ExtremeTech, known for getting down to the nitty gritty, has just given the
Logitech Wave a thorough review -- and they kind of like what they see. The comfort-minded keyboard with the cheapo price point
might be what you need, but only if your requirements for "ergonomics" aren't too serious. The Wave's keys are arranged in a U-shape design, and the heights of individual letters are higher or lower in an attempt to match hand placement (taller for shorter fingers and vice versa), but that's about it. So while the Vista-approved input device gets decent marks from ET on feel ("soft and cushy" "high-end"), they say the actual comfort factor isn't all that noticeable. Logitech also offers a Desktop bundle which includes the LX8, an ambidextrous mouse that ExtremeTech says is good in most respects, but can't match the feel of a right- or left-hand specific mouse. If you really need to be sure, hit the read link for the full rundown.
posted July 27th 2007 10:33AM
If you're concerned with ergonomics and don't have any personal beef with The Man, then check out Microsoft's Natural Ergonomics Keyboard 4000.
Sounds beefy, but it has enough of the functions I prefer, and my hands feel much better using this keyboard now compared to my old basic USB keyboard.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=043
Guess I should add that the keyboard I mentioned is NOT wireless, nor paired with a mouse.
Their "Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000" is basically a wireless Natural Keyboard 4000 with a wireless mouse.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=095
Well, if you want a full ergo keyboard, Logitech also sells a wireless ergo keyboard WITH laser mouse. Don't have to deal with "The Man" and you get a better built keyboard
Looks interesting to me personally. It could be comfortable without having to put up with the ridiculous constraints that full ergo keyboards put on you...
Andrew,
Nice find, thanks. I didn't realize the 7000 was available yet.
Peaviner,
I agree. It isn't laid out like other ergo keyboards, so it took a few minutes to get used to. Now, I love the way this keyboard feels. More comfortable keyboard I've ever used.
That should read "most comfortable keyboard".
IBM has done extensive research on ergonomics and I think their white papers detailing their studies are still available on their web site. I've read through them, and one of the things they advocated was exactly this varied-height design, so that your fingers rest on the keys naturally rather than having to arch your middle fingers more than your outside fingers.
Of course, that's probably about the *only* ergonomic rule that this keyboard adheres to. The biggest part of ergonomics in any keyboard is actually key resistance, and IBM actually found that both proper and varied key resistance was the biggest ergonomic improvement they could make in a keyboard. Of course, they never did variable resistance themselves - probably too expensive - but their Model M keyboards always had the best compromise of the "right" resistance level if you were going to just have one resistance level across the keyboard. Most other manufacturers don't pay attention to this at all, or if they do, they just do it by whatever feels good at first touch to the designer of the keyboard. Usually it's just based on whatever components they can get the cheapest, though.
I like the curvy keyboard, but what's with all the cruft around the keys nowadays!? I with all the manufacturers will sell optional keyboard without the "media" and keypads. I'll pay twice the price of regular keyboard just to avoid them.
Its just looks like a pimped out LX300 to me. Same concept, mucho resemblance.
I don't think wireless keyboard and specially mouse are very accurate, I'll stick with good old proven cables for now.
@ed Wow, are you from 1994? (no offense though)
Delay is pretty noticeable. Especially when you compare that in games side by side wireless and wired ones.
Logitech keyboard boast usually solid build.
But. The quality of key mechanics never was good.
I had in past 3(?) different Logitech keyboards and none of them felt well to my touch-typing fingers. (Now, I'm using M$ Natural Ergo keyboards last 8 years and my fingers can't be happier.)
I'd even opine that Logitech doesn't much care about - nor does understand what is - ergonomics per se. They just follow fashion creating weird devices with bizzare designs. For PR stunts. I can't imagine any other use for such products.
P.S. Logitech mice are totally different story.
Follow-up. Extremetech review has some screen shots of drivers.
Which turned out to be Logitech SetPoint one.
The drivers are BUGGY AS HELL.
Two times I had to reinstall Windows completely because SetPoint drivers (which are mandatory for Logitech trackballs) had screwed up MSInstall service baring me from installing/unstalling software to/from system.
Beware.