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Kinesis Keyboard and keyboard tray

Posted By: Getting older on 2007-09-22
In Reply to:

Okay, any lefties use this keyboard? How long did it take to get used to? I use my left thumb for the space bar and I notice on a diagram of the keys that I would always be hitting the backspace key.


I'm really interested in getting a better keyboard. I destroyed my left hand and wrist the other week when I fell because I'm becoming a real klutz.


I bought the Soft Flex gloves, but they only help a little bit. My production is down because of it and it's driving me crazy. I can only type an hour without stopping and then have to rest the hand for some time.


I did buy a Microsoft 2000 keyboard but have yet to recieve it. Is this a good one?


Do you use a keyboard tray with it or just set it on the desk? Do you think a kayboard tray would be the least expensive item right now that would help with a straight keyboard?


Any info you can provide to help me in making any decision would be greatfully appreciated.


'Scuse me for being old school, but I've only ever used a straight keyboard.


 




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Looking for a tray for my keyboard...
one of those that goes under the desk, slides out, and can be adjusted up and down for height. I had one when I worked at the hospital and would love to have one at home. Do any of you know where I could order one?
Keyboard tray
I bought my first one through Viking and the second one through Office Depot.  Love it as I can put is in dozens of positions and I love to have my keyboard slanted.   Been doing this for over 20 years and never have had carpal tunnel or hand pains and type 35 to 40,000 lines per month.  Docs cannot believe it and I do attribute it to the my keyboard that I am able to adust so much.  Costs over $100 if I remember but well worth it and in 20 years have only been through 2 which is a lot better than my keyboards.   Look online at Office Depot.   Good luck.   Patti
Keyboard tray
I actually found it the perfect keyboard tray! It's the single best investment I've made in years!

The AKP keyboard platform is enormously versatile...it will do absolutely everything. I love it, have been using it for 6 months now and can't imagine not having it.

Jeb Scannell is the owner, and was wonderful to work with. I was concerned about working with a footpedal, as the platform has a star base, but he explained how other MTs have used it, and I truly have no trouble.

There are several models, and lots of different surfaces for the tops. I recommend contacting Jeb directly...he often has slightly flawed tops that he will put together and sell at a discount. I saved quite a bit on mine, and I still haven't found the supposed flaw.

Web -- www.akp-inc.com

Email -- Jeb@akp-inc.com or akp20@aol.com

Voice Mail -- 727-526-6278 or toll free 1-877-925-7462 (1-877-9-AKPINC)

Jeb's direct Line: 727-410-1841

Val
Keyboard tray
I worked at a hospital where we had fully adjustable trays...I ended up adjusting mine until it ended up flat like a regular old keyboard tray (!)  The key for me, too, is the ergonomic keyboard and proper ergonomic alignment. 
Keyboard Tray

Hi,


I wanted to get some opinions on a keyboard tray.  I am using an ergonomic split keyboard that rests on my desktop.  I use wrist braces, and some days my wrists still ache.  I wanted the opinion of anyone who had used a keyboard tray versus not and if there was a difference.  Is there such a tray that you don't have do drill into your desk to attach it?  Any benefits that justify the cost of the tray?  I have my monitor on a monitor stand to help prevent neck strain.  That seems to help.  Just looking for any ideas to help save my wrists. 


 


Thanks in advance!


Keyboard tray
I don't know what you mean by "tray." The one I prefer has a plastic wrist rest attached which can be taken off. Using this, you can rest your wrists on the wrist rest as you type and it gives support to your hands and wrists. Using this, you don't need the gloves or the splints. Just keep your elbows close to your body and level with your keyboard and rest your wrists on the wrist rest as you type. Simple basic ergonomics is all. Also try to relax. Getting tense may put extra strain on your wrists and hands. Never used ergonomic keyboard. Tried it once and go nowhere fast.
snap on keyboard tray
I bought a keyboard tray with brackets (sorta like an over the door organizer that has the brackets on each side to fit over the door). It took less than 1 minute to install, just push the keyboard tray brackets over the edge of the desk and tighten the knobs. It has a rubber guard inside the bracket to prevent scarring up the desk. It then works like a regular under the desk pull out keyboard tray. The pull out tray is already installed, just fit the brackets over the desk and tighten the 2 knobs and the keyboard will slide from up under the desk. It was $24 at Wal-mart.
Get a keyboard tray for under your desk to keep it low.
s
My desk came with a keyboard tray, as do most of them

I've seen.  It is just a flat piece that slides in and out maybe 4 inches below my desk surface.  My parents bought me an adjustable tray years ago for Christmas.  It has levers that I can raise or lower it or tilt from side to side.  It recently broke and I'm using it in a fixed position now and not able to push it up under my desk when not in use. 


