Types of Ergonomic & Alternative Keyboards

There are many different types of keyboards. Some take some getting used to, but are worth the effort when you're repaid with pain-free hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.

Below are a few of the types and brands available.

Split:
Comfort Keyboard splits into three separate sections which can be placed in any order.

Key Ovation adjustable keyboard splits in the middle, allowing for a horizontal and/or vertical tilt from 0-30 degrees.

Kinesis Evolution split keyboard with integrated touchpad. Device separates completely into 2 halves and allows for up to 5 feet separation between the two halves.

Kinesis Ergo - adjustable keyboard splits in the middle, allowing for a horizontal tilt from 0-30 degrees.

Contoured:
16.5 inch long cotoured keyboard features separate concave key wells for each hand. Frequently used keys are placed at the thumb. Programmable foot pedal keys available.

One-Handed:
One Hand Keyboard - a one-handed, compact keyboard that replicates all the functions of a full-size keyboard. Called a "chording" keyboard, letters, numbers, commands and macros are created with key combinations or "chords."

Half-Keyboard - a compact one-handed keyboard with full-keyboard functionality. Keys replicate both sides of a standard Qwerty keyboard. Requires you hold down the shift key to type keys on the right hand side of a standard keyboard.

Small keyboard (12.5 inches long) designed for children's hands, but also useful for one-handed typing.

Handy Key - a wearable device that combines keyboard and mouse. The device weights 4 oz. and fits in the palm of your hand.

Frogpad - compact one-handed keyboard with full-keyboard functionality. Key layout is optimized around the most frequently used keys and around the strongest fingers of the hand. Requires you hold down the shift key to type less commonly used letters; also requires you to hold down number or symbol key to type numbers and symbols.