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Never used it, but I always wondered why nobody made one like this until I saw that someone actually does.

http://datahand.com/products/proii.htm

I love the Microsft Natural 4000. It’s really comfortable for long hack-sessions, and they don’t rearrange the arrow/home/end/insert/pgup/pgdown/delete, which is typical on other natural keyboards. It has good travel and feel. Really, just read the reviews on Amazon for a feel.

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 3000 Keyboard and Mouse.

Yeah, you heard that right.

Cheap and great.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=067

I was having problems all the time with my wrists… then I got the FrogPad!

I’ll second the comment about the MS Natural 4000. Just got one at work and am loving. The elevated wrist position takes a bit of getting used to, but has become much more comfortable for me than a normal keyboard.

The original.

http://www.assist-it.org.uk/assets/images/microsoft_keyboard.jpg

I’ll third the recommendation of the MS Natural 4000. I have one for the office and one for home. Works well with my PowerBook, I even find the user configurable hotkeys useful. Even as an Apple-fanboy, I have to give MS props for their hardware.

It’s got a nice feel when I type. Not too mushy and not too hard. I really don’t get tired typing all day on this. Love the fake leather wrist rest too.

Five stars for me.

I’m still in mourning for my Acer Ergo61. Somewhat steeper cant than the MS Natural keyboards I’ve used, and wider spacing between the two sections—my (fairly big) hands and arms were in a very natural rest position when they were sitting on the keyboard.

The integrated trackpad was nice, too, and its central position made laptop<->desktop easier for me, since I was always using a trackpad that was located between my hands.

Man, I miss that keyboard…

I love my Microsoft Natural Wireless Keyboard & Mouse (amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wireless-Optical-Desktop-Pro/dp/B0000AOWVP/sr=8-1/qid=1160671813/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-5763666-6887246?ie=UTF8&s=electronics). I have had it for three years and except for the occasional battery change its been terrific. It even works well with my MacBook Pro [though the shortcut keys don’t work so natively in parallels]!

Kinesis keyboards are incredible and have solved my (and many, many friends and colleagues) woes. Be warned there is a 1-week adjustment period but it’s well worth it.

I’ve always been fond of the MS Wireless Office Desktop Pro.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=014

Another recommendation for the MS Natural 4000, I use one at work and at home. It is the best natural since the original MS behemoth.

While it’s not “ergonomic” in the sense you intend, Das Keyboard has strategically-weighted keys that significantly reduce typing fatigue. Plus, it’s uber cool . . .

www.daskeyboard.com

I’ll second the Kinesis Contoured Keyboard. I started using one about seven years ago because I was experiencing some wrist pain. It’s been smooth sailing since then. As an added bonus: it forced me to learn how to touch type properly.

Another vote for Kinesis. If you’re not already a fairly decent touch typist, then you’ll have a longer adjustment period.

Not only do I not have wrist pain anymore, but my typing speed has increased and I now touch type numbers and symbols in addition to letters.

I’m a huge Kinesis fan, I wrote up some of my thoughts last time this came up in a blog.
As other people have posted, there is a learning curve to the straight up and down layout, so don’t try to get used to it during a crunch period like I did.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043

I wrote a full review back in August: http://www.synapsoftware.com/blogit/articles/2006/08/15/review-microsoft-natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000

Sorry – should have used html for the links:

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.

I wrote a full review when I got it this summer.

asdf

Another vote for the MS 4000 . I liked it so much that I bought 2 in case they decide to stop making em.

It’s replaced my old MS ergo keyboard which was still working but dirty. Also I like the built in audio controls, mute especially is very usefull.

Matt, I work closely with people that require adaptive technology due to vision and physical disabilities. Consequently I’ve looked into all manner of “ergonomic” gadgets and I’ve only found one company that offers any evidence supporting the claim of being “ergonomic”. http://www.safetype.com/ It’s about $170.00. The only problem is that using it requires touch-type proficiency. For doing any type of coding it would probably prove to be a challenge given the nature of how coders code (type, cut, paste, comment out, looking for the appropriate ({}, [], (), ””, ’’ ) etc…

That said, the people I’ve worked with seem to feel that some of the more commercially available keyboards help. The biggest complaint is that, as with the keyboard above, it takes some time to get accustom to the idiosyncrasies of the keyboard.

