Elite Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard FAQ’s

No, The Goldtouch Keyboard is a WHQL Certified, Plug and Play device. Windows will automatically detect the device and install the proper Microsoft drivers.

The Goldtouch Elite Keyboard uses native MacOS drivers. When first connecting the keyboard, the Keyboard Assistant will launch. You can also launch Keyboard Assistant manually by going to System Preferences/Keyboard. Follow the prompts, i.e., Keyboard Assistant asks you to press the key immediately to the right of the Left Shift Key (Z) and the key immediately to the left of the Right Shift Key (/). ANSI is the keyboard type that should be detected.

Everyone is different and will require different typing positions to suit them and their workstation. For a complete video demonstration of adjustability see our videos page and watch “Goldtouch Elite Keyboard How-To Video” or any of “The New Simple” videos found under General Info.

Splay & Ulnar Deviation Adjustment:

There is usually a discrepancy between your shoulder width and keyboard width when you place your fingers on the home row of keys. You compensate by angling your wrists outward (ulnar deviation). Rather than have this happen, the Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard splits in the horizontal plane (0° to 30°) relieving this awkward posture. The aim is to allow your wrists to be straight which in turn will increase your comfort level.

Lateral Inclination & Pronation Adjustment:

Placing your hands flat on the keys of a keyboard can require considerable muscular effort. This effort can cause fatigue and discomfort. The keyboard is split into segments so that it can be raised in the center to more closely match the natural alignment of the forearm and wrist. Forcing your hands down flat to the keyboard is a hand movement known as pronation. It is the rotation of the right hand in a counter-clockwise direction and clockwise for the left.

Experiment, give yourself time to familiarize yourself with this new posture and fine tune the adjustment until you feel a sense of relaxation in the wrists, forearms, shoulders and neck.

IMPORTANT: After making this adjustment check that your elbows are at 90° and your forearms are horizontal. If they are not, alter your seat or desk height.

Goldtouch provides a separate 18-key numeric keypad for those who need them.

This is an exceptional product designed to be adjusted to suit your individual body requirements, rather than forcing your body to conform to the keyboard. It provides for personal adaptation of the two alphanumeric sections to help you attain relaxation of the muscles and tendons of the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. In so doing some undesirable awkward postures used in typing can be alleviated.

The Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard allows for you to arrange your workspace to improve comfort and enhance productivity and efficiency. It has a small footprint and embedded numeric keypad so you don’t need to reach as far to access your mouse. Watch our Video, The New Simple, Part 1: Goldtouch Overview for more information.

These issues are caused by an incorrect switch setting of the Mac/PC slider switch on the bottom of the keyboard. Set to PC Mode.

No, all Goldtouch keyboards are QWERTY for Latin script.

Check to make sure the Mac/PC slider switch on the bottom of the keyboard is set to Mac Mode. For Function Row features, ensure the FN key is engaged.

The Mac multimedia keys are on the F1-F4 keys on the front facing part of the keycap (not the tops of the keycaps). The F7-F12 multimedia key functions printed on the top of the keys are shared by Windows and MacOS.

The issue is caused by an incorrect switch setting of the Mac/PC slider switch on the bottom of the keyboard. Set to Mac Mode.

The Function Key creates access to additional features. The FN Key acts as FN for both PC and MAC.

To activate the FN (Function) features on your Goldtouch Elite Adjustable Keyboard, press the FN key. An orange FN indicator light will appear in the Status Bar on the upper right corner of your keyboard when the FN function is enabled. When FN is turned on, you’re free to utilize the following Function Features, without having to hold down the FN key:

A listing of Windows Shortcuts are available on Microsoft’s Website here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows-dcc61a57-8ff0-cffe-9796-cb9706c75eec

For a full list of key definitions and key shortcuts, please see the Key Definitions For Windows QWERTY Keyboard.

The keys on the Elite Keyboard are only natively programmable through the use of the Default/Alternate Slider switch on the back of the keyboard. Check the User Manual for further details on the specific layout.

For specific keyboard programming use a Third-party software such as KeyTweak or PowerToys on PC or Karabiner on Mac. Goldtouch cannot provide technical support for third-party software.

Check the Alternate / Default Slider Switch on the bottom of the keyboard and make sure the switch matches your preferred layout. See User Manual for more information on the layout modes. The Keyboard ships in Default Mode which places Home, End, PageUp and PageDown on the right side of the keyboard.

