23rd World

Okay, I still want dasKeyboard. Now I want one even more, in fact, because they’ve come out with a new and improved version. But there are a couple other keyboards that look pretty sweet - the Combimouse and the TypeMatrix EZ-Reach 2030.

The EZ-Reach 2030 moves the important shift, enter and backspace keys to the center, where your strong fingers are. Not only can you order it with DVORAK layout, but there’s a button to switch back and forth to QWERTY. (Great if you share the computer or are not sure about switching.) It is totally flat, which can be good or bad - I personally find skinny flat keyboards a little uncomfortable, but the good news is you can put it right on top of your laptop keyboard.

The Combimouse is, like it sounds, a combination keyboard and mouse, basically splitting the keyboard in two and allowing the right side to function as a mouse as well. I love the concept, however, it’s not in production yet, I probably would want to wait for a second generation product and the keyboard inflexible for other mods, like layout changes not to mention the inability to switch mouse hands, which I do periodically to spread the click-impact load.

Yep, dasKeyboard is still the front-runner…I have some hesitations though. For one, I’ve been on a spending spree and just purchased Clocky, an alarm clock that runs away from you after one snooze, this morning. Also, it hasn’t been featured on Cool Tools yet (how great can it be?!?). I also want to read more reviews…but I’m willing to gamble at such a potential productivity boost. Maybe I can do a quick side-job to fund my gadget wish list…anyone need a Wordpress install customized for their business? Or maybe you want to get me one (it’s on my ThinkGeek wishlist).

Related posts: Blank Keyboard on mahalie.com, The Combimouse on Engadget, Top 5 Creative Keyboards on Tech E Blog.