...More on the Kinesis Contour Keyboard
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to get used to the Kinesis keyboard?
At first glance, everyone thinks the Kinesis keyboard will be hard to get used to.
However, experience has shown otherwise. After a couple of hours of practice, most new
users are at 80% or more of their previous speed and accuracy. Within 3-5 days, new users
are typically up to full speed and virtually always report that "it wasn't difficult
to adapt, and it was worth it!"
Do you have an integrated pointing device?
The empty center portion of the Kinesis keyboard is ideal for positioning a touch pad
(Kinesis offers the Cirque II touch pad). The user can adjust the position or even decide
to place the device at the side of the keyboard, options which are not available with
fully integrated pointing devices.
Also, many Windows users
report that "key equivalents" to mouse actions are easier and faster with
Kinesis keyboards, reducing dependence on a pointing device.
What kind of keyboard tray works with the Kinesis keyboard?
The main requirement is 3 inches of vertical clearance, which most trays provide. It
is also important, ergonomically, to get a tray which provides room for your mouse or
other pointing device at the same height as your keyboard. Kinesis keyboards are only
16-1/2" wide (several inches narrower than most other keyboards), providing more room
at the side for a pointing device. If you plan to use a touchpad positioned in the center
of the keyboard, you will probably need 3-1/2" of vertical clearance. Specific
recommendations can be obtained by sending us an email techsupport@worklink.net.
Why didn't Kinesis make the keyboard adjustable?
Extensive early research showed that the right design would work extremely well for a
wide range of body sizes and shapes, without the extra cost and intimidating setup
problems posed by adjustable split keyboards. Both children and adults can benefit from
the many powerful ergonomic features of the Kinesis design. Independent laboratory studies
have confirmed this, showing Kinesis keyboards are demonstrably better than fully
adjustable keyboards costing much more (research summaries provided upon request).
Do you recommend using a wrist rest with the keyboard?
Kinesis keyboards come with built-in palm rests and self-adhesive (replaceable) palm
pads. Kinesis does not recommend using an additional wrist rest.
What are the foot switches for? (one or two)
The foot switches allow the user to re-allocate commonly used key actions from the hands
to the feet. Each keyboard can support up to two foot switches. The factory settings are
(1)activate the embedded numeric keypad (10-key) and (2) "Shift". Foot switches
can be set to any action using Kinesis programmable keyboards (the Professional
Model keyboard includes one free foot switch)
What can I do with a "programmable" keyboard?
You can use it to open your garage door, and to stop that annoying 12:00 from
blinking on your VCR. Just kidding. Programmability allows users to customize their
keyboards to be more comfortable and more productive. In a nutshell, the user can move,
copy, or "kill" any key action (using "Remapping") or save keystrokes
by storing them in the keyboard memory (using "Macros"). The
Classic Model #133 has 2K bytes of on-board memory is capable of creating up to 24 macros
of up to 65 characters. The Professional series has 4K bytes of on-board memory and can
store more and/or larger macros (the user can select between 24,36, or 48 macros of up to
142 characters).
Where is the 10-key numeric keypad?
The numeric keypad (10-key) is positioned and imbedded ergonomically right under the
home row position (J-K-L-;). It can be activated most easily by pressing a foot switch
(standard on the Professional model). For occasional use, the "Keypad" function
key can be used to toggle the 10-key to the active state. By
eliminating the long reach and wrist bending action required by the traditional keyboard's
numeric keypad, Kinesis keyboards can be much narrower than other keyboards. This provides
a more natural position for using a mouse or other pointing device.
I hear the Kinesis is best for big (or small) people. Is this true?
Fact is, thousands of people, big and small, have found tremendous comfort and
productivity using Kinesis keyboards. During the first few hours of days, big people
sometimes feel that the keyboard is too small, and small people sometimes feel it is too
big. However, no other keyboard is better suited to either big or small users!
What happens if I decide after using the keyboard for a month or two that it just isn't
working for me?
Kinesis encourages its resellers to offer a 60 day return-for-refund policy.
Keyboards may be returned to Kinesis during that time. Used keyboards are
refurbished and sold as such through special channels. We will accept keyboards during the
first 15 days with the following conditions. Shipping charges are
not refunded, and discounts are taken for damage from abuse and spills. End-users with
keyboards needing repair must have those repairs made before a refund will be issued.
What happens if I get the Essential model and decide later that I really want a
programmable keyboard?
The Essential model can be upgraded to either a Classic Model 133 or any Professional
Model 134. It gets even better! Any recent model keyboard can be converted to any other
version. Contact KinesisUpgrades@worklink.net
for details and pricing for special jobs. A
More Comfortable Design:
Kinesis keyboards are based on a unique, patented design that minimizes the pain and
discomfort that users can experience from constant use of conventional keyboards.
The ergonomic design, the result of two years research and testing, is
prescribed by many physicians and is recommended by many physical therapists treating
hand, wrist, and arm discomfort from repetitive keyboard use.
Kinesis keyboards help many people regain their productivity and help
countless others avoid the known risk factors associated with prolonged keyboard use.
Features for comfort:
- Separate concave keypads for each hand: improves arm positioning
- Separate thumb keypads: reallocates workload from weaker, overused little fingers to
stronger thumbs
- Vertical key layout: vertical (orthogonal) columns reflect natural finger motions
- 20-degree lateral tilt: thumbs-up posture minimizes forearm tension without the
pitfalls of excessive tilt
- Integral padded palm supports: saves effort by providing soft resting place for palms
- Low-force, tactile key switches: engineered to reduce effort and impact and to
provide long life of keyboard
A More Productive Design:
Features for productivity
- Ergonomic 10-key layout: embedded into right hand keypad, activated by key or foot
switch
- Closer placement of function keys: allows more accurate, natural movements
- Smaller, symmetrical footprint: (16-5/8"x8-1/8"x3") allows users to
keep a Mouse and other work items closer at hand
- Compatibility: Standard QWERTY layout, PC and Macintosh® compatible.
Optional SUN® interface
- Optional foot switches (one or two): reduces finger effort, ideal for 10-key users to
effortlessly access embedded 10-key keypad
- Programmability: key combinations stored in the keyboard and invoked by a single
keystroke saves typing time (programmable models only)
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