deskthority

Hello Board,

I'm a brand new DataHand user, and looking for some advice.

First off, even with the keys fully recessed I'm unable to relax my fingers completely without activating down switches. (It seems like a 100% relaxed rest posture is one of the big benefits of this "keyboard.") Right now I have the keys dialed in as close to the hand rest as possible horizontally, and as far away vertically. This way I can keep my hand back on the rest and gravity no longer activates keys, but the alignment feels wrong. Maybe I'll experiment with extra padding -- a dish towel or something to get my long fingers up a little higher.

Second bit is keymap. Now that all keys are pretty much equidistant, does trying to use Colemak or anything even make sense? I'd need to make or find a new legend to tape to the DataHand if so.

Thanks!

- Dan

Hmm, fingerless gloves are really helping with the elevation problem.

I'm having the thought that as long as I'm learning something radically new, maybe I'll run a keylogger while I work to get the statistical distribution of my own particular typing needs, and then make my own keymap!

Forgot to mention that I'm using DataHand to try something new for my RSI, and that my particular unit came from input nirvana, who generously sold it to me a couple weeks ago.

- Dan

Sweet. Very nice of input nirvana to give it to somebody in need.

I recently got one myself and have a bit of the same problems. Considering layout optimization there was some discussion on the topic here http://deskthority.net/photos-videos-f8 ... 84-90.html but it's very long and the short summary is that Burro thinks that most normal layouts suck but something like the Blickensderfer would be good because the down keys are much easier to press than the others.

I have considered using a layout optimizer and downloaded some software but haven't gotten anywhere so far. If you're interested in something like that we should probably try to work together.

Considering the finger positions I can't give you much advice, I'm still experimenting myself.

Getting dialed in when you have serious RSI is very important. Since I don't have the issues you guys do, it's hard for me to 'feel' the fine tune differences you are mentioning. I hope the modifications/adjustments can be made to get the units to fit your typing....that's the whole point.

The Blickensderfer layout seems to have merit with Datahand. I would certainly try it, and I would try it from DAY 1. No point with adding another learning curve to an already tough situation.