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Fixed-Split Keyboards are the most commonly seen by most and are typically the least
expensive of the split keyboards. They have a set horizontal split angle and possibly a
slight center raise or "tenting" of the left and right hand key segments.
Acer America Corporation
2641 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134
(800) SEE-ACER or (408) 432-6200, Fax (408) 922-2967
http://www.acercomponents.com/PSC_Keyboards.htm
- PC Compatible
- List price is around $100
- Available through resellers and computer superstores
Acer Future keyboard, with its enhances, sleekly curved style, is built around unique,
ergonomic design. This model successfully maximizes comfort for keyboarding by keeping
your hands within a comfortable zone of movement.
The Future keyboard splits into two keying fields to form a roughly triangular shape. A
touch pad is embedded in the central area with four arrow keys surrounding it. The keys
are laid out in a sensible fashion. (From user's manual)
(see website given above for more manufacturer
product information)
Comments
Palm rests are rounded plastic. Touch pad is centered between left and right key
sections and has cursor keys ringing the touch pad. The alphanumeric keys appear to be
flat or maybe a slight negative tilt to them. It does not click like the Lexmark (harder
and audible) . . . but more like I remember the Pace keyboard does. More like a light
"clicky feel" for pretty good tactile feedback - not too mushy . . . (my opinion
only, of course). Also, the wrist/palm rests look they are a rubberized material, but they
are just a different color of the same old plastic (ala Microsoft).
I understand it sells for around $100-125 and looks like it would be a fair competitor
to the MS Natural keyboard. -KSW-
(Information last checked: Dec'97)
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 Adesso, Inc.
5110 West Goldleaf Circle, Suite 90
Los Angeles, CA 90056
(213) 294-4300, Fax (213) 294-7451
sales@adessoinc.com
http://www.adessoinc.com/
Tru-Form
- Price: Under $100
- Availability: At computer stores
- Compatibility: Mac
Adesso's Tru-Form keyboard for Macs is modeled closely after the MS Natural and
provides a low-cost option for Mac users without the need for an adapter. Some versions
include a built-in pointing device between the split key sections.
(see website given above for more manufacturer
product information)
(Information last checked: Pending
. . .)
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 Cirque
Corporation
Address: 433 West Lawndale Drive, Salt Lake City UT 84115
Phone: 801-467-1100
Fax: 801-467-0208
BBS: 801-467-0128
WWW: http://www.cirque.com
Cirque Wave Keyboard
- Price: $99
- Availability: Computer stores
- Compatibility: PC
Experience unrivaled comfort in your home or office with this split-key keyboard with
built-in wristrest. These features, combined with adjustable "pop-out" legs,
extra backspace and tab keys, and quiet feedback make the Cirque GlidePoint WaveKeyboard
one of the most natural input devices you will ever use!
Windows 95 keys provide built-in shortcuts for Microsoft's new operating system! The
only "natural" keyboard featuring the award-winning GlidePoint touchpad!
Single-click, double-click, drag and highlight functions of primary mouse button can be
activated by tapping on the surface of the pad. Two mechanical buttons are also available.
(see website given above for more manufacturer
product information)
Comments
Cirque's Wave keyboard is modeled closely after the MS Natural with the added advantage
of a built-in pointing device (GlidePoint) to eliminate the long reach beyond the numeric
keypad for an external mouse.
(Information last checked: Pending
. . .)
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Darwin Keyboards
San Francisco, CA
(415) 621-1151, Fax: (415) 621-1008
Info@Darwinkeyboards.com
www.darwinkeyboards.com
- Compatibility: PC
- Estimated Price: $99.95
- Availability: Direct
SmartBoard is the next evolution in keyboard design! If you are looking
for a "split" keyboard, the SmartBoard is the keyboard for you. We spent over 4
years perfecting the SmartBoard's design (we got 2 patents in the process), and we are
proud to present it to you!
What's so different about SmartBoard? Three things:
First, the patented Darwin key layout makes typing easier and faster. To
see how our layout works, look down at your hands. Now, open and close your fingers. See
how they fan out? The SmartBoard's keys fan out in the same way so they match the natural
movements of your fingers. Plus, the SmartBoard has slightly larger keys for your outside
fingers. Never mistype all those letters that can be hard to find (like "Q",
"W", "P", "O", "Z", etc.)! Sound complicated? It's
not. No retraining. No relearning. Just easier, faster, more comfortable typing!
Second, the SmartBoard is much more compact than the competition - it's
20% smaller! Our customers complained that the Microsoft "split" keyboard took
up too much desk space. They also said they were tired of the extra-long reach to the
mouse caused by the Microsoft keyboard. So, we listened, and made the SmartBoard 20%
smaller. The SmartBoard leaves plenty of room on your desk, and it fits easily in a
keyboard drawer!
Third, the SmartBoard's keys have a great "feel." Firm touch,
nice feedback - the high quality that you deserve. If you care about the quality of your
keyboard (and we know you do), you'll love the feel of the SmartBoard.
(see website given above for more manufacturer
product information)
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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 ErgonomiXX,
Inc.
