Smartfish Pro:Motion Keyboard prevents carpal tunnel syndrome, bops 'round your desk

Take it from us, kids. Computer use -- with its carpal tunnel-wrecking input devices, spine-bending office chairs and eye-straining displays -- can wreak havoc on the body of even the healthiest young blogger. And even though there are a million products out there to help us work in a more ergonomically correct fashion, many of them seem just plain silly. If you're looking for something that actually looks like it belongs on a desk, however, be sure to check out the Smartfish Pro:Motion Keyboard. Pretty standard gear, except that it's outfitted with motors that subtly shift the keyboard's angle throughout the day -- ostensibly eliminating the cause of repetitive stress injuries. If this weren't enough, the device can track your typing speed and self-adjusts its angle and separation according to your needs. There have been no clinical trials for the device yet, but if you're desperate for relief -- or feeling daredevilish -- you're not gonna let that stop ya, right?

[Via Everything USB]

Read: Pro:Motion Peripherals [caution: PDF]

[Rick @ Jan 14th 2009 8:08AM]

A keyboard like this is a waste of money if you are a two-fingered hunt and peck typist.

[Nelson @ Jan 14th 2009 9:17AM]

And a book is a waste of money for someone who doesn't read
And a car is a waste of money for someone who only walks
And a computer monitor is a waste of money for someone who can't see

And your point was?

[Nomi @ Jan 14th 2009 9:28AM]

Your point is a waste of money...

nvm...

[Jack @ Jan 14th 2009 11:20AM]

Hunt and peckers are more susceptible to repetitive stress injuries not less.

Jack
The inventor of the Smartfish Keyboard

[rmilberg @ Jan 14th 2009 11:27AM]

Nelson:

I don't own a book, a car or a computer monitor! I can't read, drive or see for that matter. Not only did my mother wear combat boots but she died in the war!

I have found that these ergo keyboards also require simian length fingers. I just have short nubs which I have gnawed down over time fretting over not being able to touch type.

Rick

[Nelson @ Jan 14th 2009 3:57PM]

I bet you're a hit with the ladies

[Legend. @ Jan 14th 2009 9:23PM]

The comment asking your point was uncalled for. You do have a point. Someone who can not type well doesn't need to waste their money on something preventing something they will most likely not get. Also people that rarely use their computer wouldn't need such a device as well.
=]

[216 @ Jan 14th 2009 8:18AM]

While i've always thought that ergo keyboards were dumb, EVERY person i've ever heard that's used one and gotten used to it REFUSES to use any other kind of keyboard ever again. I hear they're very comfy.

Me personally, im happy with Logitech Wave (which is slightly ergo)

[Scythe @ Jan 14th 2009 9:04AM]

Yeah man, I can still use a regular keyboard (I use my laptop daily as well as my ergo board at work or in the office) -- but my wrists start hurting after about 8 hours of a standard keyboard. It only compounds the more I use a standard keyboard. A few months of painful carpal and I bought an ergo board. Best investment I've made.

Since I now use both an MS and a Logitech ergo board, I have yet to get pain the same pain in my wrists.

To put it into perspective, I code everyday of the week basically. The pain was so much I had to sleep a certain way and my wrists would still throb. It was the worst pain I've ever felt.

[Jason @ Jan 14th 2009 8:24AM]

Now if I can only get the boss to buy me that Embody chair too...seriously though, I use an ergo keyboard and will never go back.

[ShadowMaker @ Jan 14th 2009 8:30AM]

Now where did my 'R' go to?
q ui
w e y o p
r t

[Marc b @ Jan 14th 2009 8:41AM]

What ever happened to non-QWERTY boards that alleviate un-natural repetitions?

And why can’t manufacturers move away from the QWERTY layout on phones we use our thumbs to type with? Do they really think we are that stupid that we can’t adapt to a more thumb-accessible keyboard layout?

The round peg is supposed to go in the round hole, people!

[Nomi @ Jan 14th 2009 9:32AM]

Ya but isn't it better that the most used keys are as far apart from each other so you can alternate between thumbs. Wasn't that the whole point of qwerty keyboards?

[Jeffro @ Jan 14th 2009 12:48PM]

The point of a QWERTY keyboard was to make you type as slow as possible. When the first practical typewriter was developed it typed on the back of the paper from the typists view. If you typed something too fast the strike heads of the letters would cross, then what ever letter you typed later it would only type the top letter of the crossed heads. If you ever typed on a pre-electric typewriter you'd likely have experienced this but you could see the error and stop. On the first typewriter you couldn't see it. So the guy (I think his name was Singer but I could be wrong there) set out to devise a way to slow folks down...the result was the QWETY layout, not quite the QWERTY that we all know. In 1902 when Remington started making typewriters, they moved the R from wherever it was to the top row so their salesman could spell typewriter using only the top row, thus appearing faster. Thus the QWERTY was born. I touch type using the Dvorak keyboard layout. It is very fast and an ergo dream. All speed typing records since 1948 have been set using the Dvorak layout. All of the vowels are on one side. On your home row (the fastest row as your fingers are already there!) a QWERTY layout can spell only 110 or so English words. A Dvorak layout can spell over 10,000. So you don't have to leave the home row as much or stretch to hit those weird combinations

[Marc b @ Jan 14th 2009 1:59PM]

I was quite aware of the Dvorak layout, but don't quite understand why it hasn't established itself more for regular computer use. It's one of those things humanity does that baffle the heck out of me. The QWERTY keyboard makes no sense whatsoever nowadays; unless you are trying to type QWERTY really quickly.

