What if laptop designers came up with more innovative ways to make keyboards better. Small keyboards are a hassle to use, especially on the small netbooks that are appearing all over the place. I don't know if you've tried using them, but they are a pain to use. Do ergonomic keyboards actually make a difference?
Ergonomic Keyboards: Are they Really Making a Difference?
When I first discovered the natural keyboard line from Microsoft, I thought to myself that this was a pretty cool concept. The keys are nice and separated and your hands have access to all parts pretty easily. Then I tried it out. It was awkward at the beginning. There was something the matter though. The way that the keyboard is designed is not for everyone. Why? Well, the two parts of the keyboard are really separated, meaning that if you right and needs to push a button that is on the left side, you are out of luck. Even though I've been touch typing for years, I've never really adjusted well to that kind of setup, and I'm sure that others agree with me there. They must not be that popular. I can only think of one person that I know who had one, and this was a few years ago.
I think that small keyboards are most definitely a problem with netbooks and small laptops. It might be a good idea to try an integrate these keyboards on some netbooks to see if they make a difference. I've seen more than a few laptops, even played with a few, the smallness of the keys makes it really hard to type fast. This could free up some space, while it eating up space in a different way. From some designs that I have seen, there might actually more room for more buttons, which could be a good thing. Usually laptop keyboards are crammed with buttons. Even though the initial post I saw on this was an April Fool's day post, it got me thinking.
There isn't really a problem for full-sized keyboards and larger laptops. There is enough space there to make you comfortable, no matter how you type. I think that's why ergonomic keyboards were never popular. There is also the fact that when your hands are close together, they are easier to picture in your brain, making touch typing slightly faster. When the hands are on separate pads, it's more of a problem. Anyway, that's what I think. I'd like to hear from you, if you ergonomic keyboards work well for you or if you think that they are just worthless. [Maltron keyboard images via Maltron]
Comments (6)
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I LOVE my ergonomic keyboards. It's true that they take a couple days to get used to, but once you do, it's hard to go back to a standard. I have two Microsoft naturals - the one pictured above at home (which I used without the plastic lift) and a Wireless Natural Multimedia Keyboard at work, which I like best of the two. I think the best thing is that your arms and wrists are positioned more naturally. I wouldn't want a standard keyboard for long-term use ever again.
view Sakrysta's profile
wow, I didn't realize what kind of outsider freak I apparently was until reading this. I now have an apple wireless keyboard that probably fits the unplggd image better but my heart is not in it. For fleetness of fingers give me back my clackey ergonomic keyboard any day.
view Laurie's profile
clearly you've never experienced RSI. For those people, an ergomic solution like the maltron are essential for reducing strain while typing. Too bad they're so expensive.
view juice's profile
I am typing on that exact microsoft keyboard at this moment.
I no longer use the slope thing, but have it flat. I must say, that this saved my wrists. I used to have very severe carpal tunnel. I used boxes and boxes of Salonpas/Ben Gay stickies because it just hurt to type. Now, the number of painful days has gone from almost daily, to maybe one every few months.
It does take some getting used to but I don't touch type (just a fast chicken peck typist) and I easily transitioned to using this. I need one for the lappy at home. I have a 17" lappy with a full keyboard, but it's still painful to use some times.
view chusmabilly's profile
As a medical transcriptionist, I keyboard for many hours a day. I have used ergonomic keyboards for years now, and wouldn't do without them for long-term use. I can use my laptop keyboard (as I am now) for quick typing jobs, but I intentionally purchased a laptop with a nearly full-sized keyboard (including number pad) to make touch typing easier.
I have suffered for RSI/tendonitis for years, and I wouldn't trade my ergonomic keyboard for anything. I currently use a Microsoft comfort curve keyboard, which is a less severe change from a standard keyboard, plus it's cheap and widely available. I'd love to try one of the higher end ergo boards, but so far I haven't coughed up the cash.
view Beverly's profile
I'm another one with two of the pictured Microsoft ergo keyboards.
Initially, I had one of Microsoft's original beige ergo keyboards at work (I think my wife didn't want it anymore when she moved permanently to a laptop). I had a "standard" keyboard at home until the above MS keyboard went on sale somewhere. After my original MS ergo at work died (it lasted a good 10 years, I think), I bought another like the one pictured.
As others have said, it takes a couple days getting used to. But, I could never go back to a regular keyboard for long term use.
I would qualify myself as a passable touch typist.
view joetron2030's profile