The QWERTY keyboard was designed to reduce typing speed and thus prevent typewriter jams. What its creators didn't realize, however, was the detrimental effect of the unnatural twisting and stretching it forced on typists.

The PLUM Keyboard (named after the first four letters in its top row) uses an easier-to-learn, more comfortable layout that places 74 percent of the most common keys directly under your fingers in their home position. Letters are arranged into easy-to-remember words, and keys line up in straight columns that eliminate the need to extend your fingers at odd angles. It may take some time for experienced typists to learn this new layout, but many people will find that the increased speed and reduced strain easily justify the effort.