Buying my own Keboard for Work? Am I Nuts?

[SwampSurvivor]

I'm trying to find a *good* keyboard for work. I spend, literally, all day typing on the computer ... emailing back and fourth, doing data edits, etc.

My employer hands out Ergo Keyboards (and I work in IT) if needed and I've tried them. I've yet to find a "great" keyboard that doesn't cause fatigue, is easy to type on and doesn't stand out too crazy.

I like typing on Mechanical keyboards and scissor action keyboards. Ergo keyboards ... seem to be more trouble than they are worth for me. Mechanical keyboards are too loud ... so the 15 I have at home are out haha.

Is it a bit odd that I'm looking at scissor action keyboards to bring in to work to use?

Anyone else do this?

The only two keybaords I've found that are "almost right" are a Keytronic KT400 and Microsoft Keyboard 400.

 

[Kuato]

Since you're in IT, and type a lot all day, tell your boss you need to order a keyboard that's ergonomic for YOU. They shouldn't worry over what it will cost. You shouldn't have to bear the cost, and having a workstation that doesn't cause you fatigue should be on your boss' list of responsibilities.

Or, if you're the boss, expense it...

 

[bepperb]

No, I think it's totally reasonable. I also think buying a monitor for work is a reasonable thing to do, around here you only get one 20 incher.

It's also reasonable to ask, though around here our procurement also only has the one that came or an ergo, and a mouse or a trackball.

 

[Nick R]

Nope. I brought in my own keyboard and mous for work. The computers all come with Planar 22" monitors (great but I'd love a second monitor but IT Won't let me bring one in). And the stock Dell keyboard and mouse which are horrible and stop working pretty quickly.

I hate them, so I brought in my old Logitech Illumianted keyboard which is very comfortable, and my razer deathadder mouse which is extremely comfortable. I'm thinking about picking up another mechanical keyboard (Cherry Browns or Reds obviously, so no clickiness to drive co workers nuts).

 

[JHZR2]

Totally reasonable. Get some of the cherry blue or old IBM style switches so it is really clicky and you an annoy everyone around

 

[Lead Shoes]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Totally reasonable. Get some of the cherry blue or old IBM style switches so it is really clicky and you an annoy everyone around

That would russel some jimmies in the office.

 

[Astro14]

Reasonable in many jobs...but better check with your company's IT Folks to see if it will be allowed to be used. In a military environment, particularly on some systems, only certified keyboards are allowed, for security reasons...some of those security reasons exist in other sectors...

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Totally reasonable. Get some of the cherry blue or old IBM style switches so it is really clicky and you an annoy everyone around

I have a cow-orker who uses one of those. Fortunately we have individual offices- if this were a cubical farm someone would have catapulted a copier at him already... ;-p


Back to the original question- not crazy. Its a tool you use 8 hours a day, it should be right for you. We regularly order (or go to Fry's and buy) keyboards and mice that we individually want. Policy is that its fine so long as the supervisor approves the cost. Never seen one rejected, nor have I rejected one an employee of mine picks.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Glad I'm not nuts! I have dual 19'' 3:4 monitors - traded the dual 19'' 16x9 monitors as they weren't tall enough.


Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Totally reasonable. Get some of the cherry blue or old IBM style switches so it is really clicky and you an annoy everyone around

I used a Model M for a while, but it drove my boss nuts (he has his own office). I have a bunch of Cherry Browns at home ... but I'm thinking of something scissor action.



Originally Posted By: Astro14
Reasonable in many jobs...but better check with your company's IT Folks to see if it will be allowed to be used. In a military environment, particularly on some systems, only certified keyboards are allowed, for security reasons...some of those security reasons exist in other sectors...


I'm in the IT department, not a problem.

 

[racer12306]

When I built my home computer I bought a Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 keyboard. It was relatively inexpensive, had a bunch of features I wanted and I figured I probably should get a decent keyboard. I also bought a full size Gigabyte gaming mouse, again a more ergonomic piece and it had some nice features.

I fell in love with these. At work I had experienced wrist pain on the days I am in the office as I'm typing a lot during the day. Talked to my boss and he said go ahead on the keyboard. I figured asking for a mouse too was being a little picky so I bought that.

My wrists haven't been happier. I haven't had a bit of wrist pain since doing all this.

 

[KD0AXS]

I don't think it's unreasonable at all. I work in a completely different field, but I've purchased many things for work at my own expense. While they weren't things that were absolutely required for me to do my job, they were things that make my job easier and it was money well spent.

Also don't forget to keep receipts for anything you buy for work, because you can deduct those expenses at tax time.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Now off to find a good keyboard that will fit my needs.

Are there any good, cheap scissor action keyboards?

 

[cat843]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Now off to find a good keyboard that will fit my needs.

Are there any good, cheap scissor action keyboards?


Any luck in finding a keyboard you really like?

 

[EricF]

I like the Microsoft 4000.
At work I use the original Microsoft Natural K/b.
It's old, keys are faded yellow, but it types like new, and my hands do NOT hurt at the end of the day.
I was told i can bring my own k/b & mouse but if anything goes wrong with it, it's on ME, if it messes up the computer, I will have to switch to the POS $8 fry's specials (inland) and like it.
I was using the original microsoft Ergo mouse for a while, but the cord started to get annoying, so I switched to the wireless microsoft mouse, not ergo, but much easier than the $4 creative mice that break when you look at them.
it ticks off my coworkers because they don't like the MS k/b. Well, I say if you know how to type, you'll have no problems!
At home I use the MS 4000, I don't use any of the extra features on it. But I need to buy another so I have a backup.

I also use the MS Trackball mouse. For some unforseen reason, these trackball's run upwards of $200 on ebay. They're a great mouse, 100x better than logitech, but they aren't made anymore.
I wanted a spare as well. But a very used one running for $200.. geez! If that ever breaks, I'll have to go Logitech, I have one for my wife and she's ok with it.

My excuse to use my own k/b & mouse.. the other POS hurts my hands. So badly I might have to file a workman's comp claim on it.
That usually changes even the stingiest micromanager.