Author Topic: The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?  (Read 24646 times)

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Offline spremino

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 17:51:36 »
As it showed up in a different thread, modern keyboards have inherited a layout designed to overcome limitations of first mechanical typewriters.

However, ergonomically designed keyboards (for instance: Maltron), have not achieved much success because people look at them as "weird". Standard keyboards, more or less splitted, but still with "one way" staggered keys and rubber dome switches are considered to be hands savers.

How much "weirdness" would you get from an ergonomic keyboard? Simmetrically staggered keys (like uTron)? More keys for the thumbs? Foot pedals?
A long space bar... what a waste of space!

Offline timw4mail

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 18:06:13 »
Personally, I'd love a keyboard like a Maltron, I just wouldn't want to have to pay for it.
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Offline spremino

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 18:13:19 »
Quote from: timw4mail;115904
Personally, I'd love a keyboard like a Maltron, I just wouldn't want to have to pay for it.


Well, a cheaper licensed replica exists, clocking at 175 USD:

http://www.teleprint.com/

However, it seems it's not currently available.

I'm adding another question: are there any issues "ve not mentioned that you'd like to fix in current standard keyboards or you would like to have in your dream keyboard?

Thanks.
A long space bar... what a waste of space!

Offline D-EJ915

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 18:19:00 »
One thing that has always bugged me about those ergo split boards is they never have the middle keys from both sides of the board on both sides.  Some will have y on one side and some will have it on the other.  Why not have it on both?  That's the reason I'll never buy one of those boards.

Offline timw4mail

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 18:22:19 »
My only real complaint with current keyboards is the placement of Caps Lock, so that it is too easy to hit when you just want to use shift.

I do see how a finger-length adjusted keyboard, like the Maltron, or the Kinesis Advantage would really make a comfort difference, but beyond that, I'm not really that dissatisfied with the comfort of my keyboards.
Buckling Springs IBM Model F AT, New Model F 77, Unicomp New Model M
Clicky iOne Scorpius M10, OCN-branded Ducky DK-9008-C, Blackmore Nocturna, Redragon Kumara K552-1, Qtronix Scorpius Keypad, Chicony KB-5181(Monterey)
Tactile Apple AEKII (Cream damped ALPS), Filco FKBN91M/JB (Japanese Tenkeyless), Cherry G84-5200, Cherry G84-4100LPAUS, Datalux Spacesaver(Cherry ML), Redragon Devarajas K556 RGB, Newmen GM711, Poker II (Cherry MX Clear), Logitech G910 Orion Spark, Logitech K840
Linear Lenovo Y (Gateron Red), Aluminum kiosk keyboard (Cherry MX Black)

Offline skriefal

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 20:59:52 »
I'd very seriously consider an HHKB with an adjustable split, similar to the adjustable Goldtouch keyboards.  Optional pedals for Shift and Fn would be great, too.  That might defeat some of the minimalist goals, of course, but it sure would be interesting to use.

Offline huha

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 08 September 2009, 21:12:31 »
I see a fundamental flaw with most ergonomic keyboards; they ignore the need to use a mouse from time to time. All ergonomic attempts are ultimately futile if you've got to move your hand to the mouse every other minute, because some badly designed website or program or what have you requires you to click on something. The pointing device doesn't need to be the best pointing device in the world, but it needs to be readily accessible from the home row or your finger position.

That's why I think the Datahand is paramount. I've never used one, but I think I'd like it for the integrated pointing device alone. Ergo keyboards without pointing devices are ultimately stuck in the early 80s where there was no need for a pointing device. Heck, all keyboards without pointing devices are ultimately stuck in the 80s, and no fancy screen will remedy that.

If we swiftly ignore this issue, I think I'd fancy the µtron. Webwit needs to write a proper review, but from what I've read, it seems to be a "no hand movement" design, which is the only sensible thing to do. I've always been concerned by the large amounts of hand movement required for standard keyboards, especially with small hands.

Oh, and it absolutely needs spherical concave keys, because they're made of pure win.

-huha
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Offline kode

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 09 September 2009, 05:39:21 »
I'd probably go for a Maltron were I to get an "ergonomic keyboard". I'm down to only using the mouse for clicking links in the browser now, anyway. I can do that from the keyboard, sure, but it's still a bit of a hassle. I might look for some opera version of vimperator some day, though, the built in stuff is decent but not great.

