The increased use of computer keyboards has led to an increase in repetitive stress injuries. Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce the likelihood of injury. Split keyboards are popular and come in fixed or adjustable designs. Buyers should try out different brands and styles and purchase from a reseller that allows returns/exchanges.
In today’s world, using a computer keyboard is part of everyday life for many. Computers form the center of most office workspaces, and many homes have at least one computer. For those away from work or home, laptops make it easy to take a computer along while on the go.
The increased use of computer keyboards has led to an increase in repetitive stress injuries of the wrist, hand and/or arm, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. While seemingly harmless, the constant, repetitive motion of typing on a computer keyboard day after day can place a tremendous amount of stress on the body and over time can lead to injury. An ergonomic computer keyboard is designed to work with the natural design of the human wrist, hand, and arm to reduce the likelihood of repetitive stress injury.
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines ergonomics as “a discipline that involves organizing the environment to suit the person. When ergonomics are applied correctly in the workplace, discomfort and visual and musculoskeletal fatigue are significantly reduced. Following ergonomic principles helps reduce stress and eliminate many potential injuries and ailments associated with muscle overuse, poor posture, and repetitive activity.
One of the most popular styles of an ergonomic computer keyboard is the split keyboard. A traditional keyboard has the keys arranged in a straight line while a split ergonomic computer keyboard has a gap in the middle of the keyboard that divides the keys into two separate halves. Many of these types of ergonomic keyboards have the halves of the keys shaped like a V, allowing the hand and wrist to move in a more neutral and less stressful way.
Split ergonomic computer keyboards come in “fixed” designs, which means that the keyboard cannot be adjusted. Fixed split keyboards are typically less expensive than other designs and are quite popular due to their price and availability. There are also adjustable split keyboards so that the user can customize the distance between the separate halves of the keys, the height and/or the angle of the keyboard. Adjustable keyboards tend to be more expensive than fixed keyboards, but many users find the added versatility well worth the cost.
When selecting an ergonomic computer keyboard, the buyer should take the time to try out many different brands and styles of keyboards to find the right one for them. It is also recommended that the consumer purchase an ergonomic computer keyboard from a reseller that allows returns/exchanges. While trying out a keyboard in the store may give the buyer an idea of how effective a particular design is, using it for only an extended period of time will let someone know if a design is truly a good fit for their individual needs.
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