kinesis vs microsoft ergo keyboards
Posted By: sm on 2006-07-05
In Reply to:
is the touch really noticeably softer? Can you just plug it in and go, without any retraining self to speak of?
thanks.
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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.
KINESIS ERGO KEYBOARD
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 bought an ergo Kinesis
 I spent an arm and a leg on a Kinesis Keyboard. It helped for awhile, but not I've got burning pain.
ergo keyboards
Is Goldtouch the name of company or the product...where can I get one online? thanks...sfm
Ergo keyboards sm
I know this has been discussed before, but I need opinions on the ergo keyboards, best, cost, why you like them. I'm considering going with the Kinesis but would like input on the other kinds out there as well. How is the Microsoft one? It's reasonably priced but when I looked at it at Staples, it didn't seem much different than the regular Dell I have now.
Questions regarding ergo keyboards. (SM)
I saw the post below and looked at the Kinesis Classic keyboards. Wow, they are very different looking. I wonder how long it takes to get used to working with one of these...
What ergo keyboard do you like?
How long did it take to get used to it?
Any advantages over other keyboards?
How long until my wrists and hands stop hurting?
I'm seriously debating making this investment, but I have on idea where to start. Thanks so much for taking the time to help.
Are there ergo heated keyboards? nt
nt
Ergo Heated Keyboards
I'm afraid I haven't seen any ergonomic heated keyboards. In fact, I think there is only one heated style that's really out so far. I think there will be more soon though. Between cold offices, Raynaud's and more people using keyboards, something better should be along soon. In the meantime, the heated wrist rest http://www.raynauds.org/offers/ThermalRest.cfm looks like a possible alternative.
I get my ergo keyboards off Ebay.
kl
Microsoft ergo... Love it
it slowed me down for maybe 3 to 4 days, but now I just love it.My hands never ache anymore... However, I have real trouble using a regular keyboard now on my spare computer, just doesn't feel right now, but since I only ever really just surf the net with that one it doesn't matter. Really has helped my hands and wrists.
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!
microsoft 4000 ergo, I use, with zoom in/out,
nm
I just bought a Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000 from Officemax
for about $60 (not exactly cheap).
I can't attest to how long this one is going to last, but I do really like it. However, when I bought it, I was given an option of buying a 2-year extended warranty for like an additional $12. They said they would replace the keyboard for any reason in that time period. I declined, but maybe not a bad investment for people like us who can go through keyboards.
Microsoft split ergo with volume and zoom controls.
nm
Kinesis Keyboard or Microsoft
I have been working on Kinesis Keyboards for 10 years and mine finally started to die. Has anybody went from Kinesis to the Microsoft Ergonomatic keyboard? I am trying to save cash but I am not sure if it would be worth the trade. Does anybody have any experience with this?
The Microsoft 4000.....ahhhh....awesome, quiet, soft touch, ergo..nm
XX
Did the MTs who had the Microsoft 4000 keyboards ever start to like them or get used to them? nm
nm
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!
Anyone know what OEM means? Looking at keyboards to buy & there are some MS 4000 keyboards advertise
anyone have a clue?
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" -
Ergo keyboard
I love my Belkin, mostly because it's one of the only keyboards with a "right 6" - for those of us who use our right index finger to touch the "6" key. After typing for 30 years, I can't switch now!
Ergo mouse. sm
Does anyone know of a mouse that will reduce the squeeze-type action required and also the scrolling action? If so, I need to get it ASAP. Thanks.
I just got my first ergo keyboard - sm
the Logitech Wave and I'm really enjoying it. Got an email from buy.com and with a $20 rebate, I think it came to $49.00 - good deal. I didn't want to dramatic of a split - I was afraid that would be hard to get used to.
Are you talking about the MS Ergo or...
the ones that you separate in 2 pieces? I bought the ergo keyboard 4000 and I thought it was good but the keys were a little hard to push down.They are lower set than standard keyboard but I think you have to push harder? My wrists and elbows still hurt. I am considering a split keyboard (splits in half and you type in a handshake position). Does anyone have one of these? Do they work for aching wrists/arms?
ergo keyboard sm
never had wrist pain again since the day I bought my first one. Got a zoom key, don't know what it's for.
If you're looking for a new ergo keyboard
I found a great one! My needs were pretty basic: I wanted one with an ergo design, detachable wrist rest, clicky keys, the #6 on the left, adjustable height, and a good price!
I found these two sites. The first describes the keyboard better, but the second sells it much cheaper:
http://www.askergoworks.com/shopexd.asp?id=830
http://www.contourdesign.com/cgi-bin/webstore/web_store.pl. Scroll down to "Ergo Keyboard"
I ordered it Friday, it came on Wednesday, I plugged it in, and I'm totally, completely loving this thing!
Anyone here have the Belkin ergo keyboardSM
I just bought one on Amazon.com (it should be here on Friday). Just wondering what you all think of it? I really liked my MS ergo elite keyboard, so I wonder if I'll be disappointed by trying to save a few bucks.
Thanks for your feedback! :)
Chickadee
I want an ergo keyboard but I cannot seem to get used to the smaller (sm)
shift key on the righthand side of the keyboard. I keep hitting the keys beside or below it. Do you eventually get used to it? Right now I am looking at the Goldtouch and the Kinesis Maxium. Would appreciate anyone's input.
Does anyone use an Ergo Magic keyboard?
You can see it here:
http://ergonomicsmadeeasy.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=20
Looks interesting....
My hands/wrists can't take it anymore...I have to do something. I wake up with tingling and numbness in my fingers every morning. I know I'm headed towards carpal tunnel if I don't have it already.
If someone has used this or anything similar and could give me some advice, it would be much appreciated!  Thanks so much!
I have one more question regarding this ergo keyboard
When I zoom in on my word document, it is interfering with my ESP. It does zoom the document but it also brings up my ESP screen? Any suggestions?
Okay Y'all - what is the best ergo keyboard out there right now - not intersted in those really
nm
I do opposite, B is right, and 6 is left according to ergo keyboard
and I have never used my right SHIFT-key. I must have some bad habits.
the ergo beans wrist support is AWESOME!!! its like a massage while working...LOVE it and only 16 b
nm
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
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 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.
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