Offline spremino

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 09 September 2009, 06:48:08 »
Quote from: kode;116073
I'm down to only using the mouse for clicking links in the browser now, anyway. I can do that from the keyboard, sure, but it's still a bit of a hassle. I might look for some opera version of vimperator some day, though, the built in stuff is decent but not great.


Firefox allows pressing ' to activate links search. Maybe Opera provides a similar functionality.
A long space bar... what a waste of space!

Offline JBert

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 09 September 2009, 06:57:50 »
Quote from: kode;116073
I'd probably go for a Maltron were I to get an "ergonomic keyboard". I'm down to only using the mouse for clicking links in the browser now, anyway. I can do that from the keyboard, sure, but it's still a bit of a hassle. I might look for some opera version of vimperator some day, though, the built in stuff is decent but not great.
What about "Vimperator for Opera" and "Improved hit a hint bookmarklet with your keybind"?

Didn't try them though, and I'm not sure you can make a Colemak layout should you use it.
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Offline kode

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 09 September 2009, 11:33:08 »
Quote from: spremino;116084
Firefox allows pressing ' to activate links search. Maybe Opera provides a similar functionality.


Yeah, "," then search term. But like I said, it's not optimal.

Quote from: JBert;116086
What about "Vimperator for Opera" and "Improved hit a hint bookmarklet with your keybind"?

Didn't try them though, and I'm not sure you can make a Colemak layout should you use it.


Yeah, I haven't actually looked into it yet, I've only been thinking about looking into it. But yeah, that probably looks pretty much spot on.

Offline hyperlinked

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 09 September 2009, 14:28:44 »
Quote from: huha;115978
I see a fundamental flaw with most ergonomic keyboards; they ignore the need to use a mouse from time to time.


And they royally suck if what you do requires your hand to be on a mouse very often. The reason why I ditched my Microsoft Ergo Keyboard that I actually quite liked was because it brought more strain rather than less because when I'm not programming, I often am doing graphic design work or some other kind of work in which I needed my left hand on the keyboard to activate macros and my right hand to position the mouse.

I fould myself "winging" my left shoulder out so I could manipulate a mouse and use the keyboard simultaneously. After that got very uncomfortable, I found myself rotating the keyboard so I could comfortably put my left hand on the left side and of course the problem there was that it became a real pain in the ass whenever I needed to type something real quick and get back to working on some graphics.
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Offline cmr

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 10 September 2009, 12:29:53 »
i would consider an ergonomic keyboard if it had mechanical switches, a standard ANSI QWERTY layout*, a number pad, and all of the following keys duplicated on both hands:

y, h, n, t, g, v, 6, 7, spacebar, F5

i don't actually hit all those keys using both hands but it's the only way to be sure. whenever i have the misfortune of landing on a coworker's split keyboard i constantly find my fingers running into the case when they expect a key.

[size=-3]*see my avatar for correct backspace/backslash/enter. all others summarily rejected[/size]

Offline spremino

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #13 on: Thu, 10 September 2009, 12:39:12 »
Quote from: webwit;116281
I do agree that the switch from and to mouse seems to be a frequent cause of RSI. It was for me, and also the way I rested my hand (wrongly) on the mouse. I also do agree that an integrated mouse makes an ergo board so much better. I no longer have RSI.


Indeed, it could be the mouse itself. I've bought a trackball (Logitech Marble, to use with my left hand) and it makes much difference: when I have to use a mouse at a coworker's workstation, I feel the strain. I've also learned a bunch of keyboard shortcuts to reach for the mouse lesser and lesser.
A long space bar... what a waste of space!

Offline itlnstln

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #14 on: Thu, 10 September 2009, 12:53:22 »
Quote from: cmr;116670
i would consider an ergonomic keyboard if it had mechanical switches, a standard ANSI QWERTY layout*, a number pad, and all of the following keys duplicated on both hands:
 
y, h, n, t, g, v, 6, 7, spacebar, F5
 
i don't actually hit all those keys using both hands but it's the only way to be sure. whenever i have the misfortune of landing on a coworker's split keyboard i constantly find my fingers running into the case when they expect a key.
 
