TypeMatrix - The Keyboard is the Key

TypeMatrix Keyboards in the News

"Keyboard Helps Reduce Strain"

   As a writer, using my computer's keyboard all day can be somewhat stressful. Fortunately for me, I have not experienced the symptoms of repetitive strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. But having ergonomically designed products such as chairs, desks, monitors placed in the correct position, and anything else to help ease the pain can be a godsend for the many who do. As for keyboards, there are all sorts of alternative designs to the standard device. A new one that recently came to my attention bears further examination. If you've tried other keyboard designs and weren't happy with them, it doesn't hurt to try something new when it comes out. No one design has proven to be a panacea, so the EZ-Reach keyboard from TypeMatrix could be for you. Unfortunately, as with most ergonomic devices, the only way to check out its effectiveness is to try it.

For starters, the EZ-Reach features mostly standard sized keys (a few are a lot bigger) yet the keyboard itself is slightly smaller than the average keyboard. The keyboard sports a split-key layout in that there are two distinct areas of keys, one each for left and right hand positioning. The key to the EZ-Reach's design is that each row of keys is positioned in straight vertical columns rather than staggered left and right to the keys below. I found that adapting to this layout was fairly easy and didn't take much relearning to type productively. In fact, I found going back to the standard keyboard somewhat awkward, and I had only been using the EZ-Reach for three days.

As I mentioned, most of the EZ-Reach's keys are of standard size but with some exceptions. The Tab, Backspace and Enter keys are centrally positioned as four very large keys. The Spacebar is actually two long large keys centrally positioned at the bottom and maintains the EZ-Reach's split key layout. I actually found this layout to be more intuitive since these keys are the ones that are more commonly used.

The EZ-Reach has a solid touch to the keys and is nicely constructed. The EZ-Reach is compatible with all Windows computers. A special USB adaptor makes it compatible with Macintosh and Sun computers.

Carpal tunnel can be anything from a nuisance to a painful, debilitating condition. If you find yourself rubbing your hands, experiencing numbness after prolonged typing or any of the usual symptoms, be sure to check with your doctor. Physicians have many items for you to try such as wrist pads and braces. But sometimes all it takes is an alternative keyboard to help ease the pain. Whether it's the one from TypeMatrix or some other ergonomic keyboard, it just may hold the keys to your affliction. $99.

by Craig Crossman, National Newspaper Computer Columnist