List of Ergonomic Keyboards

[TheNewGuy8]

So not all of us are as resiliant as we would like to be - or perhaps the smarter of us just wish to work against the inevitable and use keyboards that will prevent RSI like Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. To that end we use Ergonomic Keyboards. But unfortuantely until recently most ergonomic boards have been BORING. Plan boards with no extra keys/volume control, etc.

So I thought we should get a list of all the ergo boards out there so we can find the coolest ones. I sure would LOVE to get a G15, but I know I shouldn't because I'll be whimpering like a baby within a day.

I tried the Microsoft 4000 and it didnt't work for me. Some people love it, some don't. For me all the new angles plus the increased key pressure (particularly on space bar) sent my wrists into spasms. And that sucks b/c as far as *I* know the 4000 is the most full featured ergo board out there. Prove me wrong!

 

[Peter]

As I've said in the /other/ thread already ...

Originally posted by: Peter
You'll at least want the Datadesk SmartBoard, or, if you're inclined to relearn typing from scratch, one of the Kinesis "Contoured" boards.

Either are a bit hard to get and often out of stock ... my supplier for them is Ergocube.

See here:

http://store.ergocube.com/smartboard.html
http://store.ergocube.com/kiadusbke.html

http://store.ergocube.com/pckeyboards.html

The following page illustrates what's the point about the SmartBoard's unique key layout. The following page illustrates what's the point about the SmartBoard's unique key layout. (Contacts aren't working anymore; this page is WAY old.)

http://www.darwinkeyboards.com/smart_layout.htm

The SmartBoard is better suited to my needs simply because the Kinesis boards have the brackets in funny positions, which is annoying for programming tasks. I'd die for a left-thumb backspace/delete though ...

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/us-intl.htm

Something I haven't tried yet (awaiting shipment!) but looks like a brilliant idea is the Vertical Mouse:

http://store.ergocube.com/evvermous.html
http://www.evoluent.com/vmouse2.html

Additionally, I'd like to say that you don't WANT "cool". All those "cool" features distract the product focus from making a truly ergonomic design.

 

[computer]

I've been looking for similar info but on cordless ergo/split-key keyboards. Incredibly, apparently only two companies on the planet make them; Logitech only makes ONE, and M$ makes 1, maybe call it 1.5 of them since it's about the same keyboard with slight differences under a few different model #'s. I've got carpel tunnel or RSI so bad, especially in my left hand, that sometimes I can't even use my hands. So I'm about to try either the Logitech or M$ keyboard. What sucks is they force you buy the friggin' mouse along with it.

 

[Peter]

... and none of the two are anywhere near the light keypress force required to get you off RSI. They both use silicone bump mats, not individual switches.