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DataHand
Customers Ask the Questions; The DataHand Systems Team Provides
the Answers
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The following answers have been compiled from three years of phone
calls and e-mails received at DataHand Systems, Inc. We hope all
questions will be answered here or elsewhere on our website. If
some question is not answered, please call or e-mail us. We welcome
all questions, and we are working to provide the full range of information
site visitors’ need.
General
Information (including questions about how to use a
DataHand ergonomic keyboard and mouse)
1.
Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard more comfortable than other keyboards?
2. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard more healthful
than other keyboards?
3. Does a DataHand ergonomic keyboard reduce
finger and hand workload?
4. How adjustable are DataHand ergonomic keyboards?
5. Does a DataHand ergonomic keyboard really
offer the lightest key touch available?
6. How are DataHand finger motions less repetitive?
7. How do DataHand ergonomic keyboards reduce
carpal tunnel involvement?
8. How does a DataHand ergonomic keyboard work?
9. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard faster than
other keyboards?
10. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard more accurate
than other keyboards?
11. Who buys DataHand ergonomic keyboards?
12. What is the return on investment generated
by a DataHand keyboard?
Learning
Curve
1.
Can anyone learn a DataHand ergonomic keyboard?
2. How quickly can a typical person learn
to work on a DataHand ergonomic keyboard
3. What Individual buyer training resources
are available?
4. What training resources are available
for corporate buyers with many workers?
Mouse
1.
Where is the mouse on a DataHand ergonomic keyboard?
2. How is the DataHand ergonomic keyboard's mouse
controlled?
3. What mouse platforms are supported with a DataHand
ergonomic keyboard?
Key
Layout
1.
Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard organized like a standard keyboard
using the QWERTY key layout?
2. Is a Dvorak key layout available?
3. What do the thumbs control on a DataHand
ergonomic keyboard?
4. Are the keys re-mappable?
5. What is the difference between the DataHand
Personal Edition and the DataHand Professional II?
6. Can macros be programmed?
7. Is the DataHand ergonomic keyboard a chorded
device?
General Information
1.
Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard more comfortable than other keyboards?
Yes. No other keyboard is as adjustable to fit the size and shape
of each person's hands—even if a person's hands are different
from each other! While other keyboards require finger and hand movement
to find lineally located, ergonomically inadequate key positions,
the DataHand keyboard places all the keys within a short reach of
the tips of the fingers. This design makes keyboard work more comfortable,
less stressful and more productive. When finger travel distances
are reduced, key activation forces can also be reduced. On the DataHand
keyboard, operators do not tend to use more force than necessary
as their fingers move among the keys. The key activation movements
are gentle, quick, and easily differentiated. Each key has a different
feel and movement direction. These factors all add up to a keyboard
that is more comfortable, less stressful, and less demanding of
strenuous effort to operate.
2. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard more healthful than other keyboards?
Yes. Improved comfort, reduced chronic workload, reduced upper body
musculoskeletal involvement, and an intrinsic mouse (accessible
without hand movement) result in a more healthful experience offering
lower risk of injury. Because the hand is ergonomically supported,
stress to the arms, wrist, and upper body is avoided. On the DataHand
keyboard, work is done by the fingers alone, without any hand, arm,
and wrist movement. These findings have been proved through independent,
peer reviewed, and published studies and also through many compelling
user testimonials. For further detail, please click
here to see the Studies section or click
here to see the Testimonials section.
The DataHand ergonomic keyboard is not a medical device and no medical
claims are made on its behalf. Through improved design, it simply
reduces the stress factors incumbent with the traditional keyboard.
3. Does a DataHand ergonomic keyboard reduce finger and hand workload?
Yes. Work is defined as force times distance (W = F X D). The DataHand
ergonomic keyboard reduces both variables of the work equation,
namely force and distance. The forces required to activate DataHand
keys are much less than the forces required on traditional keyboards.
The keys on other keyboards require an increasing percussive force
curve whereas DataHand keys rely on low-force magnetic switches
with a decreasing or inverse force curve. A completely different
more user-friendly touch is enabled. Once the position of the keywells
are properly adjusted, many of the keys are no more than 0.1"
(2.5 mm) away from the finger tips, depending on the size of the
fingers. All keys require no more than approximately 0.5" (1.25
cm) finger movement from their home position in the center of the
keywell. This minimal movement is true for mouse operation as well!
