I haven't tried the Kinesis, but I use a Goldtouch, and love it. sm
Posted By: lmt on 2006-07-17
In Reply to: alternative keyboards - Sharon
You can split it however far you want it, "tent" it up and do whatever you need to make it as comfortable as possible. I have heard good things about the Kinesis (are you referring to the one with the "wells?"), but it is kinda pricey, and I think it takes awhile to get used to it. Let me know what you think if you get one.
Good luck! 
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Keyboards - Goldtouch, Kinesis Maxium, Kinesis Freestyle (sm)
Has anyone bought and used these keyboards within the last year? I want a new keyboard and was looking at the above 3 mentioned. I was favoring the Goldtouch but when I goggled Goldtouch reviews there seemed to be so many negative reviews - keys sticking, keyboard collapsing in tented position, etc. Has anyone bought these keyboards within a year or so and could you tell me how you like them? Would appreciate your input so very much.
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!
Love my Goldtouch -- can spread it apart and tent it up however you like. nm
I love my Goldtouch -- can usually find them reasonably priced on eBay. nm
I love the Kinesis!
It stopped almost all of my hand and forearm pain. I do have the front of it resting on one of those foam arm/wrist rests to place the keyboard in a more neutral position for me. I almost gave up on typing on it when I first got it but it seemed about the fourth day using it everything fell in place and I have never turned back. It has the softest key touch I have found as well which helps me significantly. I loved my first one so much I bought another one when I got my new computer, just so I would always have a back-up as I type like a beginner on a regular keyboard now and hate using them. :) I, too, have tried many different types, but this is my favorite by far.
Kinesis Freestyle Solo....love it....sm
With the Freestyle V3. Got it about three weeks ago and already about half of my right forearm pain is gone.
Also have the RollerMouse Pro, which I got for my mouse overuse....and they are absolutely wonderful together. Should have spent the money and got them both at the same time!
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/freestyle.htm
http://www.contourdesign.com/rollermouse/
I love the Kinesis Classic-softest touch! (nm)
Oh, I haven't, I have a job I love now
after 17 years with MQ, but I also know of many accounts that have gone with powerscribe and I have seen the reports, and they seem to be happy with it. I was hoping to finish my time out as an MT before all this, but it is getting tougher.
Who doesn't love Chris on AI. I haven't been watching AI
but Chris is a hometown boy and there are clips of him on the news all the time and articles in the paper, clips of the other contestants as well on the local Fox channel. I happened to walk through the den where my son was watching AI when Chris performed. I thought the song was horrible and he was even worse. All I could think was I sure hope he doesn't win. They keep playing the clip where he sang the Johnny Cash song and I thought his version was horrendous. He is a rocker obviously and screams, but you can't really hear the words and with the music so loud and screaming even I could probably sing (and I am horrible). I like Taylor ? (the guy with the gray hair).
I have tried Kinesis Contoured, Kinesis Maxim and...sm
the the Comfort Programmable. Have spent megabucks trying to find "the keyboard" and am still looking. The Kinesis Maxim semed cheaply made to me and just did not feel right. The Comfort Programmable was very awkward for me to use...sat too high to be practical. I would have really liked the Kinesis Contoured had my thumbs not started hurting so much I had to quit using it and sell it only 3 months old for a steal. Currently I am using a Goldtouch that I have literally broken apart in the middle to space the 2 halves as far apart as possible so that it is fairly comfortable for me. I know it is a matter of personal taste and fit for each person, but so far I am....still looking!
Goldtouch?
Where did you get this Goldtouch, Midas ?? I think the Natural was the one I used before. Can you adjust the Goldtouch or does the company?
2nd vote here for Goldtouch.
z;
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?
more info on the Goldtouch.
http://www.rsihelp.com/compcurr_981208.shtml
While it's not to my liking, it may be good for those who aren't really partial to a very clicky, mechanical keyswitch type of feel and who don't need a totally split keyboard. And it's fairly economical compared to many good ergo keyboards.
