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    • 38850
    • 110 Posts
    I'm in need of an upgrade.
    I used to have a pretty nice MS Wireless Comfort 5000 at work, and I also use the kit at home. The problem is after a year or so the rubber on the mousewheel shreds to bits. The only reason I had to stop using the kit was the dumb mousewheel. But it was showing age anyway.
    I had to switch to a Wireless keyboard 2000 which is strait, and a mouse without buttons. The keys on the keyboard are starting to not respond well and some clicks don't produce a letter.

    I happen to like ergonomics, I am quite comfortable with split design keyboards and prefer them.
    I like mouse buttons and use back/forward all the time.
    I have preferences for some kb keys, like standard size arrow keys, standard position delete/home/end. And a strait Enter key (not L shaped) with backslash above it. I don't like function keys which default to taking over the Fkeys. And I appreciate a calculator button, or a few hot keys, audio controls, extras.
    I enjoy half-height keys and haven't used full height keys in years, as long as they are tactile and actually respond!

    Anyway, I'm debating some non-standard alternatives like getting a trackball or so-called "vertical mouse" for ergonomics and saving my wrists. I'm debating going with Cherry switches as well but in an office, I don't want it to be loud, I just like the feel.

    For an office environment, and ergonomic-minded, and lots of typing and programming, what would you recommend?
      • 3749
      • 24,544 Posts
      I use the Logitech K800 wireless, illuminated KB. It has an old-fashioned layout that I really like with a full numeric keypad. I've swapped the Ctrl and left-shift keys so I can type Ctrl-c, Ctrl-v, Ctrtl-x, and Ctrl-b without moving my left hand. It's also really quiet, has great action, and has a few handy extra keys (calculator, volume controls, etc.). Best of all, it's lighted, so I can work in complete darkness if I feel like it. It only lights when your hand is near it. The battery usually lasts for a week or two before it needs recharging.

      For a mouse, I use the Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball. I have the sensitivity maxed out so I can move the mouse from one side of the screen to the other with a small movement of my thumb. It takes a little getting used to, but I can work all day and all night without any discomfort at all -- ever -- because I never have to use my wrist muscles. I have a smooth Fellowes Gel Pad in front of it.

      Both the KB and mouse have a three-year warranty and use the same universal USB mini-dongle (which I've collected a bunch of), so I can use them both on multiple computers with no setup. I've used the warranty several times, and as long as you have the original receipt (which Amazon keeps for you), you don't have to send them back and you get a new one in a few days.

      The only down side is that they seldom last three years if you use them constantly, but with the warranty, I usually get about 5 years out of them. I keep a spare on hand for each one so I don't have any down time if they go bad.


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        • 38850
        • 110 Posts
        With much deliberation, I had a fight between the same MS 5000 and the K740 (wired version of K800). I think the MS is awesome, and I like curves, but this time around I'm sticking with strait keyboard, and hopefully the K740 keys aren't as mushy as MS.
          • 13226
          • 953 Posts
          My tools:
          Logitech K800 Keyboard
          Logitech Performance Mouse MX - perfect for people with big hands

          Both can be fully customised via the Logitech software "SetPoint", and the Unifying software / tool makes it simple to add them to all devices.
            • 10600
            • 9 Posts
            Logitech K750 (solar-powered)
            Logitech T620
            Logiteck Unifying software
              • 38666
              • 98 Posts
              Keyboard: Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 (takes a bit of getting used to but wouldn't have anything else)
              Mouse: Logitech M310 wireless
                Give a man the answer, and he’ll only have a temporary solution. Teach him the principles that led you to that answer, and he will be able to create his own solutions in the future.
                • 49771
                • 16 Posts
                Keyboard:
                - Originally my favorite (Razer Blackwidow Tournament Stealth Edition [ Brown Switches ] - Fairly quiet, lasted about 3 years)
                - Currently using a Tt eSPORTS POSEIDON Z keyboard [ Blue Switches ] - It's LOUD, finicky, and requires a bit of force, but was dirt cheap - $35. Although, I will have to admit that friends seem to love it and compliment it often.

                Mouse:
                - Originally used a Logitech G500 Mouse - Good ergonomics, adjustable weights, and fits good for a palm grip user (like myself), doesn't last long at all.
                - Currently using a Steel Series Diablo 3 Mouse - My second G500 broke, and being a poor college student, that's the only gaming mouse I could afford. But, it's extremely accurate and sensitive, really solid for a claw grip user IMO.