Goldtouch for Mac - Ergonomic Keyboard

Reviewed by Robert Pritchett

Introduction

The Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard allows you to adjust the two alphanumeric sections both horizontally and vertically to suit your individual body requirements. This helps you assume a more natural posture that is conducive to improving comfort and productivity while using your computer.

FEATURES INCLUDE

• USB connector
• Adjustment for wrist splay in the horizontal plan: 0°-30°, continuously variable
• Adjustment for wrist pronation - vertical tenting 0°-30°, continuously variable
• Easily adjusted, locking ball and socket latch mechanism
• Small, space saving foot-print to bring your mouse inside your ergonomic "comfort zone"
• Editing key layout for left-right work distribution
• Large space bars for easy thumb use
• Full size, full travel, tactile feedback keys with soft end-stop
• Low noise key actuation
• Standard alphanumeric key layout (QWERTY)

APPLE KEY FEATURES

• Apple Control Key
• Right and Left Apple and Option Keys
• CD Eject
• Mute and Volume Control

Getting Started

Even though this keyboard has no USB ports, it does have a power button that works and it is quiet (no real or imagined “clickity” key click sounds). Even though some of the keys are “misplaced”, it didn’t slow productivity nor did it take 2 weeks (reference the Kinesis keyboard review) to learn.

The keys are the typical keys that feel cheap, but work great. I don’t know if the lettering will come off over time or not yet. They are decaled on, but the keytops are not intended to “come off”.

There is an extra numeric keypad for doing calculations, but it is “built-in” on the right hand unit if the Num Lock key is on. And the Num Lock and Caps Lock both have separate LEDs that are green when on, so there is no mistake if you are using those functions. I missed that in wireless keyboards.

Using the Hardware

The company sells a palmrest, but it is not included with this unit from Key Ovation. There is no keystand in the back to raise the corners. And what I am learning about ergonomics, there also is no keystand in front to allow the wrists to rest either so the keyboard slopes away from the hands instead of parallel to the table surface.

I ding the keyboard for not having an extra USB port on board as a “true” Apple keyboard replacement, since it is a “hardwired” keyboard. I figure for the price they could have added the USB ports, so it would be a “true” Apple keyboard replacement.

The way the keyboard is designed it tends to flex a bit with the one piece holding the two sides together and the lever over time may not keep the friction/tension, since it too is made of plastic. But then again, who knows. With this tilt/rotate design you can adjust the keyboard to fit your hands.

I found that in order for the flex to function, I had to “float” my hands above the keyboard.

Conclusion

Thankfully the “gold touch” is in the key play and the keys are not wobbly, nor is it necessary to push the keys all the way down in order for them to function properly. And I appreciate the split spacebar.

With 2 inches off the sides from a “regular” keyboard, this one does bring the hands closer together, but the keys are designed for those of us who have “fat fingers”.

And perhaps that is good enough for an “ergonomic “ keyboard after all.