With the two variables of the work equation in mind, ergonomists
have described the DataHand ergonomic keyboard as a minimal force
and minimal motion keyboard.
4. How adjustable are DataHand ergonomic keyboards?
DataHand keyboards are more adjustable than any other keyboard on
the market. The DataHand design offers an appropriate range of adjustability
in every plane. Only the distances between fingers are not adjustable.
Two sizes of palm pads are available (small and large). The palm
pads, keywell sizes, and the DataHand range of adjustment were all
designed to comfortably fit roughly 90% of adult hand sizes. The
individual hand modules can be positioned to fit the preference
and comfort of each user. Some DataHand users work on the provided
LapLander™ shipped with each DataHand keyboard while others
place their DataHand keyboard on a desk, in a keyboard drawer, or
even on the arms of a specially designed ergonomic office chair.
Such a chair is available as an accessory from DataHand Systems.
Some very large keyboard operators place the two hand units as much
as three feet apart on opposite arms of a specially designed chair.
5. Does a DataHand ergonomic keyboard really
offer the lightest key touch available?
Yes, ANSI standards for key activation forces are between 50-60
grams. Key forces on the DataHand keyboard are less than half this
force standard. DataHand keys only require 18-22 grams of force,
and all DataHand keyboards are tested for standard compliance prior
to shipment. How is such a light key touch possible? Most other
currently manufactured keyboards are activated by membrane based
circuitry. The DataHand system relies on a patented low-force magnetic
switch design unavailable on any other keyboard on the market. Remember
that the DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard key force is only one half
of the story when it comes to chronic workload—the other variable
is the finger travel distance required for key activation. For those
with special needs because of serious injury in the past, the key
forces on the DataHand keyboard can be reduced below the 18-22 gram
range. This modification is available as a special option. Individuals
experiencing chronic pain from keyboard work should inquire about
this option.
6. How are DataHand finger motions less repetitive?
On other keyboards, each key requires a repetitive downward keystroke.
All keys require the same downward, percussive finger movements
for activation. On the DataHand keyboard, only one of the five keys
surrounding each finger requires a downward key activation movement.
The other four keys surrounding the fingertips require movements
to the north, south, east, and west. In this way, the DataHand keyboard
distributes typing motions in five tactually distinct directions.
Rather than repeating the same undifferentiated downward, percussive
motion, the different keys surrounding each finger become associated
with five different, much more gentle, shorter, less stress inducing
movements. In addition, on the flat keyboard and other keyboards
based on the basic flat keyboard paradigm, workers tend to use more
force than necessary to activate the keys. This tendency compounds
and intensifies repetitive motion aggravations. On the DataHand
keyboard, the tendency to use excessive force is eliminated. Applying
more force than necessary is actually difficult on the DataHand
keyboard. In contrast to the common "key pounding" pattern
on other keyboards, the DataHand system enables users to work gently
and quickly, using light touches on the keys.
7. How do DataHand ergonomic keyboards reduce
carpal tunnel involvement?
Since keystrokes on the DataHand system are distributed among five
different motions, some of the motions do not involve tendons passing
through the carpal tunnel. The Down, North, and South keys require
flexor and extensor muscles of the fingers and hands for their activation.
These muscles utilize tendons that travel through the carpal tunnel.
On other keyboards, all keystrokes rely on carpal tunnel involvement.
On the DataHand keyboard, the East and West keystrokes use intrinsic
muscles of the fingers and hands which do not require carpal tunnel
involvement. Even the keys requiring carpal tunnel involvement on
the DataHand keyboard offer low forces and short finger travel distances.
These two factors greatly reduce stresses through the carpal tunnel.
Because the wrist is supported in a straight position on the DataHand
palm pad, the tendons moving through the carpal tunnel do not become
crimped and irritated. The reduced chronic workload associated with
DataHand use is likely to allow the reduction of global swelling
in the hands—if this aggravation has resulted from previous
work on other keyboards. In sum, the DataHand ergonomic keyboard
is more friendly to the carpal tunnel. Documented user experience
supports this conclusion.
8. How does a DataHand ergonomic keyboard
work?
DataHand keys are distributed in finger modules surrounding the
fingertips of the operator. The position of these modules can be
adjusted to fit varying hand shapes and finger lengths. The keys
are activated through low-force magnetic switches requiring minimal
finger movement and forces for their activation. Each finger module
has 5 keys: Down, North, South, East, and West. Four such finger
modules and one thumb module make up the key switch arrangement
for each hand. Letters of the alphabet are presented in the default
or normal mode following the standard QWERTY keyboard layout, with
only four modifications. For example, the left little finger controls
Q (north), A (down), and Z (south), just as it would on a traditional
keyboard.
