Kinesis Advantage USB - Keyboard - USB - black - Be Informed, Aware, Comfortable, and Safe!

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Kinesis

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USB

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Kinesis Advantage USB - Keyboard - USB - black

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Product Description

The Kinesis Contoured Keyboard family is based on a unique, patented design that minimizes the pain and strain typists experience from heavy use of conventional computer keyboards. Yet productivity is greater than with any other keyboard, leading to its popularity with programmers and medical transcriptionists.This ergonomic design resulted from years of research and testing and has proven itself in more than ten years of commercial use. Kinesis contoured keyboards are prescribed by physicians and placed by therapists dealing with keyboard-related overuse injuries.The Advantage USB contoured keyboard sets a new standard for ergonomic keyboards. The Advantage line incorporates the same advanced ergonomic design as Kinesis' other contoured keyboards and delivers additional features not found on other USB keyboards.

Product Features

* Advanced ergonomics PLUS on-board programmability
* Compatible with both PC and Mac operating systems
* Instant configuration for Windows, Mac and non-Windows PC operating environments, includes Windows and Mac legended keys.
* Integrated two-port USB hub
* USB devices can be hot-plugged safely

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Customer Reviews

Rated

on 2008-09-27

When doing normal typing, I found the Kinesis Advantage to be very comfortable and ergonomic. However, there were issues in performing certain tasks on this keyboard.

I am a software developer and frequently use the arrow keys to move around. However, the arrow keys on this keyboard are located way off to the bottom of the main key section in a position very difficult to reach with my fingers. Moreover, the arrow keys are split between the left and right handed keys. The left/right keys are on the left-hand side and the up/down keys are on the right-hand side. This orientation is VERY difficult to use and not suited for certain repetitive tasks I often perform. However, I was able to get around this problem by purchasing a USB numeric keypad (http://www.amazon.com/IBM-Numeric-Keypad-Thinkpad-USB/dp/B00004Z7F0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222551284&sr=1-1), which can also be used for its arrow keys.

A similar issue for me is the location of the bracket keys. These are even more difficult to get to than the arrow keys. Most typists probably only use these keys rarely, but they are used quite frequently when writing software programs. The Advantage lets you remap keys, but this leads to a lot of confusion while you are typing and simply swaps one set of keys with another.

Another issue with this keyboard is that ctrl/alt key combinations are designed to be keyed using both hands. Frequently, I need to perform cut and paste operations while handling the mouse with one hand. On the Advantage, this can only be done by stretching out your thumb and little fingers in an uncomfortable and unergonomic fashion.

I also am not fond of the soft function keys (F1-F12) on this keyboard. I use these keys extensively when I am debugging my programs to step through and navigate through my source code. These keys are small and simply do not have a great touch when you press them.

While this keyboard was generally very ergonomic (aside from the ctrl/alt issue), I found the issues generally too awkward to overcome, so I decided to send it back to Kinesis for a refund.

Rated

on 2008-08-27

I use two of these keyboards, one as a spare. I used to suffer from RSI and was treated by Suparna Damany, the best RSI therapist in America. This keyboard fits her recommendations. You will never go back to a regular keyboard one you use these. Posture and strengthening exercises are very important for RSI treatment but second to this is using a keyboard that treats your hands kindly. Forget the cost, 300 dollars is nothing compared to saving your career. Unfortunately, a lot of people tend to be pennywise and pound foolish and realize this too late. You will never regret purchasing this keyboard. The light force keys, macro facility and key well spacing make this a balm for RSI.

Rated

on 2008-03-22

For the last 5+ years, I've had several versions of this keyboard, despite the price. After having one just at work, I added one at home; and I recently replaced the original only because I poured wine on it and it got funky. It may take a tiny bit of muscle memory to get used to, but you get lots of comments on it from office visitors, and it keeps you in good working shape if you also have a a keyboard tray. No worries about being unable to use a regular keyboard after this -- except that they just aren't as comfortable. Incidentally, it's easier to touch type with this one, for some reason, because of the nice separation of the hands.

Rated

on 2008-03-18

good product, but I am a crummy typist -- I look at the keyboard and cannot touch type, so this board is extremely hard for me to use. So I will give it to my son, who can touch type, as a birthday present!

Rated

on 2008-02-02

Got money to burn? Get this keyboard! I use one at work and would probably never buy one for my own personal use unless I felt like spending $300 -- all the same though, it's a pretty cool keyboard. Re-programmable keys and a very solid-feeling keyboard.

I am very happy with it but there's definitely a learning curve when you start trying to use it. It will take 10 days or so of steady use until you're not constantly making mistakes or typing super slowly. Once you've learned though, you'll type just as quickly and get the added ergonomic benefits.

One thing to note, however. If you took standard typing classes growing up (as I did), it will take you slightly longer to get used to using your middle finger to type the letter "c" -- due to the layout of the keyboard, it's just not possible to use the pointer finger, as is typically taught. It's a minor thing.

And people will look at your computer with utter amazement and wonder how the hell you manage to type on the thing. And that will give you great satisfaction. Heh heh.