Looking for a solid ergonomic keyboard

[Exershio]

After years of programming on an old fashioned keyboard, playing guitar, and loads of other stressful activities on my wrists, I believe I'm finally starting to take a toll on them (carpal tunnel syndrome :()

I'm looking for a good-quality ergonomic keyboard. I was considering the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, but I've seen very mixed reviews on the quality of it (cheap keys, spacebar is too stiff, etc). Does anyone here have any experience with such keyboards and have any good recommendations? Preferably one without a mouse (I just bought a new mouse a week ago!) and not too expensive (I am just a student.)

edit: off to sleep, will reply tomorrow. thanks in advance.

[Exershio]

I went to best buy and tried out the Microsoft 4000 one, and I must admit I love the way it feels. I don't really like the way some of the keys are shaped though (some keys are bigger than others for some reason), but I'm probably just nitpicking. I would probably spring for that keyboard right now if it werent for all the complaints about keys randomly breaking and the space bar being crappy quality.

I also tried out the logitech wave keyboard, but I didn't really like the way the keys felt (especially the F1-12 buttons, they were horribly stiff and clicky.)

I'm still open for suggestions :D

[Icehuck]

I have the Microsoft 4000 keyboard at work and my hands don't hurt as much as they used to. When you extend the legs to tilt it, it tilts down and away from you. This feels very awkward and I'm still not used to it. I don't have a issue with keys, and I've had it for the last year or two.

I would look into getting an old IBM model M keyboard. I have one at home and my hands never hurt when I use it. Your results may vary but I know of a few people who feel the same way.

[ElSlunko]

I had the 4000 and love it.

[cariboo]

+1 for the 4000, the only complaint is the space bar, but it's getting better with use.

[KeLa]

Have you looked at these http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/

[Simon17]

*ahem*
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/
Using a regular rubber nipple keyboard always used to hurt my hands after a few hours. Since I got my Model M, I can type all day with no problems at all.

[Exershio]

well guys I have decided to take the plunge and order the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. This combined with the dvorak typing layout should hopefully alleviate some of my wrist pain. :D

Although the Kinesis keyboards look very nice, I don't have that kind of money to spend right now.

Thanks again everybody.

[koleoptero]

Tell us how it goes, I'm interested in this myself for when I buy a desktop.

[u.b.u.n.t.u]

I have this, Razer Lycosa.

Use it up to like 15 hours a day. Not bad.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4146/20071004razerlycosa.jpg

[Exershio]

Tell us how it goes, I'm interested in this myself for when I buy a desktop.

I'll report back in a week or so when it arrives (ordered from Amazon for $33. I can't believe best buy has the nerve to sell this exact same keyboard for $70!)

[Exershio]

Well everyone, the keyboard came today, and I must admit, it is extremely comfortable. However, I am having the same issues with the spacebar being abnormally hard to depress. It's a flaw in the design. The spacebar is too big and oddly shaped that it doesnt like to go down easily, so if you push down and forward even the slightest bit, it catches on the row above it and doesnt move. The only way to get it to go down easy is to press it directly in the center, which is not very ideal nor comfortable. If you press it in the corner, the plastic just flexes and the bar doesnt depress at all.

Oh well, guess I'll have to send it back. It's a shame too because the keyboard is near flawless in every other way.

I don't know why they don't just split the spacebar in two. It would make much more sense.

[aktiwers]

I have had this keyboard for about 8 months now I think.. and still can't hit the damn keys.. it looks cool and has all the extra nice stuff,
but the keys are like on a laptop keyboard :(

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/saitek_eclipse_3.jpg

Won't recommend it

[Exodist]

I went to best buy and tried out the Microsoft 4000 one, and I must admit I love the way it feels. I don't really like the way some of the keys are shaped though (some keys are bigger than others for some reason), but I'm probably just nitpicking. I would probably spring for that keyboard right now if it werent for all the complaints about keys randomly breaking and the space bar being crappy quality.

I also tried out the logitech wave keyboard, but I didn't really like the way the keys felt (especially the F1-12 buttons, they were horribly stiff and clicky.)

I'm still open for suggestions :D

I had one of the orginal ones very simular to the 4000 many years ago. I helped with the pain but seem strange when typing on it. I will have to admit tho, if I could get a 4000 with back lit keys I would get one in a heartbeat.

