The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
As Reviewed: $299
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The Kinesis Advantage Contoured Keyboard is designed for users whose RSI-related pain is not helped by a traditional split keyboard, such as the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. Unlike a traditional keyboard, which features raised keys on a mostly flat surface, the Kinesis features two concave bowls that dip below the keyboard's wrist rest, so your fingers remain in a relaxed position. What's more, the two bowls of keys are set at the outer edges of the keyboard, so you can hold your arms closer to shoulder-width. (The keys on the right also double as a 10-key numeric keypad with the press of a button.) As you can imagine, the entirely new typing arrangement takes some time to get used to. And given the keyboard's $299 price tag, many users will resent the time required to adapt. But those who invest the time and money will likely find the Kinesis Advantage Contoured Keyboard to be one of the most comfortable keyboards they've used.
We certainly didn't feel comfortable when we first plugged the Kinesis Advantage Contoured Keyboard into our USB port. Unlike other ergonomic boards, the Kinesis' keys are actually quite close together, and at different heights, so we immediately found ourselves tripping over our own fingers and repeatedly striking the wrong keys. Though we are accomplished touch typists, our occasional cheat--for example, hitting the Z key with our ring finger instead of the little finger--was gravely exposed. What's more, some keys on the Kinesis Advantage Contoured Keyboard are completely rearranged, we can only assume for efficiency. The Backspace and Delete keys, for example, are beneath the left thumb (instead of on the upper right), while the Space key can only be pressed by the right thumb. Control keys are at the thumbs as well, which presents an adaptation challenge for regular users of keyboard shortcuts, and arrow keys are split between left and right hands.
