MALTRON ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD
Type MGIA for Mouth or Head stick, or Single Finger Operation
Designed as a small unit which may be used on a horizontal surface or
mounted on an articulated arm, this keyboard has a concave front
surface to match the movement of mouth or head stick. A new letter
layout has been developed to give the smallest amount of physical
movement. It has the basic concept of a rotary action starting from the
space key (17% of keystrokes) at the centre of the bottom row and
returning to it at the end of the word. The number row is split either side
of the space key. The figure 1 is immediately left of space and counting
continues to the left of 4, 5 is above 4, while 6 is in a matching right
hand position. & is below 6 and the sequence continues towards the left
to place 0 to the right of space. This arrangement ensures that the most
figures, 1 and 0 require the least movement. The keyboard illustrated is a
PS\2 model.
The keyboard has a rectangular array of keys, with the function keys
along the top. The structure is of tough ABS plastic with a textured
surface. As noted above, the front is concave and at each end of this
curvature is a short riser to protect keys from accidental damage.
The following keys have indicator lights fitted:- CTL, ALT, SHIFT-
these keys control functions and since they need to be in the “on”
condition when required, push on, push off functions are fitted.
Associated with each is an indicator light to show the active condition.
CAPS LOCK and NUM LOCK also have indicators.