Numbers and symbols are accessed in NAS (Numbers and Symbols) mode,
entered by pressing the down switch on the right thumb. This Thumb-Down
switch is a two level switch with shift on the first level and shift
lock on the second level. The two levels of this switch are perceptibly
differentiable by feel. When locked, the NAS mode light remains
on even when the finger is removed from the switch.
The lock would be used for extended entry of numbers with both hands.
(The additional ten-key option allows all the numbers to be available
on the right hand.) Capital letter shifting in the normal or alphabetic
mode is accessed via a downward motion of the left thumb. The second
stage of thumb travel locks the keyboard in CAP shift lock. An associated
light just above the left thumb module goes on when CAP shift is
locked. The mouse and function mode is entered via an upward movement
of a key on the right thumb. This converts both index finger keys
into mouse movement keys. Further explanation of the DataHand mouse
function is provided in the Mouse section of this FAQ document following
below.
At any time, the keyboard can be returned to normal mode by pressing
the normal mode key using an upward movement of the left thumb.
A colored light on the right hand unit always indicates the current
mode. In the future an accessory will be available to audibly announce
mode changes. The cornerstone of the DataHand design is the minimal
force and minimal motion required to perform work. This greatly
reduces fatigue and increases productivity.
9. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard faster
than other keyboards?
Yes. A statistical analysis of seven separate productivity studies
has demonstrated a 16 +/- 9% average typing speed improvement over
traditional keyboards by day 30 of DataHand use. The confidence
interval of this analysis is 95%. In these studies, 75% of users
enjoyed an increase in typing speed. Many of the remaining 25% in
any average group of workers will typically reach their prior flat
keyboard speed and improve on it during a second 30 day period.
People require different amounts of time to learn the different
touch of the DataHand keyboard. As it is with many skills, some
people learn very quickly. Others need more than average amounts
of time.
One worker achieved 90 wpm in less than an hour and others have
achieved their flat keyboard speed in a couple of days to several
days. The cited productivity studies were independently conducted
at several corporate worksites where DataHand Systems' Corporate
Training Program was used to train workers in DataHand operation.
Clearly, individual learning processes vary. Please see the Learning
Curve section of Frequently Asked Questions that follows.
10. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard more
accurate than other keyboards?
Yes. An increase in typing accuracy is both an expected result of
the design and also a real benefit of using the DataHand ergonomic
keyboard. Float error (errors caused when unguided fingers float
erroneously to the wrong key), which is a major cause of error on
the flat keyboard, is reduced on the DataHand keyboard. While DataHand
does not automatically enable people to become more dexterous, it
does reduce factors that make errors easily possible. The differentiated
tactile feel of the keys and distinctly different direction of the
activation movements enables the typing process to be managed more
by the nerve endings in the tips of the fingers. The brain does
not have to learn many complex flight pattern combinations necessary
to direct the fingers between and among all the required key sequences.
Not only are finger movements simplified, but also hand movements
are eliminated entirely. Long finger reaches needed to get to the
numbers and symbols on the traditional flat keyboard are also eliminated.
Rather than looking and reaching to activate the numbers, as operators
do on a traditional keyboard, DataHand keyboard users simply enter
NAS (Numbers and Symbols) mode and type numbers and symbols directly
from the home row. The down keys in the center of each keywell are
the equivalent of the home row of keys on the traditional flat keyboard.
The Function Keys are used similarly. To employ the Function Keys
on a DataHand keyboard, users simply enter Mouse and Function mode
and touch type the Function keys in the same way alphabetic keys
are typed. Of all the accuracy promoting factors, the most important
may be the differentiated feel of the different keys. On traditional
keyboards all keys feel the same—all are downward keystrokes
at a particular point in an undifferentiated plane. On the DataHand
ergonomic keyboard, each of the five keys surrounding each finger
feels different.
11. Who buys DataHand ergonomic keyboards?
About 75% of DataHand customers are "Ergonomic Clients;"
the other 25% are "Productivity Clients." Individual ergonomic
clients come to DataHand Systems seeking relief from the pain experienced
from working on other keyboard products. Some clients are pro-active
wanting to prevent pain and discomfort in the future. However, most
are desperate for a keyboard concept offering pain relief and comfort.
