Amazon.com Product Description
Logitech is touting an advancement in comfort and usability design with its ergonomic, cross-platform Cordless Wave keyboard. There might be some marketing hyperbole to this claim, but after a week of typing with the Wave, I'm not sure that I could live without it.
Like other ergonomic keyboards, the Wave includes an elevated palm rest, though not as extreme as the platforms of old. It's also covered in a lightly padded vinyl upholstery that feels soft yet firm under the wrist, as well as a Goldilocks amount of tackiness (i.e., not too slippery, not sticky, just right). The keys are also positioned in a gentle U-shaped arc that nearly escapes the eye, but is apparent once you set your wrists down and start typing.
Contoured, wave-shaped key design conforms naturally to your fingers. |
But the biggest design innovation that the Wave introduces comes from its name--the keys undulate across the board in a wave-shaped contour that mimics the changing lengths in your own digits. The keys are at their highest on the outside at the A and Enter keys (which, if you're a touch typist, is where your little fingers are positioned), and the keys trough to their lowest point at D and K (where the longer middle finger resides) before rising slightly at the G and H keys. The keys have a maximum distance variation of 4mm, and the spacebar mimics the wave contour of the keyboard design.
As someone who writes for a living, my computer keyboard is one of the most important tools I have and one that I'm connected to for hours every day. I've gone through many models over the years to get just the right one, and I currently use the Matias Tactile Pro on my Mac as it provides some of the best keystroke feedback I've found (which is the polar opposite to the frustratingly squishy keyboards that came with my HP and Apple PCs).
While the rolling contour of the keyboard layout was barely perceptible, my fingertips took to the Wave easily. It felt like each key was indeed designed specifically to fit the finger that was mapped to tap it. And the keys combine a springy action with a final tap that's not too loud, but both tactile and audible enough for instant feedback. As my week of testing progressed and my fingers grew more accustomed to the Wave, I actually felt as if my typing was both more accurate than on the Tactile Pro as well as a touch faster.
From an ergonomic standpoint, the Wave's gradual curve isn't immediately noticeable, but after a few days I found my elbows weren't hunched next to my body as they were with the straight keyboard, freeing both wrists and shoulders from strain. That said, if you require more substantial ergonomics for your typing (such as the curve and height of the Microsoft Natural), you might be disappointed by the relative flatness of the Wave.
The Delete key has been elongated and the Insert/Help key moved above.. |
The Wave has a fairly standard extended keyboard design, with one change that I cheered but could easily be jeered by others. The Home/Delete/End/Page Up & Down keys is switched to a vertical orientation, and the bane of my typing life--the Insert key (also the Help key on the Mac), which I often hit mistakenly when hunting for the Delete key--has been moved up (moving into the Scroll Lock key position) and replaced by an elongated Delete key. Another handy feature is onscreen notification of when you hit the Caps Lock key (another one of my touch typing transgressions).
The keyboard is supplemented by a plethora of system-specific feature buttons--including Flip 3D, Gadgets and Media Center in Windows Vista (aka, Expose, Dashboard, and Front Row on the Mac)--as well as quick access to your selected audio program and full playback controls (including volume). All functions can be customized using the included Logitech Setpoint utility (or Control Center within the Mac's System Preferences).
When I began reviewing the Cordless Wave, I wasn't looking for a new keyboard. But thanks to its excellent typing action, unique comfort features--from the contoured design of the keys to the padded wrist rest--and the plethora of customizable functions right at the tip of the finger, it's time to part ways with my old keyboard. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
- Innovative contoured design of the keys conform naturally to your finger lengths, excellent typing action
- Padded vinyl wrist rest adds soft comfort and allows easy movement
- Loads of function and multimedia buttons, all customizable using included software
- Cross-platform, including compatibility with special features in Windows Vista
- Nicely lightweight--great for use on the lap
Cons:
- Shifting of some keys might annoy some, but delight others
- Might seem flat to those who need more substantial ergnomics
Product Description
Catch the wave with the Logitech Wave Keyboard - the exciting new shape of comfort. It's created for hands just like yours, with contoured, uniform-size keys that cradle your fingers naturally while the curved keyboard promotes a more ergonomically correct hand position.One-touch controls give you direct access to many of the new features in Windows Vista, including Flip 3D, Zoom, Photo Gallery, and Gadgets. Programmable F-keys add instant access to favorite applications, games, folders, and Web pages. A cushioned palm rest encourages a relaxed position for typing.