[SIZE=-3]*see my avatar for correct backspace/backslash/enter. all others summarily rejected[/SIZE]

Learn to type, and you won't have this problem. ;)
« Last Edit: Fri, 11 September 2009, 12:58:10 by itlnstln »


Offline joniho

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 12:51:05 »
Is the uTron the only split keyboard with symmetrical halves currently? I'd like to try a split keyboard with inward key staggering without shelling out $500+.

Offline cmr

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 14:03:42 »
Quote from: itlnstln;116684
Learn to type, and you won't have this problem. ;)


oh i know how to type. but once i have one hand on the mouse, the rules change. ergonomic keyboards all seem to be designed based on the mistaken notion that the only way anyone presses keys is "both hands in typing position".

with the 'b' key i tend to alternate, sometimes using my left index finger and sometimes using my right. i haven't figured out yet just what causes me to sometimes use one hand and sometimes the other. there are too many common letters under the left hand anyway.

it is clearly absurd for touch-typing diagrams to put the '6' key on the right hand and the 'b' key on the left. the 'b' key is farther right than the '6'!

Offline cmr

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #17 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 15:33:22 »
i almost exclusively use my right pinky finger for shifting letters

Offline hyperlinked

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #18 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 16:10:42 »
Quote from: cmr;117072
i almost exclusively use my right pinky finger for shifting letters


Curious. I have a tendency to over rely on my left pinky for shifting letters. I think part of this was because I got so used to the Matias Optimizer keyboard's optimizer shortcuts and also so much of my work requires frequent mouse use with my right hand.
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Topre: Realforce 103U Cherry: Filco Majestouch 104 (Brown), Ione Scorpius M10 (Blue)
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M1391401 ALPS: Apple Extended Keyboard II (Cream), ABS M1 (Fukka/Black), MicroConnectors Flavored USB (Black)
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Offline cmr

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 16:39:55 »
Quote from: ripster;117090
I use my left pinky and shift exclusively.  Somebody took away my right one.


i clicked on the link expecting the story of how you lost your right pinky finger.

Offline kode

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 17:34:39 »
I really have to think about which shift I actually use. I guess it's the right one, at least when I write all these capital I's the english language is so found of, but come to think of it, I guess I actually mostly use right shift for other capitalization as well.

Offline spremino

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 17:45:03 »
Quote from: ripster;117090
I use my left pinky and shift exclusively.  Somebody took away my right one.


Ripster, have you investigated the viability of your surgery on other models? I wonder how many more keys you could squeeze from a  Filco...

As for The Shift Survey, I always use my other hand for modifiers.
A long space bar... what a waste of space!

Offline JBert

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 17:45:52 »
Quote from: joniho;117018
Is the uTron the only split keyboard with symmetrical halves currently? I'd like to try a split keyboard with inward key staggering without shelling out $500+.
Except for non-split, non-staggered keyboards, I haven't seen one which took it as far as the µTRON.

The closest I've found is Datadesk's Smartboard, but it is a fixed-split keyboard.


The following link shows the left half of the keyboard with some caps removed, revealing whatever flavour of ALPS switch beneath it: http://www.atpm.com/12.05/images/smartboard5.jpg
You can also see that the rows change their angle depending on which finger is above it.

Larger picture of keyboard: http://diyism.com/!misc/smartboard-lg.jpg
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Offline joniho

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #23 on: Fri, 11 September 2009, 18:47:01 »
Quote from: JBert;117139
Except for non-split, non-staggered keyboards, I haven't seen one which took it as far as the µTRON.

The closest I've found is Datadesk's Smartboard, but it is a fixed-split keyboard.


The following link shows the left half of the keyboard with some caps removed, revealing whatever flavour of ALPS switch beneath it: http://www.atpm.com/12.05/images/smartboard5.jpg
You can also see that the rows change their angle depending on which finger is above it.

Larger picture of keyboard: http://diyism.com/!misc/smartboard-lg.jpg

Those are some interesting F keys!
« Last Edit: Fri, 11 September 2009, 18:55:44 by joniho »

Offline spremino

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #24 on: Sat, 12 September 2009, 06:35:59 »
Did you know that Maltron offers different shapes of keyboards, even flat ones?

http://www.maltron.com/maltron-kbd-jtype.html
http://www.maltron.com/maltron-kbd-flat.html
« Last Edit: Sat, 12 September 2009, 08:21:33 by spremino »
A long space bar... what a waste of space!

