Alternative Layout Keyboards
Alternative layout keyboards are keyboards where the position of the keys has been changed from the standard keyboard layout. These changes are designed to improve the keyboard ergonomics, and can include the following:
- Character position is changed, such as a Dvorak layout keyboard.
- Alignment has changed, such as an orthogonal layout.
- The physical position of the keys has been altered, such as the Contoured keyboard.
- The keys have been eliminated altogther, such as the orbiTouch "keyless" keyboard.
If you are accostomed to using a standard keyboard you will probably find that these alternate keyboards take a bit of time to used to. You will need to spend some time adjusting to the new key positions.
| Advantage Contoured Keyboard | ||
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| by Kinesis | ||
| Model # - KB500USB-BLK (black) | ||
| Model # - KB500USB-WHT (white) | ||
Keyboard is divided into two concave keywells. These keywells greatly reduce wrist extension and virtually eliminate ulnar deviation. This keyboard is especially popular with keyboard intensive users including programmers, transcriptionists, writers and web content developers. The Advantage Contoured Keyboard is Mac/PC compatible and requires no drivers. It also features an integrated 2 port USB hub. A second model, the QD (Qwerty-Dvorak), is also available. It features dual keycap legends, displaying charters in both the Qwerty and Dvorak layouts. |
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| Click here for more images and sample configurations. | ||
| Specifications: | Price: | |
| USB | KB500USB-BLK: $300.00 | |
| 16.5"W x 8.00"D x 2.90"H | KB500USB-WHT: $300.00 | |
| Embedded numeric keypad | KB500USB-QD: $330.00 | |
Accessories: Contoured Keyboard Single Action Footswitch Accessory This is a front-hinged footswitch and comes with a 10' cable and works with all models (past and present) of Kinesis Contoured keyboards. A self-adhesive, hook and loop tab is provided to anchor the pedal to the floor if desired. If you like this pedal's look and feel but want to use more than one at a time, or you want to change actions without re-programming your keyboard, you will need to purchase a special splitter. |
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Contoured Keyboard Triple Action Foot Switch The Kinesis Triple-Action Foot Switch is the most efficient way to take advantage of the unique foot input options provided with all Kinesis Contoured keyboards. Default actions are "Keypad Shift", "Keypad Enter", and "Shift". The "Keypad Shift" action turns on the embedded keypad layer as long as the pedal is held down. If the Keypad Toggle function key is tapped first, then the "Keypad Shift" pedal will turn OFF the embedded keypad layer while the pedal is held down. With a programmable Contoured keyboard, the foot switch may be configured to perform any user-defined keystroke or macro. |
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| Price: | ||
| FS005-RJ11 (single): $37.50 | ||
| FS007-TAF (triple): $105.00 |
| Advantage Pro Contoured Keyboard | ||
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| by Kinesis | ||
| Model # - KB510USB-MET (includes footswitch) | ||
| Model # - KB510USB-MET-NF (footswitch not included) | ||
The Advantage Pro is the top-of-the-line model of the contoured line of keyboards from Kinesis. The keyboard has a double coating of a protective clear gloss on top of a metallic silver coating and features a second memory chip which permits longer macros and a hidden memory locking switch to prevent accidental or unauthorized programming changes. An option of bundling the Single Action Footswitch accessory at a discounted price is also available. |
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| Click here for more images and sample configurations. | ||
| Specifications: | Price: | |
| USB | KB510USB-MET (footswitch): $360.00 | |
| 16.5"W x 8.00"D x 2.90"H | KB510USB-MET-NF (no footswitch): $340.00 |
| TypeMatrix USB EZ Reach Keyboard (2009 Version) | ||
|---|---|---|
| by TypeMatrix | ||
| Model # - 2030U-QWY | QWERTY layout | |
| Model # - 2030U-DV | DVORAK layout | |
| Model # - 2030U-BNK | Blank layout | |
| Special Order | ||
This alternative layout USB keyboard has an innovative orthogonal layout and crisp scissor-switch membrane keyswitches in a minimalist housing (12.75" W x 5.25" D x 0.5" H [32.4 cm W x 13.3 cm D x 1.3 cm H]), allowing for easy storage and transport as an external keyboard for your laptop. This newest version of the 2030 TypeMatrix keyboard has a redesigned layout for both the QWERTY and DVORAK models, and now also comes in a BLANK unlegended model. Unlegended keyboard skins are available for the QWERTY/DVORAK models (to protect the keyboard from debris and spills), and QWERTY and DVORAK legended skins are available for the unlegended keyboard model. Click here to see a closeup of the QWERTY layout. Note: It has been determined that the Shuffle key has a 'bug' where it will eventually fail, requiring you to unplug and plug in the keyboard to get it working again. This is a known manufacturer's defect and it not covered under warranty. |
 Click for a larger image. |
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| Specifications: | Price: | |
| 12.75" W x 5.25" D x 0.5" H | 2030U-QWY (QWERTY): $120.00 | |
