[revised] Awesome Computer Keyboard ! !

Since first posting this I’ve learned a lot about the Type Matrix Keyboard.

A sales rep at their company has been very kind and patient with my numerous questions and assures me that:

1 – it will work with just about any laptop and should immediately be recognized without drivers

2 – it connects via (ugh) ps/2 but comes with a free ps/2 to USB conversion cable and a USB native model is roughly planned for release in 3 months (more details to follow on other upgrades/improvements/modifications for that model)

3 – it will work across multiple systems (win/mac/lin)

4 – it’s pretty much a tote, plug, use set up that can be moved to any computer

5 – if using with a laptop, the laptop’s main keyboard keys will not de-activate when the Type Matrix is plugged in

6 – the QWERTY/DVORAK mapping is handled by an on-board re-mapper – so you would be able to plug it into a computer that hasn’t been set up to recognize DVORAK previously (which isn’t a major hassle in itself, but it’s a neat addition)

I’m in the process of learning to type on the Dvorak keyboard (after converting my laptop keyboard to recognize DVORAK) * here’s an awesome (free) app that will easily switch keyboard layouts that, unlike the window’s way, will persist as you switch to different applications (text editor, email, browser, etc)

The documentation on their site says that it actually helps reduce repetitive stress due to hyper-extension of the fingers, while also improving typing accuracy after a short learning curve. It basically looks like my laptop’s keyboard (as far as the shape and construction of the keys) but I’m most interested in the straight columns for the keys. The fact that my laptop keyboard was bad from the minute that it shipped – that after typing for a few minutes the keys get hot (from the laptop) – or that keys stick – of that keys don’t respond – and that sometimes you simply have to pound the keys to get a response only furthers my interest in getting something better.

At first glance, I thought John C. Dvorak was endorsing this, but I soon learned that the Dvorak in question had developed a new keyboard layout which, on this keyboard looks very strange.

Dare I throw out 25 years of QWERTY love?
Actually, I’m already working on it. This site has a great tutorial that will walk you though every stage of learning to type on the DVORAK keyboard. At this point, after about a dozen hours, I’m still pretty slow – 20 some wpm, but each day it feels more natural and I’m sure that I’ll continue to practice until I can make the switch to DVORAK without looking back.

Link to the manufacturer’s site: Type Matrix keyboard