Also, I’ve used several “ergonomic” keyboards in the past and was perfectly happy when just typing but coding on them drove me nuts. Ultimately I went back to the standard layout and just started to pay attention to the amount of time I spent typing and how I was doing it.

Scott.

Kinesis contoured (“Advantage”?) keyboard all the way. They arn’t perfect. All the smarts they put into them to allow it to be fully programmable has a tendency to cause occasional problems. But the comfort is definitely worth it.

Oh yeah, and if you arn’t touch typing correctly, you will find out pretty quick. I was apparently not always using the correct finger, and on this keyboard that is really difficult.

I’ve been using the Kinesis for ten years, one at work, one at home, and love it. Short adaptation period, but you can still use a normal laptop keyboard at full speed.

Note to you guys about Log Cabin: In IE6 , the right column (e.g. The Deck, “WHO ARE 37SIGNALS ?”, the products list) is vertically below the comment box (starts about even with the “Looking for something?” text). Interestingly, the original post about Log Cabin didn’t do this. If you need it, I’ve got a screenshot and client-side source.

I’ll vouch for the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000, it feels great and has improved my WPM , plus it has programable multimedia keys.

Umm…maybe i’m the only one that doesn’t like the MS 4000 . I find the MS 2000 best for me. Good keypress pressure and little more quiter than the MS 4000 . Best of all, it can be had for around $20. Thumbs up.

That’s “quieter”... ;)

I know it’s not what you asked, BUT : I’ve actually recently learned (from mandated ergonomics training) that there’s no such thing as an “ergonomic keyboard.” Every body is different and has different ergonomic needs.

You may want to focus on your overall ergonomics (proper chair adjustments, desk and monitor height, posture and mousing techniques).

Cherry Ergo-Plus: http://www.ergosci.com/cherryrv.html – it’s held up for 10+ years now; it’s no longer manufactured and I can’t find a used one anywhere. :-(

http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

I used TouchStream from now defunct FingerWorks. It really helped my sore fingers. It had a steep learning curve, you pretty much had to re-learn how to type. But once I got used to it it was great. If they were still in business I would strongly recommend that one. You can still find some on eBay every once in a while though.

Just love my Logitech® Cordless Desktop® Comfort (that is: I love the KEYBOARD , I worked with the mouse for about a year and then bought a Logitech mx1000). It’s wireless (but the batteries haven’t died on me in the ~year that I got it), which I love too. I hate MS keyboards personally, although I heard the new keyboards are getting better for me. I don’t like the way you always have to really push the keys. But that’s personal opinion.

I’ve been using a Kinesis Advantage Pro for about 6 months now and I love it. I never had any wrist pain or anything before switching but better be safe than sorry.

I never did proper touch typing… until I used this keyboard. You have to do it, our you won’t hit any keys. There is definitly a adoption period. The first time I tried to type I was feeling like someone who never had used a keyboard before. Doing the supplied exercises helps.

I use a Kensington Expert mouse (a trackball) along with the keyboard which makes a pretty decent ergonomic setup. I like it and will never go back.

For all you who are having issues with carpal tunnel from long days at the computer please consider this radically different mouse. I had a numb cold hand at the end of a work day and was well on my way to surgery when I found this device. Within about 4 months my hand was back to normal. It’s tricky to get used to but great once you do. http://www.animax.no/

At home, I use a Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard, which allows you to adjust both the horizontal split (0-30 degrees), and the vertical angle (0-30 degrees). Unfortunately, their website doesn’t really give you a good idea of how it works, although their homepage has a serviceable before-and-after shot.