2813 University Blvd., West Kensington, MD 20895
(301) 933-3747, Fax: (301) 933-1490
mykey@intr.net
http://www.intr.net/mykey/
The MyKey
- PC Compatible (Mac with adapter)
- List price is $275
- Available through direct sales from webpage, (may also be in some CompUSA stores, stock
# 289-554)
MyKey is Biometric with a Center-Peak and a V-Shape. This reduces the stress of inward
hand-rotation and minimizes outward hand-twisting. Built-in Palm Rests support your hands
and arms during work and breaks. Front and Rear Elevators can position so that your hands
and wrists can remain vertically-neutral and not be extended upward or flexed downward.
Circular Function Key Layout is easy to remember because F1 thru F12 match the hours on a
clockface. Your left hand can easily access the function and control keys in combination.
Large Arrow Keys within the clockface are ideal for moving the cursor up or down and side
to side. In combination with the numeric keypad, spreadsheet work is fast and simple. With
a standard QWERTY Key Layout, MyKey can be used immediately, and with virtually no
retraining time or expense.
(see website given above for more manufacturer
product information)
(Information last checked: Pending
. . .)
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 Fountain Hills Systems
15022 North 75th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260-2476
602-596-8633
Fountain Hills FH-101
- PC Compatible
- List price - Checking on
- Available - Checking on
The Fountain Hills keyboard is set at a 20 degree fixed angle for each hand. The
keyboard is still flat (i.e.: not higher in the middle) and has no adjustments.
(Information last checked: Pending
. . .)
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Apparently, this keyboard is manufactured by Nan Tan Computer in Taipei, Taiwan. I've
found this keyboard at a variety of US computer stores, under a variety of names. It's
also carried by Dalco, a major US mail-order house.
The main feature of this keyboard is its price; it's the cheapest split keyboard on the
market. The keyswitches are fairly light and clicky. The split angle is fixed, and the
keyboard is flat. It's only a moderate improvement over an ordinary keyboard, but the
price is right. -DSW-
(Information last checked: Pending
. . .)
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 Marquardt Switches Inc.
2711 Route 20 East Cazenovia, NY 13035
(315) 655-8050, Fax: (315) 655-8042
MiniErgo
- PC Compatible
- List price is $179 for MiniErgo, $125 for optional numeric keypad
- Available through specialized ergonomic catalogs (AliMed
at 800-225-2610, last I looked) and keyboard resellers
Marketing information on the keyboard states:
MiniErgo keyboard is angled to position the hands and arms correctly, reducing hand
deviation and wrist bending. Gently sloping V-configuration allows a typist's hands to be
in a comfortable, neutral position. MiniErgo keyboard has an embedded numeric keypad. The
optional numeric keypad can be positioned to the right or left of the the keyboard and
easily plugs in with the included cable.
Comments
The MiniErgo is a split keyboard with an embedded numeric keypad. An optional, separate
numeric keypad is also available. The split design and compactness of the keyboard makes
it attractive to improve wrist posture and bring the mouse in closer. The forward slant
angle of the keyboard may be of some concern with the current trend of keeping the key
surfaces as flat as possible.
(Information last checked: Nov'97)
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Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399
(800) 426-9400 (Microsoft Customer Service)
http://www.microsoft.com/products/
 Microsoft Natural
Keyboard
- PC Compatible
- List price is $99.95, and often discounted
- Available through distributors and retail
Microsoft's entry into the alternative keyboard market has strived to change the
average computer user's view of what a keyboard should look like. According to the
Washington Post (Dec 24, 1996) they have accomplished a 61% share of the "ergonomic
keyboard" market, with generic "home brands" making up an additional 24%.
Many of the other low-end keyboards have followed closely on their design lead (e.g.
Cirque Wave and Addesso Tru-Form). Many users have found the Natural to fit their need for
an alternative keyboard, while others find its additional 2-3 inches of width too much of
a reach for operating the mouse. -KSW-
Some marketing information includes the following:
(For more information visit their website noted above)
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard is responsibly designed for maximum comfort. Its
split-key, sloped keyboard promotes a natural wrist posture. A built-in palm rest provides
a comfortable resting place for hands while not typing. The keys have a soft, tactile
action and standard Qwerty key layout for adapting to the split keyboard quickly.
The Natural has a forward tilt, which means it slopes gently toward the typist. Use the
Wrist Leveler, as appropriate, to help you keep your wrists straight as you type.
Use the numeric keypad like a mouse to navigate the pointer on your screen. Turn the
feature on through IntelliType Manager which provides software adjustability keyboard and
pointer control functions.
(see website given above for more manufacturer
product information)
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite is the second in a series of
ergonomically designed keyboards from Microsoft. Its split, gently sloped design allows
you to place your hands, wrists and forearms in a natural position for greater comfort
while typing. With its improved space-saving design, the new keyboard takes up less room
on your desktop and fits easily into keyboard trays.
(see website given above for more
manufacturer product information)
Miscellaneous
(An unused prototype for the original MS Natural keyboard)
(Information last checked:
April'98)
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