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An adjustable split keyboard that can be adjusted in angle in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The keyboard can be used with a separate number pad, though one is also built into the keyboard. An ergonomic mouse, mouse pad and wrist rest are also available.
The Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard allows the workplace to be arranged to improve comfort and enhance productivity and efficiency.
. It is continuously adjustable in the range 0 to 30, both horizontally and vertically.
. The keyboard angle is adjusted using a lever situated on the left side of the keyboard. The lever is pulled toward the rear allowing the keyboard to adjust in both horizontal and vertical angles. This can enable a more natural hand position to be achieved, both in terms of forearm rotation and wrist deviation.
. The keyboard, mouse and keypad are designed to be PC compatible.
. The key switch life is 10 million keystrokes.
Operating system: Win 95, 98, NT and Dos. 3.0, and Windows 2000.
PS/2 Port.
. The numeric keypad has been embedded into the keyboard to make the "footprint" of the hand smaller. This allows the mouse to be used much closer to the keyboard, reducing the necessity of extending the arm out to the side, a problem that may cause tension in the shoulder, neck and arm.
. The keyboard has also been designed to disperse the workload to both left and right hands. On the standard keyboard most of the work is on the right side. The Goldtouch Keyboard has placed some of the keys such as the Home, Insert, End, Page Up, Page down and delete key on the left side to give more balance to the work.
. The space bar is not programmable. None of the keys on the keyboard are programmable.
Setting up the keyboard
Everyone is different and will require different typing positions to suit them and their workstation.
It is necessary to set the keyboard up to be stable on its four feet to stop any wobble. Pull the locking bar mechanism out. With the right hand lifting the back of the keyboard from underneath, place the left thumb on the Goldtouch logo and pull the handle back into the locked position.
There is usually a discrepancy between the user's shoulder width and keyboard width when the fingers are placed on the home row of keys. To prevent compensation by angling the wrists outward (ulnar deviation), the Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard splits in the horizontal plane (0 - 30 degrees). This allows the wrists to be straight which in turn will increase the comfort level.
The keyboard is split into segments so that it can be raised in the centre to more closely match the natural alignment of the forearm and wrist.
IMPORTANT: After making this adjustment check that your elbows are at 90 and your forearms are horizontal. If they are not, alter your seat or desk height.
Why is the keyboard designed the way it is?
. This product is designed to be adjusted to suit individual body requirements, rather than forcing the user's body to conform to the keyboard. It provides for personal adaptation of the two alphanumeric sections to help attain relaxation of the muscles and tendons of the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders.
Numeric pad
. The numeric pad was removed from the right side of the keyboard and embedded within the lettering (similar to a laptop keyboard) to allow the user to bring the mouse much closer to the 'comfort zone' in front of you. Pressing the Fn Lock key enables the embedded numeric keypad. It must be pressed again to resume normal keyboard function.
Goldtouch provides a separate 18 key numeric keypad for those who need it.
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
| Supplier | Location | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ability Technology | Seaforth, NSW | Sales: 02 9907 9736 Fax: 02 9907 9599 Contact Person: Dr Graeme Smith | |
| Ergonomic Office | Fyshwick, ACT | Sales: 1300 555 930 Fax: 1300 666 466 Contact Person: Ann Taylor | |
| Ergoport | North Sydney, NSW | Sales: 02 9929 8447 Fax: 02 9929 7040 |
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