Best ergonomic keyboards for typing?
By sharkster16 - updated: 6 months ago - 4 messages
So I've been using this website for years now. I find typing incredibly relaxing and it's genuinely made me much more efficient and effective at my job as a data analyst as writing reports can basically be done at the speed I speak. However, I clearly don't have the best physical constitution for typing constantly and I suffer from 'Viking Syndrome' in both my hands which has definitely affected my ability to type for long periods at a time. This causes the pinky finger to curl inwards and become very tight and it does become uncomfortable towards the end of the day, every day.
Does anyone have any recommendations for low-impact, ergonomic keyboards for this sort of fatigue? I find typing with a laptop keyboard much easier than typing with a mechanical keyboard. I don't want to commit to purchasing another ergonomic keyboard without being sure as the last one I used actually made the pain much worse... Any suggestions from my typing buddies?!
By gianttoenail99 - posted: 7 months, 2 weeks ago
The only things I can think of are arts & crafts or electronic fads.
A flat panel keyboard that works off sensors instead of buttons would alleviate the pressure I think to where you'd only need to scratch the surface of the board instead of pressing a button, and for less pressure you could rig up a stand that suspends the keyboard in the air slightly above your desk with rubber-bands, stretchy string or anything other chord with a good amount of give; you could also trying angling it. Sticking with the same idea you could also look to put in 4 "suspension rods" under the flat panel keyboard, Like the ones found in vehicles but much smaller in size and with very sensitive springs; There's got to be a name for those small rods specifically but I don't know it.
There could be keyboard that functions by sensing your finger just above the key instead of actually touching the board, An air keyboard? Otherwise I saw a projection screen keyboard that works with a tech glove; could be a fad though.
Finally you could try stuffing foam/cloth/gel under your keycaps and experiment with is for a bit, Or try gloves that'll lessen the pressure you feel from typing.
Maybe an exo-skeletal rig on your hand that produces an artificial fingertip an inch away from your real fingertips? The future is now, so it could be possible; You might even have the option to purchase a holographic keyboard a-la Mass Effect's omni-tool in a few decades, haha.
Updated 7 months, 2 weeks ago
By colemak2 - posted: 7 months, 2 weeks ago
I've been using Ergodox EZ for 3+ years now. I moved from QWERTY to Colemak when I got this. Check it out!
By gianttoenail99 - posted: 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Switching from QWERTY to something else would relieve hand pressure, you're right!
I've looked at the Workman and Colemak DH keysets and both look solid to reduce hand movement but I'm sure there are other keysets easy on the hands if you look around.
Hopefully changing keysets will help your condition if you can't find a better ergo keyboard.
Workman Keyset Creator's Website -
https://workmanlayo…Colemak Mod-DH Website -
https://colemakmods…You can find out more about each from looking at what folks have to say on forums, typing sites, blogs etc.
By bagooster - posted: 6 months ago
For me the the piano-posture made all the difference: never rest your palm on the table, like you do when you play the piano. Much more moveability, much less strain on the wrist. Pull the keyboard closer to you, get into an upright position and either lower the table or sit higher.
