Surprisingly, models that do not differ in particularly good ergonomics remain long-livers of the market of manipulators for personal computers. Trackballs that appeared on the shelves, which are more useful for joint health, did not cause excitement and remained almost unnoticed. Around the same time, the so-called "broken", or ergonomic, keyboards were demonstrated. Unfortunately, the mass user did not appreciate the new items because of the need to relearn and adapt to new accessories.
Modern Scourge - Tunnel Syndrome
Most personal computer users perceive tunnel syndrome as one of the methods of bullying. The reason for this, perhaps, is the lack of high-quality Russian research in this area. The essence of the disease lies in the thickening of the ligaments and tendons of the carpal canal and subsequent compression of the median nerve, which is associated with a constant dynamic and monotonous load. This effect can be minimized while observing the banal rules of ergonomics: the hand and forearm should be on the same line.
Fatigue and pain occur most often after prolonged work at the computer and due to improper hand positioning. The design of ergonomic manipulators allows you to avoid this, and when choosing a keyboard, you need to pay attention to the presence of a special palm rest, thanks to which the brush and forearm are at the same level. When working with a mouse, it is advised to use a carriage under the wrist, although it is not very convenient.
The use of ergonomic keyboards improves the condition, but does not eliminate possible violations.
Ergonomic Keyboard Graduation
Currently available keyboards are divided into four subgroups:
- Sub-healthy, or regular keyboards.
- Healthy. Standard keyboards divided into two areas in the character zone. Also called "broken."
- Healthier Broken keyboards with a raised central part and redistributed keys. The right and left parts are usually symmetrical, but not in all models. Keyboard design for comfortable typing.
- Healthiest. Special symmetrical ergonomic keyboards.
The keyboards of the second group, divided into two zones, are effective in terms of ergonomics, but practically do not differ from standard ones with functional zones on the right side. In such models, asymmetric functional decomposition.
In symmetric keyboards, the parameter “finger paths” or “paths of the hand” is monitored: for example, for the right hand, the test parameter is the distance from the left arrow to the “J” key. For standard keyboards, the mentioned distance is 150 mm, for ergonomic entry-level keyboards - 140 mm, the design of special models is designed so that all the gaps are minimal.
Key mechanism
Computer keyboards are equipped with a standard button mechanism, providing reliable operation for up to 5 million clicks. The life of keys in expensive models extends up to 50 million keystrokes through the use of elements with a gold or metal coating.
For conventional computer keyboards, the standard button mechanism is used, which ensures reliable operation in the range from 1 to 5 million clicks. In expensive solutions, this mechanism is improved through the use of elements with a metal or gold coating in general, which extends the "life of the key" to 50 million keystrokes.
Russification of symmetric keyboards
What are the differences between an ergonomic keyboard and a regular one? Convenience: such manipulators facilitate printing, but are unusual for those who use the "Del" key to enter a comma. The comma problem for such models is solved by reconfiguring with the help of special programs or by retraining the user.
How to choose a keyboard?
The acquisition of an expensive manipulator is not a panacea for most problems. Proper organization of the workplace, regular gymnastics and an ergonomic keyboard with sub-wrists help to avoid problems with the wrists. For example, popular computer tables with sliding shelves for the keyboard are not recommended to be used, because they are incorrect in terms of ergonomics. During operation, in particular, high-speed printing, such shelves begin to vibrate, which can provoke excessive tension on the hands.
Ergonomic keyboards of "broken" type - the best option for learning the technique of touch typing. If it is not planned to adhere to such a technology, then it is better to purchase an simply ergonomically improved model.
When choosing a keyboard, one of the main requirements is the presence of a vertical lift in the center of the model - palm rest. In the best ergonomic keyboards, the rows of buttons are arranged in waves, according to the position occupied by the fingers.
Do not lose sight of the key mechanism. With the standard, a specific number of clicks is indicated - for example, 5 million. The use of additional mechanisms must be indicated in the description of the ergonomic keyboard.
Since most ergonomic and symmetrical keyboards are distinguished by an unusual arrangement of buttons, they are chosen primarily for ease of use. The keys familiar in the Russian layout are practically not used in English, so after acquiring an ergonomic model you will have to adapt.
