible, and the switches are hot-swappable with other switch varieties. We’ve seen hot-swappable low-profile keyboards before, most recently the Nuphy Air60 V2, and we like that they result in easier portability while still offering the customization that keyboard modders crave.

While it's nice to have hot-swappable underlying key switches, swapping out the actual keycaps isn't as practical here, due to the Create's unconventional shape. (The sculpts of its keycaps are unusual.) You won’t be able to swap them out for off-the-shelf keycaps, but some users have already designed custom keycaps that you can 3D-print.

Adjusting to the typing feel of a new keyboard is always tough, especially for a split keyboard, and even more for quirky-shaped keys like the ones on the Naya Create. I tend to use Monkeytype for typing tests, where my standard speed is around 70 words per minute (wpm), but I had trouble matching that speed on the Create. I topped off at around 36wpm, and I attribute that to a lack of muscle memory. Like with other keyboards, anyone’s speed would likely improve with practice, but you may need more time to get comfortable with this one.

Features and Extras: A Module for Every Occasion

With a keyboard this thin, there's little room to spare for a beefy battery, which means battery life might be a concern. The Create deftly solves this and many other issues with the help of add-on modules. The currently available modules, as noted earlier, consist of the touch pad, the two control dials, and the trackball. They can be swapped out according to the needs of whatever program you’re currently working in. Each module can be purchased separately on the Naya website in case you need replacements or extras.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Each module houses a 500mAh battery and attaches magnetically to the frame. The battery is the main source of power for the keyboard and can be charged through one of the USB-C ports. Each module is also capable of Qi wireless charging. A Naya spokesperson informed us that the company is also considering new modules beyond the four currently available.

Software: Going With the Naya Flow

Like most high-end keyboards, the Naya Create has its own control utility, Naya Flow. This utility is useful for key remapping, assigning gesture controls to the different modules, or downloading different configurations from Naya’s community of users.

The setup process is a bit concerning, as Windows Defender flagged Naya Flow as an unrecognized program during our testing and warned us against downloading it. However, the installation proceeded uneventfully once we dismissed the warning.

(Credit: Naya)

Naya Flow opens on a key-configuration screen. You can remap any key to any other and set up extra layers for further control options.

(Credit: Naya)

You can also run firmware updates through Naya Flow. This process involves plugging in both halves of the keyboard, and the modules need to be connected one by one for their updates to take effect. The utility conveniently tells you whether a firmware update is available for any module that's connected.

The Flow utility also offers an option to download profiles created by other users, as well as to upload your own to the Naya servers.