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RECOMMENDATIONS: • Adjustable Worksurfaces: Tables• Seating • Monitor Supports • Wristrests • Keyboards • Mice/Trackballs • Footrests • Headsets/Phone Rests • Document Holders • Laptop Supplies • Books • Gloves • Office Supplies • Lab Supplies • Task Lighting • Break Program/Timer • Glarescreens • Self Care Products |
There are many different keyboard options that claim to ergonomic. Many are not appropriate. It is important to choose a keyboard that fits your body. Otherwise, you will probably experience arm, wrist, or hand fatique over time if you spend lots of time at the computer. To use a keyboard safely, maintain a straight wrist, in all directions, relaxed arms and shoulders, and 90 degree or greater bend in the elbow. Detailed guidelines on selecting a keyboard are provided to enable you to select and adjust your keyboard. General guidelines are given below. Some individuals cannot tolerate the arm pronation and wrist deviation required with the use of a conventional keyboard. To determine whether you can use a straight keyboard or if you should use a split or contoured keyboard, place your hands on the keyboard with your fingers on "home row" (i.e., "asdf/jkl;"). If your wrists are bent sideways when your hands are on these keys (ulnar deviation), you have a wide elbow angle and you might be more comfortable using a split or contoured keyboard. If your wrists are straight, you can most likely use a conventional straight keyboard without discomfort. 
Your keyboard should be no higher than your sitting elbow height. Unless specifically manufactured for the Macintosh, keyboards have PC control keys. Adesso and Macally manufacture keyboards specifically for the Macintosh, with Macintosh control keys provided. PS/2 & USB Keyboards |
All Macintosh and PC computers are now equipped with USB ports. Older PC computers may still have a PS/2 port for connecting the keyboard and very old Macintosh computers may have an ADB port for connecting the keyboard. Look at the connection where your keyboard is plugged into the back of your hard drive. The PS/2 and ADB connectors are round and the USB connector is rectangular and flat. Some manufacturers offer keyboardss with an adaptor to accommodate either USB or PS/2 ports, though this is becoming increasingly rare.
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| PS/2 connector | USB connector | Macintosh ADB connector |
The latest connection for wireless keyboards, mice, and other peripherals is Bluetooth technology. Some PC's and all Macs come equipped with the necessary Bluetooth adapter to be able to communicate with Bluetooth devices, though most PC's require an exteral "dongle" which is plugged into a USB port. Use of Bluetooth technology allows the computer to communicate with peripherals that are within proximity to the computer and it was designed primarily because it requires extremely little power, within a short range and uses low-cost transceiver microchips in each device. PC operating systems with Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later have native Bluetooth support. Mac OS X has supported Bluetooth since version 10.2 released in 2002.
| PS/2 & USB Keyboards | |
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Goldtouch Keyboard (white), PS/2 (GTN-0033), $120 Goldtouch Keyboard (black), PS/2 (GTN-0077), $120 Goldtouch Keyboard (white), USB (GTU-0033), $120 Goldtouch Keyboard (black), USB (GTU-0077), $120 Quantity discounts: 10-key Numeric keypad (white), PS/2 (GTC-4700), $48 10-key Numeric keypad (black), PS/2 (GTC-4700), $48 10-key Numeric keypad (white), USB (GTC-0033), $48 10-key Numeric keypad (black), USB (GTC-0077), $48
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Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser (967692-0403). USB or PS/2. Cordless contoured split keyboard with removable wristrest. Comes with MX600 cordless mouse.$125 Search Google Products for the best price. TheNerds.net, ProVantage, ShopperWiz |
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Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Bluetooth (967562-0403). USB Straight keyboard for people with a narrow elbow angle! See the test above to determine the type of keyboard you should use. Full-sized keyboard with media control, programmable hot keys, calculator/media pad, and rechargeable laser mouse. Light weight with laptop keyboard touch. $150 ProVantage.com |
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| Kensington Model 64338. USB/PS2. Comfort type keyboard enables people with wider bodies, but narrow elbow angle, to type without wrist deviation. Keys are angled, but positioned in the same location and spacing as a regular keyboard. Split keyboards are not required for people with a narrow elbow angle, but traditional keyboards can require wrist deviation for people with larger frames. $11.85 ProVantage.com |
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| Zeomi ZTab Keyboard White (PS/2 only) or Black (USB-PS/2) This keyboard was specifically designed for people who do a lot of data entry. Below the arrow keys is a large triple-width tab key that enables quick tabbing with the thumb while entering data with the numeric keypad. White (PS/2 only): $39.95 Black PS/2-USB: $49.99 Safe Computing |
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| Mini and Portable Keyboards | |
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Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser Bluetooth (967562-0403). USB Straight keyboard for people with a narrow elbow angle! See the test above to determine the type of keyboard you should use. Full-sized keyboard with media control, programmable hot keys, calculator/media pad, and rechargeable laser mouse. Light weight with laptop keyboard touch. $125 ProVantage.com |
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Kensington Ci70 Wireless Destop Set (64391 titanium or 64392 black) Low profile and 34% smaller than a standard multimedia keyboard, the Ci70 Wireless fits on your desk and saves space in your travel bag. The mouse docks into the keyboard when not in use to save space and power. USB receiver is located on the bottom of the mouse. Mac and PC compatible, but has traditional PC key layout.   $65, www.ProVantage.com |
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| BTC 6100C Ultra Slim Multimedia Keyboard Mini ultraslim keyboard with soft-touch keys. Eight multimedia and internet and one power-management hot keys. PC compatible computers only. USB with cord (means no receiver to get lost in your bag!). $19.99, Fry's or www.outpost.com |
