Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis

I am faced with a decision between these 2 keyboards, both with pros and cons.  I would like to take a survey to see what everyone's opinion would be.   I strongly prefer a programmable keyboard, as I would like to change some of the keys around to suit me,  but will I regret not having an ergo keyboard in the long run?  Will I like the IBM clicky type keys? 

KINESIS FREESTYLE KEYBOARD
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/freestyle-solo_690x375.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo-v3-10-blk_690x306.jpg
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/images/solo_us_legend.jpg

It splits and tents.
Delete key is on left side (which I love)
All other function keys are in the wrong place for me.
Quiet low-force tactile membrane switch
10 function keys on left
Keypad separate purchase
2 year warranty
60-day money back guarantee
Price:  $124.15 with the options I chose

AVANT STELLAR KEYBOARD
http://www.lonestarkeyboards.com/Avant-Stellar-Programmable-Keyboard/productinfo/KB%2D00%2D1001/
(click on additional images for close up)
I actually went to the manufacturer website (http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/stellar.htm) but they didn’t have any large photos so I went to a reseller for larger images. 

Straight keyboard
Can program any key to another function. 
Mechanical click/tactile key switches like the old IBM keyboards
12 function keys on left that can be reprogrammed
Keypad built in
2 year warranty
30-day money back guarantee
Price:  $189.00
Macro programming features
PS/2 interface but can buy PS to USB cord (I find this a little odd)
Programming software not compatible with Vista but can be programmed through the keyboard

This is from the sales rep I spoke to this week:
Have you ever heard of Northgate OmniKey keyboards?  We purchased the rights to the keyboards when they went out of business.  It is like typing on an old IBM keyboard.  It is a loud click, you know when you hit a key.  A lot of customers say they make fewer errors and I personally agree.  I have had my Avant for a little over 10 years and I type all day long.  I also have one at home.  It might help for you to listen to this review on our website: http://www.cvtinc.com/products/keyboards/menu.htm
Click on HEAR OUR INTERVIEW ON Lets talk Computers. Avant is VERY reliable.  We sell to a lot of medical transcriptionists, writers, gamers, call center operators, etc.  People that type 8 hours a day 5+ days per week.  Our keyboards can really take a beating.  

What'cha think?

• Keyboard Opinions - Avant versus Kinesis - Dixierose
  • I just got my Kinesis Freestyle... - luvbeinganMT
  • Kinesis Freestyle with v3 - ms
  • i use the kinesis - sm

The messages you are viewing are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select the boards given in left menu

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.

I have had both and currently have Direct but have never liked it due to the poor programming guide (only allowed to set up one Favorites, have to stand almost in front of the receiver for the remote to work, very difficult to find anything on the guide, not good music channels, etc.).  I am only 9 months into a 2 year "programming contract" and feel I am going to be charged a cancellation fee though do not know how much.  Anyway, I would like opinions from others on the service, etc. of both these companies before I make my decision to switch.  Thanks to all who take the time to answer! 

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

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.

It took me several days I believe to get use to the Kinesis. I just started out slow and when I became frustrated trying to use it I went back to the regular keyboard but soon found I was having more trouble typing on a regular keyboard so stuck with the Kinesis only and I would say it may have taken me two weeks to get back to speed but it has been well worth it to me.

I had OT come out to my house and they suggested I put something under the edge of my keyboard, the edge closest to me, so it would be basically neutral. I found a long wrist rest under that edge puts the keyboard at a perfect height for a neutral position. It is just one of those cheap foam ones like you find at Walmart but it works great.

It is the softest touch keyboard I have ever used which really ended finger fatigue for me. It also helped with my fingers aching and some of my hand pain. I had to change to an Evoluent mouse (as I posted below) and my right hand  hand/arm pain stopped.

Now, if only I could just find a way to stop my chronic back pain. :D

Let us know what you decide on and how it works for you, ok?

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.

I'm on day 8 of slathering Ben-Gay all over my piddies and right shoulder for worsening pain that must be either tendonitis and/or bursitis.  It's totally frigging up my line counts and will to live. 

I've been wearing my SmartGloves and doing everything else "right" as far as stretching, taking breaks, and even getting up and doing "the hustle."  ;-)

The only 2 things I can think of needing replacing here are my chair and my keyboard.  I've been eyeballing that Kinesis contoured and it looks both sweet and scary at the same time.  I checked a YouTube video of it and it makes that little clicky noise I love, which means the keys snap back and are quick...love that.  I hate mushy keys. 

So, does anyone here use this particular keyboard and if so, would you recommend it?  I mean like HIGHLY recommend it?!  Sure is a steep price tag, and I am tight with a dollar, so be honest.  Thank you!

Oh--the link for the keyboard I'm fancyin' is:
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/    
It's the contoured one...fugly one farthest on the left.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.    Thanks in Advance!

They tout it as the "most productive and comfortable ergonomic keyboard available."  There's no place to try one out, and at $299, I'm not sure I'm ready to part with the cash, even though they have a moneyback guarantee.  Even on eBay, when I have seen them, they are pretty pricey, and that would be even more risky, since you can't usually return things on eBay.  

Just wondering if you had any experience with it ........ thanks!   

Has anyone used this keyboard?  (It is the weird shaped one).  How comfortable are the hard plastic wrist rests?

Thanks!

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.

I am checking into other options for transcription.  Can anyone tell me how to compare all of these types of lines & also payment per word?  I know companies use different scales, so I wondered how they compare.  I have been paid on a 65 character line with spaces, but I may be making a change in the future - don't want to get burned.

Thank you in advance!

I have always charged or been paid by 65 or 60 character lines or per letter or space typed, but have never been paid or charged per gross line.

What is the advantage of this?  If I were to charge 11 cents per 65-character line including spaces, what does this figure out to for an average line rate and how do you do this calculation? 

I'm wondering if it is financially beneficial for me to bill by gross line or to keep it the way I have it.  I do know some accounts will only pay per 65-character line, as this was the deal my first own account I recently acquired.  They were adamant on a 65-character line, but didn't specify with or without spaces and I personally would never not charge for spaces.

Thanks for explaining this.  I appreciate it and hope everyone has a speedy day.

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.  

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.