Trackballs are often recommended as an ergonomic alternative for mouse sufferers. The Kensington Expert, with its extra-large ball, scroll wheel, and programmable buttons, is frequently held up as an example of trackball greatness. There is much to like about the latest version of this venerable device, but also one or two drawbacks to consider.
When I review an ergonomic input device, I’m often eager to finish with it so I can get back to my usual setup. I’ve spent years – literally, years – getting my workstation just the way I want it with the devices that work best for me. So, I was quite surprised to find myself becoming satisfied with the review sample mouse I received from Goldtouch. It’s definitely the best alternative design I’ve used since the Handshoe.
I’m starting this post after a long day of trying to learn the Colemak keyboard layout. I’m tired. I haven’t gotten much work done. The best speed I clocked after hours of conditioning was sixteen words in a minute – with three errors. Right now I’m relishing the familiar QWERTY patterns as my fingers fly over their well-worn, oh-so-awkward paths to my usual 70-WPM clip. But all of these things are normal, to be expected when one is breaking new ground after years of typing on a standard layout. And none of them is the reason why I’ve decided to give up on alternate layouts.
The Goldtouch keyboard has, in some form, been a standby of ergonomic arsenals for almost twenty years. Its flagship feature is infinite adjustability to match the needs of individual users. There’s no separation between the halves, but you can do splay, tenting, and just about anything else you like with the Goldtouch.
Solid and sleek, Logitech’s K350 Comfort Wave keyboard strikes a good ergonomic balance with a familiar keyboard design. The Wave is no ergonomic powerhouse, but it’s tough to find anything not to like about this friendly and affordable keyboard.
Though it looks like an undersized joystick, the ergonomic mouse from 3M is really just an ordinary mouse with an unusual shape. It implements the vertical mouse idea in a unique and interesting way – but the location of the buttons may prove a problem for some.
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Oh, cool.
That was my first thought when I unpacked my review sample Das Keyboard – and in a way, those two words sum up the best things about it. If you’re a keyboard geek, it’s hard to do better than glossy black finish, blue lights, and, best of all, mechanical keyswitches that feel just like the venerated IBM Model M – great to type on and loud! If you’re not a keyboard geek, the Das Keyboard still has plenty to offer. And don’t worry – there’s a quieter version available.
The orbiTouch from Blue Orb (formerly Keybowl) is one of the strangest-looking creations ever to be called an input device. Compared to a keyboard and mouse, it’s inefficient and relatively slow. But for the handicapped or those with severe RSI, it’s a lifesaver, enabling many of these folks to communicate when they otherwise could not. The orbiTouch accomplishes this by totally changing the way the user interacts with the computer.
If you’re a born minimalist or just somebody with a small desk, you can’t do much better than the TypeMatrix. It’s one of the smallest keyboards you can buy, yet includes almost all of the commonly used keys and a strikingly usable numeric keypad. Plus – if you listen to TypeMatrix – it’s ergonomically beneficial as well.
Compared to the plain old keyboard that comes with most PC’s, the Microsoft Natural 4000 ergonomic keyboard is a big improvement. The price tag is under 35 bucks – but you get what you pay for.
I'm Jason, a web professional and graphic designer from the Show-Me State. After much discomfort and a long journey through many ergonomic devices, I decided to start writing about all things ergonomic.
Naturally, my opinions are just that - my opinions. I have no particular training or expertise in the area of ergonomics. What works for me - or Sue or Horatio or five thousand happy reviewers on Amazon - won't necessarily work for you.
