Kinesis Contoured Try & Forward

[dorkvader]

Bytheway, is it okay if I hang onto it for another half-week or so. I just realized my time is almost up, and I need to figure out how to get the new box and packing materials from work. Then I'll get the address of the next in line (Dox isn't it?) and mail it out.

They'll let me take the materials (we normally throw it out), but there's no way I'll be able to bike home with a box that size.

Can anyone recommend a shipping method (ups, fedex, etc) for shipping to Canada?

[sordna]

Sure you could ship it to Dox early next week. Never shipped to Canada, you gotta shop around a bit, most carriers including USPS allow you to specify package dimentions and weight and get a quote online.

[sordna]

Dorkvader, when will you be shipping the keyboard to Dox ?

[kps]

Can anyone recommend a shipping method (ups, fedex, etc) for shipping to Canada?

USPS. UPS will screw the recipient with an extortionate 'brokerage fee'.

[silent-circuit]

I imagine it's much too late to get in line for this, but if possible I'd love to try it out. I'm starting to get RSI issues with my wrists, so this may be a very good thing for me.

[Input Nirvana]

I imagine it's much too late to get in line for this, but if possible I'd love to try it out. I'm starting to get RSI issues with my wrists, so this may be a very good thing for me.

Where are you?

[boli]

I imagine it's much too late to get in line for this, but if possible I'd love to try it out. I'm starting to get RSI issues with my wrists, so this may be a very good thing for me.

In case Input Nirvana can't hook you up you might wanna consider getting one from Kinesis themselves, they do offer a 60 day money-back guarantee. Sure you'd have to pay twice for shipment if you return it, but it still beats health issues.

Personally I prefer the Advantage LF (special order with Cherry red switches) over the standard one with Cherry browns, but that's personal preference. See link in signature.

[sordna]

fentek-ind.com honours the 60 day guarantee, and they have free shipping. So I think you would only have to pay for the return shipping, if you're in the US.

[Dox]

I got it today from dorkvader, triple boxed! But I think he forgot the manual. I haven't tried it yet on my computer but out of the box, the bowl shape/matrix layout is a real pleasure to type on. I will definitively need to break some bad habits to type properly on it.

[jrockroll]

i definitely want to try this

[sordna]

I got it today from dorkvader, triple boxed! But I think he forgot the manual. I haven't tried it yet on my computer but out of the box, the bowl shape/matrix layout is a real pleasure to type on. I will definitively need to break some bad habits to type properly on it.

Wow, my keyboard became an international sensation! Please disregard the switch feel in your evaluation, those cherry browns are like 20 years old, heavily used, and have lost a lot of their tactility as well as their lubrication. You may try a good lube like Deoxit F100 if you wish. Take your time with the keyboard, I want the ErgoDox design to benefit as much as possible from your experience.

i definitely want to try this

Added you to the list.

[jrockroll]

so we can keep this for couple weeks to try?

[sordna]

Yup, couple of weeks is mentioned in the OP.

I will let Dox keep it for a month though, to help with the ErgoDox design considerations.

[Roguemaster8]

I'll give er' a go.

Can you add my name to the list Sordna?

[sordna]

I'll give er' a go.

Can you add my name to the list Sordna?

done

[Changdrew]

Do want. Have been using regular keyboards and want to see how a ergonomic keyboard compares.

[wiredPANDA]

I'm actually interested in getting into the rotation, as well.  I was originally eyeing a Kinesis Freestyle - moved to the Advantage - and somehow ended up with a Leopold TKL in the end.  Live with RSI issues, so ergo boards definitely have my attention; I just haven't used them as much lately.

I know I'm a newer member to the community - if needed, I can provide PayPal information when/if we ever get that far into the rotation.

[sordna]

Ok, added Changdrew and wiredPANDA to the list.

[shrap]

Three and a half months, three users. I might see this keyboard before the end of the year.

It's a great thing you're doing sordna, but this passaround is not for the impatient.

[jblack801]

This is an awesome idea. I'd love to be added as well if possible.