For the curious, there’s a lever on the top of the left-hand side of the board. Pulling it away from the board releases a very-difficult-to-describe ball-joing, allowing you to make the desired adjustments. Pushing the lever back into the original position essentially locks the ball joint, so the adjustment “sticks.”

At work, on the other hand, I just got a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 today… It replaced an Adesso (read: piece of junk).

The MS Natural 4000 is nice in that it inclines the keyboard up so your hands stay in a much more natural position. (Wrists remain straight rather than with keyboards that incline the other way.) Yeah, it’s Microsoft, but I’ve heard that they make a loss on most of their hardware sales, so your conscience can rest easy!

Also, ditch the mouse and any apps that require it. That’s been the change that’s offered me the most relief.

Call that an ergonomic keyboard? This is an ergonomic Keyboard!

Seriously – it’s expensive, but fantastic. It has virtually eliminated my wrist problems.

Although not marketed strictly as ergonomic, the Logitech Comfort Keyboard is pretty nice. It’s cordless (though not bluetooth) and even has Mac keyboard bindings if you’re so inclined.

As someone who spent a few years studying office ergonomics and repetitive strain injuries, I agree that working to improve your posture and adjusting the height of the keyboard and monitor are more effective at preventing/mitigating RSIs than having an “ergonomic” keyboard. I also agree that minimizing your use of the mouse can really help—the high incidence of RSIs among graphic designers is likely due mostly to intensive mouse use, which can lead to thoracic outlet syndrome and other problems. If you learn to keep your wrists at neutral angles and if you can use a tray to keep the keyboard and mouse at a level just slightly above your legs, you should be fine.

The most ergonomic keyboard in the world won’t help you if you keep it at desk height (so your wrists are higher than your elbows).

Strong vote for the Kinesis Countoured keyboard. My pages about it here:

http://multipart-mixed.com/productivity/kinesis_contoured_keyboard.html http://multipart-mixed.com/miscellany/how_to_paint_your_keyboard.html

(Second link is my hand-painted version.)

+1 for Kinesis. You can get a refurbished base model for under $200—direct, not on ebay.

Might be a good idea to steer clear of the CombiMouse

I made fun of someone using the TypeMatrix keyboard, then ended up getting one myself and I love it!

The key action is perfect, the extra enter/delete keys in the middle are great, and it’s perfectly sized to sit over an existing laptop keyboard.

http://www.typematrix.com/

The ultimate keyboard: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Model_M_Keyboard

I really hate that the numbers pad is on the right side of most of these boards.

This is pretty poor planning because you have to shift your keyboard to the right in order to center the home keys. And when you do that…your keyboard is in the way of your mouse.

It’s also bad because you have to take your right hand off the mouse to use the pad. If the number pad were on the left, you could use your _left_hand to type and keep your right hand on the mouse.

Anybody know an ergonomic keyboard with the number pad either on the left side or detached from the keyboard?

MS 4000 .

These keyboards rock! Too bad they went belly up. http://www.fingerworks.com/

@Dan: I share your disdain for the number pad on the right side. About a year ago I found A4 Tech who make “left-handed” keyboards. “Left-handed” just means that they put the number pad on the left. They’re not ergonomic keyboards but so far they are the only company I’ve found who produce this kind of keyboard. Check out the model that I’m typing on right now.

I forgot to mention, this keyboard isn’t all that great for programming since they relocated the insert, home, end, and delete keys. I actually do most of my programming on a standard keyboard and all of my writing on the one I mentioned above.

my vote is for ms natural 4000 as well.

i’ll reiterate again, this is the first ergo keyboard from ms with natural arrow key layout since their veteran natural pro keyboard.

as far as for kinesis, is it available in any b&m stores where i might be able to try it?

Its tought to recommend a keyboard, when you don’t submit more information, but guessing that you guys also uses Mac, I would recommend the same, that I use; Logitech S530 , which is kept in white and silver, only sports mac keys (no windows flags here), and comes as a desktop set, with a mouse that is a little smaller than the MX1000 from Logitech. There are some functional “multimedia” keys, which I never liked, but since I use it with my iBook, it had to be white.

