The World's Ugliest Gadgets
SafeType Keyboard
We feel bad for you if this is your keyboard. Not because you suffer from Carpal Tunnel, but because you're probably completely unaware that your coworkers are having a lot of laughs at your expense. In fact, people in the office building across the street are probably snickering too.
According to the official Web site, the SafeType Keyboard ($250) is the "only keyboard demonstrated to virtually eliminate the high-stress postures that contribute to Repetitive Stress Injuries, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." It does so by breaking the traditional keyboard in half and standing the two pieces on their sides. This forces you to type vertically with your hands, which is supposedly an "orthopedically neutral" position.
The fact that it looks like you could fly a 'Star Wars' X-Wing with it is just a happy coincidence.
We feel bad for you if this is your keyboard. Not because you suffer from Carpal Tunnel, but because you're probably completely unaware that your coworkers are having a lot of laughs at your expense. In fact, people in the office building across the street are probably snickering too.
According to the official Web site, the SafeType Keyboard ($250) is the "only keyboard demonstrated to virtually eliminate the high-stress postures that contribute to Repetitive Stress Injuries, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." It does so by breaking the traditional keyboard in half and standing the two pieces on their sides. This forces you to type vertically with your hands, which is supposedly an "orthopedically neutral" position.
The fact that it looks like you could fly a 'Star Wars' X-Wing with it is just a happy coincidence.
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Amy said 10:18AM on 10-07-2008
This video is no longer available.
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David said 1:24AM on 10-21-2008
Just use the gloves worn in Johny Mnemonic those were cool.
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Jengi said 11:14PM on 5-05-2009
Lori, you're still typing?? This is the 21st century, your computer can be voice activated now.
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Tom Read said 8:38PM on 5-24-2007
OK. Does this have anything to do with the fact that some people play the piano and other people play the accordian? I'd always thought that accordian playing was some sort of anti-carpal thing.
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Lori said 9:45PM on 5-24-2007
I don't care if it's ugly, it has helped me a lot!
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Aerith said 9:58PM on 5-24-2007
Lori-
No one said it didn't work. They just said it was ugly.
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bayoubill said 10:50PM on 5-24-2007
I was completely unaware of this gadget prior to seeing this article.
It's a pretty cool idea! I'd love to try it.
Speaking as someone who'se clocked thousands of hours on a traditional keyboard, and who endures the painful orthopedic degeneration to show for it, I have this to say:
For those of us who make a living by being chained to a keyboard, this item addresses a legitimate issue.
You people who think this unconventional keyboard is ugly can go eff yourselves.
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shannon said 10:44PM on 5-24-2007
Ok im sorry but i dont think I could ever learn to use that thing , because i always watch what im typing. So how do I do that when there on the side. Now that would be funny to watch.
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Danny said 11:15PM on 5-24-2007
The thing may be ugly, but it looks like it works. Hey, carpel tunnel is no joke.
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User26 said 11:32PM on 5-24-2007
I doubt this would be on this list if the first keyboards looked like this one... I know keyboards were taken from typewriters, but if this type of input device was launched with the first mouse, people would view our "normal" keyboards as "retro/ oldschool". I don't plan on spending $250 on it anytime soon though... my $50 leather padded on is just fine, I'll deal with the neck injury for now :D
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Michael said 12:17AM on 5-25-2007
I think this device is ingenius.
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Payday said 12:30AM on 5-25-2007
Ugly but they may be right.
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debdomingu said 4:03AM on 5-25-2007
Now why would someone waste good money on something that will never sell, let alone invest in someone so stupid looking
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asalamalickem said 4:39AM on 5-25-2007
Actually, I think the design just missed. If the ends curved inward making it look like the wing on a Subaru WRX, I think the functionality and visual appeal would drive a different reaction.
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nick said 9:59PM on 5-27-2007
who cares if it is kinda ugly, who ever has one will be laughing at every one else when they get carpel tunnel and can barly type
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Shannon said 11:49PM on 5-29-2007
I think the sheer fact that it is so ergonomically safe makes it beautiful.
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Mike said 8:01AM on 5-30-2007
Form should follow function, but can equal it as long as it does not surpass it, in my book. Unless it is a pure work of art, then its function is its form and vice versa!
I don't quite understand the point of the article. Sounds like someone with far too much time on their hands. I'd much rather see an article on things that look great form-wise but are inconvenient and disfunctional as hell. This article must have been written by a non-technical type as much as this post has been written by a technical one...
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jay said 7:46PM on 11-07-2007
the safe touch keyboard is only ugly because people are not use to seeing it. what is so pretty about a conventional keyboard anyway? and can one honestly say that the ergonomic keyboard is pretty?
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