You can check any store like Office Depot or Staples and they have various kinds of keyboard trays.  You can look on-line, but they also have various ones setup in the store.  You can check e-bay too. 


I have tried working sitting up in bed or in a recliner.  I put something heavy on the bed and then prop my footpedal up against it and that works fairly well.  In a recliner I put the pedal on the leg rest and used my heel to push it, which I didn't think worked very well.  It kept slipping and I spent a lot of time messing with it to try to adjust it instead of typing.  I read a few years ago about an MT who had rigged her pedal so it was nailed to the wall.  I don't have a space to do that, plus I don't see how you get close enough to push the pedal if you are in a recliner.


 


Adjustable keyboard tray?
I'm a short person and need to get an adjustable keyboard tray that I can move up or down to accommodate my height better (one that slides under my computer desk as well of course).  Can anyone recommend a particular brand and model?  There are so many out there and I need a good one.  Thanks!
Free-standing keyboard tray
I found a free-standing keyboard tray that might be handy for travel. There is a picture of it at this site. Here is the link:
http://www.ergonomicsmadeeasy.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=49
I prop a pillow on my keyboard tray and then

put my keyboard on the pillow.  You need a sort of squishy pillow, too firm and it doesn't work.    I find that it makes me sit with my back against the back of the chair and it also helps with pain in fingers, wrists, and shoulders. 


I use a standard bed pillow - foam not feather. 


I removed the drawer to mount the keyboard tray.
Surprisingly, I didn't need that drawer as much as I thought I would. I found an adjustment keyboard tray at a bargain clearance store for $19, originally sold for around $80. Try ebay, too.
The perfect desk! No more chasing the keyboard tray or breaking it...
After years of going through desks at an unbelievable rate due to flimsy keyboard trays, I have found the perfect desk with adding a slight modification. I purchased a glass and aluminum desk (RTA Home and Office Products CT-009 from Willey Goat). The keyboard tray is actually a glass shelf. However, it did not come out far enough, and I contacted a local glass company to cut a longer piece of glass and RTA for extra parts to support an extended the shelf. Now I have a keyboard tray nice and big that I do not have to chase all day that will not break. I am in love! This desk was so easy to put together, unlike others that come in a million pieces. For anybody tired of those flimsy, ugly desks and extra support to rest your wrists/arms on, this is great!
KINESIS KEYBOARD
Can those of you who use this keyboard please let me know how you like them?  How long of an adjustment period is there?  Are they worth the price????
Kinesis Keyboard

I have been using the Professional Kinesis for maybe eight or nine years and it is the best.  I would not even consider going back no matter what the cost.  When I look at my son's regular keyboard, I think how did I ever work on a keyboard like this.  I tried all the other keyboards Microsoft Natural, etc. but the Kinesis is worth every penny.  My hands and wrists used to kill me and since getting this keyboard I have had almost no problems. Of couse, now and then your hands will still hurt but I probably would have had to quit typing years ago if not for this keyboard.  It takes a little getting used to, may a couple days or week or so but not very long.  Good Luck


Kinesis keyboard - sm
I use the Kinesis Maxim, and have for years. I've tried different keyboards, like the Goldtouch, but the Goldtouch doesn't have the attached wrist rests that I need/use. Otherwise, they are very similar keyboards. I have a Goldtouch in the closet I used for one day, and that was it. I have another keyboard in the closet that is in three parts, you arrange them as you like, can't think of the name offhand (it was expensive - in the $300 range), but couldn't get the hang of that one and it didn't fit under my desk in the keyboard tray. AND, I've tried numerous other ones, but always go back to the Kinesis Maxim. Good luck with your search.
to those who use a Kinesis keyboard
i just got a classic -- used it for 3 days and now i get up and go to start working, and the keyboard does not work at all -- not one key (the first one sent to me had one key malfunctioning, so had to return that).  After retraining my brain to the new key locations, this is killing me to go back to a standard layout, not to mention the touch on my old MS now feels like i'm working on a manual keyboard... have you had trouble with yours? 
Kinesis Keyboard-how to get used to it

Just bought one. It came with an exercise booklet and I am trying to do those exercises. It states not to wrist your hands on the wrist rests. Then why have them?