Customer Reviews:
Logitech Wave Keyboard .......2007-12-28
Great product. The transition from a standard flat keyboard took some getting used to, but all features seem to be working properly. The space bar was a little sticky at first but loosened up w/ use. Very comfortable keyboard...thumbs up.
It's ok.......2007-12-21
This is a decent keyboard. The keys are a good size and spaced fairly well. The keys depress very smoothly and the keyboard is very quiet. Also, all extra keys are highly customizable via the Logitech software which make this keyboard even more difficult for me not to like.
Unfortunately, I think the keys themselves may be too inset into the keyboard which makes my fingers have to stretch more than I would expect. After using it for only a couple minutes, I can significant strain in my fingers and wrists.
I will have to go back to my Microsoft Natural Multimedia keyboard now or at least wait until Logitech releases a comfortable ergonomic keyboard.
Good first try on an unusual design, Logitech! Hope you can make a few slight improvements on your next iteration that can make this a little more comfortable for long-term use.
Logitech Wave Keyboard - Solid Performance in a Nice Design.......2007-12-17
Logitech's Wave is a unique keyboard that will be appreciated by many. It's a great new design for those who want something less extreme than full split designs but something more firm than the standard keyboard. With this product Logitech adds to it's line-up of high quality computer peripherals.
Pros
+ Integrated wrist cushion - comfy and convenient!
+ Keys are shaped to be closer to your smaller fingers - Less hand movement
+ Integrated number pad in a relatively sleek form factor
+ Quiet key action that seems smoother than others I've had
+ Vista key shortcuts work nice!
+ Programmable smart keys
Cons
- Corded design, unlike the Wireless Wave Combo set
- Key design takes some getting used to
- May not be enough separation for those who prefer full split ergonomic designs
- Somewhat buggy Logitech software with sleeper (spyware) processes
The design of the keyboard is nice and sturdy, and the additional number pad is a nice feature. The wave shape is REALLY nice, with nice sized keys and many extras. This is a great ambidextrous keyboard that can be used well by lefties and righties. The integrated keyboard wrist pad is nice and comfortable, and the design gives you one less thing you have to have on your desk.
I have actually come to prefer this to the split keyboard design after using it for a period of months. I can move my hands less and let my fingers touch the keys. As a result, my typing speed has actually improved slightly.
Many simply need the ergonomics of a split keyboard or other design. Try to test it out, but keep in mind it will take time to get used to. I've had mixed results with split keyboards in this price range, but there are some nice options.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000
Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser
Adesso Intellimedia MediaPro Flat Ergonomic MAC USB White Keyboard with 2 USB Ports ( AKB-805MAC)
For those who demand a wireless keyboard, Logitech has released a nice combo set including a wireless version of this keyboard and a mouse. I own that set for a different computer, although I am now using a different mouse with it.
Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Set
Also, check for price changes. The price tends to fluctuate a lot.
Overall, this keyboard is well worth looking into. Enjoy!
Comfortable keyboard.......2007-12-13
So far I'm finding this a very comfortable keyboard. The key action is quiet and doesn't require too much force. Key travel isn't excessive (for me anyway), more than a laptop but less than the old Microsoft ergo keyboards or some Dell keyboards I've used in the past. The oversized delete key is great, although the vertical arrangement of that 5 key cluster takes some getting used to. The shift and control keys end up a little farther away than I like. It's much slimmer than the MS ergo keyboard, and doesn't take up much more space than a standard keyboard. Lots of programmable keys that can be reassigned to do different things. I also find this keyboard easy to use when it's on my lap, unlike most conventional keyboards. The rear feet provide two positions for keyboard angle. The cord is a little on the short side, so if your computer is on the far side of your desk (like mine), you might need a USB extension cable to reach.
