Micro Innovations KB98T Micro Touch Touchpad Keyboard

by Micro Innovations

Product Details

• Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JDFM
• Item model number: KB98T
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #93 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Computer Accessories > Keyboards, Mice & Input Devices > Touch Pads
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 14, 2006

Product Description

Micro Innovations KB98T Micro Touch Touchpad Keyboard

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Completely Ergonomic, December 10, 1999

By 

Dr. Gary Seeman (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Micro Innovations KB98T Micro Touch Touchpad Keyboard (Personal Computers)

The photo shows a keyboard that looks ergonomic (i.e., designed to avoid repetitive movement injury). However, an important feature is missing. Unlike the Microsoft Natural keyboard, this one does not have an arch built into the top so that the hands slightly face each other. Instead the top surface of the keyboard is flat. This lack of ergonomic design defeats the purpose of buying this kind of keyboard. I have found that a touchpad like the one on this keyboard is very helpful because it avoids the need to reach out and strain your wrist for mouse usage, and it's a shame Microsoft's keyboard does not offer this. The price is good, and the keyboard seems to have quality construction. Because I was expecting complete ergonomic features, Amazon was gracious in taking it back.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very durable, September 8, 2005

By 

Eric S. Mcwhorter (Bozeman, MT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Micro Innovations KB98T Micro Touch Touchpad Keyboard (Personal Computers)

I am a software developer and have worked jobs for about 10 years now that have involved long hours and a lot of typing. I'm also genetically predisposed to carpal tunnel. I have been using this keyboard for years.

When a switched to an ergonomic keyboard (started with the Microsoft Natural) I noticed my typing speed when down, however, once I made the switch I was able to control my carpal tunnel with regular excersise, control meaning I have no discomfort so long as I remain active. I'm sure the reduced typing speed has been a factor in my typing comfort.

I had previously used the Microsoft Natural keyboard and was disappointed by the lack of durability. Life is messy and sometimes I drop things on my keyboard. My experience with the Microsoft keyboard is sometimes when I get it wet some keys will stop working. When this happens I've tried cleaning it out, letting it dry, popping keys off, etc, can't bring it back to life.

By comparison, my Micro Innovations keyboard is a battleship. I've been using it at work for about 5 years now.

I think I would know if there were a difference between the wrist positions in the two keyboards. I think they both provide neutral wrist positions and I don't think the added contouring on the Microsoft keyboard is much of an issue.

For me, the touchpad was a huge advantage. It was frustrating at first to learn, but it relieved a lot of tension in my shoulders.

I'm giving 4 stars because I have had some problems with the touchpad. When I get it wet it stops working for a while, although it's always come back to life once it dries out. I do end up having to use a mouse for some days when this happens. By comparison, the touchpad on my Toshiba laptop doesn't have this problem.

Anyway, the Microsoft keyboard on my home computer just died, and rather than replacing it yet again with the same keyboard simply because that's the only ergonomic keyboard I can buy in town, I'm going out of my way to get a Micro Innovations.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only one of its kind, June 7, 2006

By 

Ira L. Gershenhorn "xilly" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Micro Innovations KB98T Micro Touch Touchpad Keyboard (Personal Computers)

This keyboard is the only one that works for me.
I type with the keyboard on my lap and I don't like to move my hands far from the keys which means I need a pointing device on the keyboard. This keyboard has the touchpad in the RIGHT place, which is on the right side. Keyboards with centrally located touchpads are very awkward to use. This one gets it right. Key action is perfect. I have an Adesso and its really mushy. This is an ego keyboard but it is not raised in the middle. Its flat and initially it feels a bit strange but I got used to it just fine. The palm rest contains the touchpad and this part is detachable. I wanted it to be one piece so I screwed and glued it to the main body. I have to get a few more of these while they are available.