A touchpad keyboard combines a standard keyboard with an integrated mousepad, providing relief for those who experience mouse fatigue. Cursor movement is controlled by swiping the touchpad, and software options enable scrolling and clicking. Touchpad keyboards are not widely available in stores, but can be found online. They start at around $25 and come in various configurations. Some people may prefer an external mouse for complex positioning, but the touchpad can be disabled or shared with an external mouse.
A touchpad keyboard is a standard keyboard with an integrated mousepad, eliminating the need for a separate mouse. Many laptop keyboards have built-in touchpads, but most desktop keyboards lack this feature. The touchpad is commonly augmented by two mouse buttons located just below the touchpad and extensive software options to enable functionality of both the touchpad and mouse buttons.
The touchpad keyboard offers special relief for those whose work requires excessive use of the mouse. Over time, repeated mouse gestures such as clicking can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition of the wrist and fingers. Holding an external mouse for extended periods can also keep the shoulder in an unrelaxed position for hours on end, putting strain on the scapula, neck, traps, and upper arm. A touchpad keyboard can eliminate these problems, making computer work easier and healthier.
A touchpad or mousepad is a small, rectangular, touch-sensitive pad built into the keyboard, usually below the space bar. Cursor movement is controlled by lightly swiping the surface of the mousepad with your fingertip. The software can enable features such as scrolling, achieved by simply swiping the right edge to scroll vertically or the bottom edge to scroll horizontally. One light tap with your fingertip is a click, two light taps are a double click. Touch can be used instead of mouse buttons.
When using a touchpad keyboard, both shoulders can remain in relaxed, more natural positions with the hands resting on the keyboard. Touching the mouse pad to click takes almost no pressure and no effort, no matter how much you click in a day. All mouse movements are minimalistic. In short, a touchpad keyboard is a much more comfortable way for someone with mouse fatigue to work online.
Oddly enough, these keyboards aren’t as readily available as you might imagine, given their potential value to so many. Local computer stores, including well-known chains, don’t commonly sell touchpad keyboards, perhaps they prefer to sell separate mice along with standard keyboards. Whatever the reasons, your best bet may be to search for online sources.
The downside to buying a keyboard online is that you can’t experience the feel of the keys before buying. Some people are willing to get used to anything while others care a lot about the responsiveness of the keys. If you fall into the latter category, read the seller’s return policy before committing. Also note that some people don’t find a touchpad keyboard as demanding as an external mouse for complex positioning, as is needed in photo editing. However, the touchpad can be configured to be disabled when an external mouse is needed or, in some cases, the touchpad can be shared with an external mouse, depending on the keyboard and drivers.
Touchpad keyboards start at around $25 US dollars and go up from there. They’re available in every configuration, from mini-keyboards to standard, rackmount, and ergonomic models. If your shoulder hurts from mouse use or if you find yourself clicking with your middle finger to give your index finger a much-needed break, a touchpad keyboard might be just what your doctor ordered.
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