Offline timw4mail

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #25 on: Sat, 12 September 2009, 09:28:28 »
Quote from: joniho;117153
Those are some interesting F keys!


They have a tendency to jam...at least they did on the Datadesk Lil' Big Board I used to have.
Buckling Springs IBM Model F AT, New Model F 77, Unicomp New Model M
Clicky iOne Scorpius M10, OCN-branded Ducky DK-9008-C, Blackmore Nocturna, Redragon Kumara K552-1, Qtronix Scorpius Keypad, Chicony KB-5181(Monterey)
Tactile Apple AEKII (Cream damped ALPS), Filco FKBN91M/JB (Japanese Tenkeyless), Cherry G84-5200, Cherry G84-4100LPAUS, Datalux Spacesaver(Cherry ML), Redragon Devarajas K556 RGB, Newmen GM711, Poker II (Cherry MX Clear), Logitech G910 Orion Spark, Logitech K840
Linear Lenovo Y (Gateron Red), Aluminum kiosk keyboard (Cherry MX Black)

Offline joniho

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 12 September 2009, 15:52:56 »
I've found out that TypeMatrix has plans (albeit distant-in-the-future plans) to develop a two-piece keyboard, similar to the uTron but with non-staggered keys.

Unfortunately since the TypeMatrix brand isn't very "big" it'll be some time before such a keyboard can be made. Here's to looking forward to what most members here would think is a silly board. :P

Offline JBert

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #27 on: Sat, 12 September 2009, 16:16:27 »
Quote from: joniho;117322
Unfortunately since the TypeMatrix brand isn't very "big" it'll be some time before such a keyboard can be made. Here's to looking forward to what most members here would think is a silly board. :P
Well, there is still ample room for design mistakes. It does sound interesting though, if only they can build it for a reasonable price.

Quote from: webwit;117324
One way to get a split TypeMatrix is to get two of them. Also solves cmr's problems.
If you want to go modding, that is. Would be an interesting project though...
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Offline joniho

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 12 September 2009, 16:23:08 »
Quote from: webwit;117324
One way to get a split TypeMatrix is to get two of them. Also solves cmr's problems.

Then the half of the keyboards not being used by their respective hands can be used as thumb keys. Sweet!
« Last Edit: Sat, 12 September 2009, 16:26:57 by joniho »

Offline JBert

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 12 September 2009, 16:29:38 »
Quote from: webwit;117338
Why mod? Just plug 'em both in. Heh, I wonder what effect that would have on quick sequences and rollover and stuff.
The rollover situation depends on your OS. Try it if you have a couple of USB keyboards around.

The reason you might want to mod is that when you put two of these next to each other, your left hand goes on the left side of the left board whilst the right hand goes on the right board. I haven't seen the keyboard in question in real-life so I can't judge its size, but it would mean that your hands may be even too far from each other. Oh, and it does take up some extra desk space.


Also, this is a scissor switch board - just so you know.
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Offline Rajagra

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #30 on: Sun, 13 September 2009, 04:41:52 »
Quote from: webwit;117338
Why mod? Just plug 'em both in. Heh, I wonder what effect that would have on quick sequences and rollover and stuff.

The quickest sequences are rolls with one hand, I'd think, so it shouldn't be an issue. (Worth testing though, and easy to do!) If I ever get around to building a split keyboard ... it will in fact be two.
Quote from: joniho;117322
I've found out that TypeMatrix has plans (albeit distant-in-the-future plans) to develop a two-piece keyboard, similar to the uTron but with non-staggered keys.

First rumours of a programmable Typematrix, now a split version.
Give me both in one board, and they have a deal.
« Last Edit: Sun, 13 September 2009, 04:44:40 by Rajagra »

Offline hyperlinked

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #31 on: Sun, 13 September 2009, 09:55:44 »
Quote from: webwit;117238
They sell a carry case for the Mouth-Head Stick keyboard. That's just plainly sadistic.


