New keyboard suggestions?

Requirements:

• Ergonomic design
• Programmable keys with macro capability

I currently have a Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard.

Like so:


I have two complaints with it. First, the F Lock that you have to hit to use the F Keys as F Keys and not random browser crap, and if you have F Keys on so you can use F Keys, you can't use PrtScn. Something similar with Pause Break & Scroll Lock, Insert too.

The other complaint? I'd like programmable macros on a keyboard, like the Logitech G15 has. Not really a complaint, just a feature I don't like not having.

What I'd like: A keyboard with programmable macros like the G13, G15, G19 etc., but in an Ergonomic design. If you don't know what that means, check the above picture. Keyboard is split, and kinda u-shape.

That's it, really. I just can't find any that fit those specs.

I'm not looking for a Gameboard like the Logitech G13 or Belkin N52TE.

I know pretty much all the Razer keyboards have Macros, but none are ergonomic designs. >.>"

Microsoft doesn't have any macro capabilities at all...

The G19 is pretty much exactly what I want, except it isn't ergonomic. Don't care so much about it having a display or not, but not being ergonomic is a show stopper for me. I like how it has the macro keys though, they look better than the G15's (from 2007 onward) -- there's more lol. Heck, the G11 is even better! More buttons, no display... Only problem, once again.. not ergonomic, gah... Oh and I don't care if it glows or not... I'd rather prefer it either not glow or the ability to make it not glow. I haven't looked at my keys for a decade anyway... But I don't really care about the glowing if it matches my other 2 specs. :P

So yeah, anyone have any suggestions? Other than slapping myself for becoming attached to ergonomic keyboards... lol

I'll try to list a few Keyboards I find to be of good Quality and / or are what you're looking for, keep in mind it's very hard to find Quality "Gaming" ergonomic keyboards.

SteelSeries Merc Stealth [Image]
Built in Ergonomic Game Pad (Keyboard is not Fully Ergonomic)
Backlight
All Keys Programmable
Vista Certified

Logitech Wave [Image]
Ergonomic Design
Media / Function Keys
No Backlight
Vista Certified

Microsoft Natural 4000 [Image]
Ergonomic Design
Customizable "Hot Keys"
Zoom "Key"
Vista Certified

Adesso PCK-208B [Image]
Ergonomic
Media Keys
Vista Certified

Hopefully this helps, just a little input from me though, I like Ergonomic Keyboards and I made the switch the Logitech G15, I personally love this keyboard, it's comfortable, built well, and has multiple Macro Keys and a Disable Windows button key. Not to mention a LCD Screen Built in so I can see what Time it is, whats playing in itunes, Riva Tuner settings, Temperatures, Check Emails, RSS Feeds, etc.

PS: It seems to me like the Natural 4000 would be the best bet for you unless you decide to get the G15 / G19.

Thanks for the suggestions, none of those are any good though.

The first two aren't true ergonomic keyboards at all, and only the second actually has macro keys.

The Microsoft one is almost exactly like mine. This is as far as the reprogramming the keys goes:


There are no macros, unfortunately.

If I didn't care about the keyboard being ergonomic, I'd probably go with the G11 just because how many macro keys it has, which is nice. It doesn't have a display screen either, which I don't care for too much in the first place -- I run dual monitors, so it's useless. Anything it could show me, I already see on my other monitor.

I'm actually kinda surprised there's no ergonomic keyboards with macro capabilities... Must be cause they make certain keys hard to reach. Well, impossible more like. Pretty much everything on the right side of it... xD

I mean, I'd really just get a Gameboard for the macros, if it wasn't for the fact that the game I'm playing requires me not only to micro like a billion skills at once, but move with my wasd keys AND stay facing the right direction with my mouse. I figure, if I get a macro keyboard, it'll ease the burden being able to just hit one key to do a combo while I maneuver with wasd and keep the direction faced the right way. But yeah, that's pretty much the only real reason why I'm wanting a new keyboard.

das keyboard - buckling spring keyboard.