Ergonomic keyboard
Comments: 12
Years ago Apple made a terrific ergonomic keyboard which was hinged in the middle. It opened out like a Japanese fan. The numeric keypad was a separate unit. The tangle of ADB cables was more than made up for by how perfectly comfortable the contraption was to use.
But the keyboards unfortunately only had a lifespan of about a year before one or more keys would start to stick or malfunction. On mine, I seem to recall it was the A key that would repeat about half a dozen times on a single press, while one or two other keys developed little idiosyncrasies of their own. Nonetheless, it was a sad day when I had to retire it.
These days I use a 14-year-old Apple Extended Keyboard II plugged into the computer via an ADB-USB converter. I’m going to be inconsolable when — the gods forbid! — I have to give it up. I looked at the wireless keyboard Apple makes the other day and just couldn’t see myself using it at all: the rake is too shallow and you can’t seem to adjust it, the key travel is paltry and abrupt, and the edges of the keys are not very nicely rounded. Might have to start looking further afield for future keyboards.
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Posted to Computers • 2004.10.17 (Sun) • 23:11
Comments
Posted by Jamais Cascio 2004.10.18, 02:42
I had an Apple Adjustable for many years — mine managed to keep working for about a decade. I loved that keyboard. When it finally began to give up the ghost, I decided not to adopt a hump-in-the-middle ergo keyboard, but instead to look for a mechanical switch, full-travel kb.
I opted for the Matias Tactile Pro. USB, with the full set of Mac keys (including volume and CD eject, as well as power key), a great mechanical switch feel (like your old Extended KB II), and even the option/shift-option characters printed on the keycaps! I’m very happy with it. The only downside is that it’s not quiet — there’s really no way to stealth type with it, so no more writing email while on the phone…
Posted by brian w 2004.10.18, 02:52
I see AEK II’s crop up fairly frequently for under 10 bucks at places like OWC. Stock up on a couple extras, you should be able to go an entire lifetime without having to give ‘em up!
Posted by dustin 2004.10.18, 03:55
I have been using a Macally iKey for a few years and quite enjoy it. It’s not very ergonomic, but the action on the keys is excellent.
Posted by Fazal Majid 2004.10.18, 05:12
Have a look at the Matias TactilePro (www.tactilepro.com) if you like clickety-clack keyboards with buckling springs rather than mushy dome types.
Posted by PJ Doland 2004.10.18, 08:16
Buy an Advantage keyboard by Kinesis.
They look weird as hell but they’re fantastic.
Posted by Adam Rice 2004.10.18, 11:26
I’ve been using an old Datadesk 101e (also ADB going through a USB/ADB adapter). It’s super-clacky and has wonderful action. I think they still make ‘em; if not, that Tactile Pro is on my list.
Posted by lil 2004.10.18, 14:40
Jeremy
I have a 7 year old Apple Extended Keyboard II (ADB) sitting in my closet in Shimokitazawa…if you’re really into those legacy keyboards and want a back-up for the one you use now, you’re welcome to it!!
Posted by lil 2004.10.18, 15:00
Oops! My mistake…I just checked and realised that I actually have an Apple Design Keyboard (which was the successor to the Extended Keyboard II after Apple tried to bring the production costs for the earlier down). You’re probably not interested, I guess! Up to you…
Posted by Brad 2004.10.19, 02:39
Did you know…
The Apple Extended Keyboard II’s development codename was Nimitz, after the aircraft carrier, because it was so huge?
Posted by Mark Boszko 2004.10.20, 06:25
I, also, hate the new mushy keyboards that Apple’s gone to with the release of the Apple Design Keyboard. I’ve got the Apple Extended Keyboard hooked up to my PowerBook when I’m at home (not the AEK2, which, to my hands, feels just a tad softer than the original AEK.
I’m eyeing a Tactile Pro, though—- it’d be nice to go without the ADB Adapter. I’d love to hear a review if anyone has moved to that one. Not particularly ergonomic, I know (I miss my Apple Ergonomic Keyboard, too), but if it feels as good as the AEK, I’m there.
Posted by Kristen 2004.10.22, 11:57
I use a Happy Hacking keyboard. There are several models with varying degrees of clackiness. What I love most about mine is the compact footprint, completely the opposite of the Apple Extended II. :-)
Posted by Alex 2004.10.22, 18:01
I must be crazy but I actually like the new Apple BT keyboard. It lacks feedback especially on the num-pad, but its much easier on my ears ;) than my now defunct AEK that had keys falling of it ;)
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