| 2030U-DV (DVORAK): $120.00 | ||
| 2030U-BNK (Blank): $120.00 | ||
| QWERTY Layout Skin | 2030-SKN-BLK-QWY: $25.00 | |
| DVORAK Layout Skin | 2030-SKN-BLK-DVK: $25.00 | |
| Blank Layout Skin | 2030-SKN-CLR-BNK: $25.00 |
| Dvorak Keyboard | ||
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| by Matias | ||
| Model # - FK107 | ||
| Special Order | ||
The Dvorak Keyboard is the only standard, conventional keyboard which offers a hard-wired switchable QWERTY-DVORAK dual-legended layout. Unlike software solutions which require configuration and fail to function during the login process, the Dvorak Keyboard is plug and play and provides instant access to the QWERTY or DVORAK layout with the simple press of a large toggle button at the top of the keyboard which indicates whether you are in DVORAK mode (toggle is backlit white) or QWERTY mode (toggle key turns blue in color). The DVORAK legending is in the default position (bottom left of each keycap) and is in white, and the QWERTY legending is in the alternate position (upper right of each keycap) and is in light blue. This keyboard also features an embedded 2 port USB hub. |
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| Specifications: | Price: | |
| 18.7" W x 6.8" D x 1.4" H | FK107: $105.00 | |
| Optimizer Keyboard | ||
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| by Matias | ||
| Model # - FK201 | ||
| Special Order | ||
The Optimizer keyboard uses a 'layer shift' Optimize key (located where the CAPS LOCK is usually) to provide access to many commonly used functions and combination keystrokes. Other keyboards force you to move your hands (and arms) to reach the commands you use all day, every day. The Optimizer puts those commands MUCH closer - at or near where your hands already are - so no time is wasted moving them. An optimizer 'shift' key replaces the CapsLock key, providing access to a layer of additional functions including: Arrow Keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Equal (=) on Number Pad, Cut, Copy, Paste, Enter, Esc, Delete, Backspace, Erase Word, Select, Select All, Select Word, Move by Word, Web Browser Back, Forward, Launch Calculator, Caps Lock, Num Lock. |
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| Specifications: | Price: | |
| 18.7" W x 6.8" D x 1.4" H | FK201: $65.00 | |
| orbiTouch Keyboard | ||
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| by Keybowl Incorporated | ||
| Model # - OT-A | ||
| Special Order | ||
This award-winning design reduces harmful hand and wrist motion by 82% over standard keyboards and 60% over other ergonomic keyboards. This alternative layout keyboard has no keys - just two large domes which generate keystrokes when you slide them into one of their eight respective positions. You create the different characters by sliding the domes to create letters and numbers. The orbiTouch has an integrated mouse, so once you've mastered the layout, it's even easier to use than a traditional keyboard (no reaching for the mouse). |
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| Specifications: | Price: | |
| 19.5" W x 8.5" D x 3.75" H | FK201: $400.00 | |
| Dual Handed Maltron L90 Ergonomic 3D Keyboard | ||
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| by Maltron Keyboards | ||
| Model # - DTUQ901B-US (without built-in trackball) | ||
| Model # - DSUQ901B-US (with built-in trackball) | ||
| Special Order | ||
The Dual Handed Ergonomic 3D Keyboard (L90) from Maltron uses an alternative keyboard design whose purpose is to reduce injuries like RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by reducing hand and finger movement while typing. The keys are grouped and split in accordance with touch typing conventions to keep the hands apart yet within reach of all the commonly used keys. Built with Cherry MX keyswitches, and the user has the choice of either the traditional QWERTY layout or the MALTRON layout. The numeric keypad is centrally located, with the space, tab, enter, delete and cursor control keys positioned directly beneath the thumb for quick and easy access. The keys are not staggered like they are in normal keyboards but arranged in a matrix. This version is USB only for PC/Mac and comes either with or without a trackball. Grey colour only. |
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| Specifications: | Price: | |
| 17.0" W x 8.5" D x 3.75" H | DTUQ901B-US (without built-in trackball): $650.00 | |
| Model # - DSUQ901B-US (with built-in trackball): $750.00 |
| Mouth-Head Stick Keyboard | ||
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| by Maltron Keyboards | ||
| Model # - MUAIG-US | ||
| Special Order | ||
The Mouth-Head Stick Keyboard from Maltron has a unique shape and keyboard layout suitable for those who cannot type with their hands. The shape matches natural head movement and the key arrangement minimises finger or stick activity, raising speed and relieving frustration. Push-On, Push-Off keys are provided for Shift, Control and Alt. Maltron keyboards all have the ability to turn off key repeating at the keyboard if it is not wanted. If allowed by the software in use, the repeat rate can be set to SLOW, MEDIUM or FAST at the keyboard. |
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| Specifications: | Price: | |
| 12.2" W x 7.9" D x 3.7" H | MUAIG-US: $515.00 | |