COMPACT ERGONOMIC COMPUTER KEYBOARD

摘要

In a keyboard (51) for a computer, at least a majority of the keys of an alphabetic key region (52) of substantially conventional key layout are laid out along at least one axis of curvature directed towards the user in use of the keyboard. The alphabetic key region (52) is unitary, the keys of the region (52) defining a single key group with no separation of any sub-group of keys of the region (52) from any other sub-group of keys of the region. The keyboard (51) as a whole may itself be curved so that the front edge region of the keyboard (51) comprising a wrist rest (53) projects outwardly towards the user in use of the keyboard. A multiplicity of function keys (61) are provided preferably to the left-hand side of the alphabetic key region (52), to cooperate with mode selection keys (62) so that each function key may fulfill a number of different purposes depending on which mode selection key is also depressed. The keyboard may also comprise a numeric keypad (54) to the right of the alphabetic key region (52), along with cursor control keys (57). In a preferred construction, the keyboard comprises games keys (63).