The Programmable Ergo Pro Keyboard by Matias adds custom programming functionality to the world's original adjustable, separated, mechanical keyswitch keyboard. The Programmable Ergo Pro Keyboard includes all of the features that the Ergo Pro Keyboard models are known for, with the added features of 20 keys being custom-programmable to perform macros up to 60 characters in length. The heavy duty design ensures that this essential input device will hold up to the most intense workloads when high-performance is demanded. The Matias Quiet Click mechanical keyswitches provide superior tactile feedback and the faster typing speeds achievable with mechanical keyswitches, but without the accompanying "click" of the switch and "clack" of the key bottoming out. Connected by a bridging cable, the separate left and right modules of the keyboard can be positioned shoulder-width apart to help people of all builds reduce the health risks associated with ulnar deviation and over-rotation at the shoulder.
The feet on the Programmable Ergo Pro offer two mutually exclusive orientations for the keyboard. The modules can be laterally tented 9° to create the "thumbs up" posture that reduces pronation while typing. Alternatively, the inclination of the keyboard (which is neutral by default) can be adjusted to a negative inclination of 4.5°. The efficient, symmetrical design yields a compact lateral footprint of 14.5" and this, combined with the embedded numeric keypad, greatly reduces the reach to the mouse. The spacious and generously padded palm supports come securely screwed to the keyboard, but can be removed if desired.
The Matias Quiet Click keyswitches also provide better resistance to crumbs and dust, and have a keyswitch rating of 50 million keystrokes. The key cap legends are laser etched and will not wear off even after intensive use. Bonus features include a 3-port hi-speed USB 2.0 hub and special Anti-Ghosting circuitry, which can accommodate the fastest of typing speeds without the fear of dropped characters. The Programmable Ergo Pro is also available in models for both PC and Mac environments.
Note: With full separation the distance between index finger to index finger on the home row is around 17.5".
Improves Upper Body Posture - The separated design of the Programmable Ergo Pro keyboard allows all individuals — whether small, medium or large framed — to position the left and right keyboard modules shoulder-width apart. This allows the shoulders, elbows, arms and wrists to relax into an anatomically neutral position, improving upper body posture and circulation. Padded palm pads provide a comfortable base of support for outstretched forearms, leading to a reduction in the load that would otherwise be borne by the shoulder muscles.
Note: In contrast to wrist rests, palm pads are positioned under the heel of the hand, and place no potentially harmful pressure on the underside of the wrist.
Reduces Strain on Shoulder and Neck - The compact symmetrical design of the Programmable Ergo Pro keyboard allows both left- and right-handed individuals to keep the mouse within their comfort zone, vastly reducing strain on the shoulder and neck muscles on the mousing side.
Note: The term "compact" refers to the reduced distance from the home row on a single side of a keyboard to the mouse, which is typically achieved by eliminating the number pad. The term does not refer to the width of a keyboard as a whole. As such, even with left and right modules shoulder-width apart, the Programmable Ergo Pro keyboard is compact in design.
Reduces Elbow and Wrist Strain - Using a standard keyboard, many, especially those with a larger build, may tend to permit their shoulders to curl forward as they type. This posture compresses the chest and overstretches the upper back. Others might sit more upright, but to position their fingers on the home row they can tend to tuck their elbows in to their sides and bend their fingers outwards at the wrists (a position known as "ulnar deviation"). This dual strain at the elbows and the wrists can lead to pain in the soft tissues surrounding both joints. With the left and right modules of the Ergo Pro keyboard separated to shoulder width apart, the posture of the entire upper body improves. The shoulders become square, opening up the chest and relieving the strain on the upper back, and the arms, elbows, wrists and hands can relax into a more anatomically neutral and ergonomically beneficial alignment. Learn More About Ulnar Deviation.
Reduces Forearm, Wrist and Hand Pain - With the left and right modules of the Ergo Pro separated to shoulder width apart, upper body posture is improved, and individuals are able to maintain a more comfortably neutral position through the shoulders, arms, and elbows. "Ulnar deviation" (where the fingers must bend outward at the wrist to reach the home row and which is a known risk factor for wrist pain), is eliminated and the forearm, wrist and hands remain comfortably aligned. Sturdy palm supports address another risk factor. By preventing the wrists from gradually dropping to the desktop, wrist extension (an upward bend at the wrist) is vastly reduced. Wrist extension is a known contributor to the development of numbness, tingling and weakness in the forearms, wrists, hands and fingers. Wrist extension can be further reduced by tilting the keyboard to its 4.5° negative incline (i.e. with the front higher than the back). Learn More About Wrist Extension.
Reduces Pain in the Hands and Elbows - When tented, the Ergo Pro keyboard is higher in the centre. This configuration tilts the hands so that the thumbs are higher than the little fingers, a position that causes less strain on the muscles of the forearm than the traditional, pronated, or "palms down" position. The result is reduced fatigue and pain in the muscles of the elbow, forearm and hand. Learn More About Pronation.
Reduces Jarring Impact on the Fingers - Mechanical keyswitches do not need to strike the bottom of the keyboard to generate the keystroke. This feature, especially in combination with the full key travel distance (3.5 mm) and tactile feedback (indicating the point at which the keystroke has been actuated) means that individuals soon learn to use a lighter touch on a mechanical keyswitch than they would on a membrane or a scissor switch key. The result is often a considerable reduction in the amount of pain and fatigue experienced in the hands and fingers.
Improves Typing Speed and Accuracy - Slightly concave key caps help keep the fingers oriented on the home row, and enhance keying accuracy. Tactile feedback when the keystroke is actuated discourages from pressing a key down more than it needs to be, allowing a faster transition from key to key.
