2009 May 24 New TypeMatrix 2030 Ergonomic Keyboard

I recently purchased and received my new TypeMatrix 2030 USB (2009 model) keyboard!  For those that don’t know, TypeMatrix is a company that produces what I believe to be the best, most comfortable and most logical keyboards that one can buy.  The version I bought is Dvorak, since that has been my preferred typing layout since around 2003.

2030usb_us_qwerty_640x264
The TypeMatrix 2030 USB (2009 Model) – Shown with Qwerty layout

What is even more pleasant is that…the company replaced my broken 2020 model that my girlfriend Alison gave to me for Christmas (2008).  The 2020 model was TypeMatrix’ first keyboard model, and thus it lacks some of the improvements brought on by the 2030. Still, I am very lucky now to have a TypeMatrix keyboard for work and home.

Let me tell you a little about the main advantages of using the TypeMatrix:

  1. The short length (about 13 inches) allows you to have your mouse, and thus hand/arm, closer to your other hand/arm (and the home keys). This may not seem like a big deal but if you tried it out for a while and then went back to a normal size keyboard you would realize you’re doing a lot more work to go back and forth using the mouse.
  2. Perfectly vertical columns of keys.  Keyboards have always been made with staggered keys because when typewriters were mechanical, the lever arms had to be spaced apart… and the staggered layout just stuck even to the digital age. I can understand that most people don’t want to change and learn something new — but what I don’t understand is why there aren’t more vertical column keyboards out there. Its not like it would cost more to manufacture it– just take the standard keyboard. There must be more people out there willing to use vertical column keyboards.
  3. The centerized backspace and enter keys. How often do you use the backspace keys to delete mistakes? Probably all the time. Then shouldn’t this frequently used key be placed closer to your strongest, faster fingers? With the TypeMatrix, the backspace key, along with the enter key, is located directly between your two hands.

My usage of TypeMatrix keyboards goes back to 2005 when I purchased their first 2030 model. At that time, there were some shipping problems and I didn’t receive the keyboard for about 4-5 weeks. But when I got it, it was probably the biggest computer improvement I’ve ever experienced. I continued to use it for at least 2 years– typing, coding, and even computer gaming. Then the circuitry began to fail and some keys stopped responding. It was probably the result of smashing on it too hard too many times, so I don’t blame the quality of the keyboard.

All in all, I highly recommend this keyboard to anyone who uses a computer for any significant amount of time. The health and productivity benefits simply cannot be beat.

Special Tip! Sign up to the TypeMatrix e-mail newsletter and receive a 20% off coupon on your order! That is at least $20 savings if you order one of their keyboards. Visit http://www.typematrix.com today!

8/27/2011 Update – I spilled red wine on the keyboard which caused it to malfunction :( … but I took it apart and fixed it.

6 Comments Posted by in crap i write
  • http://www.alexfierro.com Alex J Fierro

    Dvorak? You are the only person who I’ve ever known that uses Dvorak!

    I’m too lazy to learn another keyboard layout, let alone one on a keyboard that has vertical columns. More power to you; I just wish I wasn’t so stuck in my ways…

  • Casey

    I use the same keyboard and love it. It’s also available in QWERTY, for those of you who are stuck in your ways (i.e. most of the world). Dvorak is really much better though, IMO, and well worth the small investment of time it requires to learn. The poor guy devoted a decade of his life to developing the best possible layout, but no one wanted to invest in replacing their old QWERTY typewriters because he came out with it during the Depression. QWERTY was more or less an arbitrary design that gained foothold by default. Even its own inventor later tried to come out with an improved layout, unsuccessfully — due to the same challenge of changing people’s ingrained habits.

    So change to Dvorak now, for your children’s sakes! Yeah, I know no one will listen… Bah!

  • http://djmp.org/statik statik

    Yeah well now with computers it’s not that bad that everyone uses QWERTY… since we can always just configure our stuff the way we want it (use DVORAK keyboards). I use Dvorak at work and at home… but on my mobile phone (Android) I use the built in qwerty virtual keyboard because I’m only using my 2 thumbs anyway.

  • Mark Senn

    I’ve been using the TypeMatrix 2020 keyboard for (guess) eight years.  The first four in QWERTY mode, the last four in Dvorak mode.  I love the 2020 but hate the 2030—the 2030 is too cramped.

  • Michael Butler

    That’s odd, I started on the 2030 and loved the compactness. When it broke, I got a 2020 because it was cheaper but I don’t like it as much. I agree that it is better for bigger hands though. Finally, I went back to the 2030

  • Jibarito32

    I own a 2030 and absolutely love it. I didn’t know how to type QWERTY that well so I challenged myself to learn Dvorak. I’m typing a lot faster with more efficient strokes as well. I’m glade that I invested time in money into this product. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to improve their typing or is looking for a nice keyboard.