Are ergonomic keyboards just a marketing hype?

I find them annoying...although it is likely as I never allowed myself to get used to them....

I hate products labeled "ergonomic". It's complete marketing BS and it works. Products are/should be designed with ergonomics in mind from step one. There is no need to label something ergonomic. God I hope I never design a product that they slap an "ergonomic" label on. tptptptp

They definitely aren't a marketing ploy. Keyboards aren't really designed with the human body in mind, thus tons of secretary's or programmers suffer things like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

I definitely still hate them though Because I'm not a very good typer!

Pat McCrotch said:

Keyboards aren't really designed with the human body in mind, thus tons of secretary's or programmers suffer things like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

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Ok so in comparison, this is for everyone as well, which keyboard would you say is better designed for the human body?

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043

vs.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APP...tore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=3DFA5A00&nplm=M9034LL/A

Yes I know its a Microsoft keyboard, I am not trying to start a Microsoft vs. Apple war. My choices were based on what I have recommended and what others have recommended. My friend is in the market for a new keyboard for his MacBook Pro and is a college student who spends allot of time on the computer like I do typing essays, reports, etc. I have recommended to him the M$ keyboard while others have told him that it doesn't matter as long as you regulate your time on the computer by taking breaks every 15-20 minutes he will be fine.

Thoughts?

I used to own a TouchStream zero-force ergonomic keyboard (made by the guys who now work for Apple doing their multi-touch stuff like the iPhone), and it made a huge difference and helped a lot with some RSI type injuries I was developing. Trying to use a "regular" keyboard after it was literally painful.

In answer to your question above, the Microsoft keyboard is defintely a million time better than the Apple keyboard.

Apple KBs lately are likley one of the worst pieces of junk especially from an ergonomic standpoint ever made.

Yuck.

MS all the way.
and yes they make a difference.

Apple's earlier keyboards were pretty fine - especially the full ergonomic one.

I'm with MacDoc on this one. I spend a LOT of time on my keyboard, and the Apple stuff is not high up on my list :/ I miss my old extended II adb

What I'd _really_ love is a true splittable keyboard that's shaped around the resiting position of your hand ... that I could mount to the arms of my office chair, just like all the mad hackers have in the old hacking movies!

I guess a lot of "ergonomic" branding is crap, but there's a real purpose for it when done right, and it can make a big difference when you spend all day long typing with your hands in a more natural position as opposed to "wrists flat."

UnleashedLive said:

I hate products labeled "ergonomic". It's complete marketing BS and it works. Products are/should be designed with ergonomics in mind from step one. There is no need to label something ergonomic. God I hope I never design a product that they slap an "ergonomic" label on. tptptptp

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whoa! i totally disagree. 'products are/should be...." it's obvious many aren't. as macdoc pointed out before i could, the apple keyboard is the worst offender and any 'straight' keyboard as well.

honestly, look at the way your wrists sit on one of those and then place them on an ergonomic keyboard. your wrists, arms and elbows don't naturally come in together on a straight keyboard. there is a natural placement which the ergonomic boards have.

i started having pains which i assume were the start of carpal tunnel, but i switched to a trackball mouse and an ergonomic keyboard and wow.... i didn't have any more pain whatsoever. g o n e. 100% not there anymore.

they do take a little bit of time to get used to, but anyone with a bit of coordination and a wee bit of patience can do it.

Cheers,
Keebler