One-size-fits-all “ergonomic” keyboards don’t fit the bill.Īs for the claim that ergonomic keyboards prevent injuries, there is no clear evidence to support that claim. In fact, Baker suggests that keyboards marketed as ergonomic keyboards should be called “alternative” keyboards rather than “ergonomic.” Experts in the field generally agree that “ergonomic” devices have been specifically fitted to individual users.
While many study participants were surprised by the findings, their meaning is quite clear. But that was true of both groups of participants-meaning that the extra expense of ergonomic keyboards just isn’t worth it. About 80% of participants were pain-free after two months. The somewhat surprising finding was that using an ergonomic keyboard had no effect on the pain level of participants. About half of participants used an ergonomic keyboard, while the other half used a standard keyboard. Participants also filled out weekly surveys rating their pain levels. Using special technology, Baker videotaped participants typing. Their injuries included problem with hands, wrists, necks, and/or backs. She conducted an experiment with 77 subjects, all of whom suffered injuries related to typing. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health funded Baker’s research. Nancy Baker is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, holding a PhD in therapeutic studies. However, academic research has demonstrated that this is not actually the case. The big selling point of ergonomic keyboards is that they prevent typing injuries and are useful to people who already have typing-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic keyboards don’t actually protect against injury, or help users recover from typing-related injuries. Here are the top six reasons why you shouldn’t waste money on an ergonomic keyboard: 1. Before shelling out additional cash or more on an ergonomic keyboard, you should be aware of recent research suggesting that the benefits of ergonomic keyboards are outright untrue. The general idea is that ergonomic keyboards are more comfortable to use, lessen muscle strain while typing, and possibly reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. But, for now, I'm holding out.In recent years, ergonomic keyboards have been all the rage. I'm sure at some point all my old keyboards will break and I'll have to get one of these. The Delete key is bigger and above backspace - which makes a bit more sense.A few extra accessibility ridges on some keys.Removal of the weird text on the F keys! Which means F-lock is always on.I currently use alt+ E to launch my Linux Emoji picker. Much more sensible than clustering them in the middle. The markings for ¦ and | buttons have swapped.While it's nice to have track-skip buttons, I'd rather have something I can set myself. 5 of the programmable buttons have been replaced with media controls.I used that as a programmable button all the time.
Num Pad's "clear" button is where the "equals" button used to be! That's going to be so easy to accidentally hit.Right hand context menu is now an "Office 365" key.Context menu button is now on the left, rather than the right.The calc button has been replaced with search. Calculator is now far away from the num pad.I don't mind losing these, although they were handy. Here's where I think it is deficient compared to the old model: This is what the new LXM-00004 looks like - it's worth noting that the UK layout is radically different to the US layout (click for massive image). But the new MS 4000 is radically different. I've previously written about the cosmetic changes to the Microsoft 4000 keyboard - all mostly changes to what was printed on the keycaps.
If you have an old-verson MS 4000 in good condition, please let me know - I may need to stock up! Oh well, a good excuse to buy a new one! Except - sadly - Microsoft have discontinued it.ĭon't get me wrong, you can buy a "4000" branded keyboard - but it is a radically different design. I have one in my home office, one in my work's office, and one spare.īut, at some point in the last 18 months of working from home, my work keyboard has gone walkabout. The MS 4000 keyboard is the best typing experience that I've ever found.
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