Going Ergonomic

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000

A few months ago I bought the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 Keyboard (wired), it’s not ergonomic but halfway there. The keys are curved and very thin similar to a laptop keyboard but better. The reason for buying it is my wrists, felt a sharp pain and thought of buying a new keyboard but didn’t want to spend a lot of money so I got this one from Futureshop.ca for $15 CAD. Very cheap compared to other ergonomic or “somewhat ergonomic” models. If you looking for a cheap keyboard and one that you don’t have to spend time getting used to then the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 Keyboard is the one.

Pros: cheap, thin keys, curved, easy to get used to

Cons: no customizable keys

Logitech TrackMan Wheel

Last week I felt a pain in my right wrist from using the mouse for long hours so I bought the Logitech TrackMan Wheel (wired) from

Newegg.ca for $36 CAD with free shipping. This mouse is the best mouse I’ve ever used. In a few minutes I was quite comfortable using it, looks like it’ll take awhile to get to use your thumb and not your hand but not at all.

Pros: comfortable, easy to use, doesn't take a lot of desk space

Cons: only three buttons (two buttons and scroll), no customizable buttons, not for games (I use a regular mouse when playing games)

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

This is a true ergonomic keyboard. The first keyboard I've ever had was the white split in half Microsoft keyboard but unfortunately I started using regular keyboards when I was in university and now at work. Today I bought the 4000 version which is obviously improved and even more comfortable. Bought the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 from Staples.ca for $50 CAD, expensive but worth it. Been using it for a few hours and so far so good, no doubt I've made a number of misspellings but that's expected.

Pros: ergonomic, customizable buttons, keys for using calculator (brackets, backspace, equal), function keys, integrated cushion

Cons: spacebar is hard to press (maybe just my keyboard), cheap made (my old regular Logitech keyboard is better made than this one!), takes awhile to get used to, big! 19.8" ~ 50cm wide
 

Conclusion

If you're a programmer like me or one who spends long hours using  the keyboard and mouse then I would definitely recommend using the above devices.

Which keyboard to get? Well, I spend more time at work than home so I'm probably going to use the 4000 at work and the 2000 at home. If you don't want to spend $50 for a keyboard then the 2000 is the answer.

What about the mouse? I only have one trackball mouse and I think I'll use it at work and get another one for home. I might just get the Logitech Marble Mouse for a change but in any case my next mouse will be a trackball mouse for sure. You've got to try a trackball mouse.

Hope this post will help you choose your next keyboard and/or mouse. I'll post picture of the keyboards and mouse from different angles.

Feel free to comment about the above devices or other devices, I'm always on the lookout for a better more comfortable mouse and keyboard.