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Cool Mac Gear• iPod Video • iPod nano • iPod 1G-2G • iPod 3G • iPod 4G • iPod Mini • PowerBook-iBook • Garageband |
Keyboard Ergonomics
More Keyboards Maxim Keyboard This split keyboard offers adjustable palm supports that can also be removed. The right and left sections are hinged and can be spread apart. A simple "tenting" system allows the user to raise the keyboard up in the center, rotating the hands into a more neutral position. This keyboard feels similar to a laptop computer keyboard. 
Maxim keyboards may be used with Mac or Sun computer platforms with optional converter boxes. Maxim Keyboard - $139.00
For more information, visit:
SmartBoard Keyboard This is another ergonomic keyboard that I own. I especially like the fact that its fold-down legs are on the nearside of the 'board rather than at the back. 
SmartBoard has been engineered to encourage typing in the most natural position. SmartBoard is not only split for the alignment of the wrists with the forearms, but its SmartKey layout aligns the columns of keys so they match the natural "fanning" of your fingers. It is 20% smaller than other ergonomic keyboards. Keyboard dimensions are: Width 18", Depth 9.75", Height 2.25". The SmartBoard also fits any standard keyboard drawer and saves valuable desktop space because it's 20% smaller than other ergonomic keyboards. Additionally, it has a superior touch facilitated by Datadesk's tactile-response key switches. The SmartBoard retains the standard "QWERTY" layout, so no retraining is required. SmartBoard ADB (Mac) $67.53
For more information about Smartboard, visit:
Truform Keyboard Yup, I've got one of these too. Unlike the SmartBoard, which has mechanical keyswitches, the TruForm is a membrane keyboard, with the characteristic "soft landing," but also the "over-center" key action that some people find annoying. 
However, the membrane design makes the TruForm one of the most inexpensive true ergonomic keyboards. The Truform keyboard is a wave-shaped split keyboard that gently slopes to the sides to rotate the user's hands inward. This 105-key keyboard features 15 function keys and dual command, option and control keys to accommodate left- and right-handed users and is available with or without a built-in touchpad and in both PC and Mac platforms. In my estimation, the TruForm's layout is very good (although it is quite big), but the angle is not ideal. Features:
USB Features include:
ADB Features include:Adesso: Tru-Form AEK-606 for Mac
Truform Mac - $135.00 Truform Mac w/ Touchpad - $165.00 For more information about TruForm, visit:
Pace Split Keyboard The Pace VG-101 keyboard splits the traditional alphanumeric key layout into two separated sections. The user is free to rotate the sections outward and each section can be rotated around the horizontal axis into a slightly "tented" position. The keyboard dimensions are Width 22", Depth 8 1/4", Height 2 3/4 - 4" depending on tilt. 
For Mac or Sun compatibility you must order a Mac or Sun Interface unit. The following is an excerpt from a letter a satisfied Pace customer sent to them. "I developed repetitive stress syndrome and tendonitis in 1994 while writing my college thesis. I experienced burning sensations in my arms and became unable to move my fingers. Worried that I would have to give up the career I had chosen, I performed extensive research in to ergonomic keyboards. I decided on PACE's product. I have been using the keyboard for the last four years. The results are amazing. I can type as often as I need to. I no longer experience pain. I believe that this keyboard is a highly effective, valuable product that should be made available to all who can benefit from its unique design." Price- $243.75 For more information about the Pace keyboard, visit:
DataHand Professional II If the Kinesis is different-looking, the DataHand is downright weird. The $995.00 - $1295.00 DataHand Professional II is actually two separate keyboards -- one for each hand. "DataHand users actually preserve energy on the DataHand System because their hands are comfortably supported in a natural, restful position," says the manufacturer. "Due to a dramatic reduction in repetition, reduction in finger workload and complete touch typing capability, you can increase your speed and accuracy." 
The DataHand System is much more radically different from conventional keyboards than the Kinesis, and involves a fairly steep learning curve. Each finger sits comfortably in its own well, surrounded by five keys, thus eliminating "fatigue caused by repetitive movements, hand travel, and striking force." Each finger-well (or key) provides several functions. With DataHand, users place the "keyboard" in an individually comfortable position with support to forearms from chair armrests. Operators are not required to support their forearms and hands during keying functions. The operator rests his/her forearms on the chair arm with hands supported by the left and right palm supports. Operators normally type with the left and right units apart; creating a straight line from the elbow to the wrist. This also allows for small movements in arms and hands as operators shift their weight as seated. Static and dynamic forces work with, and not against, the human anatomy. DataHand potentially reduces CTD by decreasing strike force and static loading. The system's design places all but four keys in the standard QWERTY positions, but incentive to learn something new and the retraining of muscle memories is necessary for most touch typists. Most users report reaching comfort in use after 2.6 weeks, but also reported that while keying speed did not appear to equal flat keyboard speed it would only be a matter of time before it did equal or exceed it. With zero hand travel and drastically reduced fingertip movement, the probability of operator error is reduced. Fingers never leave the home keys and that eliminates common alignment errors. DataHand incorporates unique finger and thumb modules in contoured hand rests. Though dramatically different in appearance from traditional keyboards, the DataHand® emulates finger movement and traditional key placement. The modules three-dimensionally wrap keys around fingers to create a system that:
• can be adjusted to fit the user's hands and provide fit and comfort. Operator comfort remains constant throughout the work day, increasing speed, accuracy and productivity. • is a plug-compatible replacement for any detachable keyboard and mouse. With the DataHand System, the hands can be separated if that is comfortable for the user. The units can also be incorporated into chair arms. The DataHand® System is plug-compatible with a variety of computer systems, including IBM PC, Apple, IBM RS 6000, Silicon Graphics Indigo Workstations and IBM 3270 terminals. DataHand is in use by major corporations. Units have been purchased by: Sara Lee, the United States Postal Service, US Air, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, AT&T, Boeing, Exxon, Silicon Graphics, Sun Microsystems, DEC, Motorola, Pfitzer, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, ITT/Hartford, and the U.S. Treasury Department among others. Additional research and copies of complete productive and recuperative studies are available. Call or email Office Organix for this information. The University of Arizona did a study of users completed in 1998 and found:
Pro II Specifications The Pro 11 and Personal Edition Models
Programmable features (Pro II model only)
Options
Warranty • One-year parts and labor and limited lifetime warranty. For more information, visit the DataHand products page:
Left HandedÊKeyboard Features:
Dimensions: 18.5" X 6.5" X 2.25" Mac Version with USB Connector - $99.00 For more information, visit:
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