Designed for Windows, the Programmable Ergo Pro Keyboard from Matias is an upgrade to their original Ergo Pro that allows users trigger a keyboard shortcut or type a string of text, all with a single keystroke. Thanks to programmed macro keys, keyboard shortcuts can be executed more quickly, as well as boilerplate text up to 60 characters. Dedicated hotkeys for Undo, Cut, Copy, and Paste are also pre-programmed and may be easily reprogrammed. The 12 function keys, the side hot keys, the split spacebars, and a few other keys are also programmable. Also featured is a gel palm support, tilting and tenting angles, metal mechanical switches, three USB-A 2.0 ports, laser etched keys, audio and media functions via the Fn key, N-key rollover, and more.

Programmable Keys    Gel Palm Support    Fold-Out Legs for Tilting and Tenting    9° Tenting, -4.5° Tilting Angles    Mechanical Metal Switches    Horizontal Navigation Cluster    Three USB-A 2.0 Ports | N-Key Rollover    Laser Etched Keys | Sculpted Keytops    Audio and Media Controls via Fn Key

Matias has refreshed their top-of-the-line ergonomic keyboard. It still has all the great features of the original Ergo Pro—tactile feedback, greater comfort, faster typing speeds, and quiet operation— but now it's also programmable. Programmability lets you trigger a keyboard shortcut or type a string of text, with just a single keystroke. This can be a real lifesaver for reducing wear and tear on your hands and wrists. Awkward or difficult-to-remember keyboard shortcuts become fast and easy via programmed macro keys. Also, boilerplate text that you type repeatedly throughout the day (up to 60 characters) can be done with one key press.

Dedicated hotkeys for the four most important keyboard shortcuts—undo, cut, copy, and paste—are already pre-programmed to work right out of the box. Re-programming them is easy, and doesn't require any special software. Furthermore, the 12 function keys, the side hotkeys, the split spacebars, and a few other keys, are all programmable.

The gel palm supports are thick and comfortable, with folding legs that let you configure the keyboard—according to your preference—in either a tented position, tilted downward (negatively), or flat. They can even be removed if your desk already has palm supports built-in.

Shown above and below, this is the most ergonomic configuration, with your wrists in a neutral position, rotated slightly.

For the negative tilt configuration, unfold only the front legs of the palm supports. This configuration is popular with people who find tenting too strange or difficult to adjust to. Negative tilt offers significant ergonomic benefits, in a way that's closer to a traditional keyboard layout. Some users start with this configuration initially (as a stepping stone) and then gradually transition to tenting.

For a perfectly flat configuration, simply fold in all the legs. This configuration may be useful if your desk or keyboard tray has its own angle adjustment already.

Some ergonomic keyboards use rubber instead of metal on their keyswitches. Compromising here can ruin an otherwise good keyboard, so this keyboard uses Matias Quiet Click mechanical switches. Their ALPS-inspired design delivers generous amounts of tactile feedback, while providing enough resistance to support the weight of your hands—exactly what you need for fast, comfortable typing. Plus, unlike other mechanical switches, they are quiet enough to use in office environments. You don't need to worry about disturbing your co-workers.

Navigation keys have always been a big problem for ergonomic keyboards. If you follow the standard, the keyboard is too wide. If you don't follow the standard, there's a long learning curve, and users are stuck having to suffer with an awkward, unfamiliar layout. Matias designed an improved navigation cluster, one that's much closer to standard and more ergonomic.

Matias arranged the navigation keys in a traditional pattern, but laid them out horizontally, and then positioned them along the bottom row, more like a laptop keyboard. It works beautifully, and the adjustment time is virtually zero. Try it once, and you'll never want to go back.

Thanks to their unique navigation cluster, the Ergo Pro is not as wide as other ergonomic keyboards. It's not much wider than a laptop keyboard. This makes it much more comfortable to use with a mouse. Since you're not reaching as far for it, your elbow doesn't need to flare out at an awkward angle.

Some keyboards have 2 USB ports, while most have none. Matias gives you three! You can plug in your mouse, flash drives, digital cameras, and more.

Matias has extended the warranty to 2 years. If you have any problems, please contact them.

Matias has included everything you need in the box. There's nothing extra to buy and you're all ready to go. However, if you'd like to add a spot of color, there are replacement palm supports available in four colors.

Matias knows that everyone has their own unique desk setup, so they've included extra cables to better accommodate your particular situation. Desktop computer users always need longer cables and laptop users prefer shorter ones, so Matias includes both long and short USB cables, 6.5' and 3.3', respectively. Also included are two Bridge cables, used for connecting the left and right sides of the keyboard. The short Bridge cable is enough to accommodate most users, while a longer, retractable Bridge cable can be used to separate the sides wider apart. For users who wish to mount the keyboard to their chair, an extra-long Bridge cable is available for purchase.

All those symbols are handy, but what happens when they wear off? They won't. They're laser etched—burned into the keys with a laser—so they'll never wear off.

The latest trend in keyboards is to have very flat and wide keys, with little or no space between them. You see this a lot on laptops and netbooks. While they look great, they can also be a little tricky to type on. The flatness makes it very easy to slide out of home row and lose your bearings.

By holding down the Fn key, you gain access to strategically placed keyboard shortcuts for Volume Up / Down, Mute, Pause / Play, Next Track, and Previous Track.

Most keyboards allow only a few keys to be pressed at once, so they can't keep up with very fast typists. The result is called ghosting—letters missing from what you actually typed, or additional letters that you didn't type. The Ergo Pro has special Anti-Ghosting Circuitry (also called N-key rollover) to eliminate these problems. You can type as fast as you're able; the Ergo Pro will keep up.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Do the keys light up?

A: No, the keys are not backlit.

Q: 2. do the keys feel/sound more like cherry brown or cherry blue switches?

A: Its hard to compare exactly, however this is a very tactile keyboard and each key is built on an individual Alps Mechanical Switch.

Q: 3. is this version still 3?

A: The keyboard I have is Tactile Pro4 for mac.

Q: 4. Can I label the keys myself and modify the labels shown?

A: Out of the box all keys are blank. you can use the provided labels, or I used excel to print my own.

Q: 5. Are the keys quiet or standard?

A: The Matias Backlit Wireless Multi-Pairing Keyboard for Windows (Black) BH #MAFK416PCBTL has low profile quiet keys.

Q: 6. I usually type with my keyboard in my lap. How do you think the curve of the keyboard might affect this in terms of comfort?

A: The Matias Tactile Pro Keyboard for Mac is not designed for lap use.

Q: 7. Is there a compatible mouse or this keyboard?

A: Any mouse will be compatible

Q: 8. Does this use the Logitech Unifying adapter?

A: Yes, the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Ergonomic Keyboard BH #LOERGOK860 works over Bluetooth and it also works with the included unifying receiver.

Q: 9. Can I use with Ipad Pro 12.9 tablet?

A: The Matias Half Keyboard is compatible with an iPad Pro, however will require a USBA - USBC adapter as it is a wired keyboard.

Q: 10. can i use this with macbook air?

A: Yes, this is compatible with Macs.