Keyboards
I’ve been using two new keyboards lately. One of the reason I got new keyboards were because after spending 10+ years in the US, I really can’t get used to the Norwegian layout. Also, programming languages seem to be optimized for the US layout.
Getting the keyboards were somewhat of an ordeal, though. You can’t get keyboards with an US layout in Norway. On the other hand, you can’t get keyboards shipped to Norway from the US (something about warranties, I think. Fortunately, I still have some friends in the US that can ship the keyboard, but it’s a pain.
The Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard is a very comfortable keyboard. I was a little sceptical when I first got it because it seemed so flat, but it actually made it more comfortable. By being flat, I don’t bend my wrist that much, so I don’t feel any pain after a long day (although, to be fair, I’m spending most of my time in BEA Workshop/Eclipse waiting for the system to compile, so it’s not like I type much). Even though it looks like hitting the keys would be hard because of the curve, I got used to it pretty fast. The keys themselves are pretty soft, and I wish they could be a little harder so it would be easier to get tactile feedback. In general, I would say it’s a pretty good keyboard for programmers.
The Logitech Wave keyboard is my newest keyboard. I usually like Logitech keyboards and mices, so the hope was that this would be another winner. Like the Microsoft Curve, this keyboard is somewhat curved for increased comfort. Hitting the keys themselves give a pretty good feedback. Unlike the Microsoft keyboard, this keyboard is somewhat raised which makes it a little less comfortable than the Curve. They also changed the standard layout for the [Home/Del] row. I have hit the wrong key on several occasions already. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it (never actually noticed that I used those keys until I started hitting the wrong keys). It conclusion, good keyboard, somewhat less than the Curve. Would probably get a Curve if I had to buy a new one any time soon.
