I use my computers a lot. Probably over 8 hours a day. I was wondering if there was much of an advantage to using an ergonomic keyboard and if it would help prevent wrist and hand damage. Anyone here use an ergonomic keyboard? If so, do you have any keyboards that you would recommend and are under $75 U.S.D.? I am in my early twenties and would like to avoid repetitive stress injury to my hands if possible. I am a computer science major almost ready to graduate school and will be working with computers the rest of my life.
I use a Microsoft Natural 4000, and I usually type during the day at work, as well as at night at home and I’ve never had RSI issues, plus I find it’s way easier to touch type on due to the different shape of the keys than most regular keyboards.
I hate to say it but that’s probably another 20 years for me. . .hopefully, computer life that is.
Since I started programming I’ve been looking for the original IBM AT keyboards. I love them.
To comment on your concerns, and your results may vary, but I’ve been programming a lot longer, and some times for months on end I program 7 days a week, 10 plus hours a day. It goes in peaks and valleys. I’m fine; most of my coworkers are fine; and the many people I’ve known over the years are fine.
However, if you have a predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome or some other similar ailment, then I don’t know if the ergo boards will help. I did encounter one person who did complain and made the change, but in the end she still had problems.
Just something to consider.
Ergonomic, efficient, stable and flexible keyboards once were built by IBM. It looks bulky, which it also is, but it’s an insane good keyboard as soon as it comes to writing.
Okay, that brought back some memories. However, I didn’t like it when the function keys were moved to the top.
This was my first machine: File:Ibm pc 5150.jpg - Wikipedia
i think the main problem is touch typing and a normal keyboard.
i never learned touch typing but naturally developed my own style and as a result i don’t hold my wrists in such non-ergonomic angles. i am still a very fast typist though.