Repetitive strain injury and carpal tunned syndrome begone

Dec 13, 2014 08:47 GMT  ·  By

The other day we brought you news about a keyboard that could be 3D printed to perfectly match the shape of your hands and movements of your fingers. However, that's far from the only way to prevent RSI and CTS.

RSI is short for Repetitive Strain Injury. That and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are two health conditions that can arise from prolonged use of keyboards.

Not everyone gets them, but people who spend hours playing a game or typing on documents is liable to get wrist aches at the very least.

Shaping a keyboard's frame and arranging the keys to match the most natural movements of one's hands is the only way to reduce the likelihood of such health conditions appearing.

Spire launches Curvature keyboard

Spire wanted to create a whole new ergonomic computing product line, so it started at the most natural point: the keyboard.

Technically classified as multimedia keyboards, the Curvature will all be curved and arched so that keys are arranged at an angle.

The one existing Curvature keyboard has the keys divided into four sections, with even the space key cut in half in order to accommodate the design. You can see it clearly in the attached photos.

Speaking of keys, you get more than the standard array. There is an obvious multimedia key set near the top edge, with music / track controls, volume and a host of others. They are small and round, colored silver instead of black. It allows them to both stand out and fit in.

Moving on, the body of the keyboard is constructed out of HIPS plastic (high impact polystyrene). That includes the large palm rest.

The only thing you won't get is mechanical key switches, but Spire promises that the membrane is of a high quality. We suppose that means the tap response will be good and that the membrane won't deteriorate for years.

Availability and pricing

The Spire Curvature multimedia keyboard, complete with a 1.5 meter / 5 foot USB cable and 2 years warranty, will be up for sale soon, if it isn't already, for the price of $52 / €42. Look for “Curvature” on retailer websites or for the part number SP-K4003-USB.

All Windows OS and Max OS operating systems are supported, unless they're particularly old versions of course. We suppose that if you do want it working on Windows 98 or older, it will, somewhat. If the PC has USB and you jump through a few coding hoops. Don't hold your breath though.

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Spire Curvature multimedia keyboard (6 Images)

Spire Curvature multimedia keyboard
Spire Curvature multimedia keyboard, front viewSpire Curvature multimedia keyboard USB port
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