Split keyboard with enlarged keys, the whole setup built for the proper hand and wrist position. I’m still getting used to it, as it’s a big change from a more ‘normal’ keyboard, but I’m really liking it, and it feels like it’s improved my typing speed above my normal 117 WPM, though I haven’t tested yet.
I want to second this. The Kinesis Advantage solved most of my RSI problems.
It’s not just that it’s a split keyboard. It’s things like having depressed keywells with each vertical row at a different height to match your fingers. Having control and alt under each thumb solved the “emacs pinky” problem for me.
I have this keyboard as well, and I love it. I’ve used a natural keyboard for many years now, but I still remember my first time. It took me about an hour to get used to it, and after that I was addicted. I hate using a flat keyboard now! One thing though: I’ve read that if you don’t type with ten fingers, these keyboards don’t do anything for you and may even be worse than a flat one.
The important thing about this one is that its Insert/etc. and arrow keys are in the proper arrangement: Insert/Home/PageUp on the top row, Delete/End/PageDown on the bottom row, and arrow keys in an inverted T. I refuse to use keyboards that don’t do this.
(An unopened Natural 4000 is currently sitting behind me; I’ll upgrade when my Natural Pro wears out.)
I can recommend this keyboard. It uses Cherry Blue MX mechanical switches, which have a tactile and audible click a few millimetres above the bottom of the keyboard, allowing you to type without ‘bottoming out’ with a little practice. In general, hand injuries and trauma regarding typing are from two causes: bad hand angling and bottoming out—pressing the key with enough force to hit the bottom of the keyboard, which causes a slight jarring and can make long periods of typing uncomfortable.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 ($35, Amazon 4 stars, 1,289 reviews)
Split keyboard with enlarged keys, the whole setup built for the proper hand and wrist position. I’m still getting used to it, as it’s a big change from a more ‘normal’ keyboard, but I’m really liking it, and it feels like it’s improved my typing speed above my normal 117 WPM, though I haven’t tested yet.
I’ve used a Kinesis Advantage for 6 years now. Also an amazing keyboard for ergonomics.
Lots more ergonomics recommendations on LW here.
I use one of these also.
I want to second this. The Kinesis Advantage solved most of my RSI problems.
It’s not just that it’s a split keyboard. It’s things like having depressed keywells with each vertical row at a different height to match your fingers. Having control and alt under each thumb solved the “emacs pinky” problem for me.
I have this keyboard as well, and I love it. I’ve used a natural keyboard for many years now, but I still remember my first time. It took me about an hour to get used to it, and after that I was addicted. I hate using a flat keyboard now! One thing though: I’ve read that if you don’t type with ten fingers, these keyboards don’t do anything for you and may even be worse than a flat one.
The important thing about this one is that its Insert/etc. and arrow keys are in the proper arrangement: Insert/Home/PageUp on the top row, Delete/End/PageDown on the bottom row, and arrow keys in an inverted T. I refuse to use keyboards that don’t do this.
(An unopened Natural 4000 is currently sitting behind me; I’ll upgrade when my Natural Pro wears out.)
How about mechanical keyboards?
I can recommend this keyboard. It uses Cherry Blue MX mechanical switches, which have a tactile and audible click a few millimetres above the bottom of the keyboard, allowing you to type without ‘bottoming out’ with a little practice. In general, hand injuries and trauma regarding typing are from two causes: bad hand angling and bottoming out—pressing the key with enough force to hit the bottom of the keyboard, which causes a slight jarring and can make long periods of typing uncomfortable.