My hands are hurting so I really need a good keyboard (and mouse, but I will take care of this later). I've never had one, always laptops.
I'm a little afraid be the kinesis (price and design), I'm not sure the typematrix is really ergonomic. The TE seemed perfect to me (but the full price is really high).
So I don't know.
Any advice?
You sound like me last year. I thought that one new device would fix my hands.
lol -- I went through a LOT of input devices. And got better
Your hands need to last the rest of your life. Don't f*** around, fix your ergonomics right away. You don't have time to wait for vaporware like the TE, you may be injuring yourself more every day. If your hands hurt after two days without using the computer, you need a doctor immediately.
This is what worked for me...
Lifestyle:
* Reduced coffee intake modestly.
* Reduced computer use outside of work modestly.
* Quit my awful job, got a much better one. I am still programming, just not at an insane stress level.
* I'm less of a perfectionist. F*** up now and then and relax about it
Work habits:
* Learned to touch type
* Learned Colemak layout
* I use the phone more and email less
* Learned keyboard shortcuts. On UNIX I use the *awesome* window manager, which allows total keyboard control.
Medical:
* Saw a Dr., he gave me two weeks of an NSAID and wrist braces to wear at night. Both helped. I still use the braces.
* "The Mindbody Prescription" by John Sarno. Explains how psychological factors can cause pain and how you can remedy this. If you are stressed and angry a lot, read it.
Hardware:
* Keyboard trays: you gotta be at the right height. Most desks are too high.
* Kinesis Contoured: awesome keyboard, and a great way to learn how to touch type using the correct finger for each key. My daily drivers. You can get clean used ones for $100-ish.
* Seat: found supportive, adjustable chairs.
* Trackballs: the KEM and m570 are good.
* The Contour Rollermouse is very good, I'll probably buy a 2nd.
* Switches: Low force helps; 40-50g switches are easier than 65-80g switches like buckling springs. The Kinesis uses cherry browns, they are 45g with just enough tactility -- very comfy.
Things that DID NOT HELP AT ALL:
* Model M SSKs. Yes the mouse is a few cm closer but you're still whacking on stiff switches. Shares the design flaws of any flat, staggered, rectangular board.
* Siig Minitouch. Like Model M SSKs but with even worse switches (XMs.)
* Alternate hand mousing. My left hand hurt soon after switching to it.
* CST trackball. It's wrist-rest-resistant, the ball is heavy, the buttons are heavy, the scroll wheel has a bad location.
* QWERTY hunt-and-peck encourages you to hit the keyboard too hard, with large muscle movements. (Touch typing on Colemak is night-and-day different: it's all small muscle movements, low impact, and as low force as your switches allow.)
It's worth the effort. The sun will rise one day and you won't be thinking about pain!!