Suggestions for a USB ergonomic keyboard

I'm still devoted to the Kinesis Contoured models which I reviewed in
TidBITS 454.

http://db.tidbits.com/getbits.acgi?tbart=05168

They definitely aren't cheap, but it's the best keyboard I've ever
used. Programmable, remappable, and now with native USB and
switchable PC/Mac emulation (via the excellent PI Engineering
firmware).

I always stop at their Macworld Expo booth to say hi, and I'd love
to do a followup review - except there isn't much new to say. "Now
in USB, yay!"

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/

--
Andrew Laurence
atlaurenuci.edu

On 13-09-2004 20:51:07, Nik <gerberinik.net> wrote:

>On a related subject (to the Tactile Pro), does anyone know of a good USB
>ergonomic keyboard? Something like the Microsoft Natural keyboard, and
>not too terribly expensive.

The Microsoft Natural keyboard is still available (although stupidly, the USB version is
only sold in the States):

<http://www.microsoft.com/products/info/product.aspx?view=22&pcid=422a84cc-d5b2-4543-9d76-6f3c9bd87b6c>

>I've looked all over, and the only ergo keyboards I've found are the
>really crazy ones that are very very expensive. Seems like there used
>to be a handful of them, but they've vanished from all the stores.

Yeah, you're pretty much limited to 'cordless' keyboards now. Logitech makes a few:

<http://www.smalldog.com/product/12652271>

I'm not buying those on general principle (I don't need more batteries that'll go dead in
three years).

Harro de Jong

Both Adesso and Datadesk make simple curved keyboards.

http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=119

http://www.datadesktech.com/desktop_base.html

I've owned both in the past, but not in the last five years. However, note that Adesso's Multimedia keyboard driver is listed as for 10.2 and below only.

Because of major arm problems due in part to many thousands of hours at the keyboard I have used a number of the ergo keyboards [the ones that I could afford anyway]. More than an hour or so on a normal keyboard and I really know about it.

Summary: Addesso - don't waste your money - weak key structure, break easily [4 out of 4 got broken key caps within 12 months] [we got one, tested it for about 6 weeks, got 3 more - oops!] *

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro - tough, it works. Having to have the software installed to 'fix' the modifer keys positioning is a bit of a pain, but workable. The left alt and 'windows' are beginning to get a little 'loose' after 2-3 years of daily use. Keyboard feel is good - being able to plug it into a PC via its PS2 plug when I absolutely have to has proven helpful [it has a split PS2 / USB cable] . Overall a good work horse. ****

Datadesk - to date I have only owned the ADB [SB5000] version. It has a distinct [but good] feel with its mechanical key switches. This unit took major use / abuse before it was semi-retired as I could never get it to work reliably with a ADB/USB adaptor on my more modern macs and it took some time for the USB model to be produced. I have tried to get the USB [USB5000] model but no one seems to have it down here [in australia].

Smaller desktop footprint than most others too - makes it easy to cart around and fit in cramped spaces [I freelance a bit at different places]. The only downside with this unit is that the keyboard is comparatively 'noisy' - especially with my heavy handed keying. It can sound a bit like a machine gun, my typing technique is somewhat unique, I burst type at about 100 words a minute for three or five words at a time. At least the boss knows when I am working, or not, hmmm!. **** 1/2

Logitech Cordless Comfort Duo - I have only used one in a shop but have placed an order for one - good feel, keys feel a little bit 'light' and possibly 'weak' on initial impression but going on the quality of my GREAT logitech MX700 mouse I am going to give it a chance.

The only current downside to this unit that I see to date is that it comes with a matching cordless logitech mouse with less features and 'weight' than my MX700. To use the MX700 I would have to plug in two receivers which sort of does away with the reducing clutter advantage of cordless units. **** 1/2 [provisional]

Addendum: Years ago I paid for a first generation 'chord' keyboard by datahand at around AUD$700 - although it showed promise I could never get get fast enough [about 20 -25 wpm] to make it feasible. I recently saw the current version somewhere on the web and read some reviews which appear to verify my original use / impression, most users rarely get past 30 wpm although if you have really bad RSI they are supposed to be very good from that point of view.

Of additional interest to me are the Contour and Maxim units from Kinesis - there are numerous favourable reviews around but they are a bit costly [~AUD$500 for the contour I think from memory] - especially when I need two or more to save having to cart them from one office to another [on my motor scooter].

Goldtouch also have a unit similar to the Kinesis Maxim. Both the Maxim and Goldtouch units do not have built in number pads although Goldtouch offer a separate one as an extra. Both of these units have multiple angles of adjustment and tilt. Without having seen either of these units in the flesh so to speak the kinesis somehow seem of better quality although I have been known to be wrong on 1st impressions 8-).

The biggest problem with finding a good ergo keyboard is finding somewhere that stocks them all or even most of them for comparison.

I hope someone finds this diatribe useful and not too boring.

Have a Great day! pete.

PS: of mice. I'll save most of my thoughts on these for another occasion but if you want more than one button, contour design units or the higher end logitech units - most of the rest pale in comparison in terms of comfort and longevity.