Adjustable-Split Keyboards 

Contents

Comfort Keyboard Company
Comfort Keyboard System
ErgoMagic Keyboard
ErgoFlex Keyboard

Goldtouch  
Goldtouch Keyboard

Kinesis
Maxim

Pace
Pace Adjustable

PerfecTouch
Perfectouch 101

Siemens
KBPC E Keyboard

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Adjustable-Split Keyboards are able to change either their horizontal split or both the horizontal and vertical center raise or angling. 

Different mechanisms are used to accomplish this which affect the amount of effort needed to make adjustments, their stability, and the resulting positioning of the left and right hand key segments.

Comfort Keyboard System

• Compatibility: PC, Mac, HP-IL, Sun, IDEA, and USB.
• Estimated Price: $299
• Availability: Resellers, Direct

The Comfort Keyboard System is a three-piece folding keyboard. The layout resembles the standard 101-key keyboard, except sliced into three sections. Each section is on a "custom telescoping universal mount." Each section independently adjusts to an infinite number of positions allowing each individual to type in a natural posture. You can rearrange the three sections, too (have the keypad in the middle if you want). Each section is otherwise normal-shaped (i.e.: you put all three sections flat, and you have what looks like a normal 101-key keyboard). Keyboard is fully programmable, user can program any key on the keyboard, no software needed.

ErgoMagic Keyboard

• Estimated Price: $169.00

This has a new mechanism that can be added to each keyboard section which will allow it to adjust in to three different angles ( 20, 30 and 45 Degree) in four different directions. Every time you rotate the mechanism it will give you the same angles in a different direction.

Each section has it own base, so the sections are not connected to each others.

Each section can be rotated to any position, and separated as far as the user wishes.

Fully programmable, remapping, Macro and much more.

ErgoFlex Keyboard

• Estimated Price: $149.00

Has only the three keyboard sections without the metal track and disk positioning mechanism. Some people have requested more extreme flexibility in arranging the sections; for example, placing a key module on each side of their chair! The new sans-track option offers this kind of radical freedom, and is also available with longer connecting cables for the modules in order to take full advantage of the increased flexibility.

Fully programmable, without any software.

Miscellaneous

From Princeton's TIFAQ FTP Archive:

comfort-factors, comfort-features, comfort-letter, and comfort-survey

marketing info on the Comfort Keyboard

comfort-review

one user's personal opinions

comfort-review2

another user's opinions

(Information last checked:  May'00)

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Goldtouch Technologies  
17300 Red Hill Avenue Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92614
(949)798-0300, Fax: (949)798-0305
Queries to faq@goldtouch.com
http://www.goldtouch.com

Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard

[the designers of the Lexmark/IBM Options Keyboard]

• PC Compatible
• Estimated price: $160 Keyboard
  $19.95 Goldtouch Ergonomic Wrist Rests 
  $110-140 Sun & Mac Adapters
• Availability:  Resellers, Direct

The Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard allows you to adjust the two alphanumeric sections both horizontally and vertically to suit your individual body requirements. This helps you to assume a more natural posture that is conductive to improving comfort and productivity while using your computer

Features Include:

• Adjustment for wrist splay in the horizontal plane: 0-30 degrees, continuously variable
• Adjustment for wrist pronation - vertical tenting 0-30 degrees, continually variable
• Easily adjusted, locking ball and socket latch mechanism
• Small space saving foot-print to bring your mouse inside your ergonomic "comfort zone"
• Editing key layout for let-right work distribution
• Embedded numeric keypad (activated by the Function Lock, Fn Lock)
• Large space bars for easy thumb use
• Full size, full travel, tactile feedback keys with soft end-stop
• Low noise key actuation
• Standard alphanumeric key layout (QWERTY)

Product Reviews

Ergonomic Sciences Corp's Review of the Goldtouch Keyboard
http://www.ergosci.com/goldkrv.html

Numeric Keypad

• PC Compatible
• Estimated price: $64.95
• Availability:  Resellers, Direct

For Users who work extensively with numbers, the Goldtouch numeric keypad can be placed where it's most comfortable and provides needed flexibility in periodically changing arm, hand and shoulder position.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked:  Nov'00)

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Kinesis Corporation
22121 17th Avenue SE, Suite 112, Bothell, WA 98021-7404
800-4-KINESIS (800-454-6374) or 425-402-8100
Fax: 425-402-8181
http://www.kinesis-ergo.com

MAXIM Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard

• Compatibility: PC (Mac with optional adapter)
• Estimated Price: $139 (keyboard only)
• Availability: Resellers, and Direct

The Maxim adjustable keyboard offers a more flexible, more comfortable design. Simply the best adjustable keyboard at any price! Narrow footprint keeps your mouse close by. Padded, removable palm supports make for relaxed shoulder and neck muscles.