Terrific and quiet.......2007-12-07
This is an excellent value and goes with the Logitech cordless mouse that I already had. It is especially comfortable and quiet.
Product Description
This stylish, white keyboard has 22 Hot Keys including access for the Internet and Email. It is a quiet, membrane keyboard with laser printed keycaps for lifetime wear.
Customer Reviews:
Adesso ergonomic keyboard for Mac.......2007-12-21
I have been using the keyboard for about a month now with no problems
The new mac keyboard is next to impossible for anyone with large hands to use
Once you try an ergonomic board you will never go back
There are better keyboards out there!.......2007-12-13
There is very little for this company to be proud of about this product. It is Mac friendly in that it has all the same buttons as my original keyboard, which is exactly why I chose it online. If I could have felt how light and cheaply it was made, I would never have purchased it, which is my guess as to why I didn't see it in any of the stores I shop in. Also, the power button doesn't work at all on the keyboard. The other functions seem to work well enough, but as far as life expectancy, I give this one 6 months to a year. My last PC ergonomic keyboard was built like a tank and lasted so long I wore the bumps of the f and j keys. I have recently found a Microsoft keyboard that is Mac compatible and as soon as i find a wireless one, I'll buy it - even if I do have to configure buttons. This just makes me wish Mac would develop an ergonomic keyboard! The one that came with my Mac was very sleek and well made, but I really need the ergonomic one. The Adesso has got to be the cheapest keyboard I've ever touched and I'm 43. So don't be suckered in by the cheap price, you will definitely get what you pay for or a little less.
Great keyboard.......2007-12-11
Great, long-lasting keyboard. This is the second one of this series that we've bought and we'll likely buy another one next time we need an ergonomic Mac keyboard.
keyboard.......2007-12-10
The keyboard does not perform what it says it does for Mac OS-X. The function keys do not work, yes I did install the software that came with the keyboard. Disappointed!
Not for me.......2007-11-26
This is the second ergonomic keyboard I've owned. My previous one had a similar shape and style, but it got too old, so I upgraded to a new one.
Pros:
--The angle difference between hands is very comfortable for me.
--I like the split space bar.
--The two USB ports is a plus.
--The shape and style in general is comfortable for my hands.
--Most of the extra buttons at the top are very useful (back, forward, stop, refresh, search, favorites, web/home, media controls, mute, volume, close, print, stickies, Sherlock2, Mail, calculator, sleep, power).
--Adesso customer service was very prompt, efficient, and friendly.
Cons:
--The keys are very stiff. When I bought this from Amazon, it arrived with a Delete key that was stiffer than the other keys. I contacted Adesso and they very promptly replaced the keyboard with a new one.
However, while the Delete key was now the same "stiffness" as the other keys, all the keys in general require more hand strength to press than my old keyboard, or even the generic keyboard that came with my other computer tower.
After eight months of using this keyboard, I've finally given up and bought another one. While I don't have wrist pain, my typing speed has slowed dramatically and my error rate is high because of the stiff keys.
The key stiffness might not affect someone else, but I've come to dislike it in the months I've owned this keyboard.
(For my new keyboard, I went to a local electronics store and tested out the keyboards they have on display. I decided on the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 because it felt very comfortable to my hands.)
Product Description
This contoured ergonomic keyboard with hot keys introduces the new and improved Tru-Form Media by Adesso. Its contoured, split key design for ergonomic comfort features a Built-in Touchpad that acts as your mouse. Touchpad includes Left and Right mouse buttons and built-in wrist support. Integrated touchpad eliminates the need for a mouse and saves valuable desk space. The Adesso Tru-Form Media has multimedia keys that make this keyboard a comfortable, multi-featured keyboard that combines a host of Windows and Multimedia keys in a comfortable ergonomic design.
Customer Reviews:
Misleading.......2007-09-11
The product description is misleading! This keyboard does not include a "Built-in Touchpad". There is an outline where the touchpad would appear - but this is just a seam in the plastic. I was ripped off.
