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I tried a split keyboard once . . .

Posted By: Ouch! on 2007-10-19
In Reply to: Getting old. - GoGranny

When I worked in-house an orthopedic doc brought in a split keyboard for each of us to try. Within 45 minutes of use, my left arm went from tingling to numb to cold. No one else had that problem. Since then, I have tried one for a few minutes and started having problems again. Maybe I'm just deformed!


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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.


split keyboard

Go to www.datavisionergonomics.com.  They have several different styles of keyboards.  I personally have one just like the Maxim keyboard, which is just like the keyboard has been chopped in half right down the center.  I've used mine for ten years and it's getting old and needs to be replaced.  When I bought mine ten years ago, it was over $400.00.  You can buy one now for under $$150.00.  Here's how it works:


I sit in my chair with my arms at my sides, and each half of the keyboard is directly in front of each arm.  I can put my schedules, an 8.5 x 11 in. paper, in-between the two halves of the keyboard!  That's how far apart the two halves are, and there is no strain on my wrists, shoulders, arms, or neck.  When I try to use my husband's keyboard now, a regular keyboard, I can't even type my name! 


It'll take you 1-2 days to get used to this style of keyboard, but take my word for it, you will love it and never want to go back to the traditional keyboards or even the so-called "split" ones that are still all in one unit, but have the right and left hands a little farther away from each other. 


Another thing, I (like you) use my left thumb space bar as the back space.  My right thumb, as usual, hits the forward space.  I never have to use my right pinky to go way up and hit the original back space key.  Hmm...maybe Maxim will give me a free keyboard if I refer enough MTs to them.    Let me know if you have any other questions.  Have a fun day!


Getting used to split keyboard
Go to the notions department and get Velcro dots.  Put them on the home row keys.   After about 2 or 3 days you will become accustomed to where the keys are and can take the dots off.  Be careful when removing them because they are on there very strong...you don't want to pull of the keycap. 
Best split keyboard?
Any recommendations?
Not sure what you mean by a split keyboard

Split keyboard -- Help! ...

I recently began using an ergonomic split keyboard. I hated the first ergo boards that came out (where your hands were almost facing each other when you typed.  However, these new split keyboards are so comfortable to use and I completely adapted to it after two days...EXCEPT for the '6' key. They put the '6' on the left side of the keyboard instead of the right. This means I would have to retrain myself to type it with the left index finger rather than the right one.  This would be no easier than moving the 'r' key over to the right side of the keyboard and trying to retrain my brain to hit it with the right hand.  It also is difficult to  feel or see the error when it pertains to a number. 


If anyone has any advice or information as to where I could find a split keyboard with the 1-2-3-4-5 on the left and 6-7-8-9-0 on the right, I would owe you big time!  


split keyboard
I love mine--it wasn't hard to adjust to--and once you get used to it--you will see how much more natural and less "cramped" your arms and hands are in this position.  What can be a challenge is trying to type on the standard keyboard after getting used to the ergonomic...you won't want to go back
I have a split ergonomic keyboard
and LOVE it.  It took a few days to get used to it, but now I don't know how I typed all those years on a straight keyboard.  This is MUCH better.
I have a wireless split keyboard I take along. nm
//
Anyone out there use ergonomic split keyboard?
I bought a micrsoft ergo split keyboard. I am not sure if I am going to like this. Apparently one is supposed to use their left hand for the letter B....after all these years I have been using my right! Whoops. Anyone out there really see or feel the difference in the comfort or have any of you tried it for a long time and still just do not like ergos? Let me know your thoughts.................thanks friends!
Microsoft 4000 split keyboard.

Does anyone use this keyboard?  I just got one thinking it would help my hands from hurting, but I am having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the keyboard.  Did anyone else have this problem?  If so, did you catch on, or did you have to return it?  I went from the plain keyboard to this, but It has  slowed me down tremendously.  I wonder if I should get an ergonomic keyboard without the split?  Any suggestions?


 


Thanks in advance for your suggestions!


(sigh) The M15 split is my dream keyboard.
xx
No. I haven't. I don't even like the split keyboard...call me
old fashioned, but I type the swiftest on a good ole basic keyboard.
My split Comfort keyboard has backspace on
x
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!