Much more versatile and narrower than "natural-style" keyboards. The Maxim accommodates a wide range of user preferences.

Features: 

• Variable split. Much more flexible than the natural, no adaptation...
• Adjustable lateral tilt. Select 0, 8, or 14 degrees...
• Removable palm supports. Take the weight off your shoulders...
• Quiet, tactile switches. Easy on your fingers...
• Embedded numeric keypad is standard. Or get the optional numeric keypad...
• Great warranty. Each keyboard carries a lifetime limited warranty.

Optional Numeric Keypad
The optional Maxim Numeric Keypad connects easily with a phone-style plug to the keyboard. A great productivity enhancement if you work with numbers

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

Evolution Keyboard Family

• Compatibility: PC (Mac with optional adapter)
• Estimated Prices 
  • Track mount: $479 - $619
  • Chair mount: contact Kinesis
  • Desktop: contact Kinesis
• Availability: Resellers, and Direct

The Evolution line of fully adjustable and programmable keyboards offers the utmost in flexibility and comfort. Choose between three configurations - track mount, chair mount or desktop. The track and chair mount versions offer unlimited lateral slope settings and a wide degree of separation and negative tilt. The desktop is perfect for individuals who are looking for increased separation and do not want to spend more on additional ergonomic features.

The Evolution comes with an integrated touchpad which may be located on either the left, right or both modules.

Track Mount | Chair Mount | Desktop

The features of the Trackmount Keyboard are now available for all models and are as follows:

• Programmable (on-board) - unlimited key remapping with no software required

•  Independent lateral tilt of each module between 0-90 degrees Negative tilt - unlimited range 

• Separation of the left and right keyboard modules - 8" to 17.5" 

• Adjustable height - from desk height to minus six inches 

• Storage under desk when not in use, usually without having to change keyboard adjustments 

• Integrated touchpad for either right or left hand users (or both!)

Compatible with virtually all personal computers, the key layout is identical to conventional keyboards, making the transition from a conventional keyboard easy. The integrated trackpad is the ultimate in reducing reach for the mouse.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked:  Feb'01)

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Pace Development Corporation
Address: 111 23rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203-1701
Phone: (800) 541-6769, (615) 327-9169
Fax: (615) 327-9205
Email: paceco@mindspring.com
WWW:  http://www.ids2.com/pace

PACE Adjustable Keyboard

• Compatibility: PC
• Estimated Price is $279
• Availability: Resellers, Direct

This keyboard has the keyboard split in half with the numeric keypad integral to the right-hand section and a nice, soft, clicky feel. Angle adjustments are easily made as the keyboard sections are on large, ball-type joints (like round monitor bases) that allow for direct placement to the desired angles without any locking/unlocking mechanisms. Split and tenting angles are not as large as some of the other adjustable split keyboards. Its increased height due to the adjustable base may be problematic for some (similar to the increased height of the Comfort).

This is what Pace Development Corporation has to say about their keyboard:

The Pace VG-101 adjustable keyboard splits the traditional alphanumeric key layout into two separated sections. This permits the user's hands to be more naturally spaced rather than forced together in front of them as they are when using a traditional keyboard.

Next, the user is free to rotate the sections outward, eliminating the "cocked wrist" posture (ulnar deviation).

Thirdly, each section can be rotated around the horizontal axis into a slightly "tented" position. This reduces the necessity of forcing the hands into an unnatural flat posture (pronation) and rotates the hand and forearm into a relaxed "handshake" position.

Moreover, the key surfaces have the ability to be rocked away from the user, actually placing the fingertips slightly lower than the heel of the hands. This motion further straightens the wrists. The traditional keyboard often forces the user to bend the wrist up and back (wrist extension).

