Maltron ergonomic contoured keyboards
The MALTRON keyboard relieves the symptoms of RSI (Repetitive Strain
Injury) and allows RSI sufferers to resume work.
In the picture on the right, note the straight wrists and relaxed hand
shape. Straight wrists and minimal palms down rotation of the hands reduces strain in the
wrists, arms, shoulders and neck. It is the sustained strains required by the flat
keyboard that can lead to fatigue, then pain and finally disability.
The fully ergonomic MALTRON (left) fits the shape of hands and the
different lengths of fingers to reduce movement and tension.
Split design eliminates wrist twist and allows a central number cluster which can be used
by right or left hand as preferred.
Tilted keys and pads minimize palms downward movement (Pronation) to further reduce muscle
tension.
Straight vertical key columns eliminate tens of thousands of finger and wrist twists in a
day's work.
Thumb keys for Cursors, Return or Enter, Space, Backspace and other frequently used keys
reduce hand and arm movement. Versatile thumbs are used far more effectively.
Shift Lock as well as Caps and Num Locks provide more options.
Function keys may be placed either along the back of the keyboard or
directly above the number row (right).
The advanced MALTRON letter layout is available at the touch of a special key. The most
used letters are on the center (Home) row reducing finger movement and learning time.
Operators who have been badly hurt by the flat keyboard often prefer to learn the MALTRON
layout when adapting to the new shape. Key caps are fitted to suit either layout, or may
be dually engraved in different colors as an option.
Mice and Trackballs:
A common source of trouble for intensive computer user is the mouse. This has become more serious through the development of software needing its
frequent or almost continuous use.
Holding a mouse usually requires gripping between thumb and little finger to move it and
then more strongly to hold it in place while the index finger operates the action button.
From these actions pain in hand, arm and shoulder can develop.
Trackballs, which are inverted mice, are also available in different sizes and mountings,
but still need holding and operating by one hand.
To overcome these problems we have fitted a trackball in the wrist rest area of the central
number pad of our most recent design (not shown). In this position the ball may be easily
moved by the thumb with the fingers cupped and the hand resting over the key thumb group.
The top of the ball is slightly below the wrist rest surface so that it does not interfere
with normal keyboard use.
The central location of the trackball enables either thumb to be used with the wrist kept
straight and the hand tilted outwards in a comfortable position.
Maltron Keyboards for people with special needs
MALTRON adaptive keyboards are designed to enable people with special needs to enter
computer data much more easily and quickly than with conventional keyboards. This page
describes the two kinds of keyboards designed for people with special needs:
Single handed keyboards for people with the use of only one hand •Single finger or
Head/Mouth stick keyboards for people who do not have the use of a full hand.
Single handed keyboards:
 MALTRON single handed keyboards have been developed as a
logical step forward to meet the needs of those who must perform keyboard operations with
one hand.
The special shape and letter layout have been very carefully planned, taking into account
the limited number of keys that can be accessed quickly and comfortably.
Both Left and Right hand models are designed for "Touch Typing".
Self paced training manuals ensure quick, easy learning.
These keyboards have Push-On Push-Off keys for Shift, Control and Alt functions; essential
for single hand operation.
Single finger or Head/Mouth stick keyboards:
 MALTRON Single finger or Head/Mouth stick keyboards have
a unique shape and keyboard layout. The shape matches head movement and the key
arrangement minimizes finger or stick activity, raising speed and relieving frustration.
An optional articulated arm holds the keyboard in almost any position to suit the head or
mouth stick use.
Push-On, Push-Off keys are provided for Shift, Control and Alt.
MALTRON keyboards all have the ability to turn off key repeating at the keyboard if it is
not wanted. If allowed by the software in use, the repeat rate can be set to SLOW, MEDIUM
or FAST at the keyboard.
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