Cool Mac Gear

One brand of ergonomic keyboards that didn’t get included in my ergo keyboard roundup last month is a line of input devices from Maltron Keyboards of England. Somewhat similar to the Kinesis ‘boards, the Maltron units also have their alphanumeric keys are separated into two concave, bowl-shaped wells, with smaller, subsidiary, thumb-operated keypads for operations like shift, space bar, delete, command, option, and control.

Maltron adaptive keyboards, which are now available in the U.S, and support the Mac, are designed to enable people with special needs to enter computer data much more easily and quickly than with conventional keyboards.

Maltron keyboards are specifically designed and shaped to fit the easy movements of hands, fingers and thumbs. As a result they look very different from the usual flat keyboard and this can be a daunting sight for some. Unfortunately not everyone is freed of all problems by using one but the result is that for the well over 600 users who have adapted a substantial reduction of pain, with recovery of their career prospects has been achieved.

This keyboard has been robustly designed with a strong steel construction to withstand heavy use, and a nylon coating for a smooth wipe-clean surface. It provides enhanced access for physically disabled and visually impaired users. The large surface area and built in keyboard are designed to reduce keyboard errors, enabling a higher work rate as a result of more accurate typing and data input. It has large, clear characters and key labels - black on white for alphanumeric and cursor keys, black on pink for function keys and black on yellow for control keys (alternative options are available if required).

The two-hand ergonomic Maltron keyboard has been effective in relieving the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and other Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s). PCD Maltron LTD, the manufacturer, reports that more than 500 RSI sufferers have been able to return to work after switching to the Maltron.

The ergonomic E-Type Maltron keyboard fits the shape of hands and the different lengths of fingers to reduce movement and tension.

Features:
• Split design eliminates wrist twist and allows a central number cluster which can be used by right or left hand as preferred.
• Tilted keys and pads minimise palms downward movement (Pronation) to further reduce muscle tension.
• Straight vertical key columns eliminate tens of thousands of finger and wrist twists in a day’s work.
• Thumb keys for Cursors, Return or Enter, Space, Backspace and other frequently used keys reduce hand and arm movement. Versatile thumbs are used far more effectively.
• Built in large palm resting pads allow immediate hand and arm relaxation during “Thinking Time”, and promote a reduction in arm rotation.
• Shift Lock as well as Caps and Num Locks provides more options.

The advanced Maltron letter layout is available at the touch of a special key.

The most used letters are on the centre (Home) row reducing finger movement and learning time.

Operators who have been badly hurt by the flat keyboard often prefer to learn the Maltron layout when adapting to the new shape and confirm its easier use. Key caps are fitted to suit either layout, or may be dually designated as an option.

Straight wrists and minimal palms down rotation of the hands reduces strain in the wrists, arms, shoulders and neck. It is the sustained strains required by the flat keyboard that can lead to fatigue, then pain and finally disability.

Maltron single handed keyboards have been developed as a logical step forward to meet the needs of those who must perform keyboard operations with one hand.

The special shape and letter layout have been very carefully planned, taking into account the limited number of keys that can be accessed quickly and comfortably.

Word-processing input speeds of 85 words per minute have been demonstrated by operators using Maltron single handed keyboards. The fully ergonomic shape ensures freedom from strain and no RSI type problems have been reported in over 10 years, although all the work is done by one hand.

Both Left and Right hand models are designed for “Touch Typing”.

Self paced training manuals ensure quick, easy learning. Both screen and paper based versions are available.

These keyboards have Push-On Push-Off keys for Shift, Control and Alt functions; essential for single hand operation.

The unique switchable dual layout feature of Maltron keyboards has now been developed for single handed keyboards to give an alternative number entry option. For intensive number work the flat number panel alongside the letters is not ergonomic and can lead to fatigue as there is nowhere to rest the hand during pauses. To overcome this problem the number pad numbers are now also grouped on the letters keys. Either letters or numbers may be immediately selected by pressing a separate button. Windows keys are also included

The single-finger/head-hand-or-mouthstick Maltron keyboard has proven to be two to three times quicker than the conventional keyboard on the very first day it is used. A small slightly concave rectangular shape and a brilliant key layout reduces hand or head movement by more than 80%: to the absolute minimum.

The “expanded” keyboard limits tremors while the user accesses recessed keys in either the conventional QWERTY or ABC layout. It easily can be fitted with Braille stick-on locators.

Has a unique shape and keyboard layout. The shape matches head movement and the key arrangement minimizes finger or stick activity, raising speed and relieving frustration. An optional articulated arm holds the keyboard in almost any position to suit the head or mouth stick use.

Prices:
Maltron Ergonomic Keyboard for Macintosh-based machines $395
• Single-finger/stick keyboards and those for single-hand use cost $695
• The “expanded” model to assist those with tremors costs $975
• The two-hand ergonomic unit costs $395.

For more information, visit: http://www.teleprint.com/keyboard/, or call (800) 866-2442, Fax (610) 688-6866 for answers to your questions or to place your order.

Or visit Maltron’s Web site for a more detailed explanation.
or
http://www.maltron-usa.com/

CM

Charles W. Moore

Cool Mac Gear