We all need keyboards, even though we'd like to use touchscreens exclusively, we still have to type. There are some ways that are better than others. I have tried one ergonomic keyboard and it didn't really accelerate my typing speed, but there are some people who swear by them. If ergonomic isn't the word that you are looking for, then you can think about another great steampunk keyboard, that now comes in brushed aluminum.
Kinesis Advantage
The Kinesis Advantage is a contoured ergonomic keyboard that is supposed to set a new standard for these types of things. The Advantage as some programmable keys and is compatible with Mac and PCs. There's an integrated USB hub. The keyboard supports something called triple action foot switch. I haven't been able to find out what that means, but needless to say, that it must help you type even faster in some fashion. Personnaly, I think that this keyboard is interesting, but I find that paying $300 for something like this is a bit too much. There are a lot of empty spaces on this keyboard, spaces that could be filled with lights, status displays or a Wacom tablet. [via Kinesis]

Datamancer's Steampunk Aviator
If you are ready to spend an obscene amount of money on a keyboard, and the Optimus doesn't float your boat, maybe this is the keyboard for you. The Aviator keyboard will appeal to anyone who loves steampunk. What's even better, is that instead of using some bronze metal, Datamancer has used a brushed aluminum this time instead. The Aviator also comes with a black felt faceplate and jewel LEDs in blue, red, violet, green or amber. Naturally, this is available at a steep cost of $1,200 on a first come first served basis. Looks great, but it's a wee bit too expensive for our tastes. [via Ubergizmo]
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Datamancer's Ergonomic Keyboard
Comments (1)
The Kinesis is way old. That's why the empty space is not filled with screens, USB ports and so on.
It takes some getting used to but the people who use it swear by it. If you look the keys are liked up vertically rather than staggered like on traditional keyboards. So fingers only move forward and back. Not as much slight horizontal readjusting. The scoops allow for longer fingers to have more room. And the thumb is given more keys than just the space bar. Keys that normally you click with your pinky (since pinkies end up covering a lot keys in traditional typing). All of these take getting used to but often help those with RSI. Downside is that it makes using anything else difficult (like if they need use a friend's computer or a public computer).