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Ergo keyboards sm

Posted By: mlstoo on 2007-07-17
In Reply to:

I know this has been discussed before, but I need opinions on the ergo keyboards, best, cost, why you like them. I'm considering going with the Kinesis but would like input on the other kinds out there as well.  How is the Microsoft one?  It's reasonably priced but when I looked at it at Staples, it didn't seem much different than the regular Dell I have now. 


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ergo keyboards
Is Goldtouch the name of company or the product...where can I get one online? thanks...sfm
Questions regarding ergo keyboards. (SM)

I saw the post below and looked at the Kinesis Classic keyboards.  Wow, they are very different looking.  I wonder how long it takes to get used to working with one of these...


What ergo keyboard do you like?


How long did it take to get used to it?


Any advantages over other keyboards?


How long until my wrists and hands stop hurting?


I'm seriously debating making this investment, but I have on idea where to start.  Thanks so much for taking the time to help.


 


Are there ergo heated keyboards? nt
nt
Ergo Heated Keyboards
I'm afraid I haven't seen any ergonomic heated keyboards. In fact, I think there is only one heated style that's really out so far. I think there will be more soon though. Between cold offices, Raynaud's and more people using keyboards, something better should be along soon. In the meantime, the heated wrist rest http://www.raynauds.org/offers/ThermalRest.cfm looks like a possible alternative.
I get my ergo keyboards off Ebay.
kl
kinesis vs microsoft ergo keyboards

is the touch really noticeably softer?  Can you just plug it in and go, without any retraining self to speak of? 


thanks.


Anyone know what OEM means? Looking at keyboards to buy & there are some MS 4000 keyboards advertise
anyone have a clue?
These keyboards are designed after the original IBM keyboards that
have the "clicky, audible sound" when pressing the keys - not the hushed, soft, nonexistent touch & feel of the newer keyboards.
Think it depends on what you've learned on & "typed" on as to your preference regarding touch, sound feedback, etc.
When my original IBM keyboard was going on the blitz(1995),I searched far & wide for a company to repair such and/or replace it. This company has repaired such - several times. This company does offer clones of the original IBM that are very comparable to the original. They also have other keyboards available made by their company, but I have no personal knowledge as to their touch, etc.
As a side note, this company will repair most model keyboards for a very nomimal fee if you have a favorite you don't want to part with - ask for Jim Owens - he's a doll-babe !!
I know this company makes several of their own keyboards, but what I believe mdlfcrs is referring to is not known to the newer transcriptionists. In other words, the keyboard she/he and I are talking about is not ergonomic, soft-touch or mushy feeling. It goes back to the days of the typewriter - you heard it, you felt the keys - a totally different feeling compared to most "computer keyboards" -
Ergo keyboard

I love my Belkin, mostly because it's one of the only keyboards with a "right 6" - for those of us who use our right index finger to touch the "6" key.  After typing for 30 years, I can't switch now!


Ergo mouse. sm
Does anyone know of a mouse that will reduce the squeeze-type action required and also the scrolling action?  If so, I need to get it ASAP.  Thanks.
I just got my first ergo keyboard - sm
the Logitech Wave and I'm really enjoying it. Got an email from buy.com and with a $20 rebate, I think it came to $49.00 - good deal. I didn't want to dramatic of a split - I was afraid that would be hard to get used to.
Are you talking about the MS Ergo or...
the ones that you separate in 2 pieces? I bought the ergo keyboard 4000 and I thought it was good but the keys were a little hard to push down.They are lower set than standard keyboard but I think you have to push harder? My wrists and elbows still hurt. I am considering a split keyboard (splits in half and you type in a handshake position). Does anyone have one of these? Do they work for aching wrists/arms?
ergo keyboard sm
 never had wrist pain again since the day I bought my first one.  Got a zoom key, don't know what it's for.
If you're looking for a new ergo keyboard

I found a great one!  My needs were pretty basic:  I wanted one with an ergo design, detachable wrist rest, clicky keys, the #6 on the left, adjustable height, and a good price! 


I found these two sites.  The first describes the keyboard better, but the second sells it much cheaper:


http://www.askergoworks.com/shopexd.asp?id=830


http://www.contourdesign.com/cgi-bin/webstore/web_store.pl.   Scroll down to "Ergo Keyboard"


I ordered it Friday, it came on Wednesday, I plugged it in, and I'm totally, completely loving this thing! 


Microsoft ergo... Love it
it slowed me down for maybe 3 to 4 days, but now I just love it.My hands never ache anymore... However, I have real trouble using a regular keyboard now on my spare computer, just doesn't feel right now, but since I only ever really just surf the net with that one it doesn't matter.  Really has helped my hands and wrists.
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.


Anyone here have the Belkin ergo keyboardSM

I just bought one on Amazon.com (it should be here on Friday).  Just wondering what you all think of it?  I really liked my MS ergo elite keyboard, so I wonder if I'll be disappointed by trying to save a few bucks.


