If I Could Build It: In-Desk Keyboard, Left Side TK

[theGagne]

keyboard.png (22.1 KiB) Viewed 5462 times

So this is my idea, if I could build it. Cut a hole in desktop to fit a custom keyboard plate or case that fits into the hole. This hole allows the keyboard to sit "in" the desk with a near zero angle. With this design your wrists can lay naturally on the table and not need to be propped up.

In addition, I would like the numpad to be on the left hand side so I don't have to move my right hand off the mouse to reach it, and my mouse can be closer to the keyboard.

[aarondelani]

Love the idea...

One suggestion, integrate a trackpad on the right hand side, flush to the table.

[Kurk]

Datalux SpaceSaver keyboard (tray model)? If only the switches weren't that horrible.

http://www.dataluxstore.com/category.sc?categoryId=2
http://deskthority.net/photos-videos-f8 ... t3974.html

[Halvar]

Could you explain what, ergonomically, makes the difference to a keyboard plus wristpad? I don't really understand the advantage that makes it worthwile to saw a hole in your desk.

[theGagne]

Could you explain what, ergonomically, makes the difference to a keyboard plus wristpad? I don't really understand the advantage that makes it worthwile to saw a hole in your desk.

I'm not an ergonomic expert, but for some reason I feel it would be more comfortable to have closer to 90 degree angle on my elbows and little or no angle on my wrists. With a wrist wrest + elevated keyboard you have to reach up to the keys a little more. This may also contribute to poor circulation and cold hands.

My co-worker has Das Keyboard, and while I like most of the keyboard, the angle without a wrist wrest makes it kind of awkward, especially for the space bar.

[theGagne]

Love the idea...

One suggestion, integrate a trackpad on the right hand side, flush to the table.

I thought of that too. I could do that, but I generally prefer a mouse.

[Halvar]

I see, thanks!

[IvanIvanovich]

Sounds like what they used to do for some old terminals where the desk was all part of it and integrated keyboard.

[mr_a500]

Nice photo. With that wide screen, it looks like a desk version of the HP 2645. I always liked those wide screen HP terminals.

[theGagne]

Sounds like what they used to do for some old terminals where the desk was all part of it and integrated keyboard.

This is pretty close to what I'd like. I bet I could do something similar with a PCB mounted keyboard, just cut holes for the keys, mount the pcb underneath... Hmm.

Interesting the desk has a slope built in - is it ergonomically bad to have a keyboard 100% flat? Maybe you have to reach further? Building it with a slope would up the difficulty a little for me.

[jeff]

Probably not the best one but it is for sale http://www.leboncoin.fr/informatique/46 ... tm?ca=12_s

[kps]

Interesting the desk has a slope built in - is it ergonomically bad to have a keyboard 100% flat?

No, it's just a historical accident derived from mechanical typewriters that had stepped (not sloped) keyboards because otherwise the long throw would get your fingers caught. Current advice is that the keyboard should be flat or tilted slightly back {citation needed}.

[theGagne]

After a little experimentation with heights, I think I'm going to shoot for putting the PCB about 1/2 inch below the surface of the table, so that the keys fit under my fingers while my wrists wrest on the table. Of course if I get some DSA caps I'll have to raise it up a little more... Hm...