Can Reduce Keystrokes - The option of custom programming custom macros up to 60 characters in length means that when lengthy or complex entries are made repeatedly throughout the day users have the ability to shorten those to a single keystroke.
Matias Quiet Click Mechanical Keyswitches: Custom-engineered by Matias, the durable mechanical keyswitches are quiet enough to use in an office environment, and are almost as quiet as conventional rubber dome keyboards. However, they still provide the tactility and high performance demanded by experienced, proficient typists.
Tenting and Tilting Options: Three adjustable feet on each side of the keyboard provide the options of tenting the keyboard at a 9° angle or of tilting it at a 4.5° negative tilt, in addition to using it flat.
Narrow Housing: At only 14.5" wide, the Programmable Ergo Pro Keyboard presents a very small footprint for an adjustable or separated keyboard.
Removeable Palm Supports: Heavy duty palm supports, covered in breathable fabric, are securely attached with six large Phillips-head screws but can be removed if preferred.
Sculpted Key Caps: Slightly concave key caps on the majority of the keys help touch typists remain oriented on the home row, and significantly enhance keying accuracy.
Large Ctrl Key on the Left Module: The large size and smoothly rounded shape make this frequently accessed modifier key especially easy to target, and more comfortable to hold down. A standard-sized Ctrl key is available on the right module.
Easy to Reach Navigation and Cursor Keys: Navigation and cursor keys are grouped together, and positioned side-by-side, along the lower right edge of the right-hand module.
Embedded Numeric Keypad: Much of the reduced width of a compact keyboard is achieved by eliminating the numeric keypad (usually seen on the right-hand side of standard-sized keyboards). The Ergo Pro Keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad on the right-hand module, allowing some keys to function as letters or as a numeric keypad. This embedded numeric keypad can be toggled on and off by holding down the function (Fn) key and pressing the number 6.
Anti-Ghosting Circuitry: Also called "n-key rollover," anti-ghosting circuitry allows the keyboard to keep up with even the fastest typists without dropping or adding characters.
Hotkeys for Frequently Used Functions: Dedicated hotkeys for Undo, Cut, Copy and Paste are positioned along the left edge of the keyboard. These hotkeys can also be custom programmed should alternative commands or functions be desired.
Laser Etched Keys: Legends are burned into the key caps with a laser, so they will never wear off.
Media Controls: Holding down the function (Fn) key allows access to shortcuts for Volume Up/Down, Mute, Pause/Play, Next Track and Previous Track.
Built-in USB 2.0 Hub: Three USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard can accommodate connection of additional low-power devices such as flash drives and mice.
On-Board Programmability: The Programmable Ergo Pro now supports custom programming of macro commands up to approximately 60 characters in length. Simple key combinations put the keyboard into programming mode where macros can be entered, stored or changed as desired. The F1 - F12 keys, the 4 dedicated left-hand hotkeys, both of the split spacebar keys, and the Ctrl and Del keys — a combined total of 20 keys — are available for custom programming.
Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image)
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard - End Profile
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard With Negative Profile
Matias Quiet Click Mechanical Keyswitch Specs
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard - Dip Switch Configurations
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard - Key Layout for PC
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard - Key Layout for MAC
Matias Ergo Pro Keyboard - Coloured Pad Support Accessories
USB 2.0 Hub: 3 USB 2.0 ports for connection of low power devices
USB Cable Length: 6.5' (2 m) and 3.3' (1 m) cables included
Interface: USB, (USB-C adapter included with the Mac version)
Compatibility: PC or Mac with USB Port (physical switch under the right ALT key can reconfigure the PC-legended model to be compatible with Mac systems, and the Mac-legended model to be compatible with PC systems)
Warranty: 2 Year Limited
Package Contents: Programmable Ergo Pro Keyboard (one left and one right module), 7.25" Short Bridge Cable (if the modules are only slightly separated), 17" Retractable Bridge Cable, 6.5' USB Cable, Removable Palm Supports (one left and one right), six Phillips-head screws, User's Manual. (USB-C adapter included
with the Mac version)
Make sure the keyboard is properly positioned. Sit in your usual position at your desk and gently square your shoulders. Allow your upper arms to relax to your waist. Lift your forearms at the elbow and extend your fingers so that there is a straight line from your elbow through the centre of your wrist to your middle finger. Place the two halves of the keyboard on your desk or keyboard tray such that your arms and hands can maintain this position as you type. The modules ought to be shoulder width apart.
Place the mouse on the side of your dominant hand. For most people, the compact design of the keyboard will bring the mouse close enough to the body. However, if your pain is more severe, you can prevent even more movement at the affected shoulder by positioning the mousing side of the keyboard closer to the centre of your body, and then turning it slightly so that your arm can remain perpendicular as you type. You will then be able to reach the mouse with very limited involvement of the shoulder muscles.
Adjust the Ergo Pro Keyboard to fit "your" specific needs and usage. The range of options for adjustment are there to let you fine-tune the keyboard - take advantage of this factor.
Monitor the amount of force that you are exerting and pay attention to the tactile notification of switch activation. If you find yourself "bottoming out" on your keystrokes you are exerting unnecessary force. Not only will it tire your hands and fingers more rapidly, the repeated impacts on the finger tips can have a negative impact which can result in hypersensitivity in these areas. Learning where the activation point occurs will let you discontinue downward motion before the keys strike bottom.
Adjust the keyboard occasionally to see if you have achieved optimum positioning. If you listen to your body it will usually first communicate through discomfort. If you listen at that point and change your usage or behaviour you may well avoid hearing the next level of communication, i.e. pain.