Looking for wireless ergonomic keyboard with split spacebar, if it exists. Anyone know where I can f
Been searching everywhere.  Please help if you have seen this before.
Split? I bought old IBM off ebay but not split.
..
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

anyone know what the split was?
I'd love to know what the split was--anyone know?  It was so close last week between the 3 of them. 
Has anyone used the Smartboard keyboard? Everyone tell what keyboard they have and rate it nm
nm
Kinesis Keyboard and keyboard tray

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.


 


Does anyone know of a keyboard that has the backspace key in the center of the keyboard? NM
nm
Not to split hairs....
but in order to be a satanic person, you have to worship or even believe in satan first.  I don't know a huge amount about world religions but I do know that satan is largely a christianity religion figure and that most other religions don't believe in such an entity let alone worship one.  I guess my comment is a piece of the discussion best left for a religions board, so I just had that thought and I will leave it alone
I never use my mouse with DQS unless I split a job
x
been split for years

I start about an hour after I wake up, which can be any time in the middle of the night, and put in about 2-3 hours. I usually go back to sleep between 7 and 6:30 a.m. I get up again when my body tells me to, and then I'm back to work between 11 a.m. and noon. I'll work until 4 and 5 p.m.

A "regular day" (two 15-minute breaks and an hour for lunch) is way too hard on me. Been doing the split for years.


I have to split or I'd run out of steam.
Early a.m. 6:00 to 10 for starters and then, depending on what I've got going on or what is going on with the kids, either noon to 3:00 or at night after supper.  Love the flexibility.
split shifts, yes
That definitely would help, also wrist splints, but flexible support ones help as well.
split shift
split shifts are great!  you will do much, much better if you split your 8 hours up by 4 and 4.  Early in the day and then late evening are usually the best. 
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.
Employee - Split 9-1 and 9 p.m.-1 a.m. NM
NM
Split shift

Employee;  afternoon and late night/early morning split shift.


Do you have the one that is split once in the middle or (sm)
Thanks for answering. Do you have the one split once in the middle or the one that is split in 3 pieces?
Split shifts
I used to work a split shift until recently. I just couldn't do it. I would get up at 6:00 a.m. work until 11:00 a.m. or noon with breaks in there to get my son ready for school, etc. I would do the daily household stuff that goes along with raising a family and then return to work by 8:00 p.m. and work until 11:00 p.m. I am not much of a night owl so I found it particularly hard to concentrate that late at night especially if it had been a particularly difficult day around here.

I have just recently switched to doing my work all at once and love it. I find myself much more productive and able to concentrate better as opposed to previously. My kids love it because it doesn't seem like mommy is always working to them any longer.

I say if you feel that you are more productive at night and able to stay awake then go for it. It may work for you.
split shift
I work Sun-Thu 6A-10A, 6P-10P. This works really well for me, as I could not sit at a computer for 8 hours straight, and I have Fri and Sat off to spend time with my kids.
split shift
I work M, T, W, & F 8:00-12:30 and 2:30-7:00 (9-hour days).  I, too, find it hard to sit for a complete 8- to 9-hour shift and enjoy the split.
Split shift
My kids are all in school, so I work M, Tu and W 12 noon - 3:30 p.m. and then 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Thu 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. and Sun 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.  This works real good for me.  I'm part time.
split shift
10a-2p and 7p-11p

works well to give me time in the morning to get my child off to school and a few things done, same when the bus comes. my child is a little older so the 7p is just a couple hours before bedtime and I take a break for bedtime. I love my split.
I was not able to split it completely apart as there is a cable...sm
that holds the 2 halves together. It did enable me to move the 2 pieces further apart and keep them straight rather than at an angle so to speak. I loved the feel of the Kinesis in that the keys were right where I wanted them and this was the closest I could get. I can't remember exactly how I broke it apart but I believe it involved some kind of cutter my husband had and I just kept working on that ball joint until it had broken it apart and voila! Not too pretty but more functional for me!
It sounds like you and BF have discussed a split up.

At least that's what I think I read below in one of the posts.


The economy of our country is in the toilet right now.  Very few things are secure.  Times are tough and fixing to get tougher.  If there is any way you can slow down, get your bearings, get into a halfway secure position --- your mental health will be better.


You need your mental health in order to be there for your kids.


Have you considered moving the "molehill" instead of the "mountain"?


If the BF has already been approached about the split, what is his position on HIM MOVING out and not you and the kids?  That would be lots less destructive for them.


Also, I wouldn't count on any PT transcription job anywhere right now.  Trust me on this.  This job type is so fluid right now - it's a circus.