[sordna]

Added. Hmm, I was hoping for some experience to be shared from the participants so far, dorkvader, Dox  ??

[sordna]

Added. I also added in the OP that folks should post about their experience with the keyboard in this thread.

[Dox]

I was bout to write my impressions on the kinesis so here we go.

It's my third week using the keyboard at work (programmer). I used it for a week at home before to get used to the layout and get up to speed.
I did get some very weird looks and comments when I took it to work.

The first thing I noticed is my bad habits (and the scratchy switches). I never learned the proper typing method before and I usually type the key with the hand/finger that is closer to it when I need it. I also use my pinkies a lot less than I should.
But learning the proper method is a breeze with the kinesis. With the bowl shape and the matrix layout, you are a bit forced to use the proper finger for each column.
The bowl is a bit too deep for my hands, I think the ergoDox will provide a good balance with the slightly staggered matrix layout and will still allow me to use a non perfect typing method that is just faster in some case.
The rubber function keys are just plain painful. I used a AHK script to remap the Esc and F keys on the number row.

The thumb keys are fabulous, I'm glad that I added some more to the ergoDox from the initial 2 but I personally don't have use for more than 6 and the extra keys in my design.
I noticed that at the end of the day, my arms, hands and fingers were much less stressed than with a regular keyboard. If I wasn't building my own keyboards, I would definitively buy one. Sending it to the next person and being stuck with regular keyboard will force me to finish my project. sordna, you can send me the address of the next one on the list.

A huge thanks to sordna for doing this!

Tl;dr: Good keyboard, recommended!

[jblack801]

Awesome. Good to read some feedback. I can't wait to try it out.

[sordna]

Hmm, I believe Zanth and heuristicist are in Canada, wondering if it makes sense for them to get it next, otherwise 500_pts is next.

[Lanx]

I was bout to write my impressions on the kinesis so here we go.

It's my third week using the keyboard at work (programmer). I used it for a week at home before to get used to the layout and get up to speed.
I did get some very weird looks and comments when I took it to work.

The first thing I noticed is my bad habits (and the scratchy switches). I never learned the proper typing method before and I usually type the key with the hand/finger that is closer to it when I need it. I also use my pinkies a lot less than I should.
But learning the proper method is a breeze with the kinesis. With the bowl shape and the matrix layout, you are a bit forced to use the proper finger for each column.
The bowl is a bit too deep for my hands, I think the ergoDox will provide a good balance with the slightly staggered matrix layout and will still allow me to use a non perfect typing method that is just faster in some case.
The rubber function keys are just plain painful. I used a AHK script to remap the Esc and F keys on the number row.

The thumb keys are fabulous, I'm glad that I added some more to the ergoDox from the initial 2 but I personally don't have use for more than 6 and the extra keys in my design.
I noticed that at the end of the day, my arms, hands and fingers were much less stressed than with a regular keyboard. If I wasn't building my own keyboards, I would definitively buy one. Sending it to the next person and being stuck with regular keyboard will force me to finish my project. sordna, you can send me the address of the next one on the list.

A huge thanks to sordna for doing this!

Tl;dr: Good keyboard, recommended!

oh does that mean you're ready for more input from kinesis users for the ergodox? heh

[Dox]

Always ready for some input but the design as it is right now is pretty much what I'm going for (at least for my first prototype).
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 46260[/ATTACH]

[jblack801]

I really like the look of the prototype. I like the gray chassis.

[heuristicist]

I am very likely going to be in California from June through August. I'm far enough down the list that assuming exactly two weeks per person I'll be back in Toronto before it's my turn, but if you want to adjust the order of the people receiving it for proximity (i.e. bump the Canadians up since Dox is also in Canada) then I'm just making it known that I will only be in Canada up until the end of May (Technically I'll still be in Canada for the first bit of June but I will be in Montreal for a conference.)

[ahjota]

Can you add me to the list, sordna? Fairfax/Arlington, VA.

I love that all of these "try and forward" opportunities are available here at Geekhack.