Introduction

Ergonomic keyboards have been around for some time, but featured an odd looking design in which the keyboard was split in half to force a certain hand position. While awkward and large, they provide a larger degree of comfort to users, especially those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, at the expense of having to adjust to the odd setup.

Logitech has recently launched a new design for the ergonomic keyboard that is much more compact that current Microsoft designs and arranges the keys in a wave like pattern to promote comfort and ease of adoption. The keyboard is roughly the same size as standard non-ergonomic keyboards and should fit onto any standard desk.

Layout and Design

At first glance the Wave Keyboard looks more like a conventional keyboard than any previous ergonomic designs. Its name comes from the unique wave layout that alters one’s hand position into a more comfortable way of typing. The keyboard has three elevation levels due to two sets of risers on the back. I personally found the middle position to be the best and most comfortable.

The keys require roughly the a normal amount of force to press down, and while at first I found myself stumbling over keys a few times, since the layout is so close to a normal non-ergonomic keyboard it was quite easy to adjust to in a short time span. The front of the keyboard is fitted with a cushion to rest one’s writs on while typing.

The absence of an F-Lock is a godsend; it removes the accidental confusion users sometimes face when trying to use the F-keys for program shortcuts, but accidentally doing something else because the F-lock was turned on. The use of a function key + F-key combination eliminates that confusion.

Layout Left		Layout Right

Software and Special Functions

Logitech’s wave keyboard comes with their Set Point software. This software enables users to customize the use of the function buttons and to disable certain keys such as caps lock or the windows key. The function keys on the far left are for the Windows Vista Aero interface. Pressing the lower key opens the interface and the other scrolls through the window. The top function keys open windows media player, iTunes, your photos, or bring the gadget tool bar in vista to the front.

On the far right side are buttons for the calculator and to power down or put the PC in sleep mode. The sleep mode button is disabled by default, but is easily turned on via Set Point. Separate functions for all of the Function keys are also accessible using the function key. Unlike Microsoft Keyboard that uses an F-Lock to toggle these, a key combination is used to access these. F1 to F3 launch Microsoft Office applications, F4 – F6 are programmable, F7 – F9 are internet and messaging, and F10 – F12 are for searching the internet, searching your PC, and ejecting a DVD or CD.

Customizing these extra keys is fairly easy and straightforward even for a novice user. Set Point is easy to navigate, non-intrusive, and doesn't’t waste much processing power or memory running in the background. To program any key simply choose the appropriate setting and hit ‘ok’ and one is good to go.

Closer look

Front of the box		Back of the box

Overhead shot		Back of the keyboard

Conclusion

Overall this new design by Logitech leaves all previous ergonomic designs in the dust. It’s simply superior in every way shape and form. The two concerns with ergonomic keyboards are the large cumbersome design and the ability to adapt to the new layout. This keyboard eliminates both of those design flaws, and does so in a way that’s top notch. I would recommend this keyboard not just to those who suffer from hand ailments after typing, but to all general computer users as a way of typing more comfortably and more efficiently.

Some pros we found:

• Small size and Excellent Layout
• Easily Programmable
• Comfortable
• Easy to adapt to new layout

Some Cons we found:

• Inability to change windows key into the Function key for F-key combos
• Aero interface keys somewhat clunky

Overall: 9 out of 10 – Recommended Buy