Last month, LIME looked at the benefits of several ergonomic computer mice and similar devices [0]. Today, we look at their constant companions—keyboards—which despite being attached to some rather speedy late-model technology, remain as antiquated as a Model T.
Few realize that today’s keyboards date to the 1860s and the first modern typewriter. They haven’t changed much since, and what’s more, the QWERTY layout (named for the top row of keys) was inefficient by design right from the start, with common letters moved to the fringes to keep fast-fingered typists from jamming their machines [1]. As many know all too well, the keyboard’s unforgiving straight-lined design requires awkward hand placement. For some, this means pain in the wrists, hands, arms, and upper body.
Frequent keyboard use can lead to Repetitive Strain Injury [2], a condition that affects the nerves and soft tissue such as muscles and tendons. At its worst, RSI can cause chronic aches, decreased range of motion, and permanent nerve damage.
A few tech revolutions later, it’s amazing to think we haven’t done better than early typewriter design. Or have we? If you have pain or numbness when you type (or worse—even after you stop), consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard. Alone, it won’t cure your pain or inflammation, but it might help prevent a future flare-up after you’ve gotten the medical help you need.
Each of the three keyboards I tested takes a unique ergonomic approach: curved and wireless; split and elevated; and bowl-shaped (as well as split). Because each person’s body is different, you’ll want to see which feels best to you.
Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000
Looking and sounding a bit like a dashboard on the Starship Enterprise, the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 pairs a curvy keyboard with a molded mouse, both of which are wireless. The "Comfort Curve" keyboard recalls the original Microsoft Natural Keyboard [3], except that it’s flat, not rounded and raised, and it’s not technically split. Instead, the key rows form a gentle smile. Some users may find the flatness uncomfortable because your forearms still pronate, but the untethered aspect allows you to more easily place things wherever they feel most comfy, even if that means pulling it into your lap every now and then like a notebook. (Doing this allowed me to fully relax my arms and shoulders every so often.) A thin cushion wraps around the keys, giving the heels of your hands a place to relax. The function keys default to useful actions like Save, Open, Close, New document/window, Spell check, Undo, and Print, while separate hot keys open My Documents, Web/Home, Calculator, and your five favorite websites. Addressing eye strain, a unique slide zoom makes letters larger with just a touch. The mouse, while ostensibly ergonomic, was still too small for my long fingers and didn’t feel quite as nice as other mice I’ve tried [3]. However, its scroll wheel was exceptionally smooth. Because both components are wireless, you need to install software, insert batteries (for the planet, go rechargeable), and plug in a receiver before tapping away.
Compatible with: PS/2 or USB port, PC or Mac
Who should use it: Fans of quick-acting hot keys and fidgety users who like to type in their laps
Cost: $73.95
Where to Buy: Amazon [4]
Key Ovation Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard
The Goldtouch keyboard from Key Ovation shape-shifts to suit individual users in two ways. It’s split down the middle and hinged, so that the two halves can open wide to the sides, plus it folds into a tent shape up to four inches high. Once you find the perfect positioning, you lock it in place with a lever. After testing high and low and splits of various degrees on a Mac-compatible version, I found that the most pleasing configuration was fully folded (i.e. with the tent peak at its highest) and with the keys separated about an inch. This way, my palms nearly faced each other. In contrast, all flat configurations felt unhealthy and unnatural—the folding seems essential to prevent unnecessary painful twisting. The Goldtouch boasts no extra hot keys, other than a forward delete button (something I’ve always liked on PCs and missed on Macs). My arms were basically unsupported, but by keeping my elbows at my sides, bending my arms at 90 degrees, and sitting close to my desk, I felt relaxed and actually sat up straighter. Make sure your chair is high enough so your forearms are no higher than your elbows—something you should do no matter what keyboard you choose.
Compatible with: PC or Mac
Who should use it: Wrist pain sufferers or anyone who wants a finely-tuned, personalized setup
Cost: $129.95 for both Mac & PC
Where to Buy: Amazon PC [5] Mac [6]
Kinesis Contoured Keyboard
Of the three models tested, the Kinesis Contoured Keyboard was the most unusual. It took the longest time to adapt—several days, something Kinesis (which also makes an adjustable split keyboard similar to Key Ovation’s) warns about in advance. But if you have the time to learn, the investment might be worth it. This keyboard was developed in the early 90s, and has two unique bowl shapes holding the keys. Hands are separated by nearly six inches. On each concave side, the keys are lined up directly atop one another in columns, not staggered, and set at different depths to match finger lengths. (The D key, for example, is deepest-set to accommodate the longer middle finger.) Several important keys—Enter, Space, Backspace, Control, and Alt—are in the center and operated exclusively by the thumbs, so short-thumbed folks should think twice. A nice wide area gives the hands a place to rest while the fingers do all the work. Although typing goes more slowly at first and probably takes weeks to master, this seems to be a comfortable way to work while avoiding bending the wrists. My two peeves: audible digitized clicks and beeps when you type, and arrow keys directly under the bottom row of letters, making them easy to hit by mistake. Typos are unavoidable at first, but in two days, my typing speed and accuracy improved. If you have that time and maybe even a little more, the higher-end "Advantage" model comes equipped with the rare, alternative Dvorak keyboard layout [7], a simpler, healthier, newer alternative to the 19th-century QWERTY that, unfortunately for our fingers, never caught on.
Compatible with: PC (PS/2 or USB port) or Mac (USB only)
Who should use it: Patient keyboarders with ample free time—or sufficiently painful symptoms—to merit considerable retraining.
Cost: $209.99 for "Essential" model (PS/2 port, PC only) $254.99 for "Classic" model (PS/2 port, PC only, programmable) $264.99 for "Advantage" model (USB port, PC or Mac) $314.99 for "Advantage Pro" model (USB port, PC or Mac, programmable)
Where to Buy: Amazon Essential [8] Classic [9] Advantage [10] Advantage Pro [11]
Photo: Key Ovation