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Kensington Slim Blade Media Notebook Set (72279) Set includes a wireless mouse, keyboard, and keypad. Modules can be magnetically attached to either the right or left side of the keyboard. When not using the keypad, it can be set aside to allow placement of the mouse closer to the keyboard. Wireless mouse has scroll ball that allows 360 degree scrolling. One micro USB receiver for all modules. (Media remote sold separately for control of digital media and control Windows Media Center and Front Row from anywhere in a room.) $96, www.ProVantage.com |
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Adesso SlimTouch Wireless 2.4 GHz RF Mini Touchpad Keyboard (WKB-4000) Very thin, lightweight and portable, this keyboard is an excellent choice for use with your laptop. Connectivity up to 150 ft. away from computer. Mini USB Receiver. Plug and play. $74.28, www.ProVantage.com |
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| EasyReach TypeMatrix 2020 Mini Keyboard, (Querty labeling or Querty/Dvorak labeling) The keys are in straight vertical columns rather than staggered which takes a little time to get used to, but may result in greater comfort, speed and accuracy. The "enter" and "backspace" keys are in the center of the keyboard allowing for easier access with stronger fingers. The large "shift" keys are placed so that you don't have to deviate your wrists and reach with the pinkie, greatly reducing strain on the hands. The hands are slightly separated on this mini-keyboard due to the large center keys, making it somewhat more comfortable for people with a wide elbow angle. PS/2 with free USB adaptor. $110, www.TypeMatrix.com |
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| PS/2 or USB Foldable Keyboard Full-sized keyboard folds, wraps, or rolls to fit into your laptop case. Multiple colors available. Key action requires some practice because keys are flexible. $17, PC Parts Collection |
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| USB/PS2 Foldable Silicon Keyboard (Evoluent KB-3) Full-sized silicon keyboard folds, wraps, or rolls to fit into your laptop case. Washable and spillproof, so good in environments with liquids and food. Windows Vista/XP/2000/98, and Mac compatible.
$52.00, Source 1 Ergonomics |
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| USB (with PS/2 adaptor) Flexible Keyboard Silicon rubber based flexible keyboard impervious to most liquids and oils, and acid and alkali proof. Washable. Full keyboard with keypad. Compatible with Windows 98/2000/Me/XP. $18, PC Parts Collection |
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| Macintosh-specific Keyboards | BACK TO TOP |
| Goldtouch Apple Compatible Keyboard (GTU-MACW) Goldtouch Apple Compatible Keypad (GTC-MACW) One of the best adjustable split keyboards available is now configured for the Mac. All Mac keys and funtions. Keypad is available as a separate item and is Mac/Apple Compatible. Keypad, $48 TheHumanSolution.com |
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| Apple Wireless Keyboard (MB167LL/A) Small, very thin bluetooth wireless keyboard works to 30 ft. from computer. No numeric keypad. Hot keys to control screen brightness, multimedia, expose, and dashboard. Powers down when not in use. $72.05, Provantage.com |
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Adessso Intellimedia Pro Ergo Keyboard for Mac (AKB-805MAC) USB. Contoured, split keyboard with 22 programmable 22 Hot Keys including access for the Internet, CD- Eject, Email and Multimedia keys. MAC OS 9.0 to OS X 10.4.9 $50.00 Adesso.com |
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| Macally IceKey Slim Keyboard Low profile Scissor keys reduces key stroke travel distances and eases pressure on your finger tips. 104 key slim USB keyboard. Mac OS 9.2, Mac OS X v10.28, Mac OS 10.3x and above. $15.84, ProVantage.com |
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| i-Rocks Full Size Mac Slim Keyboard (KR-6170M) Low profile Scissor keys reduces key stroke travel distances and eases pressure on your finger tips. 107 key slim USB keyboard. Mac OS 10.1 or later. $16.90, mWave.com |
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| ADAPTORS/CABLES | |
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| Kensington 4 port USB Pocket Hub 2.0 High speed USB 2.0 with downward compatibility to USB 1.1 laptops and peripherals. 4-port connector enables connection of USB keyboard and mouse to a USB laptop port. $21, ProVantage.com |
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| MSI Bluetooth Dongle USB 2.0 For wireless communication with up to 7 open-standard Bluetooth devices (mice, keypads, keyboards, cell phones, headsets, speakers, or even toys. Operating range up to 100 meters (300 ft.) at 3 MBPS. |
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| Adesso PS/2 to USB Adaptor for Keyboard and Mouse Allows you To connect a PS/2 mouse and keyboard through the USB port on any computer. Good for laptop users and to connect PS/2 devices to newer computers without PS/2 ports. ADP-PU21 $7.73ProVantage.com |
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| Y-Mouse PS/2 to USB adaptor (WHYM-271-R) Used to convert a keyboard and/or mouse with PS/2 connector to a USB computer connection. $60 P.I. Engineering |
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| Belkin Flip 2-Port KVM Switch USB Control two PC's from one keyboard, mouse, speakers, and monitor. Compatible with all major desktop and laptop computers. No software to install. Two-color LED indicator to show which computer is being accessed. High resolution video. PC or Mac, laptop or desktop computer compatibility. $55 CDW, CDW Part no. 967997, Manufac. Part no. F1DF102U. |
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CDW, www.cdw.com
1-800-835-4239The Human Solution, www.thehumansolution.com
1-800-531-ERGOKey Source International, www.ksikeyboards.com
Specialized keyboards and custom interfaces.mWave.com
Macintosh i-Rocks White Slim Keyboard.TheNerds.net, www.thenerds.net
1-888-566-NERDPC Parts Collection www.pcpartscollection.com
P.I. Engineering www.ymouse.com
ProVantage.com, www.provantage.com
1-800-336-1166www.safecomputing.com
1-877-346-7233ShopperWiz.com, www.shopperwiz.com
1-305-274-2162www.TypeMatrix.com
(866) 439-7322
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