I use a split keyboard and it has saved my wrists. I use a microsoft natural keyboard I got years ago and I LOVE it.

Another thing that has helped is I made the choice to be 'left moused'. I realized my right wrist was hurting more and I do everything with my right hand it would be good to split the duties and mouse with my left. It took maybe a week to get used to, but it is great. Added bonus - now I can mouse with my left hand while I write or enter numbers with my right hand.

No apple keyboard? in my opinion once i used one of those i could never imagine myself typing on anything else! its nice and flat and the keys are so smooth and pressing them a breeze.

I use a Kinesis Freestyle keyboard. I have a large Wacom tablet front and center on my desktop, and the Kinesis sits on either side of it. No bent wrists, no awkward reach for the tablet or the delete key. It's perfect.

Check out the research on carpel tunnel. Lots of things cause it that have nothing to do with a keyboard - like having small wrists.

@Mapchic I use a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic keyboard too. :) I do an insane amount of typing, have previously had ergo wrist issues, and have never had an issue with this keyboard. It isn't going to win beauty contests and isn't ultra portable, but it is very comfortable.

I've used the mobile keyboard, but I wouldn't recommend it for heavy, daily use if you’re already seeing ergo issues. It is certainly better than a traditional keyboard for on-the-go use, but I found that the angle was not sufficient to really be ergonomic for heavy use.

I can’t speak for the other keyboards, though they sound awesome. I’d try to play with any ergo keyboards before purchasing….if you’re transitioning from a standard laptop keyboard, I know it can take a bit to adjust to the ergo ones (in particular if you’re going to the split, angled ones). Also, if your typing style is anything other than the textbook approach (hunt and peck, for instance), the gap between g & h, and b&n can take adjusting.

On the ergo front, don’t’ forget to check your monitor & desk height. You can have the best monitor and keyboard, but if they’re too high/close, you can still end up with issues.

Full disclosure-- I do work at Microsoft (not on keyboards or anything close). My opinion of the keyboards (in particular the Natural Ergo one) is based on several years of use, not my employer. Hope you find something that works for you, regardless of the brand!

Whoops...Snazzy half-bolded comment... :)

I just ordered this keyboard and can't wait to get it. http://www.trulyergonomic.com/ Before this, I have used the kinesis freestyle keyboard for a couple of years and that's in for repair. Before using the kinesis I had all sorts of pains up to the shoulder too...once I used it, the pain went away! Ergonomic keyboards are very important!

It might not be the highest tech looking keyboard, but I've used the Microsoft Natural Elite for almost 15 years. I used to have severe pain in my wrists before using it, but no more. It's not wireless, but that's what I like about it. It always works. Plus, the keyboard is very sturdy, has great keys, separate cursor and numeric keys. Oh yeah, it's not too expensive.

I know just adding a good adjustable keyboard drawer to the mix made a world of difference for me, so before you try a brand new keyboard, please make sure your current keyboard is sitting at the right level for your body.

I have almost the same set up as Thomasona--I have a Kinesis Advantage though http://www.kinesis-ergo.com/advantage.htm and go between this and a Wacom tablet to mix up my motions. I have also installed a free program on my computer called workrave that forces me to take mini breaks and stretch every 5 minutes or so. Which has helped a lot...that and the acupuncture I just started! My desk job is killing me!

After getting pretty bad RSI, I took the plunge and ordered a Datahand. Best investment ever. Was able to keep working and hence keep my job. It was expensive (like $700) but that's a small price to pay compared to being unemployed. Unfortunately, it's hard to get them now- they run them in limited batches so you have to go on a waiting list. http://www.datahand.com/

For my regular keyboard I'm using the Apple keyboard. It's actually working better for me than my Microsoft Natural Keyboard did. I think it's the style of the keys. I've read that some resistance and bounce can be better for RSI. Not sure if that's true or not but my fingers and wrists are doing just fine (after improving with the Datahand for a few years and leaving the Microsoft keyboard)

I use a Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard at work. It totally helped my carpal tunnel issues. I tried the goldtouch, but couldn't get it adjusted just right and it seemed to just move around a lot.

when i first saw the photo to this post i thought it was about keyboard hygiene

ergonomics isn't about one item - it's about the person vs what they are doing vs what they are using. for instance, today we've ordered a new desk chair because the gas lift was failing. no point in sitting at the wrong height if your body is going to suffer.

The ergonomic keyboard will help your wrist pain, but you need arm support if you're going to rid yourself of neck pain.

For many a change in posture will fix a lot of their problems. Most folks have their chairs to high and their keyboard to low. That and arm rests make a huge difference.

My inlaw is a craft show seller (she makes things and sells them at shows/conventions) and she had terrible carpal tunnel and only just got a computer. I say this to demonstrate that it is a complicated enough issue that just changing to a funky keyboard might not fix your issues.

Also, if you are having these issues at work many workplaces will pay for ergonomic equipment if you make a stink. At the State of Illinois all the engineers, in my building, had "vertical" mice, because they were all starting to have issues.

I'd been using the standard keyboard on my work computer for almost a year, until I rearranged my office. Suddenly I started having severe wrist pain (within a day) and realized that I had totally changed the way I used the keyboard. While it really helped eliminate the back pain and neck strain, it did mean my wrist was suffering.

Work bought me one of those memory foam wrist rests for both my keyboard and my mouse. They are monitoring the situation and we might upgrade to one of the split keyboards, but for now the simple wrist rest helps tons!

I like the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 and will probably order it through Amazon. It is compact, clean and curvy. The only down side is changing the battery and if you are mobile and always on the move, this could be a pain.