“Leap keys” allow sensationally fast navigation in text based systems: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_Cat

I’d like to recommend a BenQ-Keyboard. It is not “ergonomic” (in the classical way), but feels very comfortable:

http://www.benq.com/products/Keyboard/?product=899

(BenQ x500/BenQ x800)

(Attention: The keys react very easy and feel very “light”. If you are the kind of writer who likes to put pressure on the keys, this keyboard isn’t for you)

logitech all the way here boys, but they’re hard to find…

I use a Kenesis Maxim. It’s about $100. I had (and still have) pretty severe tendonitis before I bought it so I can’t say it “cured” me or anything. But, it’s more comfortable than the MS natural keyboard, especially because it is adjustable.

All this talk about the Kenesis contoured keyboard is making me very anxious to give that a try…

I haven’t got any (yet), but my old supervisor, who has both really bad RSI and a job that requires lots of coding and doc writing has had real success with the Datahands that Jim first-posted:

http://datahand.com/products/

She’s had both the pro and the normal ones and feels there isn’t much difference. In fact I think said the cheaper ones were better.

I think this is a very very different mode of typing, but if you have problems with your wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome then they can really help. Possibly a little drastic if you’re just starting to have problems though.

I also would like to try the combimouse!

I love the feel of the MS Natural Keyboard 4000, but just wish it came in a wireless model. Seems odd that they have wireless versions of all of their other models but not this one. And I’m not a huge fan of Logitech, although I know they have a wireless ‘natural’ keyboard.

Has anyone heard any further word about theOptimus keyboard lately? Granted, I’d prefer a more ergonomic version, but that LED functionality is pretty cool (if it works).

Another vote for the Kinesis contour keyboard. It does take some getting used to, but it really does help. Another upside is that it just about makes sure no one will ever use your computer when you’re not there. Took me a couple of days to get fully used to it, but was typing in about an hour or two. Not a huge adjustment period since I do touch type.

on kinesis where is the windows key?

@May to the best of my knowledge optimus is legit and will be out before end of new year. one thing to note, though, about these guys, they too, much like 37s care much more about quality than due dates, so while optimus is expected before the hollidays, it would not surprise me a bit if they postpone should manufacturing quality turn out sub perfect.

to add a personal comment, while keyboard w/ oled keys is unquestionably cool, i have to say i wont be using this keyboard. i’m way too addicted to ergonomic configuration (ever since ms natural pro). for coolness factor i’ll probably get their Optimus mini three keyboard. its available now.

that was “end of this year”

I’m mourning the demise of Lexmark’s split keyboard. The Goldtouch, mentioned above, is the only one I’ve found that’s close, but I’m hoping my old Lexmark has more years in it.

I’ve found that with small hands, the Kinesis and MS keyboards are too big and make my hands tired sooner. They also seem to require more pressure to get the keys down. The Lexmark and Goldtouch have slightly less resistance.

Thanks for all the recommendations of others to explore.

Oh, and I’ve used that Animax mouse thing and after just a couple hours, had to ice my arms. It was much worse than a normal mouse, and I couldn’t give it away to coworkers.

Kensington trackball all the way!

I add my vote for the Microsoft Natural Keyboard 4000, I use it at home for dev work and it is fantastic for my wrists. The only gripe I have with it is that you cannot get it unwired.

I’ll plug Kinesis as well. I had terrible RSI … pains in my shoulder and wrist plagued me for several years. Getting a Kinesis solved the problem inside of a few weeks.

It does, however, take some time to adapt to, especially if you use other keyboards (like laptops) in tandem. The keyboard shape is just insane, and some of the keys are in weird positions: backspace/delete are your left thumb, =/+ is upper left, ~/` is bottom left.

I’ve got one of the original MS Natural keyboards with the PS/2 connector. I bought it for next to nothing on eBay several years ago and it’ll probably see me out, or for as long as I can get converters for the connector.

