michaelswanson.name

TypeMatrix 2030 Keyboard

April 30th, 2007 by rearden

Recently, I was given a new TypeMatrix keyboard as a gift, and I’ve been using it for several weeks since then. Overally, I’m very ahppy with this new keyboard. I’ve been particularly interested in alternative/different input devices since I first started using computers.

TypeMatrix 2030

The primary interesting and different feature of this keyboard is that rather than having the keys slightly offset as they are on a regular QWERY keyboard, they are lined up in perfectly straight rows. Supposedly, this is easier on one’s hands, since instead of having to move constantly in a diagonal direction, your fingers can move just straight up and down across the keyboard.

One of the primary difficulties with trying out new keyboards is the fact that there is usually a learning curve associated with getting used to a new keyboard. This usually takes the form of becoming accustomed to a new key arrangement. One feature in this vein is the centrally located Backspace and Enter keys, which I use my index fingers to hit. These serve to split the keyboard in half and separate the user’s hands, as well as allow the user to use these often-hit keys with their strongest fingers (index) rather than their weakest (pinky). I found the placement of these keys to be quite easy to get used to. In fact, now when I go back and use a standard keyboard, I often find myself reaching for the center when I’m trying to hit Enter or Backspace. Other than the Backspace and Enter keys, the only other major learning point for me are P, Q and Z. On standard keybaords, I hit these with my ring fingers, however, on a TypeMatrix, they are positioned for the pinky. The Q and Z keys are used so infrequently that I rarely find them to be a problem, however, the P key took some getting used to. After only a few sessions of using the keyboard, however, I had little or no problem hitting the P correctly without haivng to spend time thinking about it.

In addition, TypeMatrix produces keyboard covers that change the keyboard layout from QWERTY to Dvorak, as well as a button on the keyboard to change this setting. I don’t personally use Dvorak, so I can’t speak to its use.

Overall, this keyboard is a good, quality product that I would recommend to others interested in different keyboard.

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Posted in Technology, Computers, Input | Comments Off

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