Product Description
Smallest keyboard with full-sized keys and complete functionality Footprint 12.75w"x5.5h"x.5d" Fits over notebook keypads without covering the touch pad Mouse close to the right hand Portable fits easily in briefcase, notebook case, backpack Flat sleek lightweight Grid layout easy to learn and easy on the fingers, hands, arms Logical, modular design Large Shift, Backspace, Enter keys Less reaching to frequently used keys and mouse Calculator-style Number Pad Tactile feedback on keys - ridges and bumps Color-coded for easy use PS/2 Connecter with USB Adaptor Prevents typing injuries Reduces or eliminates existing typing symptoms 90% of users get complete or significant reduction of pain Keyboard and typist centered on monitor Terrific design for programmers and power users
Product Description
Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 has been expertly crafted to allow you to work in a more natural position. The new Gull Wing design features a 14-degree gable, a natural arc and a curved key bed - bringing the keys closer to your fingers to reduce reach and unnecessary motion, while encouraging a more natural typing position. It also comes equipped with an optional palm lift for a seven-degree reverse slope and a cushioned wrist rest that encourages better arm and wrist alignment.
Customer Reviews:
False and misleading - totally dissatisifed.......2007-09-22
The item was not arriving after 3 weeks. Contacted the seller asking what was happening with it and received a refund without further contact.
This seemed to be a bargain(that is to say 5 for the price of 1) and is indeed too good to be true - I really should have known better.
This is the second time that Amazon has let me down regarding misleading/false advertising. They need to review their quality control system badly and drop sellers like these.
I'd give it 0 stars and even a minus review if it were possible to do so.
Extrememly disatisfied with product and Amazon.......2007-04-02
Purchased product based on "pack of 5" description. It was not a pack of five, just one (1) OEM box with no software. Could not get them to send me the other four. No help whatsoever
Ergonomic Keyboard.......2006-07-11
Keyboard takes getting used to. If you hop to other machines with a regular keyboard, you need to adjust back to using a regular keyboard.
I believe it has minimized the pain that was starting in my wrist (reason for trying keyboard).
The only problem that I had was with order. The description said (pack of 5) but only received one keyboard in a huge box. Upon research I received numerous reponses from Amazon on what "pack of 5" was; including this item was one keyboard with five USB components (totally did not make sense to me). I was expecting to received five keyboards. When they finally confirmed the order, there were no keyboards left so I was refunded for four keyboards. Resolving the order shortage took a lot of my time. Amazon said that they would check on what "pack of 5" meant and call me back but I ended up having to call them when I did not receive a reply. Credit for items not shipped was received timely.
The Ultimate Keyboard.......2006-04-05
Drivers for the 64 bit version of Windows XP are available on their website. You just need to search in their drivers section for the 64 bit version of intellitype.
Great typing keyboard, but...........2006-01-19
Pros: It's the most comfortable keyboard I've ever used, and I've been typing extensively for decades. If you've never used this type of keyboard before, it will take a little time, like a week or two to get used to the placement of keyes, but I'm sure you will be enjoying it more and more every day. Soft tactile response is exceptionally pleasant. The zoom slider would be excellent, if it always worked as intended (see below).
Cons: I bought this keyboard to be sure it's compatible with my new 64-bit system. My reasoning was, if the 64-bit Windows are created by Microsoft and this keyboard is designed by Microsoft, the two must fit each other perfectly. Well, this is not exactly the case.
Apparently Microsoft was too busy to design a native 64-bit driver for their keyboards. The driver that comes with this keyboard works with both the 32 and 64-bit Windows, but functionality in the 64- bit OS is limited. You can type fine and most function keys work as intended, but you can not use the volume up/down function even with the Microsot Media Player in the 64-bit Windows, as it won't work. Also the zoom slider works fine in the MS Word and most IE browsing situations, but does not work with the 64-bit Mozilla (Deer Park version) and even in IE sometimes starts acting strange (such as suddenly becoming a scroll wheel, instead of a zoom). I guess, Microsoft shouldn't complain that many software and hardware companies ignore the 64-bit version of Windows, as they themselves keep "forgetting" about it.
