#64266 - 02/12/10 08:56 AM
Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
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Veteran
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 5036
Loc: Oklahoma City, OK US
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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]
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New Member
Registered: 08/04/02
Posts: 11
Loc: SW Georgia
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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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#64322 - 02/12/10 12:52 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: HappyMT09]
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Junior Member
Registered: 08/11/09
Posts: 98
Loc: North TX
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For me, yes! I use a MS Natural Elite. Not very expensive--don't ask me how I know, that's another discussion!  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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#64425 - 02/13/10 11:47 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: mid-life MT]
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New Member
Registered: 02/13/10
Posts: 3
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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]
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Veteran
Registered: 05/28/99
Posts: 6002
Loc: Boulder, CO, USA
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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.
_________________________
Gisele F. Dubson, RHIA
Mercury Medical Communications
"Deficits don't matter." Dick Cheney
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#65549 - 02/26/10 02:40 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: JustJ]
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Administrator
Registered: 01/10/99
Posts: 3661
Loc: Los Angeles, CA USA
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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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Medical Transcription Exchange (MT Exchange) - my medical transcription industry blog
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#65553 - 02/26/10 04:08 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: Julie W8]
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Member
Registered: 07/06/99
Posts: 1581
Loc: Canada
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I`m with you, Julie. My current keyboard, which I love dearly, is a Kensington K64370. It sits flat on the desk and is about half an inch high, NO wrist rest in front (those things are evil -- they CAUSE CTS). The keys are closer together than on most keyboards, ideal for small hands (it drives my son crazy because his hands are so much bigger).
Also it cost me $19.95 Canadian.
happy friday
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carolT
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#66906 - 03/15/10 10:00 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: Linda Andrews CMT]
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Molon Labe!
Registered: 03/27/03
Posts: 4931
Loc: My office.
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I just bought Microsoft's new Arc and really like it. I am used to Microsoft's $20 ergonomic keyboard, and I noted little to no trouble getting used to the Arc. I really like its compact size and portability (can use with hubby's laptop when on the go, as I don't like its keyboard at all).
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The state should be the partner of the market, not the owner or manipulator of the market. Marc De Vos
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#67058 - 03/20/10 08:34 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: Linda Andrews CMT]
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Member
Registered: 03/15/02
Posts: 1637
Loc: just south of Rochester, NY
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As a "wide" person whose arms are a bit further apart than a thinner person, I ended up with a ganglion cyst on the inside of each wrist (back before split keyboards were available). I was the first in my law office many years ago to use a split keyboard. Everyone saw mine and wanted one, luckily the office manager was smart enough to make each person use mine for a bit to see if they REALLY wanted one (and most discovered they didn't!) I used to use the Microsoft 4000, now I use a Logitech cordless with cordless mouse. I like them both. NO wrist rest in front (those things are evil -- they CAUSE CTS). I disagree with this. It's the repetitive motion, not the wrist rest, that causes CTS. Otherwise people who don't use wrist rests wouldn't get CTS, and they do. JMHO.
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Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live. -- Norman Cousins
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#67475 - 04/17/10 09:24 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: AmBeck22]
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Junior Member
Registered: 05/25/05
Posts: 31
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The reverse tilt is one of my favorite features too!! I have a devil of a time trying to type on my laptop keyboard. Since I am using it now for work until I get my desktop back up and running, I HAD to plug in my ergonomic keyboard. I don't' even want to think about not having it. I needed a backup, and some nice person told me about a sale at Dell back on Black Friday. I got a new one for $20 and free shipping!! Can't beat that!
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#67478 - 04/18/10 08:56 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: FarAwayDeb]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/09
Posts: 459
Loc: On UP Main West from Chicago
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This fact sheet on carpal tunnel syndrome from the National Institutes of Health is interesting: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet Who is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
Women are three times more likely than men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, perhaps because the carpal tunnel itself may be smaller in women than in men. The dominant hand is usually affected first and produces the most severe pain. Persons with diabetes or other metabolic disorders that directly affect the body's nerves and make them more susceptible to compression are also at high risk. Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs only in adults.
The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but is especially common in those performing assembly line work - manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meat, poultry, or fish packing. In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more common among assemblers than among data-entry personnel. A 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic found heavy computer use (up to 7 hours a day) did not increase a person's risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
During 1998, an estimated three of every 10,000 workers lost time from work because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Half of these workers missed more than 10 days of work. The average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical bills and lost time from work, is estimated to be about $30,000 for each injured worker.
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#67485 - 04/19/10 07:24 AM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: Glory1863]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 5036
Loc: Oklahoma City, OK US
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Very interesting!
I have heard of nurses who give lots of injections being more likely to develop it. As a smaller woman, it sounds like I would be even more at risk, but so far, so good. I was typing about 80 when I was 14 and stayed at 120-130 for most of my career. I'm back down to 90 or so now because I never do straight typing.
The MOUSE is the culprit that causes me wrist pain though, anyone else? I do have a new mouse, I think it's called a Mighty Mouse, and it has made a huge amount of difference. I was developing what I call a big 'knot' (technical term) and that has all but disappeared.
_________________________
Linda Andrews, Director
The Andrews School
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#68968 - 07/09/10 04:36 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: scifantasy1017]
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New Member
Registered: 04/23/10
Posts: 8
Loc: VA
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I tried an ergonomic split keyboard twice - both times I got numbness and tingling down one arm within 45 minutes. I'm probably deformed!
I too like a "clicky" keyboard. I'm going to check that one out mentioned earlier. Thanks!
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#69410 - 07/27/10 12:25 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: AgingMT]
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New Member
Registered: 03/14/10
Posts: 10
Loc: Naples, Florida
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If you can find the "old" one with long spacebar please can you let me know?
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#69422 - 07/27/10 06:36 PM
Re: Ergonomic Keyboards Worth It?
[Re: scifantasy1017]
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Veteran
Registered: 05/28/99
Posts: 6002
Loc: Boulder, CO, USA
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I use the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000. Cheap. I love this keyboard. It has a slight curve and almost flat keys. I tried the ergonomic split boards and I just couldn't get used to it. Now when going to work on iMacs, the keyboards drive me nuts because they use the regular keyboard.  i've been using this one lately too, like it very much, and you can't beat the price, 14 bucks!
_________________________
Gisele F. Dubson, RHIA
Mercury Medical Communications
"Deficits don't matter." Dick Cheney
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