Customer Reviews

Micro Innovations KB98T Micro Touch Touchpad Keyboard

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

An attractive, flat, ergonomically shaped keyboard. I find the hand position comfortable, though others might prefer the humpback version espoused by Microsoft. The touch is easy and smooth. The touch pad has a pleasant tactile surface and is conveniently (for me) placed at the right-hand end of the keyboard. My only dislike of the keyboard is that the (mouse) buttons are placed at the ends of the touchpad and do not fit the hand nearly as well as if they were placed below. This causes one to type with a high hand position which seems unnatural and for some might eventually create hand problems. Still, this is better than the center placement on laptops where the thumbs are constantly being dragged across the pad--to the extent that some manufacturers (HP at least)have placed an on/off switch at the top of the touchpad. I saw a number of desktop keyboards advertised with the center placement, and am of the opinion that they would be borrowing trouble.

Finally, given the prevalence of laptops and touchpads, I am surprised that the manufacturers have not provided, and more agressively marketed, better touchpad keyboards than are available. All of the moderately priced keyboards on the market seem to be models four and five years old. I have used a touchpad for years and find mice not only uncomfortable, but uncooperative--and space hogs as well!

CA

Touchpad on this keyboard is convenient and is properly located but the right and left click keys are inconveniently located. The cord is short and the keyboard software is not compatible with Windows XP. The return policy on this product was quite cumbersome.

I HAVE TROUBLE OPERATING A REGULAR MOUSE,BECAUSE OF ARTHRITIS,AND THIS ITEM IS JUST BEAUTIFUL.I HAD A TOUCH PAD BEFORE,BUT THIS IS CONVENIENT BEING ON THE KEYBOARD.I LOVE IT!!!!!!

I love my Micro Innovations keyboard. My company first gave me one with the touchpad in the middle, by the end of the first day using this my shoulder ached. I'm short so my arms are too maybe someone with a longer reach wouldn't have so much trouble. I finally got one with the toughpad on the right and it's saved me. I've had tendonitis repeatedly and if I couldn't use this keypad I'm sure I'd be crippled by now.

My only problem is the touchpad stops working, I bang it a couple times and it's fine but it seems to be happening more and more now and I can't find another one to replace it. I would love to know if anyone sells them.

I had a keyboard like this before, but it was in all one piece. For some reason they have decided to split the mouse section from the keyboard, and it was a poor design choice. Being able to split your arms wider with the ergonomic keyboard will make you a faster typist. but the small touch pad in lieu of a mouse is poorly placed, and the part that it rests on kept coming apart from the main keyboard. Plus the touch pad is not very sensitive. I finally just gave it to the thrift shop and went back to a one-piece keyboard. Too bad.

I have really appreciated Micro Innovations providing an ergonomic keyboard with the touchpad on the RIGHT side of the keyboard. For some strange reason all but Micro Innovations have the touchpad either in the center or on the left side of the keyboard. My only complaint is that this -- ALL of this type of keyboard actually, still require a PS2 connection. It is pretty much impossible to find a new system with a PS2 connection. Fortunately I'm using a laptop and a docking station which provides for a PS2 connection. I truely hope the manufactors of these great keyboards find a way to move to USB connections for both the keyboard and mouse pad.

I like this touchpad keyboard, I have used one attached to another computer for four years and it is perfect for me. Good ergonomics and the touchpad seems to last forever.