Ergoblog

Kinesis Freestyle V3 & Other "Tenting Accessories" for Ergonomic Keyboards

When I first starting have trouble with RSI, it was hard to find a keyboard that actually made a difference.  There were some ergonomic keyboards on the market, but I ended up resorting to voice recognition software for quite a while (and if you've ever wanted to feel stupid, trying dictating a fantasy novel to your computer... it'll do all sorts of interesting things with the names of your major characters).  Fortunately these days, I'm able to make a living while only working an hour or two a day (see my latest blog for more on that: Writing for Your Wealth) and my RSI doesn't bother me nearly as much.  That doesn't keep me from gawking at all the interesting new ergonomic keyboards and accessories  though.

For instance, Kinesis has a new accessory out for their popular "Solo" split keyboard (I don't have a Solo but dropped the $300 for one of their contoured ergonomic keyboards a few years back and found it well worth the money--once I got used to the funky layout):

The Kinesis Freestyle V3 "clips onto the base of the Solo keyboard and enables users to set slope settings of 5, 10, and 15 degrees without using any tools."  Like a little more angle to your split keyboard?  Try the Ascent Multi-Tent, which " enables both vertical and variable keyboard tenting, letting users independently set the tenting angle of each module in 10 degree increments from 20 all the way up to 90 degrees."

I'm not sure I can see getting used to typing with my hands perpendicular to my desk, but it'd sure wig out any friends who came over to use your computer.

The Solo keyboard runs about $135 with the V3 tenting accessory around $25. 

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

Adesso Tru-Form Media Keyboard Gets Top Pick

I got a hold of this week's issue of Business 2.0 and they have a brief section where they reviewed three ergonomic keyboards.  On the block were the CKS Comfort, the Kinesis Advantage Pro (the keyboard I've had for the last two years), and the Adesso Tru-Form Media. 

The CKS Comfort got 3 out of a possible 4 stars (or maybe 5... it's not clear, and they didn't seem ecstatic about any of the keyboards), the Kinesis 3.5 stars, and the Adesso 4 stars.  The blurbs are pretty short, but here's what they said about the Adesso:

"Buy this one if your wrists are basically fine, but you want an inexpensive hassle-free way to keep them that way."

Cons: "The one-size-fits-all layout isn't ideal for those who suffer from extreme wrist discomfort."

Pros: "This standard ergonomic keyboard has split, angled sections and a soft natural curve."

Keyboard with Extra Big Letters

Here's a smart idea for anyone whose eyes aren't as good as they used to be.  A keyboard with over-sized letters, numbers, and symbols is easier for folks with vision issues.  It can also be helpful if you're working in a low-light situation for whatever reason (I won't go into the days when I used to play Everquest all night with the lights off and how it's no wonder I have repetitive strain injuries and other issues now...)

This large print keyboard is only $10, and I'd probably go for something a little higher quality if I was going to invest in a new model keyboard, but if you're interested, it is available online from Collections, Etc.

Rolling, Folding, Self-compacting Keyboards, Ugh.

Eleksen's fabric keyboard is just one in a chain of keyboards I've seen that are meant to be rolled, folded, or otherwise mashed into a small space for travel purposes. Now, I love technology, and I love seeing cool new innovations, but having typed on one of these, all I can say is ugh. At least from an ergonomics standpoint. These things aren't at all finger-friendly. They're hard to hit the keys on, they force your hands into awkward positions, and their compact size makes you work harder to type--tense, much? I'm sure they're fine for occasional use (i.e. when traveling), but that's what laptops originally were touted for, and now many people use them exclusively. I just can't help but cringe when I see the contorted positions we assume to type on things like this (don't get me started on text-messaging on cell phones). I have this fear that we're all going to be paying down the road in increased cases of RSIs.

