Kinesis Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard

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

• Kinesis Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard - Dixiekaye
  • Many thanks for the answers (nm) - Dixiekaye
  • People who use them love them. sm - Donna
  • some swear by, but I think my hands are too big. - sm

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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.

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!   

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 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.

These are 49.99 minus 10.00 rebate at www.compusa

Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, USB

Manufacturer: Microsoft    « Visit their Showcase

Mfg Part #: B2M-00012

Product Number: 333743

Was: $59.99
$49.99
SAVE $10 after:
$10.00 mail-in rebate(s)

.

Probably about 10 or more years ago, started having same problem.  Switched to ergonomic keyboard, and have been using ever since.  I have a Microsoft, I think it is Microsoft Elite, or something like that.  There is also a Microsoft 2000 available.  Just check on the Internet for availability at discount computer stores, or try E-Bay. 

Would definitely recommend!

I have been using a Microsoft keyboard that seems like forever (since 2002).  It has survived spills and scrubbing when I clean it.  The only problem is that I have worn off some of the letters on the keys.  It has its advantages - keeps my son from using my computer because he is not that familiar with the keys.

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.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.    Thanks in Advance!

Hi, try Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  I don't know about the wireless ergo keyboard but I do know they are expensive than the wired ones.  You could contact your local Microsoft hardware dealer. 

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?

Thanks!

Has anyone had a chance to try this new keyboard out yet?

I saw it at Best Buy yesterday and had a chance to give it a little hands-on feel. Very interesting. Started a little research and the reviews seem to be fairly positive (7/10 to 8/10).

But, I'm more trustworthy of feedback from people like MTs who really give keyboards a good "workout" on a daily basis.