Just curious...for those of you who use a Goldtouch
I am considering purchasing a Goldtouch keyboard. I have had a total of 4 wrist surgeries in the past and did some reading about this keyboard and would like to give it a try.
I am just curious, for those of you who use one, how long does it take to get used to using it?
Any info you could give would be very helpful!
TIA
Goldtouch is brand name. see msg.
www.goldtouch.com
I always get mine on eBay. They aren't cheap but you definitely get what you pay for and they are great, in my opinion.
I think a Goldtouch? was rek'd before. Might do a net search
s
If you still like the Goldtouch, you can get them on ebay nm
x
Goldtouch Keyboard
I just got a Goldtouch keyboard with seperate number pad. I can't get my ALT functions to work on the keyboard or the number pad. I speaking about ALT 171 for 1/2 etc. Does anyone have a Goldtouch answer?
Goldtouch ergonomic keyboard
Check out ebay for keyboards. I use a Goldtouch, whic tents up in the middle, like a teepee. Got used to it real quick. Now it seems totally strange and uncomfortable to use a "regular" keyboard.
Nope, unfortunately, the Goldtouch doesn't
And I don't like the key feel of the Goldtouch that much (not clicky enough for me).
Is your Lexmark anything like these? (My dream keyboard, sigh. Somebody who posts here has one of them, but they're in the really prohibitive price range now, something like $500+.)http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/12675
If so, what a shame yours is wearing out. Maybe you could get it repaired? http://www.pckeyboard.com/FAQs.html#Q8
Why, oh why, oh why, did they stop manufacturing good split keyboards like this? Especially the IBMs. I might try a Comfort ErgoFlex or ErgoMagic next time. http://www.sforh.com/keyboards/split.html
Thanks so much for the followup. :) And best of luck. I well know how hard it is to think about going to any other style (totally split, with separation, that is) of keyboard now.
I have a Goldtouch. It has held up for two or three years already. nm
x
Use mine for work sometimes, but plug in my Goldtouch sm
keyboard and "real" mouse. Obviously, too cumbersome for just "play" at a coffee house or something, but when I travel, I do pack the "good stuff" with me 
I have tried almost all the weird keyboards there are. I buy them off Ebay. GoldTouch is my
:+
Could someone help me on my Tech Help question re. Goldtouch keyboard?
Please see my question on the Technical Help board. Thanks
I have a Kinesis
You can get your money back if you return a Kinesis to the company within, I think, 30 days. It might even be 60 days. I don't remember. I kept mine. It was a good 2 weeks before it felt "right" to type on it. There was much swearing the first week.
I decided to try using a Kinesis to improve my speed, not for RSI. I'm not sure I'm faster, but I'm certainly not slower. And I love having my spacebar, return, etc., moved to the thumbs.
I have a Kinesis
I would never be without it. In fact, a neighbor and I bought a "spare" so if something happened we can both share the spare. It is awesome.
re kinesis
thanks athomeMT for sharing your experience -- it's very reassuring to know you have not had any problems. Yes, i did everything i could think of, shutting down, unplugging, resetting modem etc -- but i didn't wait 5 whole minutes either...
I am just totally hooked on the light touch now and believe in the ergo difference of this board, and so again, very much appreciate hearing how you have not had problems.
I have also used Kinesis
for years and I also looked at the Microsoft Ergo on-line and it look nice but if you use the Kinesis keyboard with the backspace, enter keys, and function keys at the thumb position, I was thinking that I would miss that feature if I used the Microsoft Ergo but that is just me. That us know if you like the transition, as I also gave it some thought due to the lower price of Microsoft but I am still using the Kinesis.
i use the kinesis
but not the freestyle type.
but love my classic/advantage (have both) types. They have a hump contour, divided keyboard. either are fully programmable, with macro capability, etc. i hear the keys but they are not what i would call clicky or noisey type. The advantage has the USB plug which i like for in and out of my laptop.
and yes, personally, i feel anyone working on a keyboard longterm should have ergo products to minimize future problems. i like the research behind the kinesis, the different key levels and locations geared towards stronger/weaker fingers. It did take a few days of re-training myself before i got up to speed again. but i am happy enough (several years now), i'll never use anything else. Kinesis is a little pricey (i did get one off ebay), but you do get what you pay for and it can be a tax deduction as well.
don't know if this is helpful, but i hope so!
