The graphics are '80s. The Web site is '80s. The clothes the model is wearing are '80s. Did we jump into a time warp? Probably, because no self-respecting millenial would invest in a keyboard so unsightly and, we're just going out on a limb here, impossible to use.
SafeType Ergonomic Keyboard
Apparently, the brain behind SafeType designed the keyboard around the premise of an "orthopedically neutral" posture. He figured out how human hands rest naturally on a desk, and then designed the gadget with the intention to bring the keys to your hands.
A review of the keyboard on Yahoo! says that this product is only a go for those who "don't get easily frustrated." We can see how that might be true. While SafeType is probably effective in reducing finger and wrist strains on your hands during computer use, it is not worth a dime if you just decide to chuck it across the room after the ump-teenth time you type "O hsre thos srupod rhimg!" ("I hate this stupid thing!"). Probably a good rule of thumb not to buy anything that requires the use of mirrors to fully see what you're doing.
Besides that, we can't see how anybody would make this work in any space, no matter how sterile your cubicle may be. If you're still in need of some wrist support, a chance on one of these improvements to the basic keyboard instead:
Tags
keyboards, Keyboard, Carpal Tunnel, Orthopedic, Personal health, SafeType, Wrist, Wrist RestRelated Links
- diNovo Mini: Palm-sized mini-keyboard
- Where to Dump your E-waste this Spring
- DIY Project: Make Your Own Great Steampunk Keyboard
- Space Invader Flexible Keyboard
- Thursday Giveaway: Rocketfish Wireless Bluetooth Multimedia Keyboard & Mouse
Share
Comments (4)
Top Tech Tours
Top Posts
lifestyle
green
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I cant wait to see the ecologically friendly lego/steampunk version. I love the internet.
view maximumHOTbottom's profile
I was seriously contemplating getting one of these because I was developing carpal tunnel. That neutral wrist position really helps relieve strain. Seeing as how my carpal tunnel was mostly related to mouse use and not keyboard use, I ended up getting a tablet instead.
They make ugly ergonomic mice too: http://www.ergopro.com/index.cfm?obj=prodDetails&pID=439
view notation's profile
I've known some people to use that keyboard and have had good results from it. Most people with severe RSI problems are willing to go through the adjustment period in order to alleviate the problem. I use this one instead (featured in Men in Black if you look carefully):
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/classic.htm
It works well for me, but does take a week or two to adjust to it.
view amlai's profile
The Kinesis can take longer than a week or two to adjust. Some people just can't do it. Also, it makes it very hard to go back to a regular keyboard. Like when you are not at your own desk. Like at a friend's house, public computer, etc.
This SafeType keyboard has been around forever. Which is why there's clearly better options to use now. We had one at the ergonomics lab I used to work at (we demoed equipment and allowed people to borrow stuff for a few days to try out, among other things). It sat dusty in the back of the closet since no one ever found it useful. Since you basically have to hold your hands up the whole time you are typing.
A good compromise between regular keyboards and the Kinesis is the Goldtouch. It's basically a regular keyboard that is split in half. The two halves are connected at the top middle corners and can be set into a variety of angles. Including fairly vertical if that was what worked for you.
Also, those Evoluent mice actually look fairly reasonable and nice in person. Some people liked them. I didn't since there's nothing to rest your hand on. There's other vertical mice that probably look uglier but are more comfortable to use.
view wunami's profile