Does anyone think the keys are too noisy and "claky"? I thought they would be a really soft touch and quiet.


I found that I cannot keep my left hand on the home keys. How can I train my left hand to do that? Am I sitting wrong or do I have the keyboard situated wrong? I have it sitting straight on the top of the desk. Should I angle it a bit? 


I truly thought it would take me forever to get used to using the space bar (or should I say key?) but had no trouble at all.


Is there a place I can get more info on using the function keys and other keys at the top of the keyboard? I didn't find much on the website. So far, I like my Microsoft Ergo 200 better.


Thanks for any information you can provide.


I worked with someone once who used the Kinesis keyboard.
She absolutely loved it. Didn't take long to get used to it and her carpal tunnel syndrome was much, much better. Now she can't type on a regular keyboard. Her productivity increased, too.
Kinesis Classic Keyboard

It took me several days I believe to get use to the Kinesis. I just started out slow and when I became frustrated trying to use it I went back to the regular keyboard but soon found I was having more trouble typing on a regular keyboard so stuck with the Kinesis only and I would say it may have taken me two weeks to get back to speed but it has been well worth it to me.


I had OT come out to my house and they suggested I put something under the edge of my keyboard, the edge closest to me, so it would be basically neutral. I found a long wrist rest under that edge puts the keyboard at a perfect height for a neutral position. It is just one of those cheap foam ones like you find at Walmart but it works great.


It is the softest touch keyboard I have ever used which really ended finger fatigue for me. It also helped with my fingers aching and some of my hand pain. I had to change to an Evoluent mouse (as I posted below) and my right hand  hand/arm pain stopped.


Now, if only I could just find a way to stop my chronic back pain. :D


Let us know what you decide on and how it works for you, ok?


KINESIS ERGO KEYBOARD

Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard.  Newest technology, a MTs dream.  Feels like a cadillac when compared with other keyboards.  Purchased 10/2006, excellent condition.  Paid $350, will sell for $290--like new.  Adaptation exercise book.  Retired as MT.   Follow this link to review benefits:


http://www.kinesis-org.com/benefits.htm.


Kinesis Keyboard or Microsoft
I have been working on Kinesis Keyboards for 10 years and mine finally started to die.  Has anybody went from Kinesis to the Microsoft Ergonomatic keyboard? I am trying to save cash but I am not sure if it would be worth the trade. Does anybody have any experience with this?
Anyone use Kinesis contoured keyboard?

I'm on day 8 of slathering Ben-Gay all over my piddies and right shoulder for worsening pain that must be either tendonitis and/or bursitis.  It's totally frigging up my line counts and will to live. 


I've been wearing my SmartGloves and doing everything else "right" as far as stretching, taking breaks, and even getting up and doing "the hustle."  ;-)


The only 2 things I can think of needing replacing here are my chair and my keyboard.  I've been eyeballing that Kinesis contoured and it looks both sweet and scary at the same time.  I checked a YouTube video of it and it makes that little clicky noise I love, which means the keys snap back and are quick...love that.  I hate mushy keys. 


So, does anyone here use this particular keyboard and if so, would you recommend it?  I mean like HIGHLY recommend it?!  Sure is a steep price tag, and I am tight with a dollar, so be honest.  Thank you!


Oh--the link for the keyboard I'm fancyin' is:
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/    
It's the contoured one...fugly one farthest on the left.


 


Anyone use the Kinesis Advantage keyboard? see msg....
I would really appreciate any kind of feedback on this keyboard.  It's expensive but my hands/wrists/fingers are killing me.  Since I do VR mostly, I'm wondering where the arrow keys are.  Can't tell by the pics on the Kinesis site.  Also, are the keys really low-force and do you think that helps reduce pain and discomfort when typing?  Anything you could tell me, good or bad, before I spend this much money would be so appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Anyone use the Kinesis Freestyle keyboard?
That one that separates with a cord?  There are accessories such as an incline platform that look interesting.  I was hoping someone has this or has used one in the past....