I type around 80wpm and while there may be better things, I haven’t found any necessity to replace or “upgrade” it.

It’s pretty tough, too. It’s taken more than a few hits to the stomach without wincing!

I’ve tried a bunch, but my favorite is the Goldtouch

It is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, it doesn’t have a numeric pad (which i like because i can keep my trackball closer, you can still set numlock and it’s like on a laptop keyboard)

And, best of all, you can get them super cheap on eBay.

I’m surprised nobody mentioned this one:

http://comfortkeyboard.com/keyboards_comfort.html

I use one at home and at work. It took a little getting used to typing sideways, but I can spend about 4X longer typing with this vs. a flat keyboard without any RSI pain. This is the only one that really gets your whole arm, wrists, and hands into the most neutral position (if you set it to a nearly-vertical position). IMHO , it’s the mother of all ergonomic keyboards, and an interesting engineering feat too (you can set each third to almost any angle and it will stay that way).

The mouse is just as important… seek out mice that let you keep your hands in handshake position.

Also consider switching to the Dvorak keyboard layout. The transition will make you crazy for about a week, and then all of a sudden you can go way faster and your hands hurt less. On a mac, you can enable it in the International section of System Prefs.

HTH .

I use a Corsair. Its the perfect keyboard if you want to Get Real.

http://www.ahajokes.com/crt883.html

Comments on both the Goldtouch keyboard & Evoluent Vertical Mouse

http://fooworks.com/index.php?s=ergo

I use and recommend the Kinesis Classic contoured keyboard:

http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/classic.htm

I had it when I used windows but I was able to reprogram some of the keys to work with my MacBook.

Justin

Nothing comes close to being as great as the TypeMatrix.

http://www.typematrix.com/

I would never consider anything else. It’s so natural, so simple, so portable. It’s my insurance against RSI .

Be warned – you’ll fall in love.

Another vote for the MS Natural 4000 keyboard here.

I used to be a Kinesis Essential Contoured keyboard fanatic, but over time my thumbs got overused with it. It got to the point where I couldn’t lift my 1-year old son without some pain. (He was heavy, but not that heavy!)

Anyway, I switched to the MS Natural 4000 about a year ago and it’s worked great for me. The MS Natural 4000 works great with Mac and Windows—it’s actually a bit better (more configurable) with the Mac!

It works well with Dvorak layout etc.

I wrote a blog post about this in June here...

I love the Microsoft Natural 4000, I recently wrote a review for it when I got it earlier this year.

http://www.sparkd.org/blog/2006/07/09/natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000-by-microsoft/

I’ve been using a Happy Hacking keyboard (I own 3 of them) for 7 – 8 years now. Not strictly ergonomic, but a constant joy to use, all day, every day. And tiny.

Maybe the HH people could hire someone more proficient in English to write their promotional material, but hey, it’s fun to read, and their products are great.

A typical quote: “The switching area is on the downslope while the key can be pressed. The structure leads to perfect key switching by inertial force and you feel much more better than before.” And I do.

www.pfu.fujitsu.com/en/hhkeyboard/

I would not recommend it .. in fact is has to be the world’s most ridiculous keyboard :-)

I LOVE this keyboard. Other keyboards cause me much pain.

I’be been using an MS natural 4000 for a week. My eyes haved been opened, and I want more. What do the keys on the Kinesis sound/feel like? Heavy/clicky/soft/thud/snap?

I recently started googling for ergonomic keyboards (which is how I found this page). I found a good summary of different options here:

http://web.mit.edu/atic/www/tools/keyboards.html

Has anyone heard of or tried the Alpha Grip? It’s not actually a keyboard—it’s more like a game controller.

http://www.alphagrips.com/

I’ve been using a Kinesis Classic for a long time and love it, but now I want one that is wireless with a track ball or touch pad included in it. Any suggestions?

Or, how about a small wireless touch pad that I can stick on the blank space in the middle of my Kinesis, or similar wireless keyboard?