Most of you probably already know that Kristine Williams has started a side business designing keyboards using stones and other unexpected materials. She sent me one called Frost Byte to beta test. She's not getting it back. I really enjoy typing with it. I've hooked it up to my office computer on-campus and use it there, exclusively. As I've mentioned previously, the interesting thing about these keyboards, apart from the obvious artistic merits, is that they end up being ergonomic. Using them requires me to hold my hands and wrists in a more healthy posture.
People who have seen Frost Byte have also commented that the keys are not marked. I'm a touch typist, so had no problems with the basic keys. For the number keys, I discovered that the stone for the number 6, is a slightly different shape than the other keys present, so it serves as a reference. My main problem was deciphering which of the six keys off to the side were PG DOWN, PG UP, INS, DEL, HOME, and END, as the order and placement of these keys varies from keyboard to keyboard. However, through trial and error, I've figured it out and use those keys mostly with confidence now. No other keys have given me any trouble. I do truly enjoy the feel of the stones under my fingertips. Using Frost Byte took no more getting accustomed to than any other keyboard -- I've always found every keyboard is somewhat unique and has a brief learning curve until it becomes comfortable. Much to my surprise, the keys do not show fingerprints. After nearly a month of use, I fully expected the blue keys to have become smudged and cloudy from hand oils and other grime, but they haven't. I did get a drop of soda on one of the keys the other day and had to clean it off before I could continue working. It showed up far more than it would have on a normal keyboard. But that's just me.
These pictures were taking by Kristine prior to shipping.
Please keep in mind that she still needs used keyboards in order to make these works of art and she's willing to trade rock pendants in order to keep old but still functional keyboards out of the landfill.
5 comments:
I'm thrilled you're enjoying it so much, and never intended to ask for it back :)
One thing that does surprise me with these is that they really DO make you type properly. You can't get lazy with your hands, which improves your posture, which relieves stress on the wrists, shoulders and arms. I've been very happily surprised with each one I test out, finding myself sitting better, typing better.
I can't wait to produce my next one - Writer's Block - as soon as I get another keyboard :D
Do the F and J have little home markings so you know where your fingers go? I can touchtype, but I still need these reference nubs.
I think I have a couple keyboards in my basement. Don't know your address though, Kristine. :p
I've found it much simpler to pay attention to the placement of your left pinkie finger. It always sits on the very first letter key in that middle row. The "A", is always the key furthest left, middle row, beside the Caps Lock on all keyboards. You put that pinkie there, and your index finger will land on the "F". Leave two keys open and put your other hand down, and you're set :)
I can also mark keyboards specifically for the user - like the petroglyphs. Or perhaps you'll enjoy Writer's Block, when it's made.
I'll send you my addy, Ed, if you have some keyboards you want to rid yourself of. And I'll send Mrs. Ed some pendants for your trouble :D
I am very much jealous that you have Frost Byte, Lori. It's beautiful.
If I had some old keyboards to send you, Kristine, I would.
*Goes and drools all over the pretty keyboards.*
I haven't had problems with finger placement, Ed. As Kristine mentioned, if you get off or feel off or need a point of reference, you use the pinky finger of the left hand. The hard part of that method is remembering whether there are two or three keys between the index fingers, but once you start typing, it's pretty easy to figure that part out. ;)
Tori, I feel very fortunate that Kristine chose me to beta test. I had wondered how comfortable the keyboard would be, etc., and I was very pleasantly surprised.
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