FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Slim design doesn’t take up any extra room on your desk or keyboard tray

- A few “hot keys” above the number pad control media and open Calculator

- All the letter keys retain their correct proportions

REVIEW:

Ergonomic keyboards all have their own unique shape.  The Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 has a single bulge in the center (see pic) to help externally rotate the wrists a little bit and relieve stress and fatigue.

Typing on this keyboard is very quiet.  As I can’t stand super loud clicky keyboards, I didn’t mind this one bit.  The keys feel slightly “softer” or more mushy than what I’m used to, and I think a little more tactile feedback would be nice.  But if I had to pick between super clicky and super quiet, super quiet wins every time.

Click for a larger view of all the key layout changes

This keyboard has quite a few changes to the key layout, all of which I dislike.  For starters, I don’t like the delete key placement.  Yes, I know, I rarely ever use the insert key, but on those rare instances when I need it, where is it?  Hint: It’s above the delete key, next to Scroll Lock, where PrtScrn used to be.

So where is PrtScrn?  It’s on the other side of Scroll Lock, where Pause/Break used to be.

So where is Pause/Break???  It’s now a shared key with Scroll Lock in the middle, and requires hitting the Function (Fn) key.

Function key?  What the heck is that?!  Standard keyboards don’t even have a function key! Well, it’s between the right CTRL and the right ALT.  There is normally a Windows key and an Application key (the one with the image of a mouse pointer on a menu) here, but this keyboard replaced them both with a Fn key.

The missing Application key is now accessed by hitting Fn+Right Shift, and the only Windows key on the keyboard is the left one.

And I forgot to mention; to make up for the missing right Windows key, the spacebar is now too long.

Seriously, what is going on here?!

The addition of a Function key represents reduced efficiency; things that used to require only one key press (such as the Application key, or hitting Pause/Break) now require two (the Fn key plus the newly assigned key).  While I tend to think this is poor planning and engineering, I’m sure the defense is “but no one ever uses those keys anyway!”  So if these changes don’t bother you (because you never use those keys anyway), then you may very well find this keyboard to be superb!

This keyboard looks awesome, but the keyboard layout has been messed with, and while the keys that were rearranged (or removed) aren’t commonly used keys, there’s still going to be a learning curve and moments of “hey, where did that key go?!”  It all seems a bit pointless to me.  This keyboard would be much better with a normal sized spacebar and the other bottom row keys present (right Windows and Application) and where they’re supposed to be (left CTRL — more on that later).

Slim design doesn't waste any extra space on your desk

This keyboard has some extra hot keys, and normally I don’t like them because they’re huge and take up extra space, but here they take up minimal space above the numeric keypad, and I don’t mind them at all.  And I love the Calculator shortcut key.  I seem to use the calculator all the time.

I’m not a gamer, but if you are, you probably won’t like the WASD layout on this keyboard.

The Z key is slightly misaligned.  Its left edge is even with the left edge of the left ALT key.  This means the left CTRL is further away from the letter keys than it should be, which makes the pinky+index finger stretch to hit CTRL+B, for example, longer than on a standard keyboard.

PROS:

- Slim and space saving

- Looks cool

- Letter keys are all the same size (unlike on the Comfort Curve 2000)

CONS:

- A bunch of rearranged keys (Insert, PrtScrn, Pause, Application), the addition of a Function key, and the right Windows key has been removed

- Gamers won’t like WASD layout

- Left CTRL key, while the correct size (unlike on the 2000), is further away

- Extra large delete key

VERDICT:

If the rearranged keys don’t bother you and you like the curve, this is a pretty cool keyboard.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- “Spill resistant” – won’t get damaged by an occasional spill

- Low profile keys resemble laptop keys

- “Hot keys” near the top give you access to internet shortcuts and computer volume controls

- Curved design

The left CTRL key is too small and rounded

REVIEW:

The first thing I noticed about this keyboard (after its shape, of course) was that it has the traditional set of Insert/Home/Page Up, Delete/End/Page Down keys.  Compare this against the style that some newer keyboards have where the delete key on the left is twice as tall and the insert key has been removed.  I know some people prefer that, but I don’t, so props to this keyboard for doing it the “correct” way.

All the other keys are in their correct locations, too.  Sometimes ergo keyboards get creative and relocate keys, but this keyboard is basically just a standard keyboard that has been curved a bit.

Every time you change keyboards it takes a bit of time to get used to the new keyboard.  On this particular model, the left CTRL key is rounded and is shorter than it should be.  The round edge fits the contour of the keyboard, but there’s really no reason for it to be rounded like that, and in fact it may even cause you to “miss” the key when you go to hit it with your left pinky.  You may think this criticism is nit picky until you start missing the key.