 

What I really need to know is if they keys are considered low-impact.  I think that is what is killing my hands/wrists....pounding away on my microsoft keyboard. 

 

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.    Thanks in Advance!

 

 

 

Have you ever tried the Kinesis contoured keyboard, with the little "wells"? sm

They tout it as the "most productive and comfortable ergonomic keyboard available."  There's no place to try one out, and at $299, I'm not sure I'm ready to part with the cash, even though they have a moneyback guarantee.  Even on eBay, when I have seen them, they are pretty pricey, and that would be even more risky, since you can't usually return things on eBay.  


 


Just wondering if you had any experience with it ........ thanks!   


Kinesis Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard

Has anyone used this keyboard?  (It is the weird shaped one).  How comfortable are the hard plastic wrist rests?


Is anyone brave enough to try the Kinesis Contoured keyboard? sm
www.kinesis.com My sister is looking at one - almost every review she has read - people love it! It sure is funny looking.
The Kinesis Classic Keyboard is the softest touch I have used. (nm)
:)
Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis

I am faced with a decision between these 2 keyboards, both with pros and cons.  I would like to take a survey to see what everyone's opinion would be.   I strongly prefer a programmable keyboard, as I would like to change some of the keys around to suit me,  but will I regret not having an ergo keyboard in the long run?  Will I like the IBM clicky type keys? 


KINESIS FREESTYLE KEYBOARD
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo_us_legend.jpg


It splits and tents.
Delete key is on left side (which I love)
All other function keys are in the wrong place for me.
Quiet low-force tactile membrane switch
10 function keys on left
Keypad separate purchase
2 year warranty
60-day money back guarantee
Price:  $124.15 with the options I chose


AVANT STELLAR KEYBOARD
http://www.lonestarkeyboards.com/Avant-Stellar-Programmable-Keyboard/productinfo/KB%2D00%2D1001/
(click on additional images for close up)
I actually went to the manufacturer website (http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm) but they didn’t have any large photos so I went to a reseller for larger images. 


Straight keyboard
Can program any key to another function. 
Mechanical click/tactile key switches like the old IBM keyboards
12 function keys on left that can be reprogrammed
Keypad built in
2 year warranty
30-day money back guarantee
Price:  $189.00
Macro programming features
PS/2 interface but can buy PS to USB cord (I find this a little odd)
Programming software not compatible with Vista but can be programmed through the keyboard


This is from the sales rep I spoke to this week:
Have you ever heard of Northgate OmniKey keyboards?  We purchased the rights to the keyboards when they went out of business.  It is like typing on an old IBM keyboard.  It is a loud click, you know when you hit a key.  A lot of customers say they make fewer errors and I personally agree.  I have had my Avant for a little over 10 years and I type all day long.  I also have one at home.  It might help for you to listen to this review on our website: http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/menu.htm
Click on HEAR OUR INTERVIEW ON Lets talk Computers. Avant is VERY reliable.  We sell to a lot of medical transcriptionists, writers, gamers, call center operators, etc.  People that type 8 hours a day 5+ days per week.  Our keyboards can really take a beating.  


What'cha think?


Please Help - anyone who uses the Kinesis Freestyle Solo split keyboard....
 am considering buying one.  However, I noticed you have to buy a keypad separately.  I use the numbers at the top so I don't need a keypad.  Or so I thought, until I realized I use the plus and minus key on the keypad when we are in the ADT screen to move the date back.
 

So, my question is:  Do I have to also buy that separate keypad or is there a plus/minus key (that you don't have to use SHIFT to use) on the keyboard?

 

Thanks!

Morency board and Kinesis keyboard along with comfortable chair
Hi, I have been doing transcription for 14 years and about 4 years ago purchased a Kinesis keyboard and Morency arm rest board and they have been a lifesaver.  The key to a comfortable chair is one you can adjust the height, back, seat, etc and once you get it comfortable make sure no one changes it ! Some chairs have arm rests if you don't get a Morency board and help out.
I use a MSFT Natural keyboard at home and the laptop keyboard on the road. nm

favorite keyboard over the holidays is called "no keyboard"
nm
If you use a standard keyboard you can buy an old IBM model M keyboard on ebay or clickykeyboards.co

That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.