On the other hand, for phone typing, I think a new layout is in order that takes into account the input method using opposing thumbs. But, unfortunately, you could devise such a layout, humanity would still insist on doing stupid things.

[irf @ Jan 14th 2009 2:08PM]

Jeffro: Where did you find the Dvorak keyboard? Are they easily available for purchase? Is it easy to switch back and forth (if I go from my home computer to school or something?)
Thanks!

[SoreThumb @ Jan 14th 2009 8:45AM]

I dunno. Unless that's less than $50, I can't see myself spending money on it. There's not even little buttons for like, 'play', or 'volume up'.

[Boards of Canada @ Jan 14th 2009 9:02AM]

you are truly a gadget guy!

[Ian @ Jan 14th 2009 9:10AM]

I consider no media keys to be a plus, actually.

[SoreThumb @ Jan 14th 2009 9:15AM]

Ian, go back to your cave where your idea of music and volume control is how loudly you bang on your animal skins with sticks and bones.

[James @ Jan 14th 2009 11:20AM]

My idea of volume control is a knob on my amp. Software volume control is for headphones plugged into a laptop only.

[MM @ Jan 14th 2009 8:46AM]

This, I don't get! Is it that as the day wears on, you get tired and change the angle of elevetion of the keyboard?
Most people I know [touch typists], have one comfortable setting for the keyboard and maintain that setting throughout their typing.

I need a keyboard that's thin enough to give my wrists just the right elevation. Also one with an adjustable height and elevation.

[nikster @ Jan 14th 2009 9:00AM]

That's the whole point. You get RSI from doing something (R)epetitively. So if the keyboard changes angles, it prevents your hands from being in the exact same position all day. I'll actually buy that, sounds like a great idea.

It's the same way I keep my back from developing problems. I use the most horrible chairs, couches, even beds (at home) - but I change my position very frequently. Works for me.

[Bad Beaver @ Jan 14th 2009 8:57AM]

Does it have decent keys? I noticed that having a keyboard with good key-mechanisms and decent travel leave me much less exhausted than your average wobble-board. But then, these things cost money and are harder to get/set up/keep up (say the vintage miracles of IBM M or Apple Extended II keyboards — dreamy!) so people rather buy some crap, don't give a damn, and in the end they cry.

[Alan @ Jan 14th 2009 12:33PM]

I was at CES and saw the Smartfish Keyboard. The keys are really cool. the touch is very easy, and the responsivness equals a gaming keyboard. I cant wait until they are available in stores. Price is supposed to be under $150, and are just plug and play... no setup, nothing complicated at all. I used to work for IBM... and thought the IBM keyboards were absolutely the best... this one feels just like the best of IBM's.

[Like_A_Glove @ Jan 14th 2009 9:05AM]

"I need an ergonomic keyboard to keep my repetitive stress injury in check.
Just the fact that I repeat something enough that it causes me stress is f**king sad."

- Wesley Gibson

[David @ Jan 14th 2009 9:07AM]

World's first patented health technology? I kind of doubt that. They mean to say that all those computerized systems in hospitals are without patents?

[jack @ Jan 14th 2009 11:23AM]

Healthy Technology not health technology.

Jack
Inventor of the Smartfish Keyboard

[fistpittingnork @ Jan 14th 2009 9:41AM]

I'll stick with my Microsoft natural ergonomic 4000.

Best keyboard I've ever used.

[Calvin Foo @ Jan 14th 2009 10:48AM]

I am using MS Natural Keyboard 4000 too. Though I find it the original MS Natural Keyboard is much better.

Natural keyboard are really comfortable to use especially if you are touch-typist, and spent lots of hours in front of the monitor

[Hooterman @ Jan 14th 2009 11:27AM]

Completely agree. I love my 4000!

[Like_A_Glove @ Jan 14th 2009 11:47AM]

Agreed, I am using the wireless version. Microsoft surely did a good job, but not a great one, because it has a sticky and noisy spacebar, noisy Back/Forward buttons, a non-customizable zoom slider, AND........it's huge.

