Kinesis Advantage Keyboard VS ergoMagic vertical keyboard

Question

I'm really experiencing pain in my wrists. I am looking for a new keyboard to minimize this problem. I tried to search for reviews of both the Kinesis Advantage keyboard and the ergoMagic Vertical keyboard, but I couldn't find any actual comparisons between the two.

The Kinesis Advantage has a really 3D design, but I still lack info about it compared to a real vertical position keyboard. As I see it now, the Kinesis advantage really looks comfortable, but still its position is very horizontal, which seems like it would be uncomfortable for me. On the other hand, vertical keyboards like the ergoMagic Comfort don't really look that nice either.

Anyone have experience with both?

Answer 1

I have a Kinesis Freestyle with an Ascent accessory. I use it completely vertical, 90 degrees to the table, as far as I am aware this arrangement is unique. I had a hurting wrist. Now I don't. That is all to say. It's not empty propaganda: stand up and just relax, now check the position of your hands! See, that's their natural position. A split keyboard (like the Freestyle) helps already keeping your hands closer to their natural position but a vertical keyboard keeps them where they should be. Superb. Because the Ascent is adjustable you can get used to it in about 7-10 days by going up one step a day.

As I travel to various Drupal events with this monstrosity, other Drupalers bought the keyboard as well and as far as I am aware, they are also happy.

Answer 2

The problem that your experiencing is a pinching of the radial or ulner nerves, which travel from the hand through the grooves in your elbow, and up your arm, over the shoulder and up your neck.

The pinch can occur in your wrist, elbow, shoulder, or neck.

If the pinch is occurring in the wrist or elbow, a compression wrap/guard on the wrist will most likely solve the problem. This is a wrap for the wrist that is made out of a taut stretchy material, you should feel moderate pressure when you put it on, but loosen if blood flow restriction occurs. Get something that has support on the pad of the wrist for use while typing. Mine has a small bean bag. I find the bean bag more comfortable than the gel types. This will correct posture on any keyboard. And you can take it with you anywhere. You can also wear it at any time, even when your not at a keyboard and you'll get increased healing benefits.

Do not use a rigid wrap while typing (this kind has a metal bar that forces your wrist into a natural position). You can buy a rigid wrap for compression while sleeping, but be careful to not hit your partner while asleep.

Second thing to try is pairing the wrist wrap with an elbow wrap. Same thing, compression type.

If having both still doesn't solve the problem, try looking for a knot along the inner arm muscle. These knots can pinch the ulnar nerve. If you find any knots, massage them out. The process will hurt, because after the nerve pinch subsides there will be a momentary increase in pain.

If there are no knots in your arm, the problem is in your shoulder or neck. First try adjusting your seating position. Ensure that knees and elbows are at 90 degree angles, feet are flat, and most important, shoulders are at a natural position, not raised like in the "I don't know" expression. Back straight, and good lower back support (they call this lumbar support). Your spine is S shaped (front to back), and you need to support this with your posture. Viewing angle of monitor should be level with your head or below. Not above.

If perfecting your posture doesn't work, you'll need to visit a doctor because the pinch is in your shoulder or neck. You'll need support in working out a shoulder pinch, and if it's a neck pinch you may need surgery. Consider this a last resort. Patients of surgery usually see no difference from people who avoided surgery as early as five years. So these painful episodes in your life are either temporary, or recur even after surgery.

A recap:

If pinch is in wrist or elbow, $10 can solve your problem, and it's $10 you can always use, no need to buy multiple keyboards and waste $100s. If this doesn't work, look for a knot in the arm. Massage out.

If the pinch is in your shoulder or neck, ensure you have good seating posture, then visit a doctor. Try both chiropractor and a neural specialist. They take different approaches, but always consider surgery as a worst possible option.

Experience:

I'm not a doctor, but I've had multiple problems with my ulnar nerve, and I've talked with doctors quite a bit. I also have a disc that's torn, so I've worked out problems with my leg as well. I'm experienced in using multiple remedial therapies, and have a good feel for what works and what's just from blood-sucking vampires using bogus theories. The threat to your health is real. The outside of my left hand is, from what I can tell, permanently numb.

Update: After half a year of practicing all the above, the feeling in my hand returned.