The proportions of some of the keys in the middle (T, G, H, B, N) are also larger than the rest of the keys and may cause a few mistakes while you’re adapting to this keyboard.

Smooth and subtle curves

PROS:

- Traditional Insert/Home/Page Up, Delete/End/Page down layout

- Spill resistant

- Comfortable curve although it takes some time to get used to if you’re used to a standard keyboard

CONS:

- Left CTRL key is too small

- Keyboard is larger than many other models; make sure you have room on your desk or keyboard tray!

- Spacebar is loud

VERDICT:

- A decent curved ergonomic keyboard.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Available with a “saddle seat” (see image at left) or flat seat

- Available with 3 different gas lift to accommodate different height workstations, from standard desks to

- Adjustable seat depth

- Adjustable back height

- Adjustable tilt resistance

- Tilt-lock

- Optional headrest and foot rest

- Available in in dozens of color/fabric options

REVIEW:

HAG Capisco with flat seat and optional headrest

As someone who regularly changes his seating position throughout the day, I was instantly drawn to the HAG Capisco.  I randomly find myself throughout the day with my chair rotated 90 degrees to the side and one of my legs pulled up on the seat horizontally; the Capisco is made for this!

The saddle seat is inspired by the posture of a person on horseback and is designed for a higher workstation where the user is somewhere in between sitting and standing.  This position is actually thought to be better on the body from an ergonomic perspective and is being adopted by many progressive companies who give their employees height-adjustable desks.  A flat seat is available if you prefer a more traditional seat style, yet still has a flexible front edge to support higher workstations.

As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, many ergonomic chairs are very comfortable, yet they limit the positions in which you can sit.  The Capisco offers more seating positions than any other chair I’ve ever seen, and it’s designed to handle them all.  And it’s comfortable.  It’s comfortable when used like a normal task chair.  It’s comfortable if you turn it sideways and lean into it, and it’s comfortable if you turn it around and lean forward.  The T-shaped back supports your arms in all these positions, although it doesn’t have traditional armrests so there’s nothing to rest your elbows on when you’re typing in a “proper” seated position.  For me, this was no big deal as I tend to prefer chairs without armrests anyway.

The seat and back are comfortable and supportive.  In fact, it is one of the most comfortable and unique sitting experiences I’ve ever had.  Let me be clear: I LOVE this chair.

The HAG Capisco allows comfortable seating in a variety of positions

But understand that it is different from most other ergonomic chairs.  There’s no 2:1 ratio knee-tilt (the Capisco instead has a standard tilt, see more below).  There’s no adjustable lumbar support.  There are no 4-D arms.  But it doesn’t need those things.  The Capisco is designed for an entirely different seating experience — one that allows you to move and change positions fluidly and naturally, often without even realizing you’re doing it until it suddenly hits you that “hey, I’ve been sitting sideways for the last 15 minutes and I’m so comfortable I wasn’t even aware of it!”

Indeed, the Capisco is the most versatile chair I’ve ever used.

The only thing I don’t like about the Capisco is that it has a standard “middle-tilt” recline mechanism where the chair seat pivots on its midpoint so the front comes up as the back goes down.  The back is attached to the seat so the ratio between the seat and back stays constant even as you recline (1:1 ratio).  On any other chair this would be a big red flag, but because of the way the Capisco is designed to be used, it’s not that big of a deal.

PROS:

- Design supports sitting in just about any position comfortably

- Available in taller heights to support high workstations without forcing the user into a full seated position

- Two different seat options: saddle or flat

- Adjustable seat depth and back height allow the chair to fit a variety of users

CONS:

- Non-traditional appearance may turn some people off

- No adjustable lumbar support (although this chair doesn’t really need it)

- Uses a standard tilt with 1:1 ratio

VERDICT:

If you naturally sit in many different positions throughout the day, or if you feel “restricted” in traditional chairs, the HAG Capisco is probably a good choice for you.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Back flexors conform to the shape of your back to provide comfort and support

- Available with a height-adjustable lumbar support

- Weight activated tilt mechanism

- 4-D adjustable arms

- Flexible seat front adapts to your body position

- Adjustable seat depth

- Mesh or fabric back in a large variety of colors

- Headrest option

Steelcase Think back flexors

REVIEW:

The Think is a cool-looking chair — something I noticed before I even sat down in it.  Steelcase gets an A for design on this one.  The front edge of the seat is flexible which helps take pressure off the back of the thighs.  A common complaint with many other chairs is that the front of the seat pan cuts of circulation at the bottom of the thighs.  This will be a non-issue with the Think no matter how you sit in the chair.

