Alphagrip, an Ergonomic Keyboard That Will Make You Look Twice

If you grew up playing video games (or play them now), you might appreciate the Alphagrip ergonomic keyboard.  It looks more like a game controller than a keyboard, and you'd certainly have to relearn your typing skills if you used it, but might it help for folks with repetitive stress injuries, since it has an "organic design tailored for natural hand alignment."

And it looks pretty cool too.

"The AlphaGrip USB computer keyboard and trackball is a superior alternative for gaming, writing emails, coding, or composing memos while sitting, leaning back, or lying down. No longer experience the hassle of balancing a keyboard on your knees or the awkward, uncomfortable positions you are forced to contort into when using a laptop at home. With a keyboard and trackball in the palm of your hands, you can lean back and achieve the same productivity as if you were sitting at your desk. And for gamers, the AlphaGrip's ten-finger control enhances your ability to generate any action."

Reviews at Amazon are a bit mixed, but if you're game to try the keyboard/controller you can pick one up for $100.

AlphaGrip Ergonomic USB Computer Keyboard & Trackball Alternative

Comments

[Justin Butler]

I'm immensely curious- how's this holding up for you?

I'm teetering on the edge of buying an AG-5 myself, the big question for me is trackball comfort. It looks like the AG-5 trackball is a bit out of reach to use for long periods of time or while also typing. Does being desk-free make up for a little extra thumb workout?

[Rebecca O'Connell]

I had one of these, and while it might work well for a gamer, it does not work well for someone with RSI. Its main problem is that it does not levitate, and there is nowhere to really hold the device. Because of this, you have to keep your hands tense while using it. Plus, the learning curve is rather steep.

[Ergoblog]

Thanks for the review, Rebecca. I did figure it'd be more gimmicky (or like you said, just for gamers) than efficient, but I'm a sucker for weird looking keyboards, so I had to mention it. :)