People in an office setting spend their day working on a computer and performing basic computer operations such as typing, coding, programming, and more. With these kinds of set up, we face potential risks to our health and posture.
Excessive typing can lead to several health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury. Good thing, many companies are now shifting to ergonomic keyboards. This article discusses the importance and benefits of an ergonomic keyboard.
Benefits of ergonomic keyboard
The benefits of an ergonomic keyboard mainly involve the prevention of awkward positions, prolonged usage of the same muscles, and other musculoskeletal and nervous systems issues. Using ergonomic keyboards has a lot of advantages, including the following:
- Ergonomic keyboard maintains a good vertical hand position and alternative pointing devices such as mouse and touchpads to minimize the need of extending the user’s reach to operate the mouse.
- Ergonomic keyboard keeps the hand in a neutral position by preventing you to restrain your hands or wrists while you type.
- You only need to use light touch to type with ergonomic keyboards which prevent you from forcefully pressing the keyboards.
- Ergonomic keyboards have contoured layouts which puts the keys into two depressions at shoulder width so that both arms are perpendicular to the body.
- Ergonomic keyboards have a vertical key layout which allows the user to type with his hands vertically and in thumbs-up position to avoid wrist rotation.
- The numeric pad on the ergonomic keyboards is located on the left so the mouse can be much closer to the right.
- You position your hands naturally when you use an ergonomic keyboard.
These are just some of the benefits of an ergonomic keyboard. They are available depending on the type of ergonomic keyboard you are using. However, these benefits of an ergonomic keyboard are manufacturers’ claims and there is no scientific proof.
Types of ergonomic keyboards
There are four types of ergonomic keyboards: split keyboard, contoured keyboard, angled split keyboard, and handheld keyboard. Each type has unique designs suited for the different needs of the users.
Split keyboard
The keys on the split keyboard are separated into two to three groups but are still in the same single keyboard. A split keyboard allows typing at different angles.
Contoured keyboard
Newer models of split keyboards are the contoured keyboards. The contoured keyboard puts the keys into two depressions at shoulder width. The function keys are located in the middle of the key groups to be pressed by the thumbs. With this kind of layout, there will be a need for very little movement of the wrists and arms.
Angled split keyboard
The angled split keyboard is similar to a split keyboard. The difference is that the middle of the angled split keyboard is tented up, making the index fingers higher than the little fingers while typing. It is also called the Klockenburg keyboard.
Handheld keyboard
This could be the fanciest kind of keyboard because its design is very far from the design of a traditional keyboard. It looks like a game controller and can be used as a game controller.
It can’t be used by laying it out flat on a surface. It lets the user move around the room or lean back on a chair while typing.
Each kind of ergonomic keyboard provides health benefits by reducing or preventing wrist or hand injuries. The benefits of an ergonomic keyboard can be effective and noticeable.
However, the ergonomic keyboards are marketed as a higher class of equipment. Ergonomic keyboards have unique features compared to the typical keyboards which make them more expensive. The full-featured mechanical keyboard averagely costs $250, while the high-end sets cost much higher. Despite the benefits of an ergonomic keyboard, its price is the biggest disadvantage.
Ergonomic keyboards are popular today because they make the working environment less prone to injuries. Get one for yourself and experience a more convenient, injury-free working space.