Abstract: A keyboard usable on a typewriter or a computer terminal and configured in accordance with ergonomic principles uses chording of one thumb and one finger to type the characters of the English alphabet. The keyboard includes right and left preloaded palm pads which are shaped and contoured to fit the hands. The palm pads support the hands and operate the SHIFT and SHIFT LOCK functions. The punctuation keys are not affected by the SHIFT function. Movement of the writing position or cursor with respect to the medium is controlled by thumb-operated keys which are pushed in the direction of the desired movement.