Not really. There are a lot of disabled people who need to do some computing outside of their home or office. They're not going to find mouth-stick keyboards available to them unless they have one brought along for them.
-

Topre: Realforce 103U Cherry: Filco Majestouch 104 (Brown), Ione Scorpius M10 (Blue)
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M1391401 ALPS: Apple Extended Keyboard II (Cream), ABS M1 (Fukka/Black), MicroConnectors Flavored USB (Black)
Domes: Matias Optimizer, Kensington ComfortType, Microsoft Internet Keyboard
Scissors: Apple Full Sized Aluminum
Pointy Stuff: Razer Imperator, Razer Copperhead, DT225 Trackball, Apple Magic Mouse, Logitech MX1000, Apple Mighty Mouse
Systems: MacPro, MacBook Pro, ASUS eeePC netbook, Dell D600 laptop, a small cluster of Linux Web servers
Displays: Apple Cinema Display 30", Apple Cinema Display 23"
Ergo Devices: Zody Chair, Nightingale CXO, Somaform, Theraball, 3M AKT180LE Keyboard Tray

Offline Rajagra

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #32 on: Sun, 13 September 2009, 10:51:29 »
Quote from: webwit;117238
They sell a carry case for the Mouth-Head Stick keyboard. That's just plainly sadistic.


The truth is out.

Offline Stevie Wonder

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #33 on: Sun, 13 September 2009, 11:29:08 »
Oh Man that's sick.  Picking on the handicapped and all.  Why's everybody laughing during the video?

Offline Stevie Wonder

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #34 on: Sun, 13 September 2009, 13:02:32 »
Very funny.  You're hard, man.  In my Rotterdam concert I thought the Dutch have a peculiar temperament.

Offline Input Nirvana

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The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #35 on: Sun, 13 September 2009, 18:15:35 »
If it was made, I would buy it.

A Kinesis Contoured Advantage that is in 2 halves and mounted to the ends of the armrests.

Fully split, completely adjustable, mechanical switches, non-staggered keys, concave keyboard plane, reprogrammable, macro capable, Colemak layout. Still would need a pointing input, probably a touchpad. This would meet almost all ergonomic requirements.

The only thing comparable is a Datahand (which is BEYOND coolness).

I'm willing to cut mine in half if I can figure out the cabling. I think I have the rest worked out. Ideas are welcome!

Linky someone here posted previously of the innards:
http://skyian.mine.nu/discuz/viewthread.php?tid=992&page=1#pid7909
« Last Edit: Sun, 13 September 2009, 18:20:34 by input nirvana »
Kinesis Advantage cut into 2 halves | RollerMouse Free 2 | Apple Magic Trackpad | Colemak
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Offline HKEPCLED

  • Posts: 8
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #36 on: Mon, 14 September 2009, 00:25:26 »
looking for something eye ball control technology, maybe one day no more keyboard need...

Offline joniho

  • Posts: 33
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #37 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 18:03:59 »
The three that most appeal to me (in no order) are the Kinesis Contoured, uTRON, and Datahand. If I had to pick one of them, I'd have the most trouble between the Kinesis and uTRON. I'm leaning more toward the Kinesis just on price, but also because I think it makes better use of the thumbs.

The Datahand definitely wins in the cool-looking category but I'm skeptical about its layout customization. Also, how is repeated key presses on the directional keys? I feel it is easier to move the finger vertically because you have some assistance from the wrist, but to move sideways or forwards I think I'd have to use the arm or finger joints more.

Offline joniho

  • Posts: 33
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #38 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 19:55:19 »
Quote from: webwit;118253
No DataHand for you! ONE YEAR!


wut

Offline shrap

  • Posts: 215
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 20:20:43 »
I'd buy the Combimouse in an instant. It seems to solve the mouse/keyboard switching conundrum.

Offline o2dazone

  • Posts: 953
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #40 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 21:28:59 »
Quote from: joniho;118269
wut


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lfZg-apSA

Offline rdjack21

  • Posts: 896
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 22:09:33 »
:rofl: Man it has been awhile since I watch those thanks for the link...
Keyboards
Topre Capacitive: Realforce 87U, Realforce 86U, HHKB Pro 2, Topre MD01B0, Topre HE0100, Sun Short Type, OEM NEO CS (x2), NISSHO Electronics KB106DE
Buckling Spring: IBM Model M Space Saver (1291472), Unicomp Customizer x 2
Cherry Brown: Filco FKBN87M/EB, Compaq MX11800
Black Alps: ABS M1
Not so great boards Rare Spring over dome OKI, Sun rack keyboard