The tilt lock functions a bit differently than on most other chairs.  It is a dial on the right side of the chair with four settings:  1) weight-activated tilt (full range), 2) weight-activated with 20% boost in resistance, 3) mid-recline stop (only reclines halfway), 4) upright tilt-lock.  So, there’s no direct tilt-tension adjustment, but that’s because it’s kind of built in to the preset settings on the tilt adjustment knob.  Normally I prefer more adjustment than that, but on the Think it doesn’t really bother me; the presets are good enough.  Again, kudos to Steelcase.

The recline mechanism itself on the Think is similar to that of the Leap; the seat stays relatively horizontal and only the back reclines.  This allows for an optimal lower back stretch and keeps your feet flat on the floor, and is very comfortable for working in a reclined position for extended periods.

The 4-D arms on the Think are, like those of the Leap, absolutely the best 4-D arms on the market.  When you adjust the depth, lateral, or pivot position, they move solidly and firmly.  If you accidentally bump them they’re not going to slide out of place.  I don’t like it when 4-D arms slide too easily.

Steelcase Think with adjustable lumbar support

The lumbar support is height adjustable only (no depth adjustment) and is subtle.  If you don’t want to use it, it slides all the way down to the bottom.  Even though the back of the Think is pretty supportive, some people may find it just a tad too soft, and the lumbar option is nice when you want a little extra support, and I recommend getting it as an option if you decide to go with this chair.

Finally, the Think feels solid.  It seems sturdy and well-made.  This is always kind of an intangible when it comes to chairs and even the most perfectly adjustable chair won’t be a winner if it doesn’t feel solid.

Note that the Think is sold by many different retailers, yet some retailers only have the chair available in certain configurations (for example, only with fixed arms (which are always a bad option), and not available armless or with 4-D adjustable arms), and not available with lumbar support, etc.  If you are interested in this chair, make sure you go somewhere where you can get all the options you want.

PROS:

- Recline mechanism

- Comfortable and attractive

- Available without arms

- The combined tilt-lock/tilt-tension settings, while limited, are sufficient

- Available mesh back keeps you cool

CONS:

- No forward tilt (although you likely won’t miss it on this chair)

- No independent tilt-limiter or tilt-tension control

- Lumbar support not depth-adjustable

VERDICT:

A lot of people love this chair and with good reason.  It’s not the absolute most comfortable nor the most adjustable, but it’s a strong performer in all areas and definitely not a bad way to spend 8 hours a day.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Mesh or upholstered back

- Height-adjustable lumbar available on mesh back version

- Back height adjustable (on upholstered back version)

- Seat depth adjustment

- Arms are height, depth, and pivot adjustable

- Back can be locked in recline position

- Syncro-tilt mechanism

- Tilt tension knob

Mesh back Steelcase Reply with lumbar support

REVIEW:

I’ve only used the Steelcase Reply with the mesh back so I’m uncertain how the upholstered back version compares.  I think the main difference is that the mesh back version has an optional lumbar support that is height adjustable, while on the upholstered back version the entire back of the chair moves up and down so you can match the curve of the chair back to the curve of your back.

The Reply was a pretty comfortable chair.  The lumbar support was subtle but noticeable.  I recommend adding it as an option to your chair.

The arms aren’t as nice as the arms on the Leap and they aren’t adjustable laterally (in and out), but can still be adjusted by height, depth, and can pivot in and out.  And like all Steelcase arms, they feel solid and high quality and won’t slide out of place if you accidentally bump them.

People who like to work for long periods of time from a reclined position will like that the Reply can be locked into a recline angle.  Recline, press the lever on the left side of the chair, and the chair will lock at that angle until you release the lever.

While the Reply seems a bit like the Think’s little brother, the recline mechanism, back design, and arms are the primary differences.

Steelcase Reply with upholstered back

PROS:

- Mesh back keeps you cool

- Chair can be locked at specific recline angles

- More affordable than many other Steelcase chairs

- Lumbar support option

CONS:

- 4-D arms not available

- Armless not available

- No forward tilt

VERDICT:

Not as nice as the Think, but not as expensive, either.  The Reply is a decent entry level ergonomic chair.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- The open design of the back keeps you cool while evenly distributing your weight

- Back design allows unrestricted shoulder movement

- Forward tilt

- Seat slider

- Tilt lock and tension control

- Available with an upholstered back

- Available with lumbar support option

- Available with fully adjustable arms

- Knee tilt

Side view of the Herman Miller Sayl

REVIEW:

The first thing I noticed when I sat in the Sayl is that the back was flexible yet supportive.  I immediately liked it.  And because the back becomes more narrow as it goes up, you have a great deal of shoulder freedom (perhaps surpassed only by the Keilhauer Junior, although the Junior feels a bit more form-fitting (perhaps restrictive?) in the process).  I was able to reach back, pull my scapula together, and stretch without any interference from the chair.  The Sayl is very supportive of the back as you lean back into it.

