| Width | 305 mm |
| Depth | 165 mm |
| Height | 20 mm |
| Key layout | QWERTY (ANSI US int.) |
| Key type | Scissor mechanism |
| Connection | Wired (USB-A), 155 cm cable |
| Works with | Windows, macOS and Linux |
For years your mouse lived far away, beyond the numeric keypad, almost at the edge of your desk. With the S-board 840 it can finally move a good bit closer. Your shoulder is fine with that. The mouse never asked to move, but you won't hear it complain either.
The BakkerElkhuizen S-board 840 is a compact keyboard without a separate numeric keypad. That keeps it just 305 mm wide, so your mouse sits right next to the keys. You don't have to move your arm as far out to reach the mouse. That can help reduce tension in your forearm and shoulder.
The keys of the S-board 840 use a scissor mechanism. They press down lightly and quietly, and you still feel clearly when a keystroke counts. At 20 mm high the keyboard sits low on your desk, so your wrists don't have to bend far upwards.
The S-board 840 weighs 480 grams and fits in most laptop bags with the protective sleeve that comes with it. Take it with you from home to the office, and you type on the same keyboard wherever you are. If your laptop only has USB-C, use the USB-C adapter that comes in the box with the S-board 840.
The keys of the S-board 840 have a key pitch of 19 mm, the same as on a regular keyboard. So you don't need to learn to type all over again. The keys are slightly hollow (concave) and cradle your fingertips, only the space bar is curved outwards. That way you can feel where you are without looking.
The S-board 840 has white keys with dark letters 4 mm high. If you often look back and forth between a bright screen and the keyboard, that means less difference in contrast. Three status LEDs show whether NumLock, CapsLock or ScrollLock is on.
Above the function keys of the S-board 840 is a row of 12 shortcut keys: open, save, print, cut, copy, paste, play, stop, mute, home page, favourites and new email. That means you reach for the mouse less often. A few keys do depend on your software: the email key opens Outlook, and according to BakkerElkhuizen the favourites key doesn't work in every browser.
The real benefit of the S-board 840 is the space that opens up on the right. Place your mouse right next to the keyboard, directly in front of your right shoulder, as BakkerElkhuizen recommends in the manual. For the first few days you may still reach past the mouse once or twice. You'll get used to it quickly.
If you touch type, keep the feet of the S-board 840 folded in. Your wrists then bend upwards less. If you often look at the keys while typing, you can fold the feet out for a better viewing angle. If in doubt, start flat.
If you work on a laptop, put it on a laptop stand so the screen sits higher. You then place the S-board 840 in front of you on its own. That way you combine a higher screen with a compact keyboard, and your neck doesn't have to bend down as much.
The S-board 840 has no separate numeric keypad, but it does have one built into the letter keys on the right. You switch it on with NumLock via Fn + F11. If you type a lot of numbers every day, the separate S-board 840 numeric keypad in the same design is a nice addition.
On a Mac the S-board 840 works as a regular keyboard. According to BakkerElkhuizen, the shortcut keys and the Apple command keys don't work on macOS. If you mainly work on a Mac, you'll miss out on the extra functions.
The shortcut row of the S-board 840 has a key to mute the sound, but no keys for louder and quieter. You adjust the volume on your computer.
The S-board 840 has two USB ports, for your mouse or headset for example. That way you don't need an extra port on your computer or laptop. According to the manual, the two ports together supply a maximum of 500 mA.
In short: the BakkerElkhuizen S-board 840 is a compact keyboard without a numeric keypad, for anyone who wants their mouse closer to their body. Important: US QWERTY layout and a wired USB connection.
| Warranty | 3 years (5 years after registration with BakkerElkhuizen) |
| Dimensions | 305 x 165 x 20 mm |
| Weight | 480 grams |
| Cable length | 155 cm |
| USB ports | 2 |
| Shortcut keys | 12 |
| Colour | Silver with white keys |
| Plug & Play |
Key figures: 305 x 165 x 20 mm, 480 grams, 155 cm cable, 2 USB ports, 12 shortcut keys, 3 years warranty.
| Wrist | |
| Shoulder | |
| Hand | |
| Arm |
Score overview: Wrist 5/5, Shoulder 5/5, Hand 3/5, Arm 3/5.
| Item number | ERGO-BES840US |
| Manufacturer's item number | BNES840DUS |
| Brand | BakkerElkhuizen |
| Warranty | 3 years (5 years after registration) |
| Type of guarantee | Ergowerken free warranty return service |
| Colour | Silver-white |
| Keyboard type | Compact |
| Ergonomic design | |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY (ANSI US int.) |
| Connection | Wired via USB |
| Bluetooth | not applicable |
| USB version | 2.0 |
| Type of keys | Flat keys with scissor mechanism |
| Numeric keypad | |
| Shortcut keys | |
| Programmable buttons | not applicable |
| Trackball/touchpad | not applicable |
| Type of power supply | Wire |
| Battery type | not applicable |
| Rechargeable | not applicable |
| Minimum system requirements | Windows, macOS and Linux (on macOS, the keyboard shortcuts and Apple command keys do not work) |
| Plug and play | |
| Dimensions length x width x height | 305 x 165 x 20 millimetres |
| Product weight | 480 grams |
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