Clickety-Clack split keyboards??
Posted By: MaryL on 2007-09-12
In Reply to:
Just wondered if anybody had any of the "old" flat clickety-clack split keyboards. I loved that thing, and did my best work on it, but cannot find them, even on E-bay. Thought someone might have one in a closet some where and want to get rid of it. 
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IBM clickety-clack keyboard.
Even though I get pains in my shoulder and wrists now, and should use an ergonomic keyboard, my favorite keyboard is still the old IBM clickety-clack 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.
Clickety-clacks driving me insane!
I need helping deciding...I'm looking for a keyboard that feels like a laptap's keys do. I hate the clickety-clack sound! Sometimes it's so loud I've got to turn my volume up on my headphones! 
I've been looking at "quiet" keyboards but they still make too much noise for me. Someone suggested a gaming keyboard one time but I have no use for all those extra function buttons and LCD screens, so why pay ($100+) for something I'm never going to use??!!
I've been looking at Macally's IceKey and from what I've read, even though it's made for Mac's you can still use it on a PC (just the volume controls on the keyboard won't work, no biggie to me). The only thing (and this is a big thing) that's keeping me from buying this one is that it's USB.
I don't have anymore USB ports available on my PC!
Does anyone know of a keyboard similar to the IceKey but is PS/2? Or perhaps can I just use an adapter with it?
If anyone knows, or can suggest another keyboard, please help me out.
Anyone know what OEM means? Looking at keyboards to buy & there are some MS 4000 keyboards advertise
anyone have a clue?
Split? I bought old IBM off ebay but not split.
..
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" -
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. 
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.
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.
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!
Employee - Split 9-1 and 9 p.m.-1 a.m. NM
NM
Split shift
Employee; afternoon and late night/early morning split shift.
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
I tried a split keyboard once . . .
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!
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 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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