Executive Keyboard in Perspex and Stainless-Steel

USB keyboard with PC-Mac UK key-tops.

This version shows a UK PC-Mac Maltron letter layout with secondary Qwerty in lowercase. Qwerty primary layouts are also available.

Executive keyboard - CAD rendered views.

New Production Version - CAD Images

Note: The top and sides are shown as smoked Perspex for clarity as the clear Perspex does not show well in the rendered images. Production keyboards use clear Perspex.

From initial concept to prototype to production extensive use was made of computer modelling for form and function. The model incorporates individually profiled key tops and simplified key switch modules for each key position and even on a fast PC the ¾ perspective view above takes about ten minutes to render in Lightworks.

The use of CAD design has allowed us to transfer design data directly to the metalwork and Perspex suppliers and ensures that all the parts fit together accurately and consistently.

The Production Keyboard

Letter layouts for the executive keyboard.

(With diagrams)

Line drawings of the production executive keyboard.

(Top, front, side and base perspective views.)

How an Executive Keyboard is assembled.

(Diagram and pictures of the stages in assembling the keyboard.)

"Developing the Concept"

Follow this link to see pictures of the prototype executive keyboard.

Follow this link for more on the development of the prototype executive keyboard.

Notes:

1. The Executive keyboard incorporates a native USB controller for direct connection to both Apples and PCs (unlike the other keyboards in our range which have PS/2 or ADB controllers).

2. Layout and Apple/PC changeover is by a pair of slide switches on the underside of the keyboard.

3. The keyboard is manufactured out of solid sheet materials on an individual basis and whilst every effort is made to ensure that you receive your keyboard in the best possible condition some small marks may be apparent on the metalwork or Perspex. This does not detract from the functionality of the product.

Why a new Maltron Keyboard?

The biggest improvement in keyboard operation is to change from a flat Qwerty keyboard to a 3D fully ergonomic Maltron keyboard as this reduces stresses on fingers, wrists, and arms as well as improving posture. By making this change around 2000 people are back at productive work, freed from keyboard related pain, who would otherwise be on medical disability and need Social Support

The perception often encountered with the Maltron ergonomic 3D keyboard is that because it looks so different it would be difficult to use. This reaction stops many people who need it from obtaining substantial benefit.

The new 2D Executive model offers most of the Maltron design advantages in a more familiar shape and is at the same time smart and appealing.

Featuring proven Maltron concepts developed over many years the Executive keyboard has:

• A split letter layout to remove damaging wrist abduction and relaxes shoulder muscles.

• Straight finger key columns and the thumb groups which reduce both hand and finger movement and fatigue.

• The central number group is now equally accessible to both Left and Right handed operators.

Specifications

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

PLEASE NOTE

Whilst we really really do think you will get most benefit from using the Maltron letter layout we also acknowledge that many people have invested much time and effort in becoming proficient in their typing skills so we DO offer a QWERTY dominant or QWERTY only letter key-top version as well.

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.

British Design Registration No: GB 3007667

Flat Keyboard concept and design by Susan Parker MIEE.