The T-Mobile G1 keyboard: A lesson in failed ergonomics

November 8, 2008 | MG Siegler | Comments | |


I have pretty average-sized hands for a guy. And trying to use the keyboard on T-Mobile’s new G1, the first phone built to run Google’s Android platform, is ridiculous. I got my hands (literally) on the device for the first time this weekend, and all I can say is that if you complained about the iPhone’s keyboard because it didn’t have physical buttons, get ready for an even worse experience on the G1.

The problem is in the design. The G1 has a rather large bottom, or right-hand side depending on how you have it oriented. This area, like on the iPhone, holds the main buttons (the iPhone of course, only had the one main button) for the device’s navigation. The problem with the G1 is that when you flip out the physical keyboard, it’s placed far beneath where your hands are naturally resting on this right-side — which doesn’t flip up with the rest of the screen. (If it’s hard to envision, take a look at the picture above.)

This makes for a situation where hitting the space key — which I always do with my right hand on a regular keyboard — is a major strain on my right thumb. And of course, you’re going to hit the space key a lot when you type. As I said, I have what I’d consider average sized hands for a male, certainly some men with larger hands may be okay with this keyboard (though their undoubtedly larger digits will have trouble hitting the small keys), but men with smaller hands and most women will undoubtedly hate this keyboard.

Sure, I could re-teach myself to hit the space bar and some of the other keys closer to the center-left with my left hand, but why should I? I have absolutely no problem with it on the iPhone’s keyboard. It’s simply an example of poor design. Even when I’m not straining to reach keys, the whole typing process just feels awkward with this device that has two different hand placement levels when horizontally oriented.

The T-Mobile Sidekick, which also has a flip-out screen, at least is symmetrical, allowing your hands to rest equally on each side. HTC, which made the G1, should have taken its cues from that design.

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About the Author, MG Siegler

MG Siegler writes about technology trends and new media for VentureBeat, with a focus on mobile topics, social elements and key news stories. Before that, MG wrote about technology on his blog, ParisLemon. Originally from Ohio, MG attended the University of Michigan where he studied film. He's previously lived in Los Angeles where he worked in Hollywood and in San Diego where he did web development. He now lives in San Francisco.

  • Cory
    If you used the G1 for more than the 30 minutes, or even Single night that you took to write this little entry, then you would know that the keyboard is actually very easy to type on. and you learn to use it well, and fast very very easy. I got used to it on my G1 after about 3-4 days or so. Now typing is a breeze. Yes the chin on the bottom of phone is sort of in your way. but NO one should have to re learn how to hit space with there left. I use my right. Not to mention the way your holding the phone in that picture is only one way of many. Try doing the same thing but the right hand under the chin of the phone. so your wrists together. it makes it very easy to type.
    The G1 is a great phone, and i like it more than the iphone for the simple reason of it's not apple, and it has a physical keyboard!
  • ryan.j
    whilst i disagree with the "its good because it's not apple" sentiment, the g1's keyboard is fine - you just have freakishly small hands and are holding it funny anyway.

    although i'm going to go ahead and assume that there is an element of "its not ergonomic because it's not apple" in your thinking there.
  • Tose
    I love the G1's keyboard. I've used my G1 for a while now, and I don't even notice the "chin." And oddly enough, I'm left handed so on a standard keyboard I use my left thumb for the space bar; but on the G1 I tend to use my right thumb.
  • David G.
    I think you're holding it wrong. I can tell because your the angle that your thumbs is bent at is too high. My hands are bigger, and they don't look that cramped holing the G1. Ergonomics is as much about user technique as the design of the device. You're holding it as if it were a frisbee you are about to throw out. Hold the device vertically. Embrace it with your extended fingers. Put your index fingers behind the screen, so that your index fingertips are touching both the screen and the main body of the phone. All fingertips except for you pinkies should be touching the back of the phone at a natural angle. Curl your two pinkies at the bottom to hold it up. Keep your wrist straight and make a triangle. This gives you freedom of movement for your thumbs. Relax. Spread out. Enjoy.