Another small drawback is that the "Enter" key is a bit too small for comfort. But I got used to it and it doesn't bother me anymore.
My conclusion: This is a fantastic keyboard for anyone who types a lot. It lliterally makes typing a joy. Let's hope its functionality in Windows XP Pro x64 OS will be upgraded with a new native 64-bit driver in the near future.
Product Description
The only Ergonomically Functional Neutral mouse that does not require to be gripped and untwists the wrist. It is a 3-Button, scroll wheel mouse, USB "plug-n-play" so no software is usually required for basic operation. Some brands of PC may require an extra module for button assignment, which is available from the "User" section of the Support pages. A PS/2 adaptor is provided, primarily for NT 4.0 users, all other users are advised to use USB as this is a high speed optical device that operates more effectively on that basis. PC and Mac compatible, it removes Static Posture, a working position that keeps muscles tensed, which is now associated with the development of impairment in computer mouse users and impedes their use by persons with disability. It is Universally Assistive Technology in that it does not discriminate in either appearance or by its use and meets the relevant standards for Accessible Technology, defined under Section 508 Law.
Product Description
**Work One-Handed! -- **Portable Wireless Keyboard -- **Ideal for Those with Disabilities -- **Prevents Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- The FrogPad⢠is a portable, intuitive keyboard that has all the functionality of a standard full-size keyboard, but is specially designed so you can operate it with just one hand, either the right or the left. -- iFrog's 20 keys are the same size as those found on a standard-size keyboard and it provides the same functionality, including alphanumeric, punctuation, symbols and even function keys. -- The key layout is optimized both around the most frequently used keys and around the strongest fingers of the hand. With iFrog, 86% of the time you only have one key to press, and you never have to press more than two keys at one time. This makes it much easier to learn as compared with the traditional QWERTY keyboard; it comes with a tutorial that can get you up to speed quickly. -- The USB plug-and-play version can be used with wearable PCs, Tablets, DeskTops, Laptops, Linux and MACs (OS 9 and above), and has a cable connector for both a standard PC and all USB host applications. -- The wireless Bluetooth(R) FrogPadT (iFrog) will interface to all Bluetooth MACs and PCs and comes with beta drivers for mobile phones and PDAs. -- -- The iFrog measures 5.60" x 3.73" x 0.66" and weighs 6.4 ounces. It has an integrated rechargeable battery (via USB)and comes with a 1 year warranty. -- Available in right-handed OR left-handed models. Please specify your preference in the notes of your order.
Customer Reviews:
Causes frequent data loss........2004-11-13
If you frequently enter information into web forms--on message boards, in chat rooms, on intranet sites at work, or elsewhere for other reasons--avoid this product. I'll briefly explain the problem.
There are fifteen letter keys that type fifteen letters when pressed alone. By pressing another key, the Green key, in combination with the letter keys, one types the other eleven letters and some other characters. The letter keys double as number keys and arithmetic symbols, and twelve of them triple as function keys. To type numbers, one activates the Orange key. To press function keys, one uses the Green key while the Orange key is activated--but recall that one types eleven of the letters using the Green key, without the Orange key activated.
The user accidentally activates the Orange key very frequently (most often when he's using the Orange key to press Backspace or Delete, but also in many other situations). Since the user won't know Orange is activated right away, he'll continue typing. If he types 'L', his browser will refresh, because 'L' is typed by Green + H, and with Orange activated, that's F5.
For about two months, I exclusively used a left-handed FrogPad. I was extremely excited about being able to point with a pen tablet with my right hand while typing with my left, so that I wouldn't have to keep picking up and putting down the stylus. I was losing information multiple times per day from hitting F5, however, so I packed it up and moved back to QWERTY.
Of course, the same design flaw causes one to press the other function keys. When one accidentally presses F1, for instance, the Help window pops up.