The forward tilt option is always a plus in my book and I was pleased to see that Herman Miller included it in this lower price point chair.

The arms on the Sayl did the job but seemed a bit thinner and not as high of quality as what I’ve seen on some other chairs, but I like that they are fully adjustable 4-D arms (height, depth, pivot, and lateral).

The lumbar support is subtle.  It’s height adjustable over 4 inches so you just kinda put it where you want it, but there’s no depth adjustment.

The Sayl’s recline isn’t as comfortable as other chairs that I’ve used, but most other chairs are also more expensive.  I’m not saying the Sayl is a bad chair, but sit in an Aeron, recline and relax, and then sit in a Sayl and you’ll see what I mean.  There’s something I felt was missing or lacking but I wasn’t able to quantify it.  It’s not my favorite chair despite the fact that I can’t figure out why I’m not crazy about it.

Back view of Herman Miller Sayl showing optional lumbar support

PROS:

- Available armless

- Back is soft yet supportive, and allows for good ventilation

- Forward tilt

- Stylish appearance

CONS:

- Despite being 4-D adjustable, the arms felt lacking

- Lacks a certain je ne sais quoi (in reference to the sitting experience, not its appearance)

VERDICT:

A Herman Miller chair at a more affordable price point than some of their other models that allows for freedom of shoulder movement.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Screening panels can be added for privacy

- Side tables provide a flat surface to store supplies and drinks

- Mobile drawer option gives you a place to keep your stuff

REVIEW:

It kind of has a futuristic feel to it, much like I imagine the control center on a space ship would.  Let me put it another way: this desk is awesome.

Okamura Cruise desk

It has a sloped desk surface like the Herman Miller Envelop to give you an optimal ergonomic working angle, but it also has (optional) side tables so you have a horizontal surface to put books, notebooks, and cups of coffee on.

This desk is designed to be used with an Okamura Atlas chair which is a low-seat chair, however any (ergonomic, reclining) chair should work as long is it can get low enough.

Ok, so this setup is kind of designed to be used in an office setting, but I see no problem whatsoever with having one in a home office.  You obviously wouldn’t need the screening panels, but the rest of the system which is designed for superior ergonomic performance would be just as effective at home as at the workplace, especially if you spend hours at your desk using the computer each day.

Okamura Cruise workstation with side table, mobile drawers and screening panels in use

PROS:

- Angle-adjustable desk surface with available flat surface tables and storage units lets you work ergonomically while still having somewhere to put your coffee

- Privacy screening panels can be added for the office

- Allows you to work at a level of ergonomic comfort never before available (with the possible exception of the Herman Miller Envelop)

CONS:

- Ideally requires a specific chair, but in any case requires an ergonomic chair that reclines and can get low enough to fit under the desk

- Use limited to a computer workstation

VERDICT:

If you want the ultimate in ergonomic workspaces and your chair goes low enough, this is the definitive choice.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Ergonomic and adjustable angle eliminates the need to hunch forward while working

- The desk’s surface slides toward you can can be placed at varying angles depending if you want to work from a more reclined or a more upright position

- Height adjustable

- Designed to work with an ergonomic chair that reclines, and a footrest

Herman Miller Envelop Desk reclined position

REVIEW:

As soon as I pulled the Envelop’s surface toward me, I exclaimed “whoa!  That’s cool!”  This desk is to a normal desk what an ergonomic chair is to a standard task chair.  The surface of the desk slides toward you up to seven inches and to a maximum angle of seven degrees, allowing your forearms to rest on the surface at a comfortable angle while you recline to an optimal ergonomic position in your chair.  I hadn’t realized what I was missing by working on flat desks all my life up until this point.

But while this was supremely comfortable and ergonomic, I eventually realized the only flat surface was at the very top of the desk, so that’s where you’ll have to keep your pens, pencils, notebooks and coffee (careful not to spill it while moving the desk’s surface toward or away from you).

Monitors need to go on the flat surface at the back of the desk, and they can wobble if you slide the desk forward or backward too hard.  Ideally you are supposed to use ergonomic monitor-mounting arms on this desk, which would admittedly be more stable, but that’s just another thing to buy.

Depending upon the kind of mouse you have, you may need to get a mousepad with a bit of texture or friction to keep your mouse from sliding off the desk.

