Mini keyboards

Discussion in 'General Hardware' started by anon_private, Jan 7, 2011.

  1. anon_private

    anon_private Geek Trainee

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    Hi,

    A conventional keyboard gives me little room to rest my right arm, hence my shoulder tends to ache.

    I have decided to try using a mini-keyboard (not too small) that will give me more room and hopefully improve my comfort.

    I am looking for a budget, but good quality keyboard with good sized keys and an intergrated keypad would be a bonus.

    I have found the following keyboards, but I can't find reviews or specifications.

    If you know somethiing of the field perhaps you could provide some helpful links and give comments.

    I have found the following budget mini keybords (to be used with a standard tower, under Vista 32 bit, and standard USB connection).

    No particular order.

    Keysonic 3400u
    Keysonic 595c
    Peri 403
    Peri 407
    Nexos mini

    Thanks

    A
     
  2. softechnet

    softechnet Geek

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    Hey, I have experience with using mini keywords, I felt its handy and comfortable to use.
     
  3. anon_private

    anon_private Geek Trainee

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    What do you think of the listed keyboards ?

    Any recommendations ?
     
  4. HardwareHunter

    HardwareHunter Geek Trainee

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    i have tried a mini keyboard but I can't really get used to it. My fingers are already kinda know where to go to hit the letters unlike mini keyboards or even laptop keyboards, i would always hit the wrong key.
     
  5. anon_private

    anon_private Geek Trainee

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    Hi,

    Thanks for responding.

    The type of mini keyboards that I am reviewing are those which are the same size as conventional keyboards but minus the keypad. That is, the keypad, arrows, etc. are often incorporated into the main keyboard.

    The keys are in the same positions as the conventional keyboard. I am interested in a smaller keyboard becuase I have little space and my right shoulder tends to ache (no where to rest my right arm. I use the mouse to the left). Also, I think the design of the mini-keyboard is better (not three in one as conventional: main, keypad, arrows, home, etc.).

    Any recommendations appreciated.

    Best wishes.

    A.

    Ps. ebay has a number of cheap Nexos mini-keyboards for sale (no keypads!). Has anyone tried these keyboards?

    Are keysonic seen as better? (price for price)
     
  6. henry222

    henry222 Geek

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    FWIW, Microsoft created an "ergo-keyboard" and it looked rather strange....no-one suggested going for mini-keys.
    Keyboards need to cushion the fingers, so long-stroke is probably better for your joints, although the shoulder appears (=now) to be the issue.

    Is this a Work-thing, or are you working at home cramped into an under-stairs cupboard, with draughts?

    In the early days of computing workers were told to rest their eyes (and fingers) for a few minutes each hour - are you static? - hence agravating an existing condition, perhaps?

    Have you tried a heat-lamp (or warm pad) on the shoulder? That may aleviate the condition, as I wonder it is the "keyboard size" at issue - furthermore mini-keys may suit those with nimble fingers, but later-on you could find you are mis-typing. Also it may be more difficult to see what you are typing, unless a "touch-typist".

    I'd also suggest you check the Internet for ideas about posture, as a small change could make all the difference...hopefully. I've seen gel-filled "wrist rests" - presumably some folk like them.


    Hope that helps, good luck.

    PS I think there is (still?) The Keyboard Company (UK-based) and they sell keyboards for a whole range of "disabilities/functions" - they may be able to offer some advice - and maybe "recognise" your complaint - it's possible it's quite common, although it's outside my experience. I find the seat is too low and the screen too close, giving both back and eye strain if working longer than (say) eight hrs; with a few breaks only.
    +Have a strong drink handy, they aren't cheap!
    They also sell "Maltron" as I recall they manufacture to suit disabilities...
     
  7. victro.martin

    victro.martin Geek Trainee

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    Its so small it fits in the palm of your hand! This space-saving mini keyboard with its compact key pitch requires less stretching of the fingers You should see the KeySonic 3400u
     

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