[Exodist]

I have had this keyboard for about 8 months now I think.. and still can't hit the damn keys.. it looks cool and has all the extra nice stuff,
but the keys are like on a laptop keyboard :(

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/saitek_eclipse_3.jpg

Won't recommend it


I got the original model myself. It types great, but its not ergo like the OP asked about.

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/xoxide/saitek-eclipse-kb-2.jpg

[alphaniner]

I've wondered if you could cut up one or two same-model keyboards and create something like Kinesis Freestyle (http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=KB700PB-us&Category_Code=FKBDPC). I bought the boards but I haven't gotten around to any testing yet.

[Exodist]

I've wondered if you could cut up one or two same-model keyboards and create something like Kinesis Freestyle (http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=KB700PB-us&Category_Code=FKBDPC). I bought the boards but I haven't gotten around to any testing yet.
Highly doubt it unless your extremely skilled at soldering and lucky. Most all I have ever seen have a solid PCB under the keys. Most modern ones have a molded rubber(ish) pad between the keys and the PCB, its what pushes the keys back up and also on the bottom side of the pad it has a soft conductive material (possibly graphite based) that stamps on the PCB when the key is pressed. Thus closing the loop and sending a signal that the key was pressed.

[alphaniner]

Highly doubt it unless your extremely skilled at soldering and lucky. Most all I have ever seen have a solid PCB under the keys. Most modern ones have a molded rubber(ish) pad between the keys and the PCB, its what pushes the keys back up and also on the bottom side of the pad it has a soft conductive material (possibly graphite based) that stamps on the PCB when the key is pressed. Thus closing the loop and sending a signal that the key was pressed.

If it were PCBs it would be easy. I've seen it done with PCB keyboards. Modern keyboards have a plastic sheet similar to this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Keyboard_Construction.JPG). I've consulted a few electronics gurus who say it should be possible, the main concerns being resistance and latency.

[Swagman]

I've used a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard for years, I'm typing this on it now.

It's the only thing from Microsoft I'd actually recommend !!

I've spilt beer in it and cookie crumbs, coffee etc. Just lift the lid off it, pull the membrane off and wash it in warm soapy water.

I dunno what model this is as I've had it for about ten years.

Here's a SERIOUSLY old screengrab that has my keyboard in it.
http://www.upload3r.com/serve/301109/1259576978.jpg

[Duncan J Murray]

I bought an IBM 89P8837 enhanced performance keyboard. It's very nice to type on, but I'm not a massively heavy typer.

As far as I understood, the best was meant to be the old clicky keyboards.

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/

As mentioned above.

All best,

Duncan.

[The Real Dave]

Generic Acer Keyboard and loving it :) Got one of those wrist rests which my last didn't, the keys are nicely sized and sprung, and its comfortable to use :)

I feel for your Carpel Tunnel though :( I've had terrible wrists and palms due to mountain biking with no suspension and a few other things. I find that a good mouse makes more difference to me than a keyboard really, I need to get a decent mouse, again generic, badly sized (but cheap) thing :D

[Swagman]

Very nice keyboards I agree, But the OP stated he wants an ERGONOMIC keyboard.

[Exershio]

Very nice keyboards I agree, But the OP stated he wants an ERGONOMIC keyboard.

hehe I think everyone overlooked that part. No worries, I appreciate everyone's input. For now I'm sticking with my old keyboard and using the dvorak layout (until I find a decent quality/priced ergonomic keyboard). Learning how to properly type is making my wrists feel a lot better already. :D

[speedwell68]

Generic Acer Keyboard and loving it :) Got one of those wrist rests which my last didn't, the keys are nicely sized and sprung, and its comfortable to use :)

I feel for your Carpel Tunnel though :( I've had terrible wrists and palms due to mountain biking with no suspension and a few other things. I find that a good mouse makes more difference to me than a keyboard really, I need to get a decent mouse, again generic, badly sized (but cheap) thing :D

I had an Acer keyboard with this PC, it was just about the worst keyboard I have ever used. It lasted less than a day. I have replaced it with a Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 and I have to say it is superb. Microsoft, crap OS, nice Keyboards.

[LookTJ]

http://www.ergodirect.com/images/fl_Microsoft/large/micro-natural-elite_400.jpg

That's what I have, but not typing on it, I bought a smaller board. My desk isn't big enough for my laptop and ergo and tv all together. :P