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For some reason, my fingers have started hurting and typing very desyncedly. For example, I type "teh" a lot and put spaces before I really should. The ergonomics of the keyboard is so bad. The Home/End/Insert/Delete/Etc. is too far to the right, numpad as well and mouse too. My back is bent sideways and I look like Steve Hawking. I'm wondering if there's something like a keyboard that can be used as a text input method for my PC.

It must be able to act like a PC keyboard software-wise, be powered by USB, be able to type all letters of a keyboard, be able to switch to different keyboard language layouts (for example, English, Croatian, etc.).

Is there such a device?

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  • There are lots of alternatives for the traditional keyboard.
    – Mark
    Jan 15, 2016 at 8:16
  • Which would be most keyboard-like and good for impatient fingers?
    – Foxcat385
    Jan 16, 2016 at 0:55
  • Do you want an ergonomic keyboard or do you want a keyboard alternatic
    – Aiden Grossman
    Jan 18, 2016 at 15:44
  • Alternative, unless the ergonomic one is a very good one.
    – Foxcat385
    Jan 18, 2016 at 19:41
  • You could also use speech recognition, see for example this post.
    – agold
    Jan 19, 2016 at 9:46

2 Answers 2

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Your operating system such as Windows or Mac OS X should be able to remap the input of the keyboard to Dvorak, Colmak, or other national language layouts. You should not need any support for this from the keyboard hardware.

By the way, transitioning to a standing desk may help with your back and slumping. Working with a good Pilates trainer helped me immensely.

Kinesis

As for ergonomic keyboards, consider various products from Kinesis. My favorite is the Freestyle2.


(source: kinesis-ergo.com)

Kinesis offers a Bluetooth version, the Freestyle2 Blue (one for PC, one for Mac). Supports switching between up to 3 computers/devices.


(source: kinesis-ergo.com)

Keyboard.io

The Spring of 2016 may bring an innovative keyboard being developed as a Kickstarter project. See Keyboard.io. You can read all about this team’s development adventure.

Yes, that is wood, real solid wood. The “butterfly” shape was discovered by accident to be comfortable.

DIY Dream

The Keyboard.io is entirely open-source, both the hardware and software. Built on top of the open Aduino platform. It can be completely re-programmed by you or third-parties. No restrictive license. You can even program control of each key’s individual LED light.

For the convenience of non-programmers, a simple utility app arbitrarily re-assign keys any way you desire. They even build in an extra physical key with no assigned behavior, for you to dream up an assignment.

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  • On the Croatian keyboard, the letter ž isn't above enter, but aside it. Is there a keyboard that doesn't put it above? I hit enter accidentally so many times. So is there maybe a way to DIY my keyboard?
    – Foxcat385
    Jan 19, 2016 at 13:43
  • @Foxcat385 See last paragraph I added. You can reassign any or all of the keys on Keyboard.io.
    – Basil Bourque
    Jan 19, 2016 at 17:27
  • But it misses the 3rd key after L rightwards.
    – Foxcat385
    Jan 20, 2016 at 22:26
  • @Foxcat385 Yes, the Keyboard.io rearranges the keys, hopefully in a more intelligent and ergonomic layout. If you are looking for the Return key, look to the left of the Y & H keys, labeled RET in their diagram. Makes sense as such a frequently used key should not be positioned for our weakest finger.
    – Basil Bourque
    Jan 20, 2016 at 22:39
  • Interesting. I'll check it out more.
    – Foxcat385
    Jan 21, 2016 at 18:18
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Let me introduce you to the legendary Datahand keyboard.

enter link description here

It is said to be the most wrist-friendly as you are only supposed to move slightly fingers when using it. You can configure it in the most comfortable position for you.

enter image description here

Unfortunately, its production has been discontinued, it is hard to find.

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