Engage the Function (FN) key to utilize additional features located on the Function Row. Multi-media keys F7-F12 are the same for PC and Mac, the F1-F6 functions for PC are printed on the top of the keys, while Mac based function F1-F4 are printed on the front of keys. These Mac functions are Brightness Up, Brightness Down, Desktop and Spotlight.

FN and NUMLOCK must both be engaged to use the internal numeric keypad.  This prevents system BIOS on Windows PC’s that are set to NUMLOCK = ON, from engaging the numeric keypad and interfering with the user’s inputs.

The Yellow Keys are native Mac based functions and do not require the FN key to be engaged to utilize them. Ex: Pause/Break Key is Eject on Mac. You can use this key to Eject External Drives, mapped Network Drives, or CD/DVD.

PrintScreen is shared by PC and Mac, on Mac the PrintScreen key is a shortcut for Command + Shift + 4 and will copy your selection to a Desktop Screenshot.

If a key is not producing any characters or the wrong character, the Keyboard may be defective. Please test the keyboard on another computer system and if it is still experiencing the same results. Note that the wrong character display is often the result of key re-mapping, the wrong language selection, the NUMLOCK being on, or the below Word Data key corrupt issue.

If you suspect you may have re-mapped a key, test by typing in Notepad as it utilizes the standard Windows Mapping. This test bypasses any key re-mapping that may have been set in Word, for example, so if you get the desired character in Notepad you have probably re-mapped the key.

You can also use the online Keyboard Checker at https://keyboardchecker.com/ to check the key function. Please note the online Keyboard Checker will not register the Function (FN) key as the FN is an integrated key specific to the Elite Keyboard.

The serial number is located on the underside of the keyboard. Identify the serial number to the right of the “Part Number” or the 10-digit code beneath the bar code. For example, GTE08899-3500168500 where the 10-digit number after GTE08899- is the serial number.

The Goldtouch Keyboard uses rubber dome springs. These have a lighter activation force curve and a soft end-stop. It is also much quieter. The force-displacement curve complies with ISO standards and provides crisp tactile feedback.

For more information on rubber domed keys, click here.

No, if the keyboard is properly adjusted, no bounce should be experienced when typing. It is necessary to set the keyboard up to be stable on its four feet to stop any wobble. Depress the handle with your right hand to release the locking mechanism. With the right and left hand lift the back of the keyboard from underneath, adjust the keyboard to the desired setting and release the handle. Each half needs to be fairly even for it not to rock or bounce. If the keyboard still wobbles, depress the handle again and adjust it slightly until you feel the two halves are stable.

The insert key being used to control overtyping was disabled in these versions due to support issues.

This function can be restored by following these procedures:

Click the “Office Button”, then “Word Options”, then “Advanced” (on left menu), under the “Editing Options”, check the “Use insert key to control overtype mode” Do not click “use overtype mode” under submenu or insert key will be disabled. You will now be able to use the Insert key once you return to typing your document.

The insert key being used to control overtyping was disabled in this versions due to support issues.

This function can be restored by following one of these procedures:

For Outlook 2007:

Click “Tools”, then “Options”, then the “Spelling” tab, then “The Spelling and Autocorrection” button, then “Advanced” (on the left side pane), under the “Editing Options” check the “Use the insert key to control overtype mode.” Do not click “use overtype mode” under submenu or insert key will be disabled. You will now be able to use the Insert key once you return to typing your document.

For Outlook 2010:

First start a new message and then click “File”, then “Options”, then “Mail”, then “Editor Options”, then “Advanced” and then check “Use the Insert key to control overtype”. You will now be able to use the Insert key once you return to typing your document.

For Outlook 2016 and later:

If the “Insert” key isn’t working in Outlook 2016 or later, it likely means you’re in “Overtype Mode” and need to check the “Use the Insert key to control overtype mode” setting in your Outlook options; to fix this, click File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Advanced. Select Use the Insert Key to control Overtype mode.

Follow the steps in the link below to fix a corrupted Word Data Key. Microsoft provides a Fix-It Utility, or, manual steps to correct a corrupt Word Data Key at the following link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/822005/how-to-reset-user-options-and-registry-settings-in-word

One of the symptoms of a corrupted Word Data Key is that incorrect characters are typed into MS Word, or MS Outlook only if using Word as your default editor.