I could be wrong, but for now, I'll keep my Kinesis Contoured keyboard, thank you. Even if it means packing an extra suitcase for it. =)

E-Quill Air-O2-Bic Mouse

Here's an ergonomic mouse that I came across while browsing at Amazon.  The E-Quill Air-O2-Bic reminds me of other vertical mice I've seen, like the Evoluent, but it's got a sort of wrist rest built in to cup your hand as it rests sideways.  That seems like it might make it easier to use.  Of course, I'm pretty much sold on my old iGesture touch pad, but it'd be interesting to try a vertical mouse and see if it helps fight RSIs.  As anyone used the E-Quill?  It's about $75 over at Amazon, which is fairly pricey for a mouse, but considering I spent well over a hundred for my iGesture, I guess it's comparable to other ergonomic accessories.  (Oh, the price we pay for our injuries.)

E-Quill Air-O2-Bic

Senseboard "Virtual Keyboard"

I'm not a big cell phone text messager, but I have seen numerous articles in the last year or two addressing the awkwardness of creating messages on those tiny pads meant for dialing phone numbers.  Likewise, PDA users have to deal with tiny interfaces.  From the articles I've read, doctors are starting to link increased use of these devices with RSIs like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  That's why, when I saw an article on a virtual keyboard designed to work with these compact devices, I decided to check it out.

The Senseboard virtual keyboard and mouse is actually a pair of devices that wrap around your hand and sense movements to translate the characters you are typing.  I'm probably mangling the description, so here's a blurb from the company's web site:

"Designed for “keyboard challenged” mobile computer users, Senseboard® “virtual keyboard” is a small device that attaches to the palms of the hand and allows users to type on any surface as if it were a keyboard. It works by measuring hand and finger movements, and determines the appropriate keystrokes or mouse movements."

I wasn't able to find much on the 'net in the way of reviews, so if anyone has tried the device, please let us know how it worked. 

http://www.senseboard.com

Ergonomic Mouse Reviews

Three new ergonomic mouse reviews up over at Tech Spot.  They took a look at the Perific Wireless Dual Mouse, the 3M Ergonomic "Renaissance" Mouse, and the Evoluent VerticalMouse 2.  The review takes into account price, precision, and ergonomics when comparing all three.  "Although it is obvious that these mice weren't designed for gaming, precision is still something to consider.  The mice from Evoluent and Perific were easily able to do some minor Photoshop work and brief video gaming.  The 3M mouse was not able to do these tasks very well."

For details, check out the entire review at: Ergonomic Mouse Round-up

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 Review

PC World just posted a review of the new Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  It's fairly brief, but the reviewer ultimately liked the keyboard: "As a touch typist, I initially found positioning my hands comfortably on this shipping unit difficult. But after about a day, I got accustomed to the way it felt. The well-padded palm rest made everything feel even more comfy."

Considering the price is around $65 (as compared to my Kinesis Contoured at nearly $300), it's probably worth checking out, though with all ergonomic toys, I recommend finding a place where you can try before you buy. 

Here's a link to the original review: Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Vibrating Mouse Warns You to Take a Break

The Hoverstop mouse is designed to reduce the time you spend clutching your mouse by adding little breaks.  If users hold the mouse without using it for more than 10 seconds, it'll vibrate and alert them to remove their hands.  It looks like a good idea for combating RSI, since so many of our problems are related to holding our arms out (unnatural) for long periods, which causes the shoulders, neck, upper back, etc. to tense up.  In the long run, that can be a root cause of problems like sore wrists and fingers, and even chronic headaches.  I don't know if the mouse alone can serve as a good enough reminder to take breaks and stretch out your muscles, but used in conjunction with a break reminder program, it sounds like a good idea.

If the Hoverstop mouse sounds like your cup of tea, it's available over at the Human Solution.  Here's a blurb from the retailer: "The system helps you to relax up to 25 times an hour. On average you will have 10 minutes of 'free' breaks each hour. That is a lot of relaxation time. Most people find it not only helps them relax, but also improves concentration on the task at hand, they get less tired and feel more comfortable."

http://www.thehumansolution.com/hoverstop.html