best keyboard for me

[xeon123]

Hi,

I bet that similar posts like this exists here, but I need your advice.

I am at the computer all day writing and programming, and I am trying to buy a new keyboard. I tend to have pain in my hands, shoulders, and neck at the end of the day. Currently, I use a Microsoft keyboard layout 3000 and Dvorak layout. I am a tall guy (1m85) with broad shoulders (58cm). I admit that I have some problems in the posture, like writing with the palms of my hands resting on the table. Also with this keyboard, my elbows are away from my body, and I still can't avoid all the wrists movements that can take me to suffer from RSI (http://www.ergovancouver.net/wrist_movements.htm). I've looked to these keyboards (Totalmatrix 2020/2030, Truly Ergonomic keyboard, ErgoDox, Kinesis Advantage, and EliteKeyboards 66key Tactile Touch "Mini" Keyboard), but I don't know what should I choose.

Does anyone has any idea of what might be the best option for a tall guy.

[Shuki]

Well seeing as the problem seems to be caused by the arrangement of your chair and desk, I don't think any keyboard will alleviate your issues.

[meiosis]

There are gloves that help slow down carpal tunnel, keyboard would not really effect it much, but avoid MX Black/clear. Probably go with MxBrown as it requires the least force to type on.

[rowdy]

Could be a matter of ergonomics.

I am about 187cm tall, and found some problems with my right shoulder.

I think the cause is using a full size keyboard and having the mouse too far out to the right.  I switched to a TKL keyboard at work (and a HHKB at home) and that seems to have helped a bit.

What works for me might not for you, but due to an old neck injury I prefer to have my head pointing slightly down, so I have my chair slightly higher and my monitor slightly lower - works for me.

I try to keep my elbows at my sides and not reach out at a 45 degree angle for the mouse, so a smaller keyboard helps.

Perhaps try a lighter switch - browns if you want tactile, or reds if not.  I do have fairly strong fingers, so MX blacks don't bother me much (but I do like reds and Topre, which are the two main keyboards I am using atm).

[Tony]

You should try Cherry brown switch, it's softer on the hands. For ergonomics, Kinesis would be the best, but a Filco or Typematrix is also fine.

For tall/short guys, you must choose an appropriate chair and desk.

[Kempher]

Yeah, you should go with blue or browns, I doubt he will want to type on reds all day, that would be a nightmare. I know theres keyboards designed to help get rid of the pains you having, but someone else will have to comment about those, I would also suggest using the search feature to possibly find any keyboards for your specific reasons.

[kurplop]

I think that you are wise to address these issues now. Most people who work at a keyboard all day will eventually develop some degree of discomfort and the sooner it's addressed the better.

The Truly Ergonomic keyboard has a good build and is split some, which helps reduce ulnar deviation. Beware however, they have a lousy track record responding to complaints.

If you are willing to assemble it yourself, the ErgoDox is an excellent choice. If you're creative, it allows you to customize the split, spacing and tenting. Remapping keys is a big plus.

Although I have never used one, the Kinesis Advantage seems to have a lot going for it. I have been modifying an ErgoDox and the more I change it, the more it resembles the Advantage. There are many faithful Advantage users here and I've heard the company's support is outstanding. If you don't want to bother with a kit, the Advantage may be your best choice.

Some who didn't want to change to a different layout found an inexpensive solution in the Kinesis freestyle or the Gold touch. At under $100 it is possible solution. The switches aren't mechanical.

I have personally found the combination of an ergonomic keyboard, adjustable tray and adjustable chair have greatly helped me. See my ergonomic journey here. http://flic.kr/s/aHsjFazJhh

[fohat.digs]

I am about the same size, and agree that the chair/desk configuration is a big factor.

The numpad is important to me, so I use a full-size (and then some!) keyboard, but I also swear by this mouse:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WOWPEN-JOY-Wow-Pen-Vertical-Optical-USB-Mouse-Ergonomic-Wrist-Pain-Black-/160952852700?pt=Mice&hash=item257989a0dc

[Larken]

shoulders and neck pains are more likely due to chair and workspace ergonomics - height of table, chair, monitor, arm rests are a few things to look at. your height is definitely a factor with respect to all the above. a monitor that's placed too low or too high might be the thing causing your neck pains. shoulders on the other hand, might be due to your chair/arm rest/ supports. keep in mind that this is an extremely generalized statement I'm making here - as ergonomic issues vary from differing work spaces, person to person and their underlying medical/physical conditions, it is hard to pinpoint the cause on a theoretical basis. you'd need to look at your own workspace as well as your own work habits to figure out what adjustments you would have to make.

another thing is to not be resting your palms on a hard surface while you're typing - so some habit correction is probably required.

as for keyboards - I think the advantage would be the ideal ready-to-go solution, but given the choice, I'd go with the ergodox because of the adjustable split distance (which is if you are willing to do the assembly or have someone available to help with it). The programmable layout is a nice bonus since you're using Dvorak; the ergodox can contain layers for both qwerty and dvorak without having a OS workaround.

a keyboard change might help with the wrist pains, but its not likely to fix your other problems.

[walterwhite8]

you should fix your posture and take more rest instead 

[hoggy]

Kinesis advantage will help with getting your wrists off the desk.