Kinesis
Buy yourself a Kinesis. Yes, they do cost a pretty penny, but well worth every cent! Good luck!
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 Maxim sm
I just got one and love it. No more finger fatigue, quiet, soft touch and fast.
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?
Have you considered the Kinesis?
I have the Kinesis Classic and I have tried several types of keyboards and find this one has the lightest touch that I have personally tried and it also stopped all my finger, hand and wrist pain I had prior to that. They are pricey and take some time getting use to but, to me, it is well worth it. I can't even type on a regular keyboard now. I use one even with my laptop.
i've used the MS, but have Kinesis now
the downside to the kinesis is retraining yourself...some keys in different places. The design i think is superior and the classic can be reprogrammed with macros or to 'move' keys, ie if you have a problem thumb...if you just need a little ergo, the MS is good though. i've been doing this a long time and needed more help.
Kinesis, although it is expensive. nm
.
i use the kinesis classic
and you can re-map/program the keys if you want to. since the backspace and space bar are used so much, is it usually better for the stronger thumb to do it than the little finger. again, with the classic, you can reprogram. When i called kinesis with some questions they were very helpful. i'm not a leftie, so can't answer to that. mine fits on my under-desk tray, but not to put away underneath. warning -- it does take some serious effort to get used to. but it has helped same my arm nerves in a huge way. i've been at this 32 yr myself. i'd never go back to another kind. I didn't get near as much help from the microsoft ergo board.
I have a Kinesis Freestyle.
I like that it can be separated as much as you personally desire. I also purchased the lifters and they have proven to be well worth their price. This board is on the pricey side but like the commercial says, "I'm worth it!"
Kinesis Classic has no # pad, but
not sure if it is quiet enough. i'd have to look it up but i think you can turn on and off the clicky-clicks.
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.
my kinesis classic
has it in the center-bunch, where you use your left thumb for it (unless you want to reprogram it somewhere else).
Kinesis Advantage
I just purchased a Kinesis Advantage a few months ago. I LOVE IT. It is sturdy and easy on the hands and wrists, plus my speed has increased! They are expensive, as I paid $300.00, but well worth every single penny.
Kinesis Freestyle
I am using the Kinesis Freestyle. I had been having problems with the muscles in my fingers aching and I had read that the Kinesis keyboards have a really light touch. I had previously used the Microsoft Natural and the Logitech Wave. Both were great keyboards and I had no complaints. However, after using the Kinesis for about an hour and then switching back to the Microsoft Natural, I noticed that my fingers immediately started cramping again. I've since stayed with the Kinesis and I haven't had any problems since. I did, however, by the separate 10-key, as I do prefer to have that option available, as well. Also this year, I tried the Kinesis Advantage and the DataHand, and found both to have entirely too much of a learning curve. Good luck in your search for the perfect fit!
I have one of the old Kinesis keyboards, sm
which I've never been able to use because I couldn't get any help with disabling its function keys so that I could use my expanders. Do you know how I might disable them?
I'd love to be able to use that keyboard. My CTS is really getting bad in both hands.
Thanks!
Kinesis Freestyle with v3
I've got this one, and it has the keypad built into it. It's cut down on my arm and wriste pain tremendously, and I'd recommend it to anyone.
I just got my Kinesis Freestyle...
with Vip Accessory, and I love it. I just got it a couple of weeks ago and it's taken a while to get used to it, but I would never go back to a regular keyboard. I like being able to adjust the separation between the two keyboards, and I like not being all scrunched over while typing. It's on the pricey side but I think well worth it, plus I can deduct it at tax time!
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 Maxim Adjustable. sm
Great for soft touch and speed. Love it.
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