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!!

• Ergonomics/keyboards - Meezer
  • Found a new one on ebay.....try this link (sm) - Try This Link!
  • Keyboard - JenH
    • Keyboard - Happy IC
    • Thanks so much. I will Google PC Concepts and see what I come up with. Where did you order your - Meezer
      • UPS just got here - sm - JenH
      • yes - sm - JenH

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I have recently returned to transcription after several years of editing.  My left wrist has become very sore while transcribing.  Can anyone recommend a good keyboard or any other devices you have found useful in combating this problem?

Your hubby may be right!  Probably you're under significant amount of stress lately, from work.  Try some exercises for relaxation and take frequent breaks in-between.  Make sure you get 8 hours of continuous deep sleep.

I love the idea of being portable, and I've never tried it. But I'm SUCH a stickler about having the right physical setup -- desk, chair, sitting in EXACTLY the way I need to sit, the keyboard in EXACTLY the right position under my fingers... I just don't see how I can be happy without my desk and chair. Suggestions? Thoughts?

cm

Hi all...

For those of you who have been doing this awhile, what have you found to be the best practice for avoiding back pain while sitting? Should your arms be resting while you type, or should they dangle by your sides?

Also, can anyone recommend a good chair for sitting for long periods of time?

TIA 

I have been having tremendous problems with upper back pain right between my shoulder blades and up into my neck and right shoulder for weeks now.  It makes typing just miserable.

Doc said I had brachial plexopathy, and gave me narcotics and told me to quit transcription.  Since that isn't an option -- any ideas as to how to keep from getting this excruciating pain after an hour of typing?  It goes away on weekends when I don't sit at the computer, so I'm sure it's largely related to my positioning.  I've tried to fix my posture, but sitting up completely straight hurts worse than slouching.

Share any stretches, techniques for arm positioning, etc.  I will be extremely grateful.

Thanks!

They were given to me from a friend. He got them from work.  I also wear a Smart Glove at night. It has a brace on the top of the glove and beaded cushioning on the palm.

I also have a kinesis keyboard but haven't used it much yet. Too busy working to practice with it.

You can probably find all the above on ebay. That's where I found both the gloves and the keyboard.

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. 

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. 

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 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! 

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. 

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

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

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?

I eat and drink at my desk, as I'm sure most of us do.  And of course, crumbs fall, drinks drip, and there's the dust.  I was just wondering what everybody else uses to clean their keyboards.  I have tried canned air to blow out the crumbs and then use alcohol on the surface and stick Q-Tips down in all the crevices and between the keys.  Just wondered if there was some miracle solution that would make it easier and less time consuming?

Hi, I just ordered one of these keyboards.  Supposedly they will increase  your production and had really great reviews.  I ordered the 2680RP model which is wireless keyboard and mouse.  Just wondering if anyone else has used these and what they thought.  Mine is supposed to be here today.  Can't wait to try it out.  Any info about them would be really appreciated. 

does anyone know of a good cordless keyboard, one where i could put in page inserts and do everything w/o the mouse.  I have a Logitech which I am not happy with.

thanks

I like the keys on my keyboard to be easy to touch, not feeling like you have to bang them down to get a letter to appear.  I've been reading about the ergonomic keyboards.  What do you find comfortable?  I looked on Amazon.com about the Microsoft 4000 Ergonomic keyboard and there were a lot of reviews, some of them saying that the keys were hard to press, especially the spacebar.

thanks  

My ancient and well loved keyboard gave up the ghost a while back.  This one is not making me any money.  I am looking for a keyboard with a light touch and a little more space.  Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

TIA