Ergonomic keyboard that isn't "weird" with mechanical switches?

X

x509

2[H]4U
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
2,630
My doc just told me that I shouild get an eronomic keyboard because of carpal tunnel syndrome. My searching so far comes up with the Microsoft 4000, which seems quite popular, but I doubt very much it has mechical switches. I'm now using this el-cheapo Microsoft keyboard that certainly has non-mechanical switches and is not a great keyboard for general typing. (I'm not a gamer.)

Years ago, I had a Northgate keyboard with "clicky" switches that I loved. (y) It developed some bad keys, so I stuck it in the garage, and now I can't find it. But anyway I really need an ergonomic keyboard:

1. has Cherry switches, probably blue.
2. doesn't cost over $200. :eek:
3. has a full 10-key number pad

Does such a keyboard exist?
 
Yes. It still exists. But you threw it away. You could have fixed it.
 
In short--no.

I have used the Ergo 4000 and they did just update it to a slightly nicer version called 'sculpt'.

Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Keyboard & Mouse | Microsoft Accessories

I like the newer version a little better since the keys don't have the same length of travel and the numberpad is completely separate so I can set it aside and keep my mouse (M570 trackball for work) closer.

That being said, if you find something I'd be interested--I haven't found one yet.
 
skeeder said:
In short--no.

I have used the Ergo 4000 and they did just update it to a slightly nicer version called 'sculpt'.

Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Keyboard & Mouse | Microsoft Accessories

I like the newer version a little better since the keys don't have the same length of travel and the numberpad is completely separate so I can set it aside and keep my mouse (M570 trackball for work) closer.

That being said, if you find something I'd be interested--I haven't found one yet.
Click to expand...

Thanks. If this keyboard came with Cherry switches, I'd be all over it. Right now I'm using an old MS wireless 800 keyboard and mouse, non-ergo of course. This keyboard is so old that some of the key labels have worn off.

x509
 
I'm not a doc and what worked for me won't work for everyone, but I felt like sharing anyway.
For me this was that main thing that eliminated all my probs, neutral angle of wrist instead of hands angled up relative to forearm
(see pic at this link)
http://image.shutterstock.com/z/sto...in-use-keyboard-for-health-care-359312504.jpg
Also I now type as lightly as possible with a fairly low resistance keyboard.
My cheapo keyboard choice might make people roll their eyes, but for me all the ergo keyboards were bunk

I use logitech wireless m570 trackball and k360 wireless keyboard.
 
BenWah said:
I'm not a doc and what worked for me won't work for everyone, but I felt like sharing anyway.
For me this was that main thing that eliminated all my probs, neutral angle of wrist instead of hands angled up relative to forearm
(see pic at this link)
http://image.shutterstock.com/z/sto...in-use-keyboard-for-health-care-359312504.jpg
Also I now type as lightly as possible with a fairly low resistance keyboard.
My cheapo keyboard choice might make people roll their eyes, but for me all the ergo keyboards were bunk

I use logitech wireless m570 trackball and k360 wireless keyboard.
Click to expand...
I recently bought a "Handshoe" mouse, which is at a 45 degree angle. It also has some removeable weights, which I took out. Still looking for the keyboard. Some of these ergo keyboards may be good, but their prices are simply ridiculous. :pompous:
 
skeeder said:
In short--no.

I have used the Ergo 4000 and they did just update it to a slightly nicer version called 'sculpt'.

Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Keyboard & Mouse | Microsoft Accessories

I like the newer version a little better since the keys don't have the same length of travel and the numberpad is completely separate so I can set it aside and keep my mouse (M570 trackball for work) closer.

That being said, if you find something I'd be interested--I haven't found one yet.
Click to expand...

+1 for the sculpt. I have been using it for 2-3 years and it's awesome. The keys are chicklet style, but the action has a noticeable scissor-switch feel to it when pressed - way better than any laptop I've ever used, and after all this time it's not mushy like a membrane KB. I have a mechanical - cherry brown - that I use for gaming (NKRO, precision), but for typing I prefer this microsoft KB way more. I like the negative tilt and the split. It feels and works great after all these years. Highly recommended.

Also, for those who prefer mechanical keyboards, that's great, but I feel like you're being really picky. If the doc says go ergo, go ergo, regardless of "mechanical." It's a perk but shouldn't be a deciding factor. Heck, buy a membrane KB and replace it every year. Don't mess with carpel tunnel. I know a few people with it and they're miserable. Surgery helps, but it's expensive, intrusive, and requires recovery. Don't let mechanical keys get in the way.
 
Kinesis and the ErgoDox have already been mentioned, but let me add one more if you're willing to wait a little while - Model 01 Keyboard . Alas, all of these are above your price range but looking for anything ergonomic (both the word "ergonomic" and something actually set up to be ergonomically beneficial) and mechanical tend to raise the price. I'm not aware of any reputable, well made keyboard with your specifications and in the price range you quoted, I'm afraid.
 
Some keyboards to consider for future reference:

Matias Ergo Pro (split keyboard, Alps clone switches)
Goldtouch (adjustable, membrane)
Goldtouch V2 (adjustable, membrane)
Kinesis Freestyle 2 (split, membrane)

As far as I know the Matias is the only mainstream split keyboard with mechanical keys and a reasonably standard key layout.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top