Trackballs - Trackman Wheel (3), Trackman marble (2)
Keyboards I still want to get - Happy Hacking Keyboard Pro 2 the White version, Realforce 23U number pad in black and maybe white, μTRON ergo board with Topre switches.
Previously owned - [size=0]SiiG MiniTouch (White Alps), Scorpius M10 (Blue Cherry), IBM Model M13[/size]

Offline joniho

  • Posts: 33
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 22:12:22 »
Quote from: o2dazone;118278
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2lfZg-apSA

So...webwit is the DataHand Nazi?

Offline o2dazone

  • Posts: 953
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #43 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 22:23:55 »
Quote from: webwit;118253
No DataHand for you! ONE YEAR!


He was just quoting soup nazi, replacing "soup" with "datahand"

Offline wellington1869

  • Posts: 2885
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #44 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 22:29:49 »
you mean there's actually someone who doesnt know the soup nazi?
am I really that old?

"Blah blah blah grade school blah blah blah IBM PS/2s blah blah blah I like Model Ms." -- Kishy

using: ms 7000/Das 3

Offline joniho

  • Posts: 33
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #45 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 22:46:05 »
Or maybe I'm just young (21).

Or oblivious (more than likely).

Offline wellington1869

  • Posts: 2885
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #46 on: Tue, 15 September 2009, 23:50:28 »
Quote from: joniho;118295
Or maybe I'm just young (21).

Or oblivious (more than likely).


well, I suppose you can be excused for being 7 years old when that episode first aired... though I have to say, in reruns that flood the airwaves at 7pm and 11pm, that episode must have aired a gazillion times by now, lol ;)

(and my god, i am getting old. Its not fair... :(  feels like it was yesterday when I watched the ol' soup nazi)

"Blah blah blah grade school blah blah blah IBM PS/2s blah blah blah I like Model Ms." -- Kishy

using: ms 7000/Das 3

Offline joniho

  • Posts: 33
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #47 on: Wed, 16 September 2009, 00:33:22 »
Quote from: ripster;118298
None of those Jedi Mind Tricks!  No DataHANDs for YOU!

I never knew DataHands came in red hand-shaped models.

Plus you know Luke only has one hand...


EDIT: Oh I see what you did there.
« Last Edit: Wed, 16 September 2009, 00:36:20 by joniho »

Offline urlwolf

  • Posts: 107
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 16 September 2009, 01:42:01 »
Interesting that there's not much love for the kinesis contour in this forum. It has a lot going for it, good switches, cheaper than mutron and on par with topres, etc... but very few owners. Never listed on favorites. Why is that?
keyboards: Cherry G80-3494- cherry reds | filco majestytouch - cherry browns | kinesis contour - cherry browns | cherry G80 - 1800 cherry blacks.
mice: filco touchpad | logitech G9x | wowpen joy | kensington orbit trackball | zalman fpsgun | intellimouse v1 | logitech rx1500

Offline rdh

  • Posts: 121
The ergonomic keyboard you would buy?
« Reply #49 on: Wed, 16 September 2009, 02:37:32 »
Quote from: urlwolf;118337
mutron


Do you mean μTron or Maltron?
Your question seems to work either way.  :-)


As a partial answer, see Jcooper01's post earlier in this topic.

Other partial reasons might be:  price (fairly high), looks (maybe?  the μTron looks a lot slicker, to me; the various Maltrons look worse), and some folks have conservative tastes in layouts (look at the *****ing people do about the layout of the XT version of the Model F, and that's only a little different).

I stopped using my Kinesis Advantage pretty early for a pair of fairly trivial reasons: I realized how annoying it was to reach the square bracket key with the right ring finger (What can I say?  I do a lot of Perl), and it was considerably noisier than my then-daily-driver: one of the nicer Key Tronic rubber dome boards.  I kept it, though, against possible future need.  

It is a pretty decent keyboard, and I like the brown Cherry switches.  Its main drawback (for me) is tied into it's primary selling point: the unusual layout.  Someday I ought to puzzle out a tweak or two for the layout and give it another chance.
at home: IBM "Space Saving" Model M
at work: Topre Realforce 87UKB55