There are 2 possible solutions for this issue:

1. The device is not configured to wake the computer.

• From the device manager, navigate to and expand the Keyboards section.
• Select the device from the list and Right Click, select Properties
• Navigate to the Power Management tab and ensure that the setting: “Allow this device to wake the computer.” is checked.

Note: If this setting is not present, your OS may not support it, or it is disabled in your BIOS. Steps to checking/updating BIOS settings are below in Solution #2.

2. The BIOS is not configured to allow USB devices to wake the computer. Only perform these steps if method 1 was not successful.

Every computer manufacturer has unique settings in the BIOS, and many users are unfamiliar with these settings. This is just a general guideline for attempting resolution to this issue via BIOS settings.

• Enter the BIOS using the function key displayed while your computer is booting. Typically the computer displays something similar to “Press F2 or Del to enter Setup”.
• Once in the BIOS, look for the section referring to Power Management. Enable any settings that refer to USB devices allowed to wake computer from suspend, hibernate, sleep, or other power save mode.
• Save your settings, the computer will reboot.

NOTE: You may need to perform Solution #1 steps subsequent to final resolution.

Some Power management Settings in the Computer System BIOS and in combination with Windows Power Management Settings can cause the USB ports to provide limited or insufficient power needed to operate USB devices.

The system BIOS must be configured for S1 suspend mode. The wake key does not work when the BIOS is configured for S3 standby because the keyboard is not powered.  This is normal. The system fans are typically off during S3 standby.

Please refer to your computer system manual or contact your system manufacture for assistance with BIOS setting adjustments.  Note: we are not responsible to damages to your computer system if BIOS settings are adjusted incorrectly.

The Power Management setup instructions vary depending on the Windows Operating system you are using. *Note This step requires Administrator or Power User Permissions.

Below are general instructions for Windows 7 and higher.

1. Open Device Manager
2. Navigate to the Keyboards Section and Expand.
3. Click to select the HID Keyboard Device, Right Click to Select Properties
4. Click the Power Management tab, and then verify that the, “Allow this device to wake the computer” is enabled.
5. Click OK,
6. Repeat for all HID Keyboard Devices listed.

This is commonly an issue with the motherboard. The motherboard needs to be reset, and will only reset if the computer is completely disconnected from its power source.

To resolve the problem follow these simple steps:

Desktop Computer:

1. Shut down Windows
2. Unplug the computer completely from the power source for 1 minute.
3. Plug in and restart Windows

Laptop Computer:

1. Shut down Windows
2. Remove the battery from the laptop for one minute.
3. Re-insert the battery and restart Windows.

The Numlock Function is controlled by the system BIOS. Most computer manufactures allow for the Numlock feature to be Enabled/Disabled from within the system BIOS. This disables the Numlock at the most basic hardware level, prior to the operating system loading.

Essentially the system BIOS “tells” your keyboard to turn on NUMLOCK at boot time or , when your system comes out of sleep or hibernation mode.  On most standard keyboards this feature is never noticeable because the keypad is separately integrated into the keyboard.  The Goldtouch keyboard has a keypad integrated into the right side of the keyboard, turning the keyboard itself into the keypad.  This could be problematic when trying to enter passwords at login time if you have also engaged the Fn key.  Usually the NUMLOCK can be turned off by pushing the NUMLOCK key to get around it at power up or boot time but some BIOS’s do prevent the bypass until the system gets past the initial system POST.

The Elite GTE-08899 keyboard has a buffer built in to prevent your system BIOS from automatically engaging the NUMLOCK feature as many OEM manufactures ship their systems with NUMLOCK=ON set in the system BIOS.     The buffer prevents this BIOS setting from affecting your keyboard input by also requiring the FN key to be engaged for the Numlock to turn on.  The result of this BIOS setting with our keyboards, because of the integrated number pad, is that the right side of your keyboard would automatically be set as a number pad which causes problems for password or username inputs as well as regular typing.   The buffer feature also provides a convenient way to use the NUMLOCK by toggling off and on the FN key to use the Number pad.   So for this reason, and convenience of not having to Press and Hold FN to access the Media keys, the FN key setting is On or Off.

If you still want to disable the NUMLOCK=On setting there are two places where the NumLock on/off can be configured.  One is in the System BIOS and the other is the system Registry.  The ideal change to make is the System Bios, not the Registry, as the BIOS also affects how the computer behaves when coming out of sleep or hibernation mode.

