split keyboard with trackpoint

[chengas123]

Are there any split keyboards which don't require you to move your hands to use the mouse? (e.g. like a trackpoint on a laptop)

I recently started trying a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard and the split keyboard is relieving a lot of my shoulder tension by placing my shoulders in a more open position. However, it also causes me to a make a very repetitive motion switching between the mouse and keyboard, which has also caused me shoulder pain in the past. I don't need to move my hands at all to use the trackpoint in the center of my laptop keyboard, which I really appreciate. Is there anything like this on an ergonomic desktop keyboard?

[EvillePanda]

There are a couple in development. 

Not a split keyboard, but it does have a trackpoint:  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53669.0

And Acid Fire is talking about adding a trackball to his Axios keyboard:  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.0

I hope that helps!

Worst case, you could get a split keyboard like the Matias Ergo or Kinesis Freestyle and put a trackball in between the two halves.

[davkol]

There are several custom keyboard /mod/ projects with an integrated trackpoint module.

Other than that, LiteOn/Silitek SK-6000 was sold with an integrated touchpad in its palm rest in front of the numpad, and there are several similar solutions, probably the most ergonomic being a trackball in some of the Maltron 3D keyboards.

Personally, I'd rather place a rollermouse in front of a flat keyboard or place a big trackball next to one/each outer side of the keyboard, because trackpoints and similar devices cause me strain in index fingers. Note that I don't use asymmetric /full-size/ keyboards anymore, but an ergodox, kinesis advantage or a typematrix instead.

[plainbriny]

this?
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55960.msg1269568#msg1269568

[trauring]

There is this current Kickstarter campaign, King's Assembly, where the two keyboard halves also move and are laser-mice:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/70308014/kings-assembly-a-computer-mouse-full-of-awesome

[EvillePanda]

That looks like it would put a lot of strain on the wrists as you reached down to type.  Maybe I'm crazy?

[hoggy]

There's the combimouse - but it's still in development.

Would this help? http://www.ergonomictouchpad.com/ 

You could try using the mouse with your left hand.  The MS Ergo extends a good way to the right.  The more recent version of that keyboard (the sculpt) does away with the number pad - just a thought.

Maltron have a keyboard with a trackball in the middle.  Maltron.com

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Would this help? http://www.ergonomictouchpad.

If a touchpad ends up being the answer for the the OP, I'd recommend others unless the clip-on ability is the major selling point. Looking at the instructions for the gestures, they look sort of dated compared to Apple and Logitech.

[chengas123]

Thanks guys. This was an awesome list of suggestions. I didn't see anything exactly like what I wanted, but I think I'm going to try a Kinesis Freestyle2. It doesn't have a number pad on the right, so that will at least minimize the distance my arm has to travel to reach the mouse.

[suka]

Are there any split keyboards which don't require you to move your hands to use the mouse?

Did not want to promote my designs in your thread, but take a look at my DIY thread at deskthority.net for Details in my split ergo boards with trackpoint - I'd never go without again.

[jacobolus]

suka: you just recommend stripping the trackpoint(s) from old thinkpad keyboards, right? Any particular generation of trackpoint you prefer?

[chengas123]

suka, i'd be interested in the thread that you're referring to

best solution i've found so far is to just use the freestyle two on one hand and the laptop keyboard on the other. this gives me both a split keyboard and trackpoint. it's a little funky getting used to (e.g. the keys on the two keyboards are different heights), but seems to be working so far

[jacobolus]

He’s talking about this one http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/-t2534.html (or just google 'suka deskthority')

[davkol]

suka, i'd be interested in the thread that you're referring to

best solution i've found so far is to just use the freestyle two on one hand and the laptop keyboard on the other. this gives me both a split keyboard and trackpoint. it's a little funky getting used to (e.g. the keys on the two keyboards are different heights), but seems to be working so far

O_o

For the price you could get an external thinkpad keyboard and have two nearly the same keyboards, each with a trackpoint.

[suka]

suka: you just recommend stripping the trackpoint(s) from old thinkpad keyboards, right? Any particular generation of trackpoint you prefer?

That is where I got mine from, and still seems like the best bet: I would love to see an available alternative but haven't found any yet, maybe lowpoly has an ace in his sleeve there... Regarding the generation of IBM trackpoints I must admit I did not bother to find out and would not know right away their differences. But Press-to-select works, and the responsiveness and general feel is much like on any of the Thinkpads I used during the last 15 years or so.

[blackbox]

That looks like it would put a lot of strain on the wrists as you reached down to type.  Maybe I'm crazy?

nope youre not. plenty of other people that has pointed that out here:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54723.msg1226025#msg1226025

[EvillePanda]

That looks like it would put a lot of strain on the wrists as you reached down to type.  Maybe I'm crazy?

nope youre not. plenty of other people that has pointed that out here:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54723.msg1226025#msg1226025

I've seen that post.  I think I'm going to save my money for Obra and AcidFire's WIPs.