Thanks for your feedback! :)


Chickadee


I want an ergo keyboard but I cannot seem to get used to the smaller (sm)

shift key on the righthand side of the keyboard.  I keep hitting the keys beside or below it.  Do you eventually get used to it?  Right now I am looking at the Goldtouch and the Kinesis Maxium.   Would appreciate anyone's input. 



Does anyone use an Ergo Magic keyboard?
You can see it here:

 

http://ergonomicsmadeeasy.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=20

 

Looks interesting....

 

My hands/wrists can't take it anymore...I have to do something.  I wake up with tingling and numbness in my fingers every morning.  I know I'm headed towards carpal tunnel if I don't have it already.

 

If someone has used this or anything similar and could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated!    Thanks so much!

I bought an ergo Kinesis
I spent an arm and a leg on a Kinesis Keyboard.  It helped for awhile, but not I've got burning pain. 
I have one more question regarding this ergo keyboard
When I zoom in on my word document, it is interfering with my ESP. It does zoom the document but it also brings up my ESP screen? Any suggestions?
Okay Y'all - what is the best ergo keyboard out there right now - not intersted in those really
nm
microsoft 4000 ergo, I use, with zoom in/out,
nm
I do opposite, B is right, and 6 is left according to ergo keyboard
and I have never used my right SHIFT-key. I must have some bad habits.
I just bought a Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000 from Officemax
for about $60 (not exactly cheap).

I can't attest to how long this one is going to last, but I do really like it. However, when I bought it, I was given an option of buying a 2-year extended warranty for like an additional $12. They said they would replace the keyboard for any reason in that time period. I declined, but maybe not a bad investment for people like us who can go through keyboards.
Microsoft split ergo with volume and zoom controls.
nm
The Microsoft 4000.....ahhhh....awesome, quiet, soft touch, ergo..nm
XX
the ergo beans wrist support is AWESOME!!! its like a massage while working...LOVE it and only 16 b
nm
keyboards
I am constantaly having trouble with the letters being worn off -- have been through 4 keyboards in the past two years -- any suggestions, though I know where the keys are, it looks funny when they are blank.

Thanks.
Patti
keyboards
Jen, did you call about the keyboards? Anything I found said that Cirque is no longer in business, and when I went to the other site, found only the pads, not the keyboards. The original looks wonderful. If you find where it can be purchased, let us know.
Keyboards
Once upon a time, I used one of those split keyboards.  Considering buying one again.  Does anyone use one?  How does it compare over the longterm? 
Keyboards

It didn't take any time at all to get used to the GoldTouch in the tented position.  I bought mine off of ebay and am keeping my eyes open for another one, cheap, to have as a back-up. 


I have a COuntoured keyboard that I bought off Ebay. I have had it for a month or 2 but just havent had the time to work with it.  It seems kind of complicated to get set up.  The Goldtouch, I plugged into a USB port and off I went. 


I have seen and bid on all kinds of keyboards. They even have one handed one that resemble the top of a job stick.  One hand does it all.  And there are ones called Bats (I think) that are everything done by one hand.  I am trying to buy one of those kinda cheap. 


ALso, I have tried Dragon Naturally Speaking but the time to train it took too long.  It was quicker to type. 


 


Keyboards

I have no idea when I will be trying that out but can let you know.  If I lose your email I will post that I have tried it.  It looks to me like it is going to be like when you spell something out on the telephone.  So many clicks per number to get a certain letter. 


I have never had trouble buying anything off ebay.  I have seen new and used keyboards.  Mine have all been used but I always check the stats on the seller to see that history.  Also pay with PayPal so would have that as a recouse also if had problems.  And of course, I save all correspondence, etc, not just for ebay but any kind of cyber transcactions. 


Keyboards
Hi Anna, check out this website. http://office-ergo.com/12things2.htm I searched for Ergonomics on google, and came up with a ton of sites. Hope this helps.
Keyboards - sm
I am a keyboard snob.  I only use mechanical keyboards (which are usually older keyboards).  They have the "click" that comes from the spring action making connection.  My preferences are Magitronic, Keytronic,  or (best) NMB.  These keyboards have "sliders" that make typing a joy.  The older IBM M keyboard is also mechanical action, but I find the keys rather harder to type on.  I like a clicky, soft touch mechanical-action keyboard.  I usually buy them on ebay - some are rather expensive, some are cheap - all are old and all are mechanical action! 
keyboards
I had a Kensington keyboard that I bought I think at Comp USA, somewhere more than 3 years ago.  It was not really expensive, and didn't have a split keyboard, but had slanted keys, which I thought were quite a bit easier to use and I really liked it.  The letters didn't wear off, and it was working fine until I dumped a whole glass of diet orange pop on it about a month ago.  A whole glass, that is, except what went all over my desk and the wall.  I took it all apart, rinsed everything out, set it out in the sun to dry well, put all the little rubber dothingies back in place on each key, and have a keyboard that doesn't work anymore.  Sigh.  I would buy another one just like it, and hope to find one as soon as I can stop putting money in other things, like furnace repairs.
Keyboards
I have bought some of the best and the longest they last is 6 to 8 months witout starting to come off.  So I buy a new keyboard about every 12 to 15 months as it also looses its bounce.   Guess that comes with doing 45,000 to 50,000 lines per month but you would think that they would make them so that they last a little longer.
Keyboards
I have this problem as well and was told by Dell tech support that it is the grease on the fingers, i.e, lotion, eating while working etc that makes the letters wear off. I have gone through 6 keyboards in 2 years and now I put clear finger nail polish on the keys and this has worked thus far.  You must do this prior to using the new keyboard first, as in no greasy fingers. 
RE: Keyboards
I use the Microsoft Wireless Natural Multimedia Keyboard and it is wonderful. Love it. I don't use the shift key on the right either apparently.
Keyboards - sm
I have tried all three, and always go back to the Maxium. The Goldtouch was too loud and cumbersome. I could not get use to the Freestyle, but love the Maxium. If you decide on one, and I have the Goldtouch in my computer closet I would sell you...email if interested.
KEYBOARDS

