The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?

[Bruce]

I know. Fair cop.
But that is my honest opinion.

[Rajagra]

I like to try one once
So.. UK shop says UK rsi medicine men advice UK invented ergo board which is the best ever made anywhere? And you happen to sell those?

We were the first to mass produce toothbrushes too, we get no credit for that either. Oh, no, just ridiculous stereotypes...

[Bruce]

What happens in an ergoboard Deathmatch?
Isn't there some EU law we'd be breaking?  

[Rajagra]

Stereotype? You air a sci-fi show about people with silly teeth, called Dr. Who.

Well, we may as well join in the fun...
[youtube]dwyanSMayf4[/youtube]

[timw4mail]

We were the first to mass produce toothbrushes too, we get no credit for that either. Oh, no, just ridiculous stereotypes...

Considering the number of simultaneous inventions that seem to have happened, its not too surprising that one country would try to claim it first over another. According to Wikipedia, Polypropylene, a very common plastic, was actually independently invented about 9 times.

[itlnstln]

Ouch.  I guess he won't be using any of those foot pedal keyboards.

[Input Nirvana]

Does anyone think remapping can be added to a Maltron? We'll do it if it's reasonably possible, AND split the darn thing into 2 pieces (losing 4 keys in the process).

[joniho]

Ouch.  I guess he won't be using any of those foot pedal keyboards.

Beat me to it!

[itlnstln]

Hmm... I think you got the victor swapped. Everybody knows Darth Maul is a traditional Dutch name.

Oh, I just saw the standard-layout keyboard in his hand (minus a few letters, for some reason; Hawaiian layout, perhaps).

[JBert]

Just for the record: an Ergodex DX1 the size of a full-fledged keyboard with extra keys would be interesting.

At least you could prototype your keyboard layout before making some expensive custom keyboard.

[urlwolf]

Just got the kinesis and I'm very impressed...

[alexlzl]

As a programmer, I have suffered RSI for quite many years, and went through so many keyboards/mice and here are some experience I have to share:

- Kinesis Advantage is by far the only keeper. I struggled many months (ordered and returned once) in order to get used to it. I had the similar fear: weird arrow keys, small ESC and Function keys. Turns out those are easy to get over with problems (took me months though):

   - just map ESC to Caps Lock,
   - if you prefer you can map arrow keys to one side (like vi style). And you really don't use Function key that often anyway (or get the Pro version, its function keys are bit bigger)
   - stick a touchpad (like ergotouchpad.com) in the middle of the keyboard to save SOME movement to mouse
   - foot pedal design is genius on Kinesis (get the traditional pedal not the fancy USB ones). Traditional pedal is cheaper, can be mapped as a key, there is no driver required (I use linux).
   - get use to the Cherry Brown, you don't need to bottom the key at all
   - I still have some pain here and there, but seems Kinesis is doing alright. Also I am learning Colemak now.

- GoldTouch: used for 4 years, was swearing by it (bought 5). Eventually the membrane keys gave up, and once I typed on Cherry, no going back.

- Typematrix: has to cramp my hands on such a small space is crazy. Recent layout is totally crazy

- Realforce/HHKB Pro: love the keys, however my wrists can't stand them for more than one hour

[microsoft windows]

If I had the money, I'd love an M15. An adjustable split-ergonomic keyboard with buckling springs would be the best. If only they had trackballs though...

[lmnop]

how many ergonomic keyboards use cherry switches?

I miss my Microsoft Natural Elite keyboard I loved the posture and speed it gave me. I am using a Das Ultimate Professional so I have been thinking about a ergo transplant and I find the biggest obstacle is the keycaps for example on a ergo keyboard the spacebars can't be replaced and I don't think any company will fabricate new ones for such a small order.

[Vinz]

One keyboard that's hardly ever mentioned here in ergonomic discussions but deserves to be is the Comfort Keyboard: http://comfortkeyboard.com/keyboards_comfort.html

It's adjustability is far better than any other keyboard I've seen. It's main drawback for users of this forum is that it has fairly horrible rubber dome keys. I've always thought the bastard child of a Kinesis and a CK would be the perfect ergonomic keyboard.

[spremino]

Best:
DataHand Pro II

The DataHand indeed seems a real deal as ergonomic keyboards go.

I'd use an ergonomic keyboard, but having to type on a laptop half the time does not help things. Therefore, I currently use a standard keyboard with a few adjustments:

- shift the right hand one column to the right;
- use a customized ergonomic layout;
- testing usage of a Japanese mechanical keyboard (FILCO FKBN91M) because the shorter space bar allows for an easy reach of modifiers by means of the thumbs;
- use a trackball with my left hand.

I don't experience pain in my hands anymore.

[konz]

By the way, rumor has it that Datahand is currently producing a new batch ...

[alexlzl]

I am 100% intrigued by the Datahand, however it is such a turn-off by their ridiculous 90-days warranty for such an expensive board, also the 15% restocking fee with 15 day return period.

I think the reason that most of the "ergo" stuff are super expensive is simply many big companies treat RSI as work-related injury and thus insurance companies are usually paying the bill (it is still much cheaper than paying for therapy). That also explains a bit why they may not have high return rate (why bother?).

Couple more comments:
- tried and hated Kinesis Freestyle (it is a piece of crap rubber dome, shame on Kinesis)
- was interested in Safetype, now guess I will pass

[microsoft windows]

I want that keyboard.

[ch_123]

In my books, a numpad-less keyboard is as ergonomic as I need.

[ch_123]

Ok, one with a decent layout and good swithces... But nonetheless, I have never had any RSI/CT type problems arising for using a regular board.

[Buckling_Summer]

Maltron or Kinesis?

[Input Nirvana]

I vote Kinesis.

You have the keys from the middle field on the Maltron on the Kinesis (it's mostly the 10 key anyhow). The Kinesis is half the cost, has foot pedal options, is macro-programable, and is easier to maneuver around for non-traditional desk/chair usage. The rubber function keys are a bit of a bummer, but again, they are usually not frequent use.

[ricercar]

I paid for two Kinesis, and one Maltron. I use the Kinesis.

[microsoft windows]

If I saw an M15 at a tag sale for cheap, I'd buy that. Options by IBM is the way to go!

[watduzhkstand4]

Personally, I'd love a keyboard like a Maltron, I just wouldn't want to have to pay for it.

you just took the words out of my mouth