Yes, I think the Maltron has slightly more comfortable hand placement. Too bad it comes with black cherries and isn't programmable. By the way, have you ever tried a Kinesis? If so, how would you compare the two?
I need to try a Maltron.
Most notable difference during usage (apart from what you see in the photos) is the switches, MX browns (soft, tactile) on the Kinesis vs blacks (heavier, linear) on the Maltron.
The Essential is an older PS/2 version, which, IIRC is programmable but doesn't have on-board memory like the Classic or the Advantage, so any programming is lost when you turn the power off. Other than that, the Essential has the exact same layout/geometry/switches and audible speaker as all the others.
I want to compare the hand angles (pronation etc) of the maltron to the kinesisThis paper (http://www.maltron.com/keyboard-info/academic-papers/234-a-keyboard-to-increase-productivity-and-reduce-postural-stress.html) on Maltron's web site states that the pronation angle is 15° for the three outer fingers and 20° for the index finger. There is also a graph that shows it. You will have to scroll down a bit, because first it covers the early versions that did not adjust for pronation.
Are the major keys on the Kinesis also angled like this? It appears to me as if the keys are angled differently for each finger, with the pinky and ring finger keys not angled at all.They are angled almost the same as the maltron (just very slightly less). Even the pinky keys are angled (but less that the index finger keys). Here's a random pic off the net that shows this clearly:
I have read that the finger-keys on the Maltron are more comfortably placed than on the Kinesis, but that the thumb keys on the Kinesis are better angled. Anyone who have tried both?
Has anyone tried the blue cube on an essential?
They are angled almost the same as the maltron (just very slightly less). Even the pinky keys are angled (but less that the index finger keys). Here's a random pic off the net that shows this clearly:Show Image(http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8e2njErIS1qzykueo1_500.jpg)
I think the finger keys are about the same. As for the thumb keys, I think on the kinesis they are a bit too flat and on the maltron they are way too angled. Something in between would be perfect for me.
IRONMAN31: I just tried the bluecube on my kinesis classic, it works fine, except the on-keyboard repeat rate adjustment doesn't seem to work. However you can still adjust that from the OS. But programmability, dvorak switching, etc works. If you find a used essential for under $100 I'd say go for it, if it's more, better get a new Advantage USB.
I still have an Essential, you can't re-map or program macros, the only programming you can do is for some of the settings (audible clicks, etc.) and even that gets wiped out if it's unplugged. You can add one or two memory modules to make it into a Classic/Professional. The Advantage and Advantage Pro are USB models with one and two memory modules respectively.
The keyboards are exactly the same other than those differences mentioned.
Edit: I placed an order for a Maltron 3D - "programmers version as I see it", with a layout looking like this
Not to drag this thread OT, but are you still selling the keyboards in your signature? I PM'ed you a while ago and got no response, but I figure it's possible you don't check PM's that often...
Hmm, I should get a Kinesis or Maltron one of these days.
Show Image(http://www.comfortkeyboard.com/images/comfort_keyboard.jpg)
but it was a chore to keep the hands in the right place, and also I constantly made typing errors.
But the Maltron is twice the price and for that reason I should be bloody perfect!!!!
The product just isn't as slick as it should be.
Sorry.
If you are concerned about value for money, I can only reiterate I bought my first one in 1986 and it's still working perfectly in 2011, and amortised over that time I defy you to buy a working keyboard for the same price on a yearly basis.
Me, I don't care about appearances. If I did, I'd be suing my parents.
It's not MEANT to look slick. It's a good case of form follows function, with no concession to the fashion conscious. As I've noted previously, the plastic case looks the way it does (wrinkled) because it reduces the amount of reflected light which can cause eyestrain. A small point you may think, but to me it's an example of just how much thought has been put into this design.
Joe
Multiple, are you saying there exists a maltron with this layout, or did you place a totally custom order? If it exists, please provide pointer. If it's a custom order, please explain the procedure needed order such a thing, and what the involved extra cost is. Thanks in advance!
Apparently, you should not ask me how to place a custom order, nor ask me how to contact Maltron -- because they have stonewalled me! I got no response at all.
Multiple,
Which email address did you use to contact Maltron? I was in contact with the sales department last week at this address
"Maltron Sales"
and got a pretty well immediate response (bearing in mind the time zone differences.)
Joe
(Plus you have to bear in mind there's been Easter and the Royal Wedding so maybe the whole country has shut down. :D)
Joe
uTron instead. It has now arrived in my country (China) and it has passed customs and are a few days away from my location.
Multiple,
Just to help Martin with trying to find what happened to your email, could let me know your name and email address so I can forward them? Send me a PM if you like.
Joe
I like the idea of a Kinesis advantage with MX Reds. That may be the thing that gets me to try one finally. I need an ergonomic keyboard for my job and if they offered one with reds I would snatch one up.