Abstract: This invention provides novel keyboards comprising keys disposed such that they minimize the distance a finger typically must travel to effect a keystroke and the force that is applied to effect a keystroke. Accordingly the keyboards require less arm and finger movement to and thereby reduce the likelihood of an operator developing a repetitive stress injury (RSI). In one embodiment the keyboards comprise a plurality of keys disposed such that the alphanumeric keys form a continuous key array defining a key array surface having at least two concave regions wherein a plurality of keys present irregular and/or non-rectilinear striking faces.

Abstract: An attachment to or a keyboard itself or other devices which require extending the fingers and hands so as to reach keys of the device. The invention includes at least one key pillow. The key pillow either replaces or fits over at least one key of a keyboard or other such device to advantageously alter the consistency, texture, shape, or height of the traditional key to which the key pillow corresponds. The key pillow is shaped so as to extend into the comfort zone of a user to thereby minimize the stretching and twisting required of the user's fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. The key pillow may be applied to a keyboard of a portable computer, where the at least one key pillow is inflatable. The at least one key pillow may also be applied to devices such as a computer mouse. The key pillow must extend into a comfort zone of the user. Also, a palm rest is designed so as to maintain the user's hands at a certain height above the lip of the keyboard, which may or may not include key pillows.

Abstract: An ergonomic adaptation to a keyboard, including a plurality of pads, or key pillows, preferably formed together into a key pillow tablet. The key pillows either replace or fit over keys of a keyboard to advantageously alter the consistency, texture and/or shape of the traditional keys. In alternative embodiments, each of the key pillows may be formed individually to replace or fit over some or all of the keyboard keys. The key pillow tablet further includes raised pads at the front of the keyboard on which the palms may rest during typing to maintain a satisfactorily low angle of the fingers with respect to the elbow. The adaptation may either be an attachment to a keyboard or may be integrally formed to a keyboard during the keyboard's manufacture.