Benefits of an Ergonomic Keyboard

By Ryan Fogel,

person typing on keyboard

If you do a lot of typing, consider purchasing an ergonomic computer keyboard. With it, you will save your hands and wrists from unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Conventional keyboards force you to keep your fingers, arms and hands in unnatural positions for long periods that can cause tension in muscles, tendons and joints. Working in this unnatural position for a long time can lead to physical discomfort that cause various forms of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). RSI is caused by repetitive movements and overuse which can affect the whole body.

What is an Ergonomic Keyboard?

An ergonomic keyboard ensures the hands and forearms are in a natural position when typing. Ergonomic keyboard makes sense for people who type for many hours daily.

There are many ergonomic designs available, all with the aim of promoting a healthy posture. Some are curved, V-shaped, or divided in the middle of the keypad with one block for the left hand and another for the right hand.

Working with an ergonomic keyboard in an ergonomic posture while on the computer can help to prevent discomfort in the fingers, wrists, forearms and shoulders.

Benefits of Ergonomic Keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard provides benefits such as:

Comfort

With an ergonomic keyboard, you get more space for your wrists to relax on the middle of the keyboard. Your fingers are closer to the keys, and your hands use smaller effort and movement when typing for long hours.

Efficient Support the Wrist

The design of these keyboards provides comfort to your wrists. It prevents typing with the hands at an angle, which is often why wrist pain occurs after working for some time.

Easy to Use

Ergonomic keyboards are created for people who want to avoid or alleviate wrist or forearm pain. They have been designed to support your fingers, hands and wrists and are user friendly.

Supports Good Posture

As you use an ergonomic keyboard, you can adjust it to adapt to your sitting position because of its flexibility. It also promotes proper sitting posture while typing for long periods of time.

Reduces the Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Ergonomic keyboards allow a more natural positioning for your arms and hands. A smaller sized keyboard reduces reaching and places the mouse in a more ergonomic position, minimizing fatigue, discomfort, and the risk of injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Treatment for this injury can be long and costly and in serious cases, surgery may be required.

For suggestions for an ergonomic keyboard or to achieve an optimal ergonomic workstation, it is important to hire a Specialist to examine your current workplace.  At Accredited Rehabilitation Consultants, we can evaluate your current workspace, find ways to make it more ergonomic, and then provide and install the necessary equipment to do so. To learn more, contact us today!

  Filed under: Ergonomics Products
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Is an Ergonomic Keyboard Worth It?

By Ryan Fogel,

Is an Ergonomic Keyboard Worth It?

You’ve likely heard of all the various benefits that ergonomic equipment can bring. However, when we think of ergonomics, we often think of chairs. While ergonomic chairs are certainly beneficial, the world of ergonomics doesn’t stop there. Ergonomic keyboards can help you prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and reduce pain and aches in your wrists and hands. Read on to learn more:

What’s the difference between ergonomic keyboards and normal keyboards?

Before we get into the benefits of an ergonomic keyboard, it’s important to note what makes them special from normal keyboards. A normal keyboard lays flat on your desk, with no elevation or place to rest your wrists. An ergonomic keyboard has these things and more. They are specifically designed to improve your hand, arm, and back posture.

Ergonomic keyboards come in the following forms:

  • Split keyboard
  • Contoured keyboard
  • Handheld keyboard
  • Angled split keyboard

Ergonomic keyboards are more comfortable

Because these keyboards are designed with ergonomics in mind, they’re more comfortable to use. You’ll find you’re able to type for longer periods with less discomfort as compared with a normal keyboard. They do this by properly positioning your hands, arms, and shoulders for optimal comfort and performance.

Increased typing speed

When you’re in less pain, you’re able to perform more efficiently. Since ergonomic keyboards are more comfortable to use, they help increase typing speed. This is especially beneficial to secretaries, assistants, journalists, writers, and other individuals who type for their jobs.

The price

At the end of the day, people have one question about ergonomic keyboards: are they expensive? Ergonomic keyboards are not out of the price-range for most workers or companies, but they are more expensive than normal keyboards. While the price up-front may be more, you will actually be saving money in the long run. This is because you won’t be paying for costly procedures to address issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

At Ergonomic Evaluations, we can help you find the best ergonomic keyboards and equipment for your office. Contact us today to schedule an ergonomic evaluation in Los Angeles, CA.

  Filed under: Ergonomic Injury Prevention
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