Filed under: Accessories, Hardware, Peripherals
SafeType Vertical Keyboard
So I was browsing the Alternative Keyboard Gallery earlier today and I came across this gem, by SafeType. It's a vertical keyboard that claims to be the ultimate in ergonomics - and they have a Cornell University study to back that up! "Cornell University conducted extensive testing of the Safetype
Keyboard™, and found that it greatly reduces the risk of Repetitive
Motion Injury (carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.)"It's a standard QWERTY split keyboard layout, so you don't have to re-learn how to type and there are even mirrors that fly out so that you can see the keys if you're not a great touch typist. Although, frankly, if you're not a great touch-typist by now, you probably don't spend enough time at the keyboard that repetitive stress injuries are a concern for you. If you're having trouble picturing how this all works, check out the QuickTime video on their site (which is also good for a laugh).
The Vertical Keyboard does work with Macs, although you'll need a USB adapter for it. Since there are no Mac-specific drivers to worry about, it should work in any OS, though. As for the price? These retail for about $300 - but they seem to stock a fair amount of refurbs and just-off-lease units for about half the retail price.
If you have one of these or have ever used one, I'd love to hear about it!
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
peter said 7:59PM on 11-15-2005
it looks like a bloody accordion! in keyboard form.
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John said 8:16PM on 11-15-2005
Cornell sucks.
Well that wasn't a very constructive comment, but it sure was fun and accurate.
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Eric A said 10:41PM on 11-15-2005
I can't respect any keyboard that still staggers the keys. That's a throwback to the mechanical days and bad ergonomics. I'll stick with my Kinesis Contour.
http://kinesis-ergo.com/contoured.htm
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Wheels said 11:19PM on 11-15-2005
I spend ten hours a day at my keyboard, and I type with two fingers on one hand.. but I have legit reasons why.
If I saw this keyboard at a computer I had to work at, I think I'd wet myself out of fear. The only way I'd be able to use this if it were mounted to a Lazy Susan.
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David said 12:01AM on 11-16-2005
I'd rather have carpal tunnel
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Codepope said 4:12AM on 11-16-2005
I v k
e e
h r y
a t b
v i o
e c a
a r
a l d
:)
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Cyberwhore said 6:22AM on 11-16-2005
Is that blonde lady's tourettes playing up or is she having some sort of fit?
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BOlle said 8:45AM on 11-16-2005
This is The One to Rule the All: http://www.maarshan.com/products.htm
It's a vertical split keyboard in a, eh, 'book-style'.
The website claims: "Touch typists come to their original typing level within 5 minutes."
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