Do Ergonomic Keyboards Work?

The digital age has transformed how we interact with technology, with keyboards becoming essential tools for work, study, and entertainment. Prolonged typing can lead to discomfort and potential injuries, such as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Ergonomic keyboards have emerged as a solution to alleviate these issues. Let's explore the concept of ergonomic keyboards, their benefits, and how they can improve typing comfort and efficiency.

What are Ergonomic Keyboards?

These keyboards offer a new approach to typing by allowing the wrists and arms to take on a more comfortable natural position. The keys and the overall design support the wrist, align the shoulders, and straighten the back. Typing for extended periods may cause injuries like RSI (repetitive strain injury), tendinitis, and CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome).

Ergonomic keyboards have proven effective in mitigating pain and diminishing the risk of associated injuries. The keyboards come in different designs and shapes for individuals to choose according to their requirements and preferences. Comfortable typing with ergonomic keyboards leads to an elevated mood, improved focus, and productivity.

Core Principles

Ergonomics is the concept of making work convenient and eliminating any discomfort caused to the worker. Integrating it with keyboards introduces us to a comfortable typing experience without the risk of strains and injuries with ergonomic keyboards. The design aims to relieve strain or discomfort from your wrists, arms, shoulders, and back. The curved keys and wavy designs are made to an angle that naturally rests your wrists and palms to keep your shoulder relaxed and your back straight.

Diverse designs intend to serve specific purposes and to suit distinct individuals according to their preferences. According to the CDC, in 2021, 9% of US adults reported repetitive strain injuries in 3 months. Hence, ergonomic keyboards are a one-stop solution to avoid such afflictions!

Common Misconceptions

There are some common misconceptions about ergonomic keyboards. Let's debunk them today! One popular misconception is that ergonomic keyboards instantly relieve hand or wrist pain. However, individuals need to get accustomed to practicing typing on an ergonomic keyboard and resting their hands frequently to alleviate the pain. Similar arguments state that ergonomic keyboards benefit people with RSI or relevant hand injuries. However, anyone who types regularly can incorporate such keyboards and prevent injuries or strain.

Happy typing habits will result in better productivity and zero health challenges. Additionally, the market is filled with numerous designs and layouts of these keyboards to accommodate the needs and preferences of every individual. Thus, the theory of one size fits all is only partially correct.

Research-Backed Benefits and Health Impacts

Ergonomic keyboards have a design that has several benefits backed by research. They reduce the risk of several musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are pain or injury in muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A few ergonomic keyboards have a split/curved layout or a tented shape (raised in the middle) that allows a more natural wrist position, as it prevents inward wrist turns and stress on nerves and tendons.

A study published in Applied Ergonomics, 2008 stated that using ergonomic keyboards reduced muscle usage by 10-20% compared to the conventional keyboard, resulting in a better typing position and a better posture that relaxes the shoulders, neck, and back muscles. All of these factors contribute to reduced risk of MSDs. Some ergonomic keyboards come with a padded wrist rest, which minimizes the risk of carpel tunnel syndrome commonly diagnosed in heavy keyboard users. As the wrist no longer rests on the hard surface like on the usual keyboards, there will be less pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.

In addition, the layout of keys prevents Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) caused by pressing the duplicate keys repeatedly. Human Factors, 2012 examined the benefits in several forms: reduced muscle strain, better posture, lesser risk of RSIs or carpal tunnel syndrome, and increased comfort, resulting in greater user satisfaction and work efficiency.

An Overview of The Most Popular Ergonomic Keyboard Designs

● Split Keyboards

Split keyboard designs are popular with typing enthusiasts. These keyboards come in two halves, allowing users to place them in a position where they feel most comfortable. They are great for aligning the keyboard directly in front of the shoulders for an ideal ergonomic position.

● Curved Keyboards

These keyboards are designed in a wave-like shape to make long usage sessions comfortable. They allow the hand to be placed in its natural contour, diminishing discomfort. The wrists are at a more natural angle for reduced strain.

● Angled Keyboards

These keyboards rise in the middle, so the load on the arm distributes evenly as the hand is in a more natural hand-shake-like position. It eliminates the strain on muscles and nerves.

● Compact Keyboards

These keyboards are smaller than traditional keyboards. By eliminating the unnecessary keys and bringing the mouse closer, there’s less need for unnecessary and excessive arm movement. Due to their portability, these keyboards are very beneficial for travelers or those with limited desk space.

● Vertical Keyboards

Users with problems in their forearms or those who suffer from upper body tension and pain would love to switch to vertical keyboards! The keys on this keyboard are aligned vertically; hence, there’s no need to rotate the forearms to place them on the flat desk. Lessening the forearm rotation provides a more natural and rested hand position.

The Benefits of Ergonomic Keyboards: Well-Being, Comfort and Productivity

Many people can benefit from an ergonomic keyboard. Additionally, this device forces users to maintain their natural hand-wrist position. It improves posture by reducing muscle strains and promoting better overall body structure. Ergonomic keyboards allow extended periods of sitting without pain or fatigue and enhance productivity. They are known as ergonomic because they have tilted and split designs that adjust according to the user’s preferences and comfort. The keys in such a split keyboard are designed to support the natural movements of your fingers.

These individuals experienced less wrist discomfort than those who did not use ergonomic keyboards; there was also a marked difference in typing speeds between them, which suggested that their typing experience was smoother than non-users. They were more comfortable and productive. Its users experienced reduced muscle strain and muscle pain, too. As a result, these keyboards save time, reducing the time the user takes to complete tasks, attributed to its customization. After that, the users set it up per their requirements, finishing early with few interruptions and breaks.

Navigate The Challenges and Transition to Ergonomic Keyboards

These new keyboards have different designs, such as curved and split, that are unknown to the users; they could slow down typing speed initially because it will take time to figure out how to position their hands. Traditional keyboard users must get used to repositioning keys on the board. In other words, ergonomic keyboards may cost more than regular ones simply because they have more designs for maximum convenience. We can conclude that customizing one’s keyboard could be time-consuming. Additionally, a complete-size keyboard can impact one’s work since it has a number pad, which can be employed in data entry but may occupy more space.

A compact-sized keyboard would save work area, yet it lacks the number lock facilities required for certain entries, like keying in numbers. Large hands and wrong buttons might also cause sore muscles, while small fingers may stretch for desired keys. For example, standard typists whose performance relies on their visual abilities might find it difficult to use a split keyboard.

Users can gradually begin adapting and getting used to it because they need some time before knowing where specific keys are placed in the arrangement. Applications that teach touch typing are useful, too, as these develop muscle memory for someone using this type of computer peripheral device for the first time.

Final Verdict

In this age of continually increasing device usage, it is crucial to address health, well-being, and comfort-related issues with modern solutions. Ergonomic keyboards are evolving as worthwhile investments.

Do check out the MEETION ergonomic keyboard designs. They have the potential to transform workplaces and individual setups. MEETION continuously works to enhance comfort and maximize productivity. Their keyboards offer innovative solutions that aid in preventing MSDs. With MEETION, you can tackle current problems and prevent potential long-term issues. Adjusting to the new ergonomic principles integrated into these keyboards will take time, but the effects will be lasting and commendable.