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#64266 - 02/12/10 08:56 AM Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
Linda Andrews CMT Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 5036
Loc: Oklahoma City, OK US
Have you tried any of the ergonomic keyboards? Have you tried the split keyboards?

What is your recommendation, or at least your own personal favorite, on these?
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Linda Andrews, Director
The Andrews School

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#64279 - 02/12/10 09:20 AM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: Linda Andrews CMT]
thood Offline
New Member

Registered: 08/04/02
Posts: 11
Loc: SW Georgia
I have the Kinesis Evolution completely split keyboard that mounts to the arms of my chair. This model is no longer available but they have several similar options. Before this keyboard I was using a Microsoft Natural semi-split keyboard but still having significant pain in my shoulders and numbness in my fingers. It took a few days to adjust to the split board but once I did, my shoulder/neck problems went away. I spend between 8 to 10 hours a day at my keyboard. I also used to have discomfort in my left pinky from reaching for the CTRL key. Since this keyboard has two space bars, I remapped the left space bar to be my CTRL key.
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"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney

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#64302 - 02/12/10 11:42 AM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: thood]
HappyMT09 Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 11/07/09
Posts: 56
I use the Microsoft 4000 and it is great for transcribing, but for editing I feel that the keys are too far apart. I just ordered the TypeMatrix because the keys are placed better for editing. For editing, my home keys are the left side of the keyboard where my directional arrows, ctrl, and shift keys are. I think the TypeMatrix will really speed me up. We will see! I will report back.


Edited by HappyMT09 (02/12/10 11:43 AM)
Edit Reason: My famous forum typos.

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#64322 - 02/12/10 12:52 PM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: HappyMT09]
Bennet Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 08/11/09
Posts: 97
Loc: North TX
For me, yes! I use a MS Natural Elite. Not very expensive--don't ask me how I know, that's another discussion! smile I now keep one in storage for a backup.

I am small-framed, and the way it set up works well for me. It wasn't that difficult to learn coming off of a regular keyboard. I did have to use my regular keyboard as a backup for a couple of days, and I really was able to tell the difference in how my hands and wrists felt. I also have to use a "downsized" keyboard at my retail job, which is sheer torture for a touch typist.

Since I am happy with this one, I haven't tried any others.
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--Cheryl S.

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.

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#64375 - 02/12/10 06:01 PM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: Bennet]
mid-life MT Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 05/08/04
Posts: 79
I also use the Microsoft Natural Elite, with a backup sitting in the closet. I've propped it on my keyboard pullout for a negative tilt, and the arms on my chair support my arms, all of which prevent/alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms.

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#64425 - 02/13/10 11:47 AM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: mid-life MT]
CMHCMT Offline
New Member

Registered: 02/13/10
Posts: 3
I use Microsoft 4000. I am so used to it now....not sure I could switch again!! BUT...I also use SoftFlex keyboarding gloves. They took a bit to get used to, but I never work without them on. I have no arm pain or fatigue at all...just love them. If you are interested in them it is www.softflex.com

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#64431 - 02/13/10 12:10 PM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: CMHCMT]
Gisele Dubson Offline
Veteran

Registered: 05/28/99
Posts: 5999
Loc: Boulder, CO, USA
I tried split keyboards and ones that have a slight curve. They are fine, but I didn't see any advantage to them. Now I'm back with a very heavy keyboard called the Avant Stellar. It's like the old OmniKey Ultra, if anyone remembers that, a clicky keyboard that feels almost like an IBM Selectric. I can't stand a squishy keyboard! But, I find I can type on anything, I don't really have to re-train if I switch between a split keyboard and a straight one.
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Gisele F. Dubson, RHIA

Mercury Medical Communications

"Deficits don't matter." Dick Cheney

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#64574 - 02/14/10 03:29 PM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: CMHCMT]
HappyMT09 Offline
Junior Member

Registered: 11/07/09
Posts: 56
Originally Posted By: CMHCMT
If you are interested in them it is www.softflex.com


I just ordered them! Thank you!!

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#64893 - 02/18/10 10:47 AM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: HappyMT09]
JustJ Offline
Member

Registered: 09/24/04
Posts: 905
I have been working for 5-1/2 years using a Microsoft Natural keyboard and SoftFlex gloves. I actually feel half-naked if I am typing without my gloves on. I haven't had any problems at all with my wrists or hands.

My husband has a regular keyboard on his computer and if I need to use that for anything I feel like my fingers are being squished together.

My son also has had a Microsoft Natural keyboard for 5 years and he hates having to use the school computers because trying to type on a regular keyboard feels wrong to him and he said that it hurts his wrists now.

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#65549 - 02/26/10 02:40 PM Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It? [Re: JustJ]
Julie W8 Offline
Administrator

Registered: 01/10/99
Posts: 3659
Loc: Los Angeles, CA USA
Call me an old lady but those ergonomic keyboards drive me absolutely crazy. I guess I'm not willing to give up productivity long enough to try and get used to them.
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