I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  


 


I use a laptop with a full-size keyboard (no separate keyboard)
I'm using a lap desk but previously was using a pillow with a book on it under the laptop. No additional keyboard though, I bought one with a full-sized board with regular size keys (an HP) which I LOVE and it took no time at all to get used to it. I also love that when the weather improves, I can take my computer outside and get some fresh air! What a great job... :)
Keyboard and mouse. Is there such a thing as a keyboard that has a mouse on the actual keyboard?
nm

Has anyone used the Smartboard keyboard? Everyone tell what keyboard they have and rate it nm
nm
Does anyone know of a keyboard that has the backspace key in the center of the keyboard? NM
nm
Split keyboard mounted on chair arms versus split keyboard on desk

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?


Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?


I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.


Gold touch makes a keyboard without number pad. Also the evoluent keyboard has the number pad on th
It is a very small keyboard and has laptop keys which are very quiet and light to the touch.  Almost no noise.
Keyboard
I'm in the same boat. My PC Concepts had the integrated touch mouse on the keyboard. PC Concepts no longer makes this in the English version. It was the best ergo KB I have ever used. I bought a Micro Innovations keyboard to replace it after much searching and this keyboard is a PIECE OF GARBAGE!

The touch buttons for the mouse are on either side, rather than below and it's very akward to use the mouse.

Not to mention the fact that their "ergonomic design" is one of a thumbs down with the "gentle curve" going inward rather than out.

Just DO NOT waste your money on a Micro Innovations keyboard.

By the way. I sent an email BEGGING PC-Concepts to bring back the English version. Never heard anything from them.

I did order another keyboard from them tho. Should be here hopefully today. The only difference is that the integrated finger mouse is detached on a little pad. I figure I can glue it to the keyboard and give that a try.

Will let you know how it works out and if I find a secret stash of the old PC-iMMT keyboards anywhere.
Keyboard
Try E-Bay for different ergonomic keyboards.  Quite often I have seen keyboards with the touchpad bottom center.  You can also get touchpads just by themselves, that you can position any place you want.  I got my Goldtouch keyboard off E-Bay and I love it.  I tried using my old flat keyboard again and hated it.
keyboard
I go through at least one if not  two keyboards a year because I wear the letters off.  Though I don't need them it is weird to type without them.    This last one was expensive and so am trying to get 15 months out of it.   Never spilled anything on it, just wear out the keys. 
keyboard
I would also suggest not wahing an ergonic keyboard.  When I got just one little drop of water underneath the keys, it shorted out the keyboard.  All I could get after that was jumbled characters.
911 keyboard wet
I spilled pepsi on kb last night.  I have used ergo kb for over 10 years.  I am trying to type this on regular kb, not doing too good.  My backspace on ergo was affected.  I don't have money to get new keyboard because I recently went to work for company that puts up good posts but steals lines.  How do I fix KB.  Any help appreciated.
Keyboard
You can try seeing if the keys will pop off that are giving you trouble and then use a Q-Tip and alcohol to clean the keys and the area where you spilled the drink.  That may work. 
keyboard

If neither one works then you are not getting a reading or connected via the received.  Have you pushed the "connect" button on both?   Are by accident using rechargable batteries?  Are the batteries good?  I have a rechargable Logitech now and thinking back to my one that wasn't to remember  how it works.  Sometimes you have to move the receiver around a bit so that it can receive the connection as that is how it works.   Are you sure you are plugged into the correct port on the back of your computer.  I am sure you have checked all of this but just going over in my mind what I would check  Again, you have to sometimes push the connect button simultaneously  on the keyboard and the connection base station.   But move the base station around, recheck the batteries and that is all I can say.  I could not type a couple of time but moving my base made it possible.  GO onto Logitech and check out their site for help also. 


Good luck - Patti


 


Keyboard
Yeah me too...but now that I contract I never stop typing and I usually spill something on my keyboard before it gets that old anymore! Do they have a keyboard with straps like a hotdog vendor? Now that is something I'd be interested in.
new keyboard
Thanks for answering. I am
contacting clickykeyboards, because it sounds like the IBM M is the one I want. I have never done well with the ergonomic keyboards.

Thanks again.