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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: andb on Wed, 03 December 2008, 00:11:18

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: andb on Wed, 03 December 2008, 00:11:18

I was doing a bit of searching for ergonomics keyboards and came across the DataHand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rzFqEqzhmA

The concept seems pretty good. They aren't made anymore seem to sell on Ebay for 700-1000USD (so better get an extra for parts) making them one of the most expensive keyboards out there. But the design is so interesting that I cant help but wonder if it might be worth it.

I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with this.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: Chloe on Wed, 03 December 2008, 00:21:53

It looks like she's typing so slowly. I'd like to see a clip of someone typing at 80-100 WPM.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: djones on Wed, 03 December 2008, 00:34:05

no experience but I know it's outta production-- you used to be able to get the personal version for $500.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 03 December 2008, 00:43:29

That would take some time to get used to, but it might be worth it.  I think the hardest/weirdest motion, IMO, is the east-west motion with the fingers.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: Chloe on Wed, 03 December 2008, 04:54:02

I agree, it doesn't seem natural to move the fingers from side to side like that. I imagine this will cause some other kinds of RSI.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: dlarellano on Wed, 03 December 2008, 10:49:30

The look on her face tells me she's not doing so great with her typing.

I agree with the awkward east-west movements, especially for the ring fingers.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: wellington1869 on Wed, 03 December 2008, 10:59:34

Thats the wackiest thing I've ever seen. She looks like she's tickling someone.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: andb on Wed, 03 December 2008, 12:43:25

Yeah, the side to side, or east-west axis in their terms, looks like a tough one. The basic idea makes sense, you perform only one movement on a normal keyboard (pushing), on this contraption each finger has 5 motions. Just that alone means an 80% reduction in how many times you execute a single motion while typing.

If one of these were available for a lower price, I might play with it, but I don't see spending over $500 on something that doesn't have spare parts available if it breaks!

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: bhtooefr on Wed, 03 December 2008, 22:08:09

Offtopic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOaJeRPXU48 (in the related videos)

It honestly looks like some high-school film class project.

Title: DataHand, has anyone used one of these?
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 03 December 2008, 22:24:13

Quote from: bhtooefr;13513

Offtopic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOaJeRPXU48 (in the related videos)

It honestly looks like some high-school film class project.

Other than the "host" being fairly cute, the ad didn't offer much.  All I know is I have nothing to lose and so much to gain with the no-hands mouse.