Keyboards

[ffutures]

Keyboards have been much on my mind recently - I thought I was going to have to replace my favourite, used another for a couple of months and found that my speed and accuracy plummeted, and have now managed to get the old one working again.


[Poll #1147481]

Comments

[ggreig]

I'm currently using the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, both at work and at home. The key feature that makes me think this is the best keyboard I've used is that it includes an (optionally removable) support that raises the front of the keyboard a couple of inches off the desk. The result is that the keys are roughly level (or gently sloping away, if you close the legs at the back) and the heels of my hands are supported by the "wrist" rest.

This is excellent; even with a more traditional Microsoft ergonomic keyboard, I used to end up with my arms lying on the desk and my wrists tilted slightly back to keep my hands on the keyboard. Discomfort ensued. The raised front of the current keyboard doesn't allow that to happen. My wrists are kept much straighter and more comfortable.

The keyboard does look a bit odd at first, and you might have to adjust the height you sit at so that you're a couple of inches higher yourself. You might also have to consider what to do about your mouse. I use a trackball (a Logitech Trackman Wheel), which has the advantage of remaining stationary. At home I use it "as is"; at work, I've lashed up a support that raises the back of it so that my hand falls more naturally on it when coming off the raised keyboard. I'm not quite sure why I need this at work and not at home; it's probably due to different seating.

The trackball took a painful week to adjust to, after using a mouse for years; but since then the combination of keyboard and trackball have made me much more comfortable.

[sharikkamur.livejournal.com]

That sounds a little strange, but it would certainly solve my 'angle of keys' problem. I'm also a trackerball fan for RSI reasons, and I agree that the combination of trackerball and ergonomic keyboard are a lit more comfortable than the classic keyboard/mouse set up.

[w00hoo.livejournal.com]

Likewise, Logitech Trackman FX that took me a couple of days to get used to and I would never go back to and an ergonomic keyboard. Microsoft at work, can't remember the make of the one at home, possibly Logitech again. Only the home one didn't take to having water spilt on it and died a month or so ago so I'm back to a standard keyboard there. Nowhere near as nice.

I've no problem with the letters wearing off as I can touchtype to some degree (no training, just lots of typing!) and don't need to see the letters. My last work keyboard was replaced after 9 years or so (another Microsoft Ergonomic) as 50% of the keys were blank and while I didn't care when anyone else went to use it they ended up befuddled so HR forced me to get a new one. Keep meaning to take the old one home, although I'd have to paint in new letters for the rest of the family!

The keyboard has been a huge factor in which laptop I go for. Looks like it'll be an Acer because it had the nicest feel to it. Not too spongy, not too light and clacky, with a bit of feedback to it and a decent spacing on the keys.