Welcome to your ultimate ergonomic products guide


Tips when buying an ergonomic keyboard

Layout There are a variety of keyboardFeel There's often a distinct "feel" to
designs and shapes from which to choose. Mosttyping on each keyboard, and it's due to the
computers come with a traditional "straight"way keyboards translates your keystrokes into
keyboard, which is the rectangular designtext. Some use mechanical keys, which tend to
we're all familiar with. Other companiesmake a clicking noise and feature better
produce a keyboard that splits the lettersdefined "up" and "down" positions. Others use
down the middle, producing two halves, whicha "membrane" technology, with a softer feel,
are then angled outward to better conform towhich makes it easier to depress the keys.
the shape of our body. This design isSome people like the clear feeling of "up and
particularly good for people with broaddown," and others like the softer touch and
chests, as their elbows are already pushedquieter action of membrane keyboards. Choose
slightly outward, naturally angling theirwhat  feels  most  comfortable  to  you.
wrists  toward  each  other.
Features The standard keyboard is the 101-key
Conversely, thinner people may find aQWERTY version (named after the first five
traditional "straight" keyboard moreletters in the upper left row of the
comfortable.keyboard), and includes cursor keys, function
keys, and a 10 key numeric pad on the right
There are also a number of "alternative"side. Some additional features you may want
keyboards available. Contoured keyboardsto consider are: Cursor Keys in an inverted
offer recessed keys to better fit the natural"T" arrangement: The arrow keys that let you
placement of fingers. Chording keyboards havemove the cursor can come in two arrangements:
fewer keys, allowing you to keep your fingersside-by-side (arranged in a single row) or in
fixed on a given key. (They work by usingan "inverted T" configuration. The inverted T
combinations of keys instead of individualconfiguration is more intuitive (and often
keystrokes.) There are even variations onmore comfortable!), and makes it easier to
letter arrangement; the Dvorak Layout keepsnavigate  pages,  play  games,  etc.
the same position of each key, but assigns
different letters to each one. Commonly usedSpecial function keys: Some newer keyboards
letters  such  as  "A",  "O",  "I",  etc.have added extra keys to the traditional 101
layout-common examples include the "Windows"
are placed in the "home" row, and under thekey, Internet keys, or multimedia keys. These
strongest fingers. These layouts can actuallycan be very useful for frequently repeated
improve efficiency significantly, but requiretasks, reducing keystrokes, improving
some  time  to  learn.efficiency, and reducing your risk of a
repetitive stress injury. If the keys don't
There is no truly conclusive evidence thatinitially do exactly what you want, some can
alternative keyboards reduce the risk ofeven be reprogrammed to execute a macro for
developing musculoskeletal disorders. Some ofthe  desired  task.
these keyboards have been shown to reduce
hand pain, but it may take weeks or monthsDetachable Numeric Pad: For people who use
until you're aware of the reduction. However,the numeric pad extensively-accountants, for
if not set up properly these keyboards mayexample-it may make sense to purchase a
make postures worse, so always follow properkeyboard with a detachable 10 key module
setup  and  usage  tips.(this allows a much greater range of
positioning). Not all keyboards even have a
Size Some keyboards have a smaller distancenumeric keypad on the right side. Some
between the keys, which may be morekeyboards are produced without them, and are
comfortable for children or people with smalltherefore narrower. This can be very useful
hands. These keyboards can also be useful forfor people who do not use the 10 keys-the
people with little space on their deskmouse or trackball can be brought closer to
top-but don't hurt yourself just to savethe keyboard, leading to a better position
space.for the arm. These keyboards also take up
less space on the desktop.



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