Most spend 6+ hours per day keyboarding and mousing; many are computer
professionals with an existing chronic repetitive stress injury
such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. Many are contract
or self-employed computer programmers who use the DataHand ergonomic
keyboard to protect their hands from debilitating and career threatening
injuries.
The corporate ergonomic clients of DataHand Systems typically have
a growing group of employees with keyboard and mouse-related injuries.
They use DataHand ergonomic keyboards to close keyboard-related
workers compensation claims, reduce employee re-training costs,
and to reduce employee rehabilitation costs. With OSHA ergonomic
standards imminent in the United States, DataHand Systems is attracting
increased interest from corporate Workers' Compensation claims administrators.
DataHand productivity clients include corporations wanting to enjoy
the improved speed, accuracy, and reduced fatigue associated with
the DataHand ergonomic keyboard. These clients include high volume
data entry applications such as bank item processing departments,
post office mail processing departments, accounts receivable departments,
and call centers. Proven productivity improvements make the DataHand
return on investment quite attractive to these customers. For further
information on Internal Rate of Return and Return on Investment
calculations from existing customers, please contact the DataHand
sales department or see a summary of a variety of corporate productivity
studies in the Studies section of this website. Prospective analyses
can also be made using wage and other data provided by a potential
corporate customer.
12. What is the return on investment generated
by a DataHand keyboard?
The investment in a DataHand ergonomic keyboard includes the product
cost and the time required to reach previous baseline typing speed
and accuracy. The return on this investment is very powerful. Users
report almost immediate improvements in finger and hand comfort,
reduced typing fatigue, and reduced pain due to keyboard related
injuries. Often, this comfort and pain relief comes after trying
other alternative keyboards and many other types of remedies.
The human return on investment translates into lower health costs,
less lost work time, and lower Workers' Compensation costs. These
savings are in addition to direct savings from more productive,
less fatiguing computer keyboard work. A DataHand ergonomic keyboard
offers a very unique and well-proven alternative to all other keyboard
designs and, for many people, offers the over-riding value of protecting
their livelihood.
Learning Curve
1. Can anyone learn a DataHand ergonomic keyboard?
Yes. The DataHand ergonomic keyboard is organized like a traditional
keyboard. At first it may look daunting but within minutes you will
understand the key layout, modes, and design. The finger assignments
are the same as they are on a traditional keyboard—except
for four letters, which must be relearned. These four keys correspond
with the diagonal movement of the index fingers on the flat keyboard
(the B, T, N, and Y keys).
On the DataHand keyboard, the thumbs do more than simply operate
the spacebar; they are given multiple responsibilities, consistent
with their competence. Both the finger and the thumb key assignments
are intuitive and easy to learn. A different keying motion must
be learned, but the learning time spent pays off in improved comfort,
relief from risk of injury, less fatigue, reduced pain, and greater
productivity.
2. How quickly can a typical person learn
to work on a DataHand ergonomic keyboard?
Heads up templates are available for learning the keyboard layout
and on average, DataHand keyboard users report they have needed
a short amount of time to become familiar with the keyboard layout.
Statistical studies have shown that within 30 days the DataHand
users attained at least 7% improvement to their previous baseline
typing speed and accuracy. Touch typists may transition to the DataHand
ergonomic keyboard faster than do "hunt and peck" typists.
Beginning typists can learn to type on a DataHand keyboard faster
than they can learn to type on the traditional keyboard. Many design
factors contribute to making the DataHand ergonomic keyboard easier
to learn. The tactile feedback available from the differentiated
feel of the DataHand keys is a major factor in facilitating learning.
Nevertheless, some time is needed to learn the different and softer
touch and feel required to work on the DataHand keyboard. Remember,
your current keyboard skills were learned, usually, long ago and
polished over many years. Your return on the DataHand learning period
will be immediately improved comfort, pain relief, and increased
keyboard efficiency and accuracy.
3. What Individual buyer training resources
are available?
Your DataHand ergonomic keyboard will arrive with a training manual
developed specifically to facilitate your DataHand experience. View
Training Manual
4. What training resources are available for
corporate buyers with many workers?
The two options include a "Train the Trainer Program"
and a "Corporate Training Program." With the Train the
Trainer Program, DataHand trainers will train a company's in-house
trainers to become a Certified DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard Trainers.
