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A keyboard wrist rest provides wrist and arm support during typing breaks, reducing the risk of repetitive stress injury. It should be used properly and combined with other ergonomic measures for optimal comfort.
A keyboard wrist rest is a device designed to provide wrist and arm support during typing breaks. In theory, using a keyboard wrist rest reduces your risk of developing repetitive stress injury and related conditions, although it’s important to use the wrist rest properly. Some keyboard trays have built-in palm rests, and you can also purchase this accessory as a standalone item. In addition to keyboard wrist rests, ergonomics companies also produce mouse wrist rests.
Typically, a keyboard palm rest is filled with a firm, yet flexible material, such as gel. Ideally, it has rounded edges so no sharp edges put pressure on the user’s wrists and palms, and the palm rest is roughly the same height as the keyboard, with a shallow depth to ensure the user doesn’t extend their arms out. away from the body to reach the keyboard past the palm rest. In a shared desk, the palm rest can be covered with a material that can be easily sanitized for health reasons.
Wrist rests are meant to be used when someone isn’t actually typing, and are meant to be used for the palm and heel of the hand, not the wrist itself. When typing, people should have their hands above the keyboard, with fingers flicking downwards. Having your hands on it also makes it easier to reach the remote function keys on the keyboard. Despite promotional catalog images of people typing with their wrists firmly planted on the keyboard palm rest, this usage is not recommended.
Using a keyboard wrist rest can help someone keep their hands above the keyboard, because the rest provides a cue to keep their wrists up. During a typing pause, you can slide your hands back so that the heel of your palm is on the keyboard palm rest, maintaining an ergonomic hand position during the pause. When the typist is ready to resume, the hands can be lifted off the palm rest and placed in the correct position for typing.
This keyboard accessory should be combined with other ergonomic measures. It is important to ensure that the keyboard is at the correct height and that the distance between the user and the monitor is adequate. Even making small changes to lighting, seating configuration, etc. can make a big difference in comfort. Following ergonomic guidelines at a workstation can greatly reduce repetitive stress injuries and make people feel more comfortable at work.
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