[tekd @ Jan 15th 2009 3:37AM]

I love mine as well-the inverted slope is genius. Whenever I'm in a computer lab I always flip down the little stands because people insist on making the angle even worse for their wrists. They flip those things up just because they exist *sigh*

The only thing about the 4000 that confuses me though is why they would put a play/pause button at the top but not bother to include next track or previous track buttons like on a lot of their other keyboards. Just slightly annoying that there isn't a next track and previous track button-pause/play is really fairly useless in comparison since most music/video playback programs take the space bar as pause or can be adjusted to do so. Would be nice to have buttons that do next track and previous track in all sorts of multimedia players.
(And yes I know there are back and forward buttons on the keyboard but they don't work with most multimedia players)

[Like_A_Glove @ Jan 15th 2009 1:46PM]

@ tekd

Well, foobar does, use global hotkeys and you're good to go.

[Rocketboy @ Jan 14th 2009 9:48AM]

The front to back tilt is already all wrong. to be really ergo, the back should be lower than the front.

[Jack @ Jan 14th 2009 11:32AM]

The front actually elevates at certain intervals. By moving the keyboard up and done we are helping by improving circulation in the hands. Better circulation means decreased blood pressure in the wrists which ultimately results in happier bloggers and coders. Change is the key here. By keeping the hands from fixing on any one position we are allowing a broader area of your hands and wrists to get involved. This prevents overload to small focused structures in your hands and wrists. There is no single position that can do this. We are actually using technology to make your environment healthy.

Jack
Inventor of the Smartfish Keyboard

[LloydChiro @ Jan 14th 2009 12:02PM]

Hi Jack. Cool idea.

I often tell my patients that when they are driving long distances, they need to subtly change the car's seat position to ease the stress on the back and shoulders. Move it forward or back. Recline the seat back, or put it more upright. Change the angle of the steering wheel.

[Rocketboy @ Jan 14th 2009 12:38PM]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback Jack. I see too many 'ergo' setups with the un-natural wrist position, and as someone who's been using a negative tilt keyboard for, well, almost 10 years(?), the thought of a positive tilt hurts my wrists just thinking of it.

[;lkafkjklfa @ Jan 14th 2009 10:04AM]

I am 26. I am a fairly big guy (6'6" -240lbs). And I am in good shape. And all of this computer stuff hurts my hands. Stupid or not I will give it a try.

[wrabbit @ Jan 14th 2009 10:05AM]

Wait, so the keyboard moves around? Does that mean I'm gonna have to hunt down for the backspace key every time - 'cause that ain't my cup o'tea! :)

[Jack @ Jan 14th 2009 11:43AM]

The keyboards move very subtly in set intervals. About each hour's worth of work. Essentially it refreshes your wrists.

Jack

Inventor of the Smartfish Keyboard

[absinthe party @ Jan 14th 2009 11:16AM]

How about a computer mouse that scurries across your desk every 15 minutes like a real mouse? Current mice are pretty lethargic.

[annasgramma @ Jan 14th 2009 11:25AM]

I am a medical transcriptionist. I type for a living. I have three different keyboards that I use consistently. One is the Dell regular keyboard, one is the Apple aluminum flat keyboard and the other is the Microsoft ergonomic split keyboard. I switch frequently between all three keyboards, at times using two and possibly all three in one day. The difference is amazing. I would suspect that this new keyboard shifts angle and tilt on an intermittent basis. I would like to see its price tag, but I would definitely consider purchasing it if it keeps carpal tunnel at bay. It's almost certainly less than the cost of a carpal tunnel release! This sounds like a great product. Don't knock it until you've tried it!

[Jack @ Jan 14th 2009 11:49AM]

I met a bunch of Google programmers who do the same thing as you. They cycle through 3 keyboards throughout the day and it really helps. My keyboard automates the process.


Jack

Inventor of the Smartfish Keyboard

[Frank @ Jan 14th 2009 11:33AM]

Sadly many people don't care about ergonomics. That's why we still use the qwerty layout and still use such a brick of a keyboard most of the time.
On the other side, the problem is also, that ergonomic keyboards are often ugly and expensive. This one looks sleek, but is huge and looks expensive, too. And I also think there are better ergonomic keyboards out there.
I personally don't use the QWERTY layout at all. I'm sick of using an old layout whereas better layouts are everywhere. I personally use a one handed keyboard instead, the FrogPad. I can type with both the left and right hand on it and get up to 70WPM with a single hand! It's possible that there are still better layouts or text input solutions out there, but I know that at least the FrogPad keyboards and the layout is much better than QWERTY and such huge keyboards. Sad that everywhere is a progress, but the keyboards and text input stayed the same since decades, and everything because people are too lazy to learn a new better layout, which is done in less than a month. Most people can't even touch type on a QWERTY keyboard.

[ED @ Jan 14th 2009 5:20PM]

All previously patented technology is unhealthy? really?

[Jason @ Jan 14th 2009 9:30PM]

When can we get one? On the everythingusb link it says $130 and get now, but maybe they are referring to another keyboard they listed in the article?