Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Why can't Apple make a nice ergonomic keyboard?

thermodynamic

thermodynamic

Suspended
Original poster
May 3, 2009
1,341
1,192
USA
And backlit?

The keyboards in the 2009 series Macs are, let's face it, more art deco than anything even remotely ergonomic... :(

Is it not possible to have art deco with ergonomic depth?
 
Take a look at the Logitech Wave keyboards, or the new Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 (Ultra Long Name Edition - XP. 3.0. 1998)
 
You do know you can switch to the regular keyboard and mighty mouse during purchase right?
 
i dont understand people's problems with the keyboard. what kind of ergonomics do you want? those keyboards that are curved are weird and the ones that are cut into two halves are also weird. the apple keyboard is perfect to me maybe because i have a macbook and have grown accustomed to it though backlit would be great
 
Although I don't mind ergonomic keyboard with wrist pads/rests, curved and wavy keys, etc, they tend to be super bulky and have long keystrokes (which is fine IMO, it's just different than what I'm used to on my macbook).


Apple has a niche market here. They have a product for consumers who want a minimal keyboard, something that looks really nice, something that can be portable, something you can type on your lap with, etc.
 
maclook said:
i dont understand people's problems with the keyboard. what kind of ergonomics do you want? those keyboards that are curved are weird and the ones that are cut into two halves are also weird. the apple keyboard is perfect to me maybe because i have a macbook and have grown accustomed to it though backlit would be great
Click to expand...
I have CTS as a result of crap keyboards, so the ergonomics does matter for those on them for long periods of time.

The curved/wavy keyboards are nice, but those strange, split keyboards, are absolutely awsome IMO in terms of ergonomics. :D But unless you realize the need/have the need (i.e. damage to your wrists), the sticker price of ~$275USD seems totally nutz. :p

guitargoddsjm said:
Although I don't mind ergonomic keyboard with wrist pads/rests, curved and wavy keys, etc, they tend to be super bulky and have long keystrokes (which is fine IMO, it's just different than what I'm used to on my macbook).


Apple has a niche market here. They have a product for consumers who want a minimal keyboard, something that looks really nice, something that can be portable, something you can type on your lap with, etc.
Click to expand...
It looks good, but is hell on one's body. Spend 12hrs a day on one for long enough, you'll be in a doctors office over the pain. Seriously. I've probably spent over $40k on visits, proceedures, meds, ... since I began having problems. :( I had actually had to deal with paralysis for awhile.. NOT FUN! :mad:
 
nanofrog said:
It looks good, but is hell on one's body. Spend 12hrs a day on one for long enough, you'll be in a doctors office over the pain. Seriously. I've probably spent over $40k on visits, proceedures, meds, ... since I began having problems. :( I had actually had to deal with paralysis for awhile.. NOT FUN! :mad:
Click to expand...

Ok, that's understandable, but Apple products aren't typically ergonomic. They're aesthetically pleasing.

Mighty/magic mice are the same way. Same with the ACD (there's no height adjustment, just tilt).

It would certainly be possible to make good looking, ergonomic products; it's just not in Apple's interest.

Hell, that's a niche market in itself! Someone start a company!
 
guitargoddsjm said:
Although I don't mind ergonomic keyboard with wrist pads/rests, curved and wavy keys, etc, they tend to be super bulky and have long keystrokes (which is fine IMO, it's just different than what I'm used to on my macbook).


Apple has a niche market here. They have a product for consumers who want a minimal keyboard, something that looks really nice, something that can be portable, something you can type on your lap with, etc.
Click to expand...

You've hit the nail on the head.
 
In my opinion the move to the “flat” keyboard was one of the best, no need to adjust if you move from your portable to the desktop, short keystrokes, although backlit would be nice.
Yes I am on it everyday for long hours. So I guess it is just a kind of preference.

Why they don’t make “ergonomic” keyboards, maybe the market is not demanding it to such an extend.

There are always other options, e.g. Goldtouch they may offer something you are looking for.

I am very happy with the normal keyboards and by the way, I love the Mighty Mouse, it just feels right for me, well that is just my opinion of course.

Need another kind of keyboard, I am afraid you just need to look at the third party products.
 
thermodynamic said:
And backlit?

The keyboards in the 2009 series Macs are, let's face it, more art deco than anything even remotely ergonomic... :(

Is it not possible to have art deco with ergonomic depth?
Click to expand...

You should think about getting a Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard. I just received mine today. Looks, feels, and way more functional than the Apple keyboard. Had it shipped to me this morning, opened it up, intalled, and wow! What a beautiful complement to my 24" iMac. Matches perfectly.

The keys are springy and feel more responsive. Plus there are some extra keys and functions that were thought out very well for the purpose of Mac OS. Highly recommend.

Be sure to get the Mac Edition though. There's one out there for Windows as well.

logitech-dinovo-edge-mac-edition-keyboard.jpg
 
I really wonder why Apple's accessories are still white, when there is so few white left in the collection ...
 
Dybbuk said:
I really wonder why Apple's accessories are still white, when there is so few white left in the collection ...
Click to expand...
That's what I was thinking but they do have a few products out there that still use white such as the AirPort, Time Capsule, Magic Mouse, iPod wheel, etc.

I can see why they still use the white though. It is kind of their trademark to stand out from others and does add a fresh look which has been part of their branding for years. So it does make sense to me why they do that and pull it off nicely IMO.

To be honest though, now that I have the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard (shown above ^) on my 24" aluminum iMac, I installed the small Apple aluminum keyboard on my girlfriends white "17 G5 iMac and it looks better on her computer. The white keys match the white plastic frame and the aluminum matches the stand. Goes really well together. And the piano black Logitech keyboard looks fantastic with my 24" iMac. So my argument is now a mixed bag. :rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back