# Keyboard options--what works for you?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keyboard-options-what-works-for-you/372312>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [September 11, 2006, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keyboard-options-what-works-for-you/372312 "2006-09-11T17:38:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2006, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keyboard-options-what-works-for-you/372312/1 "2006-09-11T17:38:16Z")

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Using a flat keyboard is starting to hurt my forearms. I do a lot of typing, and that amount will only increase.

I’m looking into getting an ergonomic keyboard of some sort, and I’m also considering trying out the DVORAK layout, but I’d like input.

Last night, I switched to an old split keyboard of my husband’s, and immediately the pain lessened. That keyboard’s keys are quite stiff, though, and I would like to replace it with something with softer/easier keys.

I’m willing to invest, and I’m willing to use something weird like this [system](http://www.datahand.com/products/personal.htm) from DataHand or this [system](http://www.safetype.com/how-it-works.htm) from Safetype, but I’d rather get feedback first.

Do you use an ergonomic keyboard? Like it? Which one? Do you use QWERTY or DVORAK? Is DVORAK easy to pick up if you’re 35 years old and a little set in your ways?

Other keyboards:

> **[Comfort Keyboard Systems - Ergonomic Keyboards, Furniture, and Office
     ...](http://www.comfortkeyboard.com/)**
>
> Comfort Keyboard Systems provides ergonomic products for pain relief and accessibility. Our models are designed to aid with carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries (RSI), and posture adjustment. Our unique line includes...

[http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/us\_versions.htm](http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/us_versions.htm)

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**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\
**Post date:** [September 11, 2006, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keyboard-options-what-works-for-you/372312/2 "2006-09-11T17:42:29Z")

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I started to get twinges in my wrists & hands, and have a family history of carpal tunnel - I simply switched to a Microsoft Natural keyboard, because I found a new one for a song on eBay, and it’s done fine for three years. It’s got a straight split down the middle of the keys, a fairly ordinary key action, and an extra lip at the front which, for me at least, works as intended as a rest for the heels of the hands.