Microsoft's Natural Keyboard

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is a problem you have to experience before you can

write it off and a namby-pamby made up affliction; I have lost count of how many people I have heard ask "How you could possibly hurt yourself while sat on your PC?" I have actually experienced it myself on numerous occasions and I can assure you it is far from pleasant; the burning present in both arms was more than I could simply shrug off!

Fortunately RSI is something that is very easily avoidable if you take the right measures. In previous articles I've talked about the importance of posture and taking regular breaks but this week I'm going to talk about a design of keyboard that I've been using for years to minimise the likelihood of these conditions resurfacing.

The Microsoft Natural range of keyboards have been around since 1994 and are specifically designed to prevent carpel tunnel syndrome along with other RSI injuries. Since I unfortunately don't have the luxury of including pictures in my articles I can probably best describe the keyboard as being split down the middle with both halves being placed at a slight angle from one another. The centre of the keyboard is elevated slightly and then gently slopes downwards towards the extremities.

A few years back Microsoft launched the Microsoft Natural Keyboard 4000 that is the device I currently own and will be reviewing for this article. Additionally the divide I mentioned earlier, the keyboard itself is physically elevated on the edge closest and the keys are on a slope away from you the result is the space bar being the highest key instead of the lowest, like on a traditional keyboard. A wrist rest is physically built in to the keyboard and as such cannot be removed; and is coated in fake leather cushioning; quite honestly it is the nicest wrist rest I have ever come across.

The idea is that in this position your hands aren't unnaturally angled when typing and although it does take a little while to get used to, touch typing is certainly not hindered by the design. On first impressions those that have seen my keyboard have assumed that my wavy, irregularly designed keyboard would actually increase my chance of RSI but they couldn't be further from the truth.

We assume that a device such as a keyboard which has been with us for decades would have, by now, been designed to be as kind to our hands, wrists and arms as possible but next time you sit at your computer, place your fingers on the home keys (a, s, d, f and j, k, l, ;) and take a look at the unnatural position your hands are in. Using a conventional keyboard your arms plunge downwards and inwards from your shoulders towards the keyboard and then unnaturally twist upwards and outwards so that you can achieve the correct position to reach the keys.

Whilst alternative natural keyboards are available this is definitely my current favourite; the unconventional design, the quality of the product and the way the keyboard feels are absolutely great. Typing is almost completely silent and even though they dip substantially and remain tactile; I'm far from a fan of boards with silent keys that don't respond when pressed. Whilst this won't affect single finger typists won't be too concerned, but if you're used to touch typing feedback from the keyboard is always appreciated. Also included are special keys for frequently used applications and commands that can be used with a single press and an intriguing zoom key hat I haven't needed to use yet.

At around 30 the keyboard isn't particularly cheap but it's very difficult to put a price on your health especially when you consider that some of the symptoms of RSI can remain permanently. If you even do just a moderate amount of typing then this keyboard would certainly represent a worthwhile investment.

by: Chris Holgate

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