I am somewhat a fanatic about computer keyboards since I type on one a lot at work and at home. Over the years, I tried quite a few and am dismayed at what is presently available in the marketplace. Most of the keyboards now are very flimsy (although inexpensive), and with very little keyboard feel due to the membrane keyswitches.

Quite a few years ago, I bought a keyboard with mechanical clickly keyswitches (similar to the famous IBM model M keyboard). It is noisy, but I think you can type faster on the keyboard since you have both tactile and audible clues that the keyswitch has been activated. I also purchased and tried a Darwin SmartBoard keyboard. This clickly keyboard is split and the individual keys are arranged in a fan-like arrangement corresponding to the way your fingers normally fan out. I could never get used to the key placements, so I don't use the SmartBoard.

Lately, I have switched to using Microsoft ergo Natural Elite keyboards both at home and work because the split keyboard spares me the pain that I occasionally get in my wrists.

I just bought a new Microsoft Natural ergo 4000 keyboard and like it. It has a negative tilt in the front, extra keys for email (Outlook), custom programmable keys, a zoom slider, padding for palm of your hand, etc. I think there is a rebate now for this keyboard (expires end of March). The only negative for me is that the keys are silent and not clickly (some people working in an office probably prefer a quiet keyboard).

Have any of you tried ergonomic keyboards?

 

I just have the cheapie ones....click, click, click. I think Rick would prefer I have a quiet one when I'm clicking away in the TV room and he's trying to watch TV

Pics of this keyboard?

 

I don't know if it qualifies as being ergonomic, but I just bought a Mac Bluetooth wireless keyboard which I like much more than the PC based boards. The same goes for their Bluetooth Mighty Mouse.

 

Here is a picture of the Ergo 4000 keyboard. It isn't bluetooth, like Dean's (not sure what the advantages of a bluetooth keyboard are).

 

It offers much greater range than standard wireless and better security. It also seems to be much easier to set up than the standard type. Now if I can figure out how to make my monitor wireless, I'll be able to stash the computer in a closet, so everything isn't sitting in the middle of the coffee table in the living room.

 

Anyone use the Dvorak layout? I learned to use Dvorak back in 1984 when I was in Korea for a year. Had an Osborne computer (still do). Took about a month of practice to learn and I've been using Dvorak the last 23 years.

Dvorak key arraignment....

' , . p y f g c l / =
a o e u i d h t n s -
; q j k x b m w v z

 

I've thought about getting a Dvorak keyboard, but my wife would shoot me if she had to use it. She can touch type. I'm a programmer, so I only use a few fingers and a thumb for the spacebar.

 

Only problem .... I can't type very fast with the QWERTY keyboards now. Luckily 99% of my typing is on my computers so it's not a problem.

 

I had one when Microsoft first came out with them. I really didn't like it but I only use a few fingers and the angle drove me crazy.

David...

 

Like Dennis, I too fondly remember the old IBM keyboards. They are still the standard that I measure keyboards by. I loved the positive feedback and the click. Most keyboards feel squishy to me.

I bought a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard when they first came out. I loved it but Liz hated it. She spends much less time at the keyboard than I do and she had a very hard time getting used to it. Over the years it got relagated to the computer parts closet.

For the last few years I've been doing a great deal of my computer work on a notebook computer while on the road and as a result I'm much less picky about the keyboard that I use. These days most any keyboard is fine.