I liked the yellow keyboard I got so much that I also got one for home in order to keep my typing speed up so I didn't have to change mindsets between home and work. I have the aquamarine colored model at home.
These keyboards work well for both Mac and PC.
There is actually a better, more professional looking board. Advertised as aimed at K-6 grade children and for people that have to type with one hand, I would love to get more than the one model that I have at home.
The LittleFingers keyboard from Data Desk Products feels sturdier than the A4 Tech, however, but seem to be hard to come by and may no longer be in production.
I will probably get another A4 Tech keyboard to take with me in a briefcase and act as a back up should my one at work have problems since my work is unwilling to provide non-adult sized items for employees.
Oddly enough, when the ergo consultant advised me to use two mice, the other one I purchased was from Ergo Cube.
Deciding to have fun since my keyboard already has ABC and some hokey pictures of sports figures at the top of the board, I ordered fun mice. I have a tiger and two dogs.
In defense of my workplace and their ergo awareness, they DID provide me a special chair for petite people; however, this was only after a manager, who is taller and heavier than I, got one and I had to pursue the issue after accidentally finding out about it.
In any case, the A4 Tech keyboards are not that expensive and mine has lasted for over two years. Your kids might not be able to tell you if they feel pain, but I highly recommend getting an A4 Tech keyboard. If your child grows or as your child grows, you can get another keyboard.
Currently, the A4 Tech keyboards come in blue, Barbie pink and aquamarine. They also have a new wireless multimedia mini-desktop keyboard that I haven't tried. From time to time, you'll find other websites putting these keyboards on sale.
Article comments
1 - Owen
computer related injuries are a big issue - you can find more info at
ergonomictimes.com
2 - Linda Marroquin
The solution is FrogPad, the one handed keyboard.
3 - Purple Tigress
I looked at the FrogPad. It has normal sized keys. One of its plugs is that most people use the hunt-and-peck which I do not do.
I'm not sure why one would want to hold a document or other items while entering info, another plug for this product. That's a bit too much multitasking.
I wonder if one was using just one hand instead of two if the repetitive motion problems wouldn't increase. My problem was the full-sized keys which are made for adults of a normal size.
I also did accounting work and the smaller number keys on my A4 Tech or my Little Fingers is much easier for me to use without looking.
It also doesn't seem to provide for usage of graphic arts programs.
So I do not think the FrogPad is the answer for someone whose hands will remain as small as mine.