Additional Resources Usage Tips Accessories | Product Summary |
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The Wave Keys Keyboard from Logitech features a wave-style layout that inclines slightly upward at the middle. The keys also sweep upward to the left and right to encourage a very limited reduction in ulnar deviation at the wrists. Unlike other keyboards of this style which offer a distinct separation of the keys along the center of the keyboard, there is no separation, which requires that the hands be brought to a central position that will require lateral deviation for most typists. As well, unlike other wave-style keyboards that fan the keys in a downward curve that mirrors the descending lengths of the ring and pinkie fingers, the Wave Keys sweep upwards across the entire alpha/numeric keys. This can lead to awkward stretching or repositioning of the entire hand for the ring and pinkie fingers to access the outer keys. Those with smaller hands will most likely find this reach even more significant. The rather rapid transition from the upward sweep of the alpha numeric keys to the level keys of the numeric keypad may also lead to regular ulnar deviation when transitioning back and forth from home row position to the numeric keypad or mouse.
The Wave Keys Keyboard features low-travel membrane switches which require a significant degree of force for activation. The keycaps are crowned and concave to assist in targeting but have a reduced horizontal and vertical pitch of 18.5mm (19.0mm is standard) which may leave some, especially those with larger hands and fingers, feeling crowded, especially with the upward sweep curving the keys inward towards each other. Included is an integrated 3.25" deep cushioned palm support with an cleanable surface. The righthand numeric keypad and repositioned navigation keys classify this keyboard as a compact financial keyboard despite a fairly significant 8.4" reach from home row to the right edge of the keyboard, something that should be taken into consideration when determining suitability.
The Wave Keys Keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries and is able to connect via either the included Wireless Logi Bolt receiver or via bluetooth. | Ergonomic Benefits |
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May Slightly Reduce Risk to the Elbow and Forearm - The fully pronated "palms down" position adopted by the majority of typists puts a considerable strain on the tissues of the elbow and forearm. The result can be fatigue, inflammation and long-term injury. The Wave Keys Keyboard features a small "wave" in the centre of the keyboard that just slightly elevates the index and middle fingers. While this may result in a minimal reduction of pronation it should also be noted that the middle finger is level and the pinkie and ring fingers are angled inward, albeit at a barely perceptible degree. The result is that the actual change in pronation will be negligible - maybe 2-3° at most. Learn More About Pronation.
Reduces Risk of Wrist Injury - The Wave Keys Keyboard has the alpha-numeric keys arranged with a slight upward sweep from the centre of the keyboard. When the hands are aligned with this sweep the ulnar deviation is slightly reduced from that which would be experienced with a traditional straight keyboard with no middle separation*. Learn More About Ulnar Deviation.* Note: Any keyboard with a central separation and either fixed or adjustable splay will be much more successful at reducing Ulnar Deviation.
Can Reduce Wrist Extension - The incorporated support will aid in reducing the risk of Wrist Extension by keeping the wrists from dropping down to the desk or keyboard tray surface. Learn More About Wrist Extension.
Can Assist in Reducing Over-Reach - The Wave Keys Keyboard does present a reduced footprint* that permits mouse placement about 2.75" closer on the right side than is possible with a standard keyboard. However, for those who do not need a numeric keypad a basic compact keyboard without a numeric keypad would be a more suitable and ergonomic option, reducing the reach by at least another two full inches. Learn More About the Comfort Zone.* Note: It should be noted that part of the reduction in reach is due to the key pitch (spacing) which is reduced from the standard 19.0mm to 18.5mm (see Reduced Key Pitch in the Features section below for more details)
| Features |
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- Reduced Key Pitch: The Wave Keys Keyboard achieves a reduced footprint by reducing the standard 19mm key pitch (spacing between keys) to just 18.5mm in both the horizontal and vertical spacing. While this may seem insignificant it does accumulate over the width or height of several keys, especially for anyone with average or larger hands and fingers. When combined with the upward (and inward) sweep of the alpha-numeric keys the result is a distinct crowding of the fingers, making targeting of keys more difficult and thus impacting on both typing speed and accuracy. In addition, as fingers have a natural tendency to fan slightly outward when relaxed, this narrower spacing then also introduces sustained tension in the hand. This is because the fingers must be "held together" in order to maintain position over the keycaps.
- Wave-like Contour: The Wave Keys Keyboard features a flowing wave effect, where the outer alpha-numeric keys are oriented at a very slight upward incline that dips down at the middle of each home row before rising again to a low-elevation central wave. This can lead to a small reduction in pronation of the hands and forearms. Learn More About Pronation.
- Upward-Sweeping Layout: The Wave Keys Keyboard adopts a unique upward sweep in the alpha-numeric keys. This is intended to add a degree of splay to the keys without widening the keyboard as is the case with other keyboards that incorporate a central separation to create the splay. While this upward sweep (9.0mm from the centre to edges of alpha-numeric keys) can slightly reduce ulnar deviation it should be noted that with the reduced 18.5mm key pitch some of this potential benefit is already sacrificed as the hands must be closer together than on a standard keyboard. Additionally, the upward sweep of the outer keys actually moves the outer keys up and further away from the shorter ring and pinkie fingers, making it more difficult for these fingers to reach the associated keysLearn More About Ulnar Deviation.
- Crowned and Sculpture Alpha-Numeric Keycaps: The elevated keycaps feature distinct crowning and a concave surface to aid in targeting. By contrast the three-quarter height F-keys actually have a very light convex surface.
- Dual OS Legending: To ensure convenience in both Mac and PC operation, the keyboard features legends for both environments.
- Fixed Palm Support: A 3.5" deep padded fixed palm support keeps the wrists from dropping into a position of extension. The surface can be easily cleaned if necessary. Learn More About Wrist Extension.
- Integrated Numeric Keypad: The Wave Keys incorporates a full numeric keypad adjacent to the alpha-numeric keys, making this suitable for those who perform more intense numeric entry. However, this also means a greater reach to a mouse on the right.
- 4° Positive Tilt Option: Short legs at the rear of the keyboard can be deployed to achieve a 4° positive tilt.
- Wireless Receiver (Logi Bolt) or Bluetooth Operation: The Wave Keys Keyboard can connect via either standard bluetooth or by using the included Logi Bolt wireless receiver. As all communication is via wireless this keyboard is unsuitable for applications where a wired keyboard is required.
| Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image) |
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Wave Keys Keyboard
| Wave Keys Keyboard - Wave Design
| Wave Keys Keyboard - Profile View
| Wave Keys Keyboard - Side Profile
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| Technical Specifications |
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| Models |
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| Model # | Description |
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920-011898 | Logitech Wave Keys Keyboard, US English, Graphite |
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