This can take place at our main office in Phoenix, Arizona or at
the client's location of choice. With the Corporate Training Program,
a DataHand trainer will train up to 10 employees per session on
the DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard. This takes place at the client's
office(s) and training is tailored to the company's applications.
Mouse
1. Where is the mouse on a DataHand ergonomic keyboard?
The DataHand mouse is built-in right at the tip of the operator's
index fingers on the DataHand keyboard. One finger can be set to
move the mouse slowly, and the other finger can be set to move it
more quickly. Or, both can be set to the same speed. The speed of
each mouse control module is independently adjustable. The DataHand
mouse is shipped as a two-button mouse setting, but it can be set
up as a three-button mouse. By use of a switch on the middle finger
of the left hand and the third finger on the right hand, the mouse
keys can be switched between cursor movement and mouse movement.
2. How is the DataHand ergonomic keyboard's
mouse controlled?
The mouse control is based on the same principles as the DataHand
ergonomic keyboard; minimal finger movements and minimal forces
are required, and the operator's fingers do not need to leave the
home row of keys. The upper body musculoskeletal involvement commonly
necessary to operate traditional, accessory mice is eliminated.
When mouse mode is entered by activating the Function/Mouse mode
switch on the right thumb, the keys surrounding the index fingers
become active for mouse or cursor movement. DataHand mouse movement
emulates a traditional mouse—but with the unique DataHand
ergonomic benefits. When used together, the speed of the two fingers
is additive, offering a third speed. To left click, press the left
index finger down key and for the right click, press the right index
finger down key.
To leave mouse mode, the left thumb up switch is used to return
to normal mode. The operator's fingers do not need to leave the
home row of keys to operate the DataHand mouse! On other keyboards,
movement of the hand back and forth between the keyboard and the
mouse is both time consuming and stressful. Both the hand work involved
in mouse work and hand movement between the keyboard and the mouse
are significant sources of upper-body stress. On the DataHand keyboard,
such hand movement, like all other hand movement is eliminated.
3. What mouse platforms are supported with
a DataHand ergonomic keyboard?
PS/2 (6 Pin) and Serial (9 Pin) mouse connections are available.
Adapters are available for Macintosh PS/2 to ADB or USB, PC USB
and SUN. When ordering a DataHand keyboard, simply specify a mouse
connection (PS/2 or Serial) and adapter if required.
Key Layout
1. Is a DataHand ergonomic keyboard organized like a standard keyboard
using the QWERTY key layout?
Yes. Only the letters B, T, N, and Y are assigned to different fingers
than they are on the traditional flat keyboard (on the DataHand
keyboard, B, T, N, and Y have to be moved to a different place to
fit into the DataHand five-keys-per-finger design). The thumb key
assignments are arranged in an intuitive, easy to learn layout.
2. Is a Dvorak key layout available?
Yes. The DataHand Professional II offers a Dvorak key layout option
for an additional fee. The upgrade includes firmware that allows
you to switch freely between the Dvorak and QWERTY layout as desired.
The upgrade includes the Dvorak and QWERTY firmware, DataHand key
module templates, and both Dvorak and QWERTY training templates.
3. What do the thumbs control on a DataHand
ergonomic keyboard?
The left thumb keys are: Return/Enter, Shift and Shift Lock, Tab,
Control, and the Normal (alphabetic) Mode Key. The right thumb keys
are: Backspace, Alt, Numbers/Symbols Shift, and Numbers/Symbols
Lock, Space, and the Mouse/Function Mode Key.
4. Are the keys re-mappable?
Yes. The user following instructions in the User's Guide can change
most keys on the DataHand Professional II. Others can be changed
using software. A list of available programs can be provided by
sending e-mail or calling DataHand Systems. Some of the programs
are freeware, and others are shareware.
5. What is the difference between the DataHand
Personal Edition and the DataHand Professional II?
They are the same except the DataHand Professional II offers re-mappable
keys, macro programming capabilities.
6. Can macros be programmed?
Yes. The DataHand Professional II offers macro-programming capabilities.
Approximately twenty macros, each with five keystrokes, can be programmed.
7. Is the DataHand ergonomic keyboard a chorded
device?
No. DataHand keyboards are not chorded. Chorded keyboards rely on
multiple simultaneous keystrokes to type a single letter. The DataHand
ergonomic keyboard emulates a traditional keyboard and mouse—one
keystroke per character.
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