You may want to get a flat side table and keep it next to you so you have somewhere to put your notebooks, pens, and coffee.

Speaking of peripherals, unless your office is 100% paperless, if you want to use this desk you’ll need to buy separate storage units since there are no drawers anywhere.

Regardless of the lack of storage and flat surfaces, this desk makes working awesome and more comfortable than you’ve even experienced.

That being said, a good chair is more important than a good desk, so if you only have the money for one, get the chair.

Herman Miller Envelop Desk upright position

PROS:

- Maximum ergonomic comfort

- “Wow” factor

CONS:

- Pointless if you don’t have a good ergonomic chair that reclines

- Use is limited to a computer workstation.  You’re not going to write checks or spread out multiple open binders or anything on this desk

- No place to put a cup of coffee, a plate of food, a notebook, or a pencil since most of the desk is tilted downward (not an issue with the Okamura Cruise workstation)

- May require a new mousepad to keep your mouse from sliding off

- No storage (drawers, filing cabinet, etc.), so you’ll have to buy some separate modular storage

- Won’t work well with a big CRT monitor (is anyone still using those, anyway?)

VERDICT:

If you have the money, separate storage, and a flat surface on which to put your coffee, go for it!

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Arms are adjustable in height, depth, width and pivot

- Arm caps rotate 180 degrees toward the back to get them out of the way if you need to get up close to your desk

- Tilt lock/tension

- Seat depth adjustment

- Back height adjustable

- Back design allows shoulder movement while supporting the spine

- Knee tilt

Side view of the Sguig

REVIEW:

I like the Sguig.  The back took a little getting used to at first since it has a different design than most chairs, but I soon found that it was form fitting and comfortable.  The back is actually similar in concept to the Keilhauer Junior in that it provides full spinal support while still leaving the shoulders free, but the difference is that the Sguig’s back is actually a full back with a slightly recessed shoulder area (see photo).

The back is height adjustable in 11 steps over a 2″ range of motion so you can fit the curve of the chair back into the curve of your own back and while it doesn’t have separate lumbar support the way some chairs do, the adjustable back was still a nice feature.  The seat was also comfortable and supportive and allowed me to sit however I want.

Keilhauer has done a lot of research into studying how men and women sit differently from each other.  Their conclusion was basically that men tend to lean back (putting pressure on the back of the ischial tuberosities) whereas women tend to sit more upright, rolled forward on those bones.  The Sguig, like the Morley, features “Pelvic Balance Point” technology which allows the seat and back to be adjusted to support you no matter how you sit.  As a male I can’t speak for women, but I tend to vary my sitting posture pretty often throughout the day, and regardless of if I was leaning back or sitting up I was pretty comfortable in this chair.

Spine support without shoulder restriction

PROS:

- Back provides shoulder freedom

- Arms pivot 180 degrees backward to pivot out of the way

- Comfortable tilt mechanism

CONS:

- Seat back may feel strange at first as it is probably different from any other chair you’ve ever sat in

- No forward tilt option

- Not available armless

- No separate lumbar adjustment

VERDICT:

If you’re looking for full back support that doesn’t restrict shoulder movement, the Sguig should definitely be on your list of chairs to try.

FEATURES/OPTIONS:

- Arms feature height, depth, pivot, and lateral adjustments (the lateral adjustment is at the base of the arms)

- Tilt lock

- Forward tilt option

- Adjustable back height

- Seat depth adjustment

Keilhauer Morley side view

REVIEW:

The Morley is a comfortable chair.  The seat is supportive yet relatively flat and allows for a variety of sitting postures.  If you’ve read my reviews, you know one of my pet peeves in a task chair is when the back is too restrictive and limits shoulder/scapula mobility and forces you into a hunched forward posture; fortunately, the Morley has no problems here.  The back curves out a bit at the top to allow not only a comfortable seated position but also shoulder freedom.

There is no adjustable lumbar support per se, but the entire back moves up and down so you can position the curved part at the correct spot on your back for optimal support.  It works and it’s comfortable, but it’s not quite the same effect as having a separate lumbar support mechanism.

Keilhauer gets bonus points for putting forward tilt on this chair.

The knee tilt recline is comfortable and the tension is easily adjustable.

Keilhauer Morley with upholstered back

PROS:

- Has all the adjustments of more expensive competitors and has forward tilt

- Room for your shoulders to move around

- Available without arms

CONS:

- No dedicated lumbar support (while the back adjust up and down, that’s not quite the same)

- Not as modern-looking as some other chairs (if you care about aesthetics)

VERDICT:

A highly-adjustable chair that is a price point below some of the more well-known ergonomic chairs out there.