I've spent hours in FrogPad's Technical Support forum urging them to address this problem (and explaining the simple solution), but I think they fear that if they admit there's a problem, it will hurt their sales. I hope they plan to fix the problem in the next product revision because a safe FrogPad would finally deliver all that I hoped to receive when I spent [money] and tens of hours of practice[...]
I would only recommend this product, in its current flawed, dangerous, and expensive state, to people with one functional hand. Some people tout its portability and small footprint, but if one's using a laptop, he has a portable QWERTY keyboard included and exposed. One might be tempted to use a FrogPad with a tablet PC, but I'd recommend a folding QWERTY instead. They are just as portable as FrogPads, and they won't cause data loss.
Very well thought out, not yet perfect........2004-03-12
I'm actually typing this on a frogpad while I eat my lunch with the other hand( an unexpected ....bonus?). I bought the Frogpad to help fend off wrist trouble brought on by typing on laptops held stable with wrist strength. The Frogpad is very easy to travel with and allows me to have my shoulders much more open and my typing hand at any angle to the screen. The keys themselves have excellent travel and click.
I've only been using the Frog for a week or so, so I can't answer the all important questions of speed and learning time. I'm about 13wpm right now, down from 78ish on a qwerty. Learning is MUCH faster than the handykey twiddler (I gave up after a month without breaking 10wpm.) The strength of the Frogpad's frequency based chords really shines through. I'll be fumbling for the "z" one second, then I'll rip out an optimised word like "neither" at qwerty speed. The Frog is different enough that my hand gets tired, but some of that is probably me tensing up when I don't need to.
There are some bugs and gotchas: the first Frogpad I bought didn't work on OS X (It was fine on xp and linux). A new model has that fixed.
Most Unix commands are set up for qwerty and require more effort. "#!/bin/sh" or regex is possible on the Frog, but not as free as English. And the Frog is right hand only. I would love to flip a switch and mirror the keys for left hand use.
Product Description
The Goldtouch Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard allows you to adjust the two alphanumeric sections both horizontally and vertically to suit your individual body requirements. This helps you assume a more natural posture that is conducive to improving comfort and productivity while using your computer.
Customer Reviews:
Could be great but for the problems.......2007-10-04
I bought this keyboard about six months ago at the recommendation of a physical therapist who I was seeing for serious problems with carpal/ulnar tunnel problems and back/neck problems from sitting for so many hours and keyboarding (tech writer). It only took about a week of fiddling around with the different positions possible to find one that worked for me and I am very grateful that a lot of the problems I was having with numbness and pain while working have let up quite a bit. I've taken the keyboard with me when I've had to travel and used it with my laptop.
However, from the beginning, I've been having the same problems others have mentioned with some of the keys. The left shift key sticks, and it has done this from the beginning. It is very annoying to hit the left shift key, which I use very often, and have it stick, and have to rehit it, sometimes more than once. I called the company and they said I had to send it back at my own expense for them to look at. Also, I can't count how many times I have hit the Caps Lock key while hitting the A key, and have had to go back in and uncap while typing. I don't know quite why that happens so often on this keyboard-dozens of times per day-but it has not happened to me on other keyboards.
Now, finally, at six months in, some of the other keys are losing their elasticity and are harder to push in which is not fun when you are typing and cannot afford to lose concentration while thinking-writing.
For the money, there should not be these problems. Especially as they seem to be fairly common. The company would be well advised to get them handled. I am a disappointed customer and am looking for some type of ergonomic keyboard replacement as opposed to buying another one of these.
Great Product, but poor (no) service after it broke!.......2007-04-04
I have used the black Goldtouch keyboard for about a year. It is an awesome keyboard, and I have saved my wrists because of it. However, it recently broke during my conference deadline (as a computer scientist, a keyboard is one's life!). I emailed their support, and they do not have an option to repair or replace a faulty keyboard (even if I would pay for the fix). Sadly, I have bought a second Goldtouch, but I really really wish they would have made my $120 purchase worth it. It's nice that it's a little cheaper now, but if it breaks after another year... pooh on them.