I wouldn't move from square one until I got the FT at the hospital.  DON'T MOVE UNTIL YOU FIGURE OUT IF YOU CAN GET THAT JOB.  Then get into it, see what you have to work with.


Secondly, I would not leave myself dependent on the BF for anything but money, and then the courts can get it for you if he decides he doesn't like this, gets a new honey, or gets a "wild hair" and decides to leave the country.


Don't depend on him for babysitting, don't "be nice" and try to share the babysitting.  DON'T DO IT.  Get yourself positioned so you are calling all your shots. 


I know MT looks good on paper when they are selling you an idea of working from home and STAYING WITH YOUR KIDS, but it doesn't work.  The mom ends up the zombie and life becomes like the twilight zone.  I know.  I tried it.  You need to get at the hospital, get daycare, get your childsupport coming in, .........and then think about moving or even buying.  In fact, if you wait, the housing prices are expected to fall even more.  There was an article in our paper about it again yesterday.  Hold off.  If you rent, if the plumbing goes, if the A/C or heater goes......the landlord is responsible.


I don't know if this will give you some things to consider but I hope so.  I raised my kids by myself (of course it was different times but the men were the same, ugh!) and at some times I didn't seem them for having to work so many hours.  I wish now I had just gotten me a State worker job, 8-5, insurance, retirement, gotten a little house even if I had gotten on a program where it was federally assisted, and gone that route.  We could have been together as a family, I wouldn't be doing this horrible life I have now with trying to still work at 60 years old with no place to live.


Think about the future - it's right around the corner.  The kids will be gone and trust me, they won't look back even if they love you lots.  They will be BUSY and you will be an afterthought.  All things in moderation.


First thing - DON'T MOVE, let him move. 


Second thing - WAIT FOR THE FT JOB.


Third thing - Be getting that child support coming in.


I wish you the best. 


p.s. Even if you decide you just have to move and rent even a 2-BEDROOM...it can certainly be done.  My ggg grandparents raised 13 kids in a 2 bedroom old farm house.  Kids slept all over the place!    You and the older kid could share if it's a girl/or if a boy, let him share a bedroom with one of the little ones, and you put the other little one in your room and make a game of it - they will all pitch in and later you all will have "war stories" to talk about when everbody is grown up. 


I work a split. I get up before everyone else in the house
and work for two hours until it's time to take the kids to school.  I take off an hour to run kids and shower, then I'm back to work for three hours.  I take a half-hour lunch, and I'm right back at it for another two or three hours until I have to pick up the kids again.  I love it.  I'm done working by the time they're out of school, and the computer is turned off for the night.  No more late nights or working until 6:00 p.m.  I'm way more productive in short spurts.
There are many nationals that let you work split. sm
I'm an employee and I for one work 8 hours in a 24-hour period. No set time.
Definitely split. I'm working on 10 hours right now,
not because I want to, I have to.  I have to leave town in the morning for the day so I need to finish my stuff that is due tomorrow afternoon tonight.  My wrists are really tired. They don't bother me when I split it up.  Only 20 more patients. I guess I best get back at it.  Short and sweet notes though. I did the long stuff first.
Split shift helped me a LOT! Was
getting very painful to type eight hours straight.  It has helped to the point where I barely realize any pain anymore.  Also, I can seem to go "great guns" the first hour or two of my shift, and then slow down some after that. This way, with split shift, I have two sets of "two hours" of gungho, at least as gungho as I can get...LOL. 
I have a Goldtouch and love it! You can split it sm
to whatever angle you want, and also "tent" it up.  I used to use the Microsoft Natural and loved it, but this is even better!  
IBM model M-15 split ergonomic
I bought one of these keyboards from www.clickykeyboards.com

Fully adjustable for any typing angles like Goldtouch, but much better key feel.

Priceless keyboard that I hope to use for next 20 years.
Have you considered a split shift? DH and I

are on separate schedules (though I have some flexibility) and we find we have to plan private time.  I'm a night person, he's a morning person - just doesn't work very well.  If you worked Sunday through Thursday schedule you'd have a chance to have some time to sleep on Friday and you could still have a weekend and not be dragging your butt.   If kids are all in school you could sleep during the day and working nights might not be so bad.  There will be a period of adjustment and there will have to be some compromise about when you sleep and when DH takes care of the kids, but you do what you have to do. 


I have a daughter and a split shift.

My daughter will be 2 in April...Maybe you can try something like this... I am working 5 a.m. - 8 a.m. and again at 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.