Looking for an ergo keyboard

[Ribice]

Hey guys

I was looking for an ergo keyboard and came across this forum.

A short history of mine, I'll soon turn 23. I've been using PC whole my life, and unfortunately during my "childhood" (13-15) I used to bend my fingers to release the pain I would get from using the PC whole day. Now some of my fingers are curved (most notably index and middle fingers on both hands).

I work as a (Java) programmer (kinda ). I'm looking to invest in keyboard that would be:

- Ergonomic
- Travel-friendly

Basically lots of my work is travelling aboard and programming in different offices. Last three weeks I've been typing on a laptop keyboard and ... not a good feeling (my fingers get tired kinda).

So the keyboard would have to fit into my bag I carry around all the time (it's designed to carry 18'-19' laptops). So while I'm abroad I'd carry the keyboard everyday, at hometown it would be just in the office.

I also have some bad habits I'd like to get rid of.

I use my left pinky too much for shortcuts, and it looks a bit away from my hand. Currently I've connected it with a strip to my left ring finger not to use the shortcuts. The other problem I have is that I type wrongly, using my left index finger too much (for example I use it to type H and Z). I currently type at 110WPM, therefore decreasing it a bit wouldn't be such a problem.

So I got two questions. Will Kinesis Advantage suit me or there are better options? What keycaps would you recommend (I've never used mech keyboard before, but would like my keyboard to be as silent as possible')? Also would switching to Colemak help?

Thank you

[kod]

An advantage wont be particularly portable.

You might consider a kinesis freestyle - the separate sections should make it pretty easy to fit into a bag, especially if you dont need the tenting addons.

Only downside to the freestyle is durability.  It's a good rubber dome keyboard, but its still a rubber dome, meaning when a switch gets wonky you cant replace it.

[C5Allroad]

Ergodox.... It's smaller since it's a split design.
tp would be proud.
If you want something small, check out a poker.

[hoggy]

Kinesis Advantage sounds like a good fit to me.  Kinesis offer a 60 day return, so if you end up trying to chose between several keyboards, the advantage might be the one to try first.

It comes with either cherry red or brown switches - ask for the LF (reds) as these are a little easier on the fingers.  One of the best features of the 'board is the beeps.  You can set it to beep when a key activates.  That doesn't seem like a good idea, but cherry switches activate half way down.  Not 'bottoming out' is a great way to reduce the stress on your hands, but it can take time to master - the beeps are fantastic for this.

It's a bit bulky, but doesn't weigh much.

It's programmable, and comes with dvorak built in.  They are very approachable, you could ask about Colemak.

A new layout is a long term thing.  It will take weeks to months - more likely to be months, but they (dvorak and colemak) are much, much more comfortable than qwerty. 

Forget about changing the keycaps - the set on the board would be rather difficult to replace (you could replace them with DSA caps, but they won't offer the same ergo benefits as the set it comes with.

You might want to head on over to the ergonomics sub forum.

[Linkbane]

I would say that the Ergodox would suit your needs. It's more portable than the Kinesis due to it being two-piece and having a detachable cable, and is adjustable to whichever tilt or angle you prefer. As far as helping change your typing posture, the best way is really to just practice typing with that. I type using Dvorak (~150 wpm testing or ~120 wpm normally) and a very difficult word for me to type was 'people' (on qwerty, try typing 'rdsrld'), because I used my left index finger for the 'r' (or in my case 'p') key. I decided to switch to using my middle finger, but it felt very awkward and required several days of practice before it became routine.

And even though I recommend the Dox, the Advantage is also an excellent ergonomic keyboard. Either ones should suit your need, just the Dox is more portable.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Unfortunately some of what you're looking go against each other. Most notably the travel part. Most ergonomic keyboards are large or have separate pieces that make it difficult to just drop in a bag and go. The two most easy to travel with are the TypeMatrix and the Goldtouch Go. They're both lightweight and don't take up much room. Neither are the pinnacle of ergonomics, but if you want something better than a laptop keyboard both would be a good start. They will also be relatively quiet compared to any mechanical keyboard.

Having said that, I'd recommend a Kinesis Advantage because it would greatly help out your issues with overuse of the pink and other awkward hand positions. The biggest downside is change and there would be a learning curve.

Some people use one keyboard for travel and a second for their main office. If you can't make up your mind and have some extra money you could try having two keyboards.

[Ribice]

Huh ... I was quite busy last week and didn't have time to properly reply here. Firstly I'm really positively surprised by the amount of quality answers.

Firstly I live in Bosnia and Herzegovina (or a 3rd world country) and you can't buy any of the mentioned keyboards here, so trying and returning it is not an option for me, unfortunately,

So far I believe the best option would be buying the Advantage for the office, and finding smaller - more portable one for travelling. I thought using like Microsoft (natural / ergonomic) keyboard for travelling, at least while I don't get another "more ergonomic" keyboard.

The only problem is getting the ergo keyboards. So far I've found this website: http://www.zenlap.eu/

I guess I'll have to ask my family outside to buy and send me one. Are there any other options out there for me purchasing one of the ergo keyboards?

[jacobolus]

You may want to read some threads / post in the Ergonomics sub-forum: http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=125.0

Also take a look at Jesse’s (Obra’s) post here, full of pictures: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46087.msg1170946#msg1170946

[Belfong]

Don't forget Matias new Ergo Pro http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/

[Oobly]

The ErgoDox will probably be a good option for portability, the Advantage is also great, but not very portable.

Another option is to wait until AcidFire starts his Kickstarter round for the Nexus design. It is similar to the ErgoDox, but has angled thumb key clusters and a more modular design so you can lay out the switches to your own taste.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44940.0

[tricheboars]

order yourself a ergodox. they are hard to get anywhere since they arent mass produced so your location doesnt add to much difficulty to the quest. you should be able to order one on Massdrop.com when they offer another round which shouldnt be too long (maybe like a month or two). or you can buy all the components you need to build it online (however being accross the pond may make finding one part, TRRS Connector, hard to come by. there are workarounds to this part such as hardwiring a trrs cable directly to the pcb).

ergonomic mechanical keyboards are not cheap. they are very expensive. so if you are going to throw down on a ergo mech you need to do some research to save yourself from wasting time and money with inferior products.

i am a 30 year old IT guru for my day job. i have come to the realization over the last year that i have to be good to my hands or i am going to really suffer later in life.   RSI and Carpal Tunnel are no joke. they can really effect us. i am going to invest in my hands. i purchased an ergodox about a month ago on massdrop. i am very excited to receive it.

if you dont solder or have any desire to solder you are going to have to settle and buy a less ideal keyboard. either that or buy an assembled one here at this site in the classified section.

[davkol]

ErgoDox. Go to Deskthority, there are several assembled keyboards available around €200 and of course the czarek's GB.

Kinesis Advantage has *only* two advantages (duh) over it: depth stagger and curved keywells. It isn't portable at all, its remapping capabilities are inferior to custom firmware like TMK and accessories are overpriced; not to mention that the fixed width, angle and palm rests cramp my hands.