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Prototype Information
Note:
this page show the original concept prototype and the
production version is slightly different in appearance
with additional keys and fixed feet. The width has been decreased
slightly and the front to back increased to provide
better palm support. The base is now a U channel which
increases rigidity and overall flatness.
Executive Keyboard in
Perspex and Stainless-Steel
Concept Prototype Executive Keyboard - 3 Images
Awarded the Bill
Bye Trophy for Experimental Design, December 2002.
Letter Layout
Fig 1: Example
Executive Letter
Layout - Dual, Maltron Dominant, English UK.
The letter layout follows
the conventions found on a Qwerty keyboard except with the
changes associated with the optimised Maltron primary letter
layout. Secondary letters, numbers and symbols outside the two
5x3 key areas are in their normal places with the exception of
the "backslash-vertical bar" and the thumb keys.
N.B. All keyboards have
both Maltron and Qwerty letter layouts available (even if not
dually engraved on the key-tops) so people can change between the
two layouts as required.
Benefits of the
Maltron Letter Layout
The
Flat Maltron Keyboard compared to a
Standard Qwerty Keyboard:
The use of the Maltron letter
layout reduces the amount of individual finger movements required
to type and the vertically aligned keys reduce the sideways micro
movements which are very stressful on the fingers. The hands are
split apart to reduce the tension across the shoulders and helps
relieve hunching which promotes neck pain.
A great effort has been made in
the design of the flat version to keep as much as possible that
is familiar whilst providing the maximum benefit derived from the
3D version's format with its proven ergonomics.
So for anyone who wishes to
enjoy many benefits of the Maltron ergonomic design but who are
not actively suffering RSI in the hands and fingers may now
consider the Flat Maltron keyboard as an option particularly for
those who are experiencing pain and discomfort in the upper arms,
shoulders, back and neck when or after typing (WRULD).
Please look at this PowerPoint Slide
Show (pps) presentation about
KEYBOARD LETTER LAYOUTS
Flat
Keyboard concept and design by Susan Parker MIEE.
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