Keyboards should NOT break. I have old IBM beige-colored keyboards that still work.
Not as good as the previous version.......2007-03-10
I bought this to replace an 8 year old Goldtouch keyboard that had broken (the pivot between the two halves of the keyboard broke...that's the weak point of the mechanical design of this item). So reliability is not a big issue. However, key placement is.
The Home key is now right next to the Back Space key on the upper right side; it wasn't before...I keep hitting Home when I intend to hit Back Space. Also, the location of the Delete key was moved, along with a rearrangement of all the other left-side keys. Control-alt-delete is no longer a strain-free motion with one hand...bad design (especially for Windoze users that need to use that particular set of keys...).
Overall it's the best thing on the market for relief of strain during typing, but the previous key layout was far superior to the current layout.
Huge decline in quality over time.......2006-11-09
I bought my first Goldtouch about 4 years ago, and loved it. The posture was comfortable, the keys were soft... my wrist health improved perceptibly. Five stars for sure.
A couple years later, I bought two more (the same product, remember) for other computers. While the posture hasn't changed, the quality of manufacturing has decreased so much that I can't give the current model better than 2 stars. The keys stick, the space bar vibrates, and some keys require monstrous force to activate. One keyboard was so bad that I had to send it back... they were friendly, and happy to replace it, and told me that it had a known "manufacturing defect", but the replacement was only slightly better. All of the Goldtouch keyboards I've seen or owned in the last couple years have had the same problems.
As another minor annoyance, there is a power management bug such that the keyboard doesn't work coming out of standby (you have to unplug it and re-plug it); they have no fix for this problem.
This used to be a great product, and I recommended it to everyone, but now it's at best on par with the MS Natural Elite that costs _literally_ one-tenth the price.
Get your quality back up, keyovation, and I'll start recommending this again!
Far below expectations, especially for the price........2006-03-13
My paycheck is based on how fast I type while retaining quality. With the spacebar wearing out on my old faithful ergo-friendly split keyboard, I was out to find at least an equal, if not better, replacement. When I saw this keyboard I was so excited by the design, I hardly even blinked at the significant price but now wish I had.
The 1 star I gave this keyboard was for the ability to adjust the height and tilt --- that aspect is fantastic and proved VERY comfortable, although it is a little awkward to adjust (I'm right-handed but the adjustment lever is on the left so I found it difficult to hold the keyboard in the position I wanted it while trying to lock the hand into place). Unfortunately, it did not make up for the other problems such as:
1. After having used this keyboard for only 12 days, keys began to stick. The left-sided shift and Ctrl keys are continuously sticking. (With the very short 10-day return policy, I've now lost over $100.)
2. The keys are very stiff and again, after using it for a time, they actually seem to get stiffer and tighter. They are to the point that the extra comfort I gained by the adjustable height/tilt is completely blown away by my aching fingers from having to press so hard on these keys. Though I prefer an extremely light touch, I have worked on firm keyboards and never had a problem. However, this one is so tight, I feel as though I am forcing the keys down and frequently miss letters because I didn't hit them hard enough (and "hit" truly is an accurate description).
3. Pressing a key at an angle (for example, doing the 1-finger typing and reaching to the opposite side of the keyboard while it is tilted away from the approaching finger) will not always make contact to type the letter. I have even deliberately pushed keys down with my finger slightly off-center and, on certain keys, it will not type until I slide my finger to the center of the key.
4. The extra keys (delete & extra backspace) are poorly positioned. They are terribly uncomfortable to use with even minor frequency. It's not that hard to get used to their location and I quickly became used to the new location of the other extra keys (home, end, page up/down keys, arrows). The problem simply is that having to use the delete key by using the left little finger is actually uncomfortable and even interferes with typing if you use special combination command keys (i.e., Ctrl+Del).
