Recommendations for Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice?

By teknix360
in Hardware Hangout

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teknix360

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I have recently been diagnosed with carpal tunnel and tennis elbow (yeah, sucks :cry: ). I have tried a few keyboards and mice to help alleviate the discomfort, but nothing seems to work. It just makes it hurt in a different place.

So, I'm wondering if any of you have recommendations for keyboards and mice that have help you with this type of pain?

Right now I use:

Those help some, but I still have pain, so I'm looking for better solutions.

Rookie

tombailey

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I have to start by saying that I don't have carpal tunnel and tennis elbow and I don't know much about either condition. But I know what pain is and it must be awful for you to feel it whenever you use your PC. Is there not any surgery or physiotherapy you could have to help?

You seem to like Logitech Hardware. I have the same mouse as you which I personally find comfortable when used with a good desk and mouse mat. I also have the Logitech K350 Wireless Keyboard (http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-keyboard-k350?crid=26). I personally find this very comfortable with a cushioned palm rest and a 'wave' ergonomic design.

You should also have a look at Microsoft's hardware. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 seems to be Microsoft's current ergonomic offering (http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000). On the web page it mentions the following: "According to some studies, ergonomic keyboard designs, such as the Microsoft Natural line, have been associated with significant reduction of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms."

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Tom Gru

Posted
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+1 for MS 4000 but if you are serious check this out, the keyboards without the number pad really seem to make sense as keyboard-mouse movement is a major reason for the pain. Also that mouse is quite heavy, I've tried it and unless you have gigantic hands its too much work for the wrist to move.

http://www.gizmag.com/truly-ergonomic-keyboard-claims-healthiest-input-device-crown/16684/

Grand Master

remixedcat

Posted
Posted

I will advise that with ergo keyboards gaming is a bit awkward... it takes a lonnnnng time to get used to it... took me 2-3 hours to get the hang of transitioning from a flat KB to an ergo and even then it still annoys me... that's why some people have both kinds.

Grand Master

+Mirumir Subscriber¹

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  • Subscriber¹
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imho Microsoft ergonomic keyboards beat those by Logitech.

However, if you still experience discomfort, maybe you need something more radical like:

1) Kinesis Maxim adjustable

maxim-usb-profile-720x440.jpg

2) Kinesis Advantage Pro

kb_adv-pro_met720x471.jpg

3) Maltron

ergonomic-keyboard1.jpg

Enthusiast

teknix360

Posted
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Posted
You ever use wrist rests?

I have a bead bag thingy along my keyboard, but for the most part I try not to put my wrists on the desk.

I have to start by saying that I don't have carpal tunnel and tennis elbow and I don't know much about either condition. But I know what pain is and it must be awful for you to feel it whenever you use your PC. Is there not any surgery or physiotherapy you could have to help?

You seem to like Logitech Hardware. I have the same mouse as you which I personally find comfortable when used with a good desk and mouse mat. I also have the Logitech K350 Wireless Keyboard (http://www.logitech....rd-k350?crid=26). I personally find this very comfortable with a cushioned palm rest and a 'wave' ergonomic design.

You should also have a look at Microsoft's hardware. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 seems to be Microsoft's current ergonomic offering (http://www.microsoft...c-keyboard-4000). On the web page it mentions the following: "According to some studies, ergonomic keyboard designs, such as the Microsoft Natural line, have been associated with significant reduction of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms."

I just started a round of physical therapy last week. I'm hoping it helps. I've only been to two sessions so far...no noticeable changes yet. There are steroid shots to treat tennis elbow, but they are not very effective. Surgery is available for carpal tunnel, but the success rate is not high. Basically, the only real fix is to stop doing the repetitive movements that aggravate the injuries. Which considering my line of work, is just not possible. :/

I might check out a wave style keyboard. I will have to hunt for one with low profile keys. I hate tall, chunky keys. Why make your fingers work that hard, you know?

+1 for MS 4000 but if you are serious check this out, the keyboards without the number pad really seem to make sense as keyboard-mouse movement is a major reason for the pain. Also that mouse is quite heavy, I've tried it and unless you have gigantic hands its too much work for the wrist to move. http://www.gizmag.co...ce-crown/16684/

Hm, that is a really interesting keyboard. I do hate having the number pad on my keyboard. It forces me to move my arm farther to the right to use a mouse. I'll print that out and ask my physical therapist about it.

imho Microsoft ergonomic keyboards beat those by Logitech.

However, if you still experience discomfort, maybe you need something more radical like:

1) Kinesis Maxim adjustable

2) Kinesis Advantage Pro

3) Maltron

Wow, those are crazy! The Kinesis keyboards make a lot of sense. I was exploring their website and they have a mouse that you can press with your feet like racing pedals! Very neat.

Thanks for all the suggestions!! :)

Grand Master

PGHammer

Posted
Posted

I use a Logitech G700 mouse and a Microsoft comfortcurve 3000 kb and they are very comfy

I have Microsoft's Wireless 6000 V.3 keyboard (older, but ergo) and V220 cordless for notebooks (despite the name, I use it on my desktop) - in both cases, i use the (don't faint) Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse Center driver for Windows 8. (I've found the Microsoft driver a better fit for the Logitech mouse than Logitech's own driver.)

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