1)    System BIOS Change

Most computer manufactures allow for the Numlock feature to be Enabled/Disabled from within the system BIOS. This disables the Numlock at the most basic hardware level, prior to the operating system loading.

System  BIOS settings are typically accessed by  hitting a certain key (like F2) when the system first comes on (a computer typically has a message on the screen at boot regarding which key, or key combination, to press to enter Bios Settings/System Configuration), this is where your NumLock setting is coming from.   Each manufacturer is different so you may need to refer to the machine’s manual for BIOS configuration options for the exact process.

There will be a setting under your BIOS/Peripherals/Keyboard that sets whether NumLock is on or off at system boot.  The only options are typically NumLock On or NumLock Off. These options are reapplied after the system comes out of sleep mode so changing the BIOS is the best option available.

2)    Registry Update (Use this option only if turning off the NumLock feature in System BIOS above does not work).

The second place the Numlock can be set is in the Operating System which you will note, turns on the Numlock after Windows start (you see the Windows Login screen).   To configure the NumLock feature within Windows use the following procedure.

Note -Please do not modify the Windows Registry unless you are familiar. We are not responsible for any damage to your Operating System when modifying the Windows registry.

Please use the following string to adjust the Numlock settings for Windows:
Your System Administrator may need to perform these steps, as it may require Administrator privileges.

To disable NUM LOCK before a user logs on, follow these steps:

1. Run Registry Editor.
2. Move to HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard.
3. Change the value for InitialKeyboardIndicators to 0.

We have seen issues with Pre-Boot Authentication (PBA) environments with certain computer manufactures (Toshiba) due to the lack of BIOS options for enabling/disabling Numlock at the boot level.

We have discovered that the BIOS will send Numlock (ON) calls to the PBA causing the Numlock feature to remain on. This causes the Function enabled 10-Key to be enabled when the user is entering the PBA Password.

We have tested this extensively and discovered that it is not a problem with the PBA Client, or the Keyboard, but a limitation caused by the limited BIOS options.

The Goldtouch GTE-08899 Elite Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard has the following specifications:

System Requirements:

Goldtouch Elite Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows 2000
• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10
• Windows 11
• USB Port Connectivity
• Mac OS X 10.4 and later

Travel Distance: 3.6mm, +/-.5mm

Activation Key Force: 45g-55g (average)

Dimensions:

Width: 15.25 in / 38.735 cm
Depth front-to-back): 6.50 in / 16.51 cm
Height at home row: 0.75 in / 1.905 cm
Weight: 3.3 lb / 1.5 kg
Cable Length: 4 ft 8 in / 1.46 m (Wired Version Only)

The Goldtouch GTE-08899 Elite Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard has the following additional specifications:

The key switch life is 10 million keystrokes.

The Goldtouch Keyboard is continuously adjustable in the range 0° to 30° horizontally and 0° to 60° vertically. Its dimensions vary due to this adjustability.

The keyboard has also been designed to disperse the workload to both left and right hands. In the Default/Standard keyboard setting most of the work is on the right side. By default the Goldtouch Keyboard has placed the Home, End, Page Up, Page Down on the right side of the keyboard and Print Screen, Pause Break, Delete and Insert keys on the left side to give more balance to the work. Alternatively, you may swap the Home, End, Page Up, Page Down to the left side of the keyboard and Print Screen and Pause Break to the right side by engaging the Alternate switch on the back of the keyboard.

Electrical Specifications:

Maximum rating D.C 12V(with pulse width of 200usec., duty cycle 1/50), 1mA
Contact bounce less than 10msec
Contact resistance 800. max (200gf pushing)
Insulation resistance 100M.(at D.C.250V)
Withstand voltage A.C.250V. 1minute
Circuit Make contact, 1 circuit

Mechanical Specifications:

Item Normal Key Space Key
Operation Force 45g Typical 55g Typical
Maximum Force 50±20g(After test:50±30g) 65±20g(After test:65±30g)
Click Ratio 10g (min) After Test 10g (min) After Test
Full Travel 3.5±0.5mm N/A
Operating Point 1.0.3.5mm Stroke N/A

Endurance Specifications:

Operating Life 10 million times (by cam test) 5,000,000 (by Plunger) : 200gf
Operating Temperature .5 ~ 50.
Storage Temperature 1.20 ~ 60.
Unless specified in this specification, refer to the standard specification.(S56-0214)
The provisions mentioned on this specification have priority to the standard specification.