Click here to return to the News Index Page
TypeMatrix EZ-Reach Keyboard Earns TCO Label;Is First Certified in Category of "Alternative Ergonomic Design"Corporate and Government Buyers gain a new choice in
TCO-labeled keyboards; an ergonomic design that reduces motions known
to cause repetitive strain injury
April 7, 2003 - Santa Barbara, CA - TypeMatrix, Inc. today
announced TCO'99 certification of its
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard. The TCO label marks office equipment that is ergonomic
and user-focused, and that meets strict emission and ecological
requirements. The patent-pending
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard addresses the corporate and
government market need for a keyboard with advanced ergonomics.
It is the first keyboard under $100 that substantially reduces the
motions known to cause repetitive strain injuries (RSI). The
EZ-ReachTM
began shipping last month. Cost to Employers of Keyboard Injuries is Increasing
Liability exposure, medical costs, and lost productivity are
driving employers to find new ergonomic keyboard solutions.
Repetitive strain injuries have risen since the introduction of
the PC in 1981. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
ergonomic disorders are the most-rapidly growing category of
work-related illness. Currently, 62% of North American Worker's
Compensation claims are for RSI. Those claims average $30,000,
and reach $43,000 if surgery is required. Half of each $1
employers spend on medical care today goes to RSI (OSHA). "Our customers appreciate the business logic of investing $99 in
a more comfortable keyboard to alleviate injury and resolve claims
that could top $40,000," said Henry Webber, CEO of TypeMatrix.
"We hope the TCO'99 label makes choosing the
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard an
even easier decision." "The TypeMatrix
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard solves ergonomic issues in a
completely new way that puts the users' needs first," said Jan Rudling,
Managing Director of TCO Development. "This keyboard exemplifies the
type of innovation that is necessary to make the workplace healthier." Distinguishing Features of the
EZ-ReachTM
Keyboard
The
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard distinguishes itself from traditional keyboards in part by
being thinner, flatter and more compact. The Backspace, Tab, and
Enter keys are larger and placed in the center so they can be struck
with the stronger index finger, relieving little-finger strain.
In addition, the keys are arranged in vertical columns so fingers travel
shorter distances with less stress, and accuracy is increased. An
embedded full-featured number pad lets the mouse sit closer to the
keyboard, reducing wrist and arm strain. The TCO'99 label is awarded to products that meet specifications set
in 1999. Those requirements include:
- A usability study that demonstrates user health benefits and ability
to work effectively, efficiently and with satisfaction;
- Ergonomic key depression force, tactile and auditory feedback;
- Ergonomic size and shape of the strike surface of keycaps;
- Low electromagnetic fields and noise emissions;
- Manufacturer has environmental management program such as EMAS or ISO 14000;
- Restrictions on certain harmful substances used in production
In an independent study conducted by Raymond Bello, BEST Associates,
Pelham,
NY, 94% of women and 75% of men with an existing repetitive strain
injury reported significant lessening of pain after using the
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard for 5 weeks. The study found that users of the
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard achieved greater balance of motions of all fingers and both
hands, maintained neutral postures of arms, hands and shoulders, and
centered their bodies squarely on the monitor for more beneficial body
posture. Pricing, System Requirements and Availability
The TypeMatrix
EZ-ReachTM
keyboard is available now. It is
plug-and-play; no software driver is required. The keyboard is priced
at $99 USD and is sold at www.typematrix.com, or by calling
1-800-234-3975. About TypeMatrix, Inc.
TypeMatrix, Inc. designs and markets innovative personal technology
peripherals offering a luxury experience at affordable prices.
The company's flagship product is the patent-pending TypeMatrix
EZ-ReachTM,
the first mass-market computer keyboard to significantly reduce
the motions known to cause repetitive strain injury. TypeMatrix's
products are positioned for general consumer adoption, as well as
for use in business, education and government. Based in
Santa Barbara, CA, the company can be reached at 1-800-234-3975
or at www.typematrix.com. About TCO Development
TCO Development is a company owned by TCO. The business concept
of the company is to create conditions for a good work environment
at office workstations through the development of systems for quality
and environmental labeling of office equipment and through work
environment assessments of offices. TCO Development has received
global recognition for its display certification, TCO'95, TCO'99 and
TCO'03 Displays. Close to 50 percent of display models manufactured
today are TCO-labeled. In addition, there are certified computers,
portable computers, printers and keyboards available. TCO Development
also has a standard for mobile telephones, TCO.01 Mobile Phones.
TCO Development works in the interest of users and is independent
of manufacturers. www.tcodevelopment.com. ***
Jessie Brumfiel, NeoTerra Group
805-686-5456
jbrumfiel@neoterragroup.com | 