"I've Got Blisters On My Fingers"
No, I didn't just finish playing drums on "Helter Skelter" and I actually don't have blisters on my fingers, but my traditional keyboard is doing a number on my right wrist these days.
So I decided the time had finally come for an ergonomic split keyboard. I placed an order, but haven't received it yet. However, I thought I'd share my research with you to save you time. I'll eventually post a review of the keyboard I bought.
Split keyboards enable you to keep your hands and arms in a straight line. They also take into account the fact that at rest your arms and hands tilt thumb's up, not flat. Traditional keyboards require you to position your hands at an angle to your arms, and tilt your hands thumb's down.
Microsoft dominates this product category thanks to its quality products at relatively low prices — and marketing muscle. I nearly bought the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, which sells for about $50.
I ultimately decided against it because the keyboard is fixed in place so you cannot adjust the position of the two halves of the keyboard. It has received good reviews from many consumers and from publications such as CNET.
Surprisingly, the Microsoft keyboard is Mac compatible and received high marks from Apple Matters, an Australian enthusiast publication.
KeyOvation sells a line of split keyboards under the Goldtouch brand name. You can adjust both the horizontal splay and the vertical pronation. This keyboard looks very nice and comes in black or white, but apparently the number keypad, a separate module that I consider essential, is not compatible with Intel-based Macs. Too bad.
Eventually, I stumbled across Kinesis' Freestyle keyboard ($99), which I ordered with the "Incline" attachment ($40), and a numeric keypad ($60). That's a lot of money for a keyboard, but having beaten carpel tunnel syndrome once before by buying a better desk and chair, this purchase is a drop in the bucket by comparison.
The Freestyle keyboard received a good review by Gene Koo, a lawyer.
I chose the Freestyle because with the Incline attachment it functions like Microsoft's keyboard and adjusts horizontally and vertically like the Goldtouch. I also like its small footprint, built-in palm rests, and the fact it doesn't need a driver.
I don't like the black color, the hotkeys (because they don't work on a Mac), and the traditional placement of the caps lock key (my current keyboard wisely places it in a location less prone to errant keystrokes). However, no product is perfect plus it comes with a 60 day money-back guarantee. Time will tell if it lives up to my expectations.
Do you have any keyboard recommendations?
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