Additionally, the Pace keyboard also features a patented integrated palm rest on each section so that you can comfortably rest your palms on the keyboard during breaks. This alleviates the fatigue and stress on the shoulders and trapezius muscles which support the arms when poised over the keyboard.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

Comments

I really like the key feel (light and clicky) and ease of adjustment of the Pace (grab and move it vs. Lexmark and Comfort mechanisms) when I had the opportunity to try it briefly at ErgoCon'96. The Pace's adjustment capabilities appear to be in the range of the Cherry and Kinesis Maxim range, but I have not been able to obtain actual range of adjustment measurements yet. Due to the base being thicker, like the Comfort, I'd consider teaming it with an adjustable keyboard tray to allow its height to be lowered from table height. I wish the numeric keypad was not built in as I'm personally a big fan of detachable numeric keypads, so that pointing devices (mice, trackballs, etc., can be brought closer to the center line of the body. -KSW-

Miscellaneous

The Pace keyboard's adjustments are approx. 20+ degrees tenting, 15 degrees negative tilt, 10 degrees positive (a change they made to accommodate high desks) and 90 degrees rotation (splitting angle).  The base is 18.5 inches, AKA the foot print. The total width is 21 inches in the flat position and slightly less fully tented.

(Information last checked:  Nov'00)

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PerfecTouch
The BackCare Corporation

Address: 200 S. Desplaines-Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: 312-258-0888 
Fax: 312-258-0090

PerfecTouch 101 Keyboard

• Compatibility: PC
  (Optional adapter for Macs - $120)
• Cost: $109 Suggested List
• Availability: Resellers, Direct

The PerfecTouch keyboard is split with a knob that allows horizontal angling and can also detach completely. The numeric keypad is integral with the right-hand keyboard segment.

It reminds me of the Lexmark Select-Ease, which BackCare marketed, but lacks the Lexmark's adjustability range and flexibility (no vertical angling, tenting, and the numeric keypad not being detachable).

However, the price is right to provide some adjustability at a Microsoft Natural price.

BackCare Corporation marketing information includes:

The new PerfecTouch 101 keyboard with mechanical/tactile keys can be adjusted to your individual needs. This keyboard features an innovative design for flexibility and adjustability, allowing you to shape it into any number of different positions. You can even split the keyboard into two separate halves. Other features are oversized spacebars, control and alt keys as well as oversized backspace and enter keys.

The PerfecTouch 101 fully adjustable keyboard offers more comfortable hand positions than traditional keyboards, and is easier to adapt to than other keyboards with fixed angles.

While many fixed-angle keyboards have recently been introduced to the mass market, they have limitations in comfort since their design forces users to keep their hands in one position. Because these fixed-angled boards can't be adjusted, they limit posture and comfort.

The PerfecTouch 101 can be adjusted to match the natural angle of your hands and arms. In addition:

The keyboard can be used in the traditional manner.

The keyboard can be angled and adjusted in small increments.

The keyboard can be separated by as much as 14 inches, allowing you to fully customize your workspace.

Comments

PerfecTouch Inc. is a sister corporation of Chicago-based The BackCare Corporation, a computer ergonomics resource center specializing in the science of matching office furnishings and accessories to the comfort needs of computer users.

The BackCare Corporation was established in 1989 by Neal Taslitz, a Chicago attorney with years of experience in workers' compensation, personal injury law and ergonomics. The BackCare Corporation tests and recommends its own product line, as well as chairs, workstations and accessories from international manufacturers.

Miscellaneous

This keyboard has also been seen marketed as the "Ergo 2000"

(Information last checked:  Investigating . . .)

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Siemens Computer Systems 
http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/en/keyboard/index.html 

KBPC E Keyboard

• Compatibility: PC
• Availability:  Sales Partners

The ergonomically KBPC E keyboard from Fujitsu Siemens Computers sets new ergonomic standards at the workplace. The knowledge gleaned from exhaustive ergonomic studies has facilitated optimum compliance with individual physiological and anatomical requirements and user preferences. All drafts relating to the standardization of delta keyboards have also been taken into account. The KBPC E promotes the natural positioning of the user's arms and hands, thus making for fatigue-free operation. Three supplementary keys enable Windows ´95 functions to be called up conveniently and rapidly.

KBPC N External Numeric Keyboard

The KBPC N external numeric keyboard makes an ideal enhancement to the ergonomically optimized KBPC E keyboard and to notebooks. For users needing to enter lots of numeric data, this keyboard is easier, faster and more convenient to use than the numeric keypad integrated in the alpha keyfield.

(see website given above for more manufacturer product information)

(Information last checked:  Nov'00)

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Last Updated: 01/18/02