The Week's Reviews in a Nutshell

So, after reading the reviews of our krazy keyboards and mad mice, are you bored with the standard flat QWERTY keyboard? Whether you're a stubborn curmudgeon or an ambitious early-adapter (or somewhere in between), you gotta admit exploring today's "out there" input devices has been fun and well worth the effort.

Here's a quick summary incorporating what we've learned over the week and what we've heard from you (from the forum, via email, and in the polls). We'll also take a look at what we may, or may not, cover in our next roundup. (We're so mysterious, aren't we?)

Product: TouchStream ST SafeType Keyboard DataHand Professional II System Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro Z-Board Company: FingerWorks, Inc. SafeType, Inc. DataHand Systems, Inc. Microsoft Ideazon Pro: Ultra-efficient, offers co-location of keyboard and mouse, saves time and keystrokes by interpreting gestures; fairly easy to use Surprisingly easy to become accustomed to -- plus, it feels very natural to type in the neutral position Very efficient, offers co-location of keyboard and mouse Good layout; reasonably good feel; INS key annoyance gone; can disable Windows key; cordless A great idea for users who have specific application needs, and a keyboard skin to match. Con: Lots and lots of typos (note: the first time I typed that sentence on this keyboard, it looked more like "ots snd lots of typod")--difficult for touch typists Requires a new mouse that allows you to keep your hand in neutral position, or face a constant need to swivel arm. Steep learning curve, very expensive Function key toggle a nuisance; inconsistent control software; mouse is very basic for a premium package Not a great feel for touch typists; more skins are needed Summary:       Intelligent keyboard laiden with sensors that can function as a standard keyboard, but also accepts finger-driven mousing and other more complicated finger gestures This wild keyboard allows you type in a neutral position, although it does require that the user become a touch typist. A real next-generation keyboard and mouse combo, it's very smart but complicated to use; very expensive Microsoft offers a solid keyboard packaged with a limited mouse in an attractive package. We just wish the function keys were, well, more functional. Ideazon's Z-Board uses a base with customized keyboard skins for specific applications, which make complex applications more accessible, or games more comfortable to play. Score: Price: $329, Available from Manufacturer $295, programmer models more expensive. Used versions available for $139. Available from Manufacturer $1295, Available from Manufacturer $89.95, check prices $29.95 for base; $19.95 - $29.95 for skins

And the winners are...

Our Favorite Input Device To be completely honest, the TouchStream ST is our favorite keyboard yet. It's so simple, succinct, and efficient--we just love it. Now, it does have its share of flaws, as does every technology gadget, but the pros far outweigh the cons. The ability to use gestures alone makes this keyboard incredibly useful. With this gesture-recognition ability and the complete co-location of the mouse and keys, the TouchStream ST is our keyboard of choice (over the standard flat keyboard, and the other ergonomic keyboards).

Easiest Keyboard to Adapt To Ideazon Z-Board: Since the skins are so helpful, and the layout so intuitive, the Z-Board wins this category hands down. Although, we would like to see the key mechanism improved to feel a bit more crisp, but require less force.

Most Difficult Keyboard to Adapt To The DataHand System is a brilliant device. We're very impressed. However, the learning curve is a real killer. In order to really jibe with the DataHand System you need the motivation to learn how to use it. Most of us may not have that motivation, but for those who do (whether they be motivated by injury, potential injury, a strong desire to be more efficient, or the lack of $1,295 in their bank account), the DataHand could be a real godsend.

Most Innovative Input Device Again, we have to pick the DataHand System. If you can excuse the consultant-speak, the designers were really thinking "outside the box". This device takes the idea of an input device to a whole new level--and, we like where it's going.

Coolest Technology Could the winner be anything but the TouchStream ST? We're fascinated by the MultiTouch technology. The fact that the device incorporates a 2-dimensional proximity sensor array and has a built-in microprocessor… well, that just makes us drool. (Author's note: Hmm… Maybe I should look into the Computer Science department at the University of Delaware where this technology is being researched.)

Best Keyboard for Writers The SafeType vertical keyboard is ideal for writers and others who do a lot of email, document writing, and data entry. We love the feel of the vertical keyboard, and once you get over the small learning curve you'll relish the comfort (Another author's note: I switched back to the SafeType keyboard to write this summary. Read into that what you will.)

Best Keyboard for Gamers We've got a tie. The ability to switch to a game-specific skin makes the Ideazon Z-Board and ideal choice for gamers.

However, if your favorite game doesn't have a skin created for it, or you'll just up for something new and out there, the TouchStream ST has some really helpful gestures designed specifically for gaming.

Best Keyboard for Code Warriors Another tie, the TouchStream is the author's personal favorite for coding since it allows for mousing and arrow key movements by gesture alone. Plus, it packs a punch when you add the coding-specific gestures to the mix.

However, we've heard from a few readers who use the DataHand for coding and have used it for a few years now--they give it a rave reviews (although, one honest reader admitted to using a Trackball mouse rather than the built-in mousing capabilities).

What's on Tap for the Next Roundup We're still a month or two away from our next roundup, but we've received some great tips from our readers here on ExtremeTech and from over at our pals at Slashdot. Here's the short list: Evolution Keyboard from Kinesis Anir Vertical mouse from AnimaX International TypeMatrix ErgoSecure keyboard by Goldtouch and more that we've heard about from readers… If you have any more suggestions, please shoot me an email at robyn_peterson@ziffdavis.com or post in the discussion off from this article.

Note: we may or may not include any or all of the above input devices in our next roundup.

And now for the voice of the people... Question: What do you think of the Vertical Keyboard? Answer Percentage Gotta Get One 4.46% I'm interested, but have to know more 17.94% I'm skeptical 24.72% No way, it's a dumb idea 34.70% I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition 18.18%

 

  Question: What do you think of the DataHand System? Answer Percentage Gotta Get One 15.56% I'm interested, but have to know more 31.70% I'm skeptical 21.99% No way, it's a dumb idea 10.41% Beam me up scotty, no intelligent life here 20.35%

 

  Question: What do you think of the TouchStream Keyboard? Answer Percentage Gotta Get One 16.00% I'm interested, but have to know more 30.00% I'm skeptical 19.33% No way, it's a dumb idea 12.22% I've got a gesture in mind that it doesn't understand 22.44%

 

  Question: What do you think of the Ideazon Keyboard? Answer Percentage Gotta Get One 18.89% I'm interested, but have to know more 35.56% I'm skeptical 21.11% No way, it's a dumb idea 15.56% Perhaps it's time I shed my skin 8.89%

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in ExtremeTech.