Kinesis Corporation
Jon Biggs, Director of Sales & Marketing
(425) 402-8100
jbiggs@kinesis.com
www.kinesis.com

Kinesis pushes the keyboard productivity limit again by offering
a qwerty/dvorak convertible ergonomic keyboard

October 3, 1996, Bothell, WA -- In the third new product announcement in two months, Kinesis Corporation introduces a novel productivity tool for ambitious computer users: the first ever QWERTY/Dvorak convertible ergonomic keyboard! For people just learning to type, or for those who want to turbo charge their computer output, the Dvorak layout is the ideal choice. However, the frequent need for several users on a single system has impeded past usage of Dvorak layouts in both business and home settings. By introducing the QD Contoured keyboard family, as well as an excellent new book introducing the benefits of Dvorak typing, Kinesis expects increase the use of this highly efficient typing method. While Kinesis Corporation has offered a more expensive, programmable Dvorak keyboard since 1992, the new design is easier to use and requires no user programming to maintain the QWERTY and Dvorak layouts. The Kinesis "QD" convertible keyboard family represents another first for the keyboard industry.

The traditional keyboard layout was supposedly designed to slow down typists because of key-jamming at high speeds using mechanical typewriters. This traditional layout has withstood the evolution of technology from mechanics to electronics. However, there is a growing demand for improved data input methods since computers have long-eliminated key-jamming problems.

Dr. August Dvorak's keyboard layout, patented by the University of Washington professor in 1936, was designed to place the most commonly-used keys in the English language in the easiest-to-reach positions. He wanted to increase speed and reduce errors by creating a rhythmic typing pattern using alternating hand actions, and by eliminating awkward key combinations. Referenced in his new book, The Dvorak Keyboard, R.C. Cassingham writes that "Dvorak will increase productivity for very little conversion cost and after trying it, typists like it better." He sites a study in which participants increased their accuracy by 68% and their typing speed by 74% on average.

Kinesis Corporation has created a cost-effective way for computer users to gain both the unequaled, proven comfort and productivity benefits of basic Kinesis keyboard design with the likewise proven benefits of the Dvorak keyboard layout. For a QWERTY touch typist, a Kinesis QWERTY/Dvorak (QD) keyboard allows the user to first adapt to the new keyboard ergonomic features. In laboratory studies commissioned by Kinesis, QWERTY touch typists using computerized tutorial program reached about 70% of their previous speed in 30-40 minutes, and within three days are typically near or exceeding their previous speeds. Subsequent conversion to the Dvorak layout can then proceed at the user's own pace. Switching layouts is accomplished instantly with a simple key combination. The keyboard comes equipped with dual legends on the keycaps so that the user can identify the appropriate keys in either mode.

"The philosophy behind the ‘QD' convertible keyboard is simple," states Vice President Caprice Leinonen ,"It allows users to first equal or exceed their previous productivity level with the Kinesis QWERTY layout, then change to the Dvorak layout when they feel comfortable doing so."

Kinesis offers the dual layout keyboard in two different PC-compatible configurations. The Essential QD is an entry level keyboard which does not support on-board programming of macros, though remapping of keys is supported.The Professional QD has advanced, on-board programmability, plus a bundled foot switch and Windows-compatible keyboard maintenance software. All models support up to two foot switches. The QD features are also available on MPC^TM (Macintosh/PC convertible) keyboards: The Essential MPC/QD and Professional MPC/QD).

According to William Hargreaves, CEO of Kinesis Corporation, "A critical focus of Kinesis' product development strategy is customer investment protection. Other recent Kinesis keyboards can be upgraded to the new "QD" feature set. Our continuing goal is to become the premiere ergonomic keyboard manufacturer and to supports the needs of computer users everywhere. We believe the new 'QD convertible' feature creates one more productivity advantage for our customers."

For more information about Kinesis Corporation and its products, please call Sales at (800) 454-6374 or (425) 402-8100 .

Back to Press Releases