Ergonomic work station

Step 5 Choice of keyboard and mouse

Keyboards and mice can be quite expensive, and trying them out at a store is not enough. I can't stress enough how wonderful it was to borrow different devices from the MIT ATIC lab. See if you can borrow devices from an RSI support group, or start your own.

I decided on a Goldtouch keyboard and 3M Ergonomic mouse. I felt that many of my problems stemmed from rotating my hands from a neutral, handshake-like position to a flat, fingers down position to type and mouse. This keyboard and mouse lets me work in a position closer to neutral.

These devices are not perfect. Previously, I used a Microsoft split keyboard and a Logitech trackball (Logitech Cordless Trackman FX Optical Trackball, which appears to be discontinued). Something that works for you now may not work in a year. My thinking on this is blunt: Each device overuses and destroys a different set of tendons and muscles, and to keep working, you may have to cycle through which set is currently being wrecked while another heals.

Comments

[42rocky]

I have problems with trackballs that require thumb use as I feel any extension of the thumb in my wrist. However, I have not tried the newer trackballs which have repositioned the ball for your fingers. Does your 3m mouse require much movement of the thumb? Also knowing the function keys for your operating system can reduce the amount of time spent mousing.

[finton]

Have you tried this, 42rocky?:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Become-an-ambidextrous-computer-mouse-user/
I agree with you about knowing the function keys, though: saves a lot of time scrolling through documents, websites and spreadsheets!