Ergonomic mechanical keyboard search

[neatfeatguy]

I figured I'd ask if anyone has any knowledge about such a mythical creature.

Here is what I currently use. I've actually got 3 of them should I need a spare (yes, it is PS/2 wired as seen in the picture). The picture is of Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite.

I've been looking (one or twice a year) for the past 5-6 years, but I haven't found anything that's similar to what I have as a mechanical keyboard that's back lit.

My wrists and elbows start to hurt after constant periods of use on the straight keyboards (which most mechanical keyboards are). The few "ergonomic" mechanical keyboards I have found are split keyboards (which I've tried and don't enjoy) or have a really funky key layout that boggles my mind.

Spoiler: Funky ergo mechanical keyboards

I'll keep searching in hopes something will come along, until then I'll keep enjoying my MS Natural Keyboard Elite. So, if anyone knows of any kind of ergonomic mechanical that resembles what I use, please let me know.

 

[sneekypeet]

Google it. I looked a couple years ago and found about five designs. They are not cheap and a few were split designs like the one in the link above.

 

[neatfeatguy]

too funky ? http://www.anandtech.com/show/7245/ergodox-review-an-ergonomic-mechanical-keyboard-via-massdrop

Someone at my last job had a keyboard that split (not then you linked) and it felt a tad awkward to use and it lacked the number pad that I do make use of at work. I tried it out for a while, but wasn't very impressed with it.

 

[silentbogo]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/?tag=tec06d-20

Wireless KB with a separate numpad, a direct successor to an old MS Elite?

 

[AsRock]

Someone at my last job had a keyboard that split (not then you linked) and it felt a tad awkward to use and it lacked the number pad that I do make use of at work. I tried it out for a while, but wasn't very impressed with it.

Yeah, i deleted my post as i did not realize you posted that already in your thread, as sneaky said there been a few but not like the MS design and looks like they only get worse from their on.

 

[neatfeatguy]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYX26BC/?tag=tec06d-20

Wireless KB with a separate numpad, a direct successor to an old MS Elite?

I tried one similar from MS before I spent extra on a couple of decent spare MS Elite of ebay - got the MS Elite in use at work and at home. It wasn't that exact one you linked, it was the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. I was just hoping maybe someone found something while searching around before, one that I haven't come across that's ergonomic, mechanical and similar to what I currently use. I haven't had any luck, even with google's help.

 

[tabascosauz]

I tried one similar from MS before I spent extra on a couple of decent spare MS Elite of ebay - got the MS Elite in use at work and at home. It wasn't that exact one you linked, it was the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. I was just hoping maybe someone found something while searching around before, one that I haven't come across that's ergonomic, mechanical and similar to what I currently use. I haven't had any luck, even with google's help.

Unfortunately I think the "Truly Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard" (#2 under funky spoiler) is your only choice for a keyboard that does not come in two pieces. I can understand not wanting to learn the rather curious layouts of the Ergodox for example, but I think there is no choice other than to make the jump.

A few common "ergo" keyboards that come to mind are the Ergodox, Atreus and Diverge. The Atreus is a bit of a curious one as (I think) it is technically a one-piece keyboard, but is essentially the equivalent of putting the two halves of an Ergodox very close together. The Kinesis is I think what you have already mentioned, and is the only other type of "ergonomic" keyboard I can think of.


I'm not sure what it is about standard keyboards that give you discomfort and pain but you could try ortholinear boards. They are a bit different in that they aren't curved in strange places; instead, they lack the staggering of QWERTY/ anything-AK and resemble a grid. You may have heard of the Planck if you ever venture into mechanical keyboard circles, as it is by far the most popular of the bunch. I believe there are different versions / takes on the Planck, some hand-wired, some PCB-based, some pre-assembled, etc. Here's a Planck with Penumbra:

It's not too much of an alien layout (I would hope so), but it does make the hunt for keycaps slightly more difficult due to the 2u spacebar and the wealth of 1u modifiers. Then again, the Ergodox always requires a specialty add-on set for compatibility as well, so the Planck isn't much of a regression there.

Of course, you may be thinking that, with the Planck being a 40%, it might not suit your needs. In that regard, choices are a bit sparse. The Terminus from UniqueKeyboard.com is about as big as ortholinear gets; it's a 60% so while it does not give you function keys, arrow keys and the tenkeys it is considerably more convenient than the Planck. If you search up ortholinears on the web, you may find lesser-known keyboards that are larger. I remember seeing one with a numpad; however, I cannot remember its name nor its manufacturer.

Have you tried different switches (i.e. different kinds of Cherry / Gateron, Topre, or perhaps even Alps/Matias)? Sometimes switching to a lighter or different type (linear, tactile, clicky) can help, as can investigating different types of keycaps.

Common mass-market caps come in OEM profile which is stepped and rather high, and some more expensive keycap sets such as those made by GMK come in Cherry profile, which is considerably lower. You can try out DSA, always plentiful over at Pimpmykeyboard.com, which is uniform across all rows, rather low profile, and spherical tops. I type on SA, which might be considered stepped, but is actually curved through the rows and has a rather tall profile with spherical tops. Perhaps a wrist rest might help?

If all else fails, there's always the possibility of designing and hand-wiring your own keyboard. It does require soldering equipment & skills as well as knowledge and skills in CAD, but it could work.

Hope this helps. Pain and RSI from using your favourite keyboards always sucks.