I agree about what a difference the keyboard can make!!


I looked at the split keyboards, but my hands are kind of small so I went with a WAVE keyboard. 


It is made by Logitech and you can find it at Office Max and Staples.  It is wireles and came in a combo with a wirless mouse for about $75.  It has well paid for itself!! for me!


 


About trying out keyboards

About the keyboard advice previously given, when you try them out, can you tell you like them right away or do they all feel a bit awkward?  I'm just wondering how to know what I'll like best when picking one out.


Thanks for your ongoing help! 


Keyboards I tried out

I looked at keyboards yesterday and tried them (pretended to type) in the store.  The ones they had with each hand's keys father apart (which is what I thought would be best) were big, bulky, with keys that stuck up too high and just felt awkward.  The one that felt best was smaller ... more in order of a normal keyboard but curved a bit to accommodate more natural hand position.


Do you think this is an accurate assessment of what would work best for me, or would one get more used to the other type?  Are there split keyboards that don't seem so bulky and awkward from the start?


Thanks.  I really want a new keyboard, but I'm afraid I'll buy something I regret.  Just not sure how to tell what's best. 


keyboards
I've been an MT for over 20 years and my shoulders and arms are feeling starting to feel it. I've been using a MS ergo keyboard for years now, but would like to invest is a super good keyboard. Anyone have one you particularly like? Anyone try one of those keyboards where you type sideways? TIA
keyboards

I have narrowed my selection of new keyboards down to the Microoft Natural Wireless 7000 and the Logitech cordless.  I need speed and comfort. I will test drive each but until I do does anyone have any comments on either of these keyboards?  TIA


i own like 5 keyboards
--for some reason, I don't know! I only use one for work. I must be a pack rat. I don't know about the locked keys, my idea was that one key was stuck, but she said the number keys work. I don't know whats up with that unless you have another keyboard hooked up with something pressing down on those keys.
Ergonomics/keyboards

I started using a split keyboard years ago.  I love them.  The first one I had was PC Concepts, I believe.  When I finally wore that one out and went to get another, I couldn't find that brand.  I got Microsoft's keyboard next.  It's okay, although the #6 key is on the left, which I found to be true of all the split keyboards.  My PC Concepts KB had the #6 on the right, which made more sense to me.  I was never able to adjust to this, so I constructed a "bridge" for the #6 key.  I have never been able to find a split keyboard with the #6 on the right.  Does anyone know of one?


Also, I use my mouse too much and I'm starting to get pains.  Yea!!  So, I'm wondering, does anyone use a split keyboard with a built-in mousepad-thingy on the bottom of the keyboard?  I was thinking about trying one of these next, but I hate to spend the $ w/o getting some opinions first.  If you use one, what brand; do you like it; does it really work; any suggestions? 


Thanks!!


 


ergonomic keyboards

Not only is it impossible to use, the salesperson was  rude and difficult when I called for return instructions.  Also, there was a money back guarantee on the website, but in small print "if refurbished, we cannot refund your money."  And guess what, you don't know its refurbished until it arrives on your doorstep!!  Needless to say, 350 bucks flushed down the toilet. 


I recently ordered the "ergoflex" keyboard, and was wondering if anyone has tried this?  It lets you rest each arm as far away as possible, which is what I need.  I've been typing on two keyboards, one for the left, one for the right, and it just takes up too much space.  I'm hoping this will help.  To the poster below about keyboard testimonials, these could probably be secured to the end of your arm rests, and also on the web site they have separate arm rests that look real comfy you can adjust to your table top. 


http://www.ergonomicresource.com/ergoflex.html


This does not work on all keyboards, someone tried it and
x
goldtouch keyboards anyone?

I did a search but came up empty handed, which I do not understand as I recall seeing Goldtouch mentioned before.


Are people generally happy with this keyboard?


Where can I get one of the split keyboards
I would love to have one, but the only ones I've seen are very expensive.