5. Not having the "calculator" number pad is more bothersome than I would have expected. It's not a hidden problem when purchasing this keyboard and the buyer is made aware of it so this complaint is partially my own fault. I don't use it in a manner I consider "frequent" and therefore did not think I would miss it that much --- I was wrong. Although I don't use it that much, when I want to and don't have it, I have found it very annoying and cumbersome to use the #s across the top of the keyboard rather than that nice little NumLock pad (as well as the arrows that were there). These can be purchased separately but that increases the cost of your keyboard to around $50-$60 and it's already twice the price of good, comfortable keyboards.
I had high hopes for this keyboard and the potential was obviously there so, with stars in my eyes, I bought it. It's around 2 weeks later and I've already ordered a new keyboard (basic ergo split keyboard) and plan to hide this one away in a cabinet, only to be taken out for use as an emergency backup. It's too bad the great potential of this keyboard is so completely wasted.
Product Description
The AlphaGrip USB computer keyboard and trackball is a superior alternative for gaming, writing emails, coding, or composing memos while sitting, leaning back, or lying down. No longer experience the hassle of balancing a keyboard on your knees or the awkward, uncomfortable positions you are forced to contort into when using a laptop at home. With a keyboard and trackball in the palm of your hands, you can lean back and achieve the same productivity as if you were sitting at your desk. And for gamers, the AlphaGrip's ten-finger control enhances your ability to generate any action. See for yourself as the AlphaGrip is demoed (http://www.alphagrips.com/typingdemo.html) by a teen in a recliner, on a laptop outdoors, gaming on a flat screen TV, and literally on the run. Typing speeds in these demos reach 70+ words a minute.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent idea and innovative design.......2007-12-08
This innovative keyboard has all you need for comfortable typing on a sofa or anywhere else where balancing a keyboard on your lap isn't the best option. Moreover it's as fast as a full keyboard once you get used to it. But probably one of the best aspect of this product is customer support and the active community which is devoted to it.
Maybe it's not for people void of patience because it requires a bit of commitment at the beginning in order to learn using it, but the reward of resting comfortable on the chair/sofa/bed while having keyboard and mouse on your hands like a joypad, easily outbalances those first couple of weeks.
If you have huge hands like me you'll find out that patching some foam on the sides will make it even more comfortable.
Product Description
Work with your hands in a more natural position with this compact ergonomic keyboard. Just plug it in and start typing - more comfortably.PRODUCT FEATURES:Enjoy a drink while you work - this keyboard is designed to withstand an accidental spill;The notebook-like, sleek design of these keys feels and looks great;The stylish, curved design of this ergonomic keyboard helps your hands and wrists rest more naturally for greater comfort;With the touch of a button you can quickly access the Internet;Just plug in this keyboard and start typing - it's that easy to use;Space Saving Design;MultiMedia Keys;Cutting-Edge Design.
Customer Reviews:
Keyboard .......2007-01-09
It was a little difficult to install. No drivers sent with product, had to manually do uninstall of current keyboard, then install the proper driver found at Microsoft. Downloaded the latest Intellipoint program.
Difficulty was having to use control panel, device manager, to get rid of the previous driver. If you leave the old keyboard plugged in to log on your computer, you can't necessarily just plug the new one in and go.
Good Keyboard........2006-09-09
When I bought this my main worry was that the curved layout of the keyboard would take some getting used to---it did not. My touch-typing was not affected by the layout.
The keyboard has a very nice feel which is a little heavier than the feel of the cheapy keyboards. While not silent it is very quiet (i.e., no annoying clicking).
The size of the keyboard is the same width of a typical PC keyboard though it is 1.5-2" deeper due to the panel of media keys above the function keys. The only media keys that look like they might be useful are the speaker control keys (louder, quieter and mute/unmute). There is also a tiny key above the numeric keypad which launchs the MS calculator (there is probably a way to get it to bring up other apps instead).
I hope that this keyboard will give me good service; the spill (and crumb?) resistant feature will probably help in that endeavor. I've had two other keyboards (a Belkin and an IBM) die on me in the past few years. If my feelings don't change after a few weeks of usage, I'll probably buy one for my Linux box as well. I'm at the keyboard all day so a good keyboard is a worthwhile investment.
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