Cherry Keyboards
The first ergonomic “bent” keyboard was the German model Cherry Ergo with gold-plated contacts, mechanical keys and an adjustable angle of fixation of parts of the structure. Unfortunately, the first place remained behind this keyboard due to insufficient demand, and to date there are no classic ergonomic manipulators in the Cherry lineup. But there are plenty of similar expensive models, only their price increases due to the wireless interface, the original color scheme and smart card readers, which allow you to enter the operating system.
In the modern line of Cherry keyboards, special attention should be paid to inexpensive classic models - the semi-mechanical G81-3000 LUNRB-0 with multimedia keys and the mechanical G80-3000 HPMRB with 100,000 million keystrokes.
The Cherry brand is popular among those who prefer ergonomic keyboards with the characteristics of mechanical or semi-mechanical models. The company specializes in such manipulators, although for some they seem too loud.
Microsoft
Microsoft kept pace with Cherry with its ergonomic keyboard, the Microsoft Natural Keyboard, which marked the beginning of the bent design of computer accessories. To date, this model remains one of the most convenient and does not lose its popularity. The only drawback of the ergonomic keyboard for reviews is the small Enter key. The high price, however, is not surprising: Microsoft takes its toll on manufactured equipment.
BTC
Behavior Tech Computer produces a wide range of computer keyboards, among which, however, there are only a few ergonomic ones. Made in a minimalist design, the BTC 8110W did not count the vertical row of keys in the center and is considered the best option for those who are just planning to start working with bent models. The layout of the main buttons, however, is very original: two rows of functional ones, with the left Shift there is an additional combination of arrows, at the top there are Ins / Del buttons and scroll buttons. This layout has its advantages and, in which the difference between the ergonomic keyboard and the usual one, is more compact and convenient, however, the need for addiction spoils the whole impression. Additional arrows interfere with typing, but do not help control your computer and programs: it’s easy to miss them instead of Shift. The model is not provided with multimedia keys, but there was still a place for standard buttons for turning on and putting the computer to sleep.
Models BTC 8120 and BTC 8190
Layout 8120 does not differ from the previous model, but otherwise they are completely opposite. The only keyboard from the existing ones, consisting of two separate halves that can be customized for both hands. The level of its convenience is very controversial due to the lack of multimedia keys and an unusual layout. It is worth noting that the left half of the gap is the Backspace double, the original Eraze Eaze.
The most developed multimedia among the BTC brand keyboards has ensured the 8190 models are in the ranking of the best. The keyboard space, free from the main keys, is replete with auxiliary buttons and keys. An additional plus is the cursor wheel, or Scroll-pad. Of course, it cannot replace a full-fledged mouse.
Logitech
No less popular brand of computer accessories and peripherals, not requiring introduction. Despite the large selection of products, there are practically no rulers of ergonomic keyboards, and most of them are offered along with mice. One of these models is called the Logitech Cordless Desktop Keyboard and has several complaints at once, among which are the price and the small Enter key. Another minus is the multimedia keys: their layout could be more logical, and the size would be larger. But, despite this, the keyboard is more than good at work.
However, Logitech departs from the classic ergonomic keyboards familiar from numerous photos of ergonomic keyboards - two halves are sure to rise in the center. Since last year, the company launched a new line of ergonomic manipulators: the divided key fields remained untouched, but the keyboard profile underwent changes, making it more convenient for wrists and hands. An additional advantage of the model is that the keyboard should be comfortable, functional and compact, which fits perfectly into the idea of ergonomics. Accordingly, the multimedia keys were allocated as a separate functional group, the F1-F12 buttons became smaller, and some Logitech models received additional keys and a scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling and constantly used functions.
Sven
The SVEN company did not ignore ergonomic keyboards, having released two models at once.
The first is Multimedia Ergonomic 2500 - a great combination of bent design and multimedia features. The main plus is the large media player control buttons located at the top center. For those who prefer to work with music, these buttons will be a real salvation.
Separately, it is worth noting a large Enter, a space and small function keys. Despite the unusual keyboard design, the main buttons are in standard places, so the user does not have to get used to anything. However, the Num Lock lamps should be moved to the upper right corner, where they belong, even if they had to sacrifice three additional keys.
The second model - Multimedia Ergonomic 3000 - should be several times steeper than the previous one, however, the theory diverges from practice. There are no multimedia keys, standard contours have lost smoothness, which is especially noticeable in the lower row. Buttons of a rectangular shape not only look unattractive, but also uncomfortable to press. The dimensions of the keyboard could be used more rationally, and the height of the central hump makes it impossible to place it on standard sliding shelves of computer tables.