Related Sections: Computer Peripherals
Smartfish Pro:Motion keyboard has moving keys for more ergonomics and creepiness
Everyone's seen those questionable curved keyboards that are supposedly more ergonomic. A new company called Smartfish has now created a questionable curved keyboard with an extra ingredient: motorized keys that move with your fingertips.
The Smarfish Pro:Motion keyboard imperceptibly adjusts the keyboard's shape throughout the day, doing things like pushing the two halves apart slightly or shifting the angle of the tilt. Sounds Pretty:Iffy. What's the basis for this idea? Do our wrists tighten or loosen up as we type? What does it mean for people with weird schedules or type more in the afternoon than the morning?
We probably won't get answers for a while, since the company's skeletal website doesn't have much in the way of prices or release dates for its products, which also include a mouse and a game controller. We'll keep open minds, but until the Pro:Motion arrives we'll stick with our SteelSeries 7G.
UPDATE: A company rep told us the Pro:Motion keyboard should be available in May for $149.
UPDATE 2: The inventor responded to us in the comments! See below for more.
Smartfish Technologies, via Engadget
By Jack at 3:24 PM ON 01/14/09
Peter,
The technology we have created is quite simple actually. Repetitve Stress Injuries like Carpal Tunnel and the like caused by one key factor, repetition. Our keyboards learn when you have repeated work in the same posture for too long and shift position slightly. Doing this does two things, first the keyboard flexes and extends where the front of the keyboard moves up and down, this helps circulation, decreasing pressure at the wrist. The second movement is where the two halves spread apart, this allows the stress of repetition to be spread over a larger area of your hand and not over a narrow area which tends to swell and compress the nerves in your hand. Many programmers have adopted a similar system by cycling through multiple keyboards with tremendous success. Just ask the folks at Google. We at Smartfish automated it. We have also updated our site today and there you can find a white paper by the Hospital for Special Surgery explaining the science behind this.
Jack
Inventor of the Smartfish Keyboard
By Gepta at 7:03 PM ON 01/14/09
WOW! That sounds awesome! Although it does sound a little pricey for the average user, if it works like it says, it will save many people from a lot of aches and pains, and medical bills, and insurance headaches. The Future is NOW!!! I wish the folks at Smartfish Keyboard much success in this venture!!
By MeridianJP at 4:10 AM ON 01/15/09
Does it have nice mechanical keys with that great tactile feel? I'm currently using a Filco keyboard with Cherry mechanical keys and it is a real pleasure to type on, but I am always on the look out for good keyboards.
By Szwaters at 5:16 AM ON 01/15/09
Would Jack design a mouse that have the same health benefit. I am really looking forward for this keyboard. Price could be lower to reach more people who really needs it. ;-)
By LL at 3:48 PM ON 02/16/09
I am excited about this keyboard...I do think that a mouse moving on it's own could be an exciting technology especially for my cats.
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
LL:
I am excited about this keyboard...I do think that a mouse moving on it's own could be an exciting technology espec...More »