Top 5 Reasons Why You Need an Ergonomic Keyboard

Are you looking to revamp your workstation to make it more productive and human-body-friendly? Then, an ergonomic keyboard is where you should start. Whether you are a gamer, corporate employee, typist, writer, or belong to any other profession, computers and keyboards are a vital part of your routine. It is vital to efficiently utilize your time for work or have more time for entertainment before getting fatigued.

Ergonomic keyboards are an essential part of any ergonomic setup. Here, we will mention the top 5 reasons why everyone needs an ergonomic keyboard in their setup. Also, what are the different types of ergonomic keyboards, and how can a perfect ergonomic setup be created for well-being? Let's get into it!

How Ergonomic Keyboards Impact Your Work and Personal Life in 5 Key Ways

In a study published in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health (Shahwan et al., 2022), several employees were analyzed for musculoskeletal (MS) symptoms over 12 months using a regular office setup. The shoulders (37%), the lower back (34%), and the neck (29%) were the most significantly impacted body segments.

The study indicates that our standard workstations do not promote a healthy work environment. Ergonomic keyboards target these key body segments and improve their positions to promote a healthier workplace. Let's see the reasons why we should use ergonomic keyboards:

1. Curved Keyframe: Promoting Natural Wrist Position

Ergonomic keyboards have curved keyframes, which make your wrist stay at a more natural angle. Try straightening your arm in front of you and relaxing your forearm muscles and wrist. You will find that your hand naturally comes into a position that is at an angle from the table top.

Ergonomically curved keyframes have an angle supporting this natural position, making it easier to type and less stressful on the wrist. It eventually leads to eliminating wrist pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), and chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

2. Wrist Rest: Aligning Your Hands with Forearm

Most workplaces do not feature a wrist rest with the keyboard, which can lead to wrist restlessness. If your wrist is resting on the table or tablet while typing, try lifting your wrist up while typing. Align the top of your hand with the forearm and try to feel the difference. You will find that it is easier to type and feels more natural.

Peripheral devices like the ergonomic keyboard try to keep the wrist in a natural position. A wrist pad forces your wrist upwards to keep it in a healthy position. It improves blood circulation to the hand and helps alleviate wrist pain.

3. Healthy Posture: Straightening Your Spine

Bending wrists and inward shoulder position can lead to overall disbalance in your body. The problem goes back to the spine. When the wrist, forearm, and shoulder are in an ergonomic position, your body naturally avoids slouching or bending over, which can create back problems. Try simulating proper wrist, hand, and shoulder position. You will feel a natural shift in your spine.

4. Relief From Long Work Session Stress and Fatigue

Long working sessions at work or home can lead to stress and fatigue. This does not just happen at your work desk. You carry that muscle fatigue into your daily activities, and it causes you to become sluggish. All your daily activities are affected, which can lead to a lower lifestyle experience. Ergonomic keyboards and peripherals will relieve you from fatigue and improve your life.

5. Enhance Productivity: Focus With Quality Output

The most compelling reason for workplaces to adopt ergonomic keyboards is the enhancement in productivity. Employees will rest less as their bodies feel fresh, and their work output will become efficient. Their typing speed increases, and there is a lower chance of making a mistake when typing an email or writing a report. There are fewer breaks and fewer sick leaves, improving employee life and workplace efficiency.

Top Ergonomic Keyboard Types

When it comes to ergonomic keyboards, there are many options. We have compiled the top designs that have practically improved many users' lives.

● Curved Keyboard

The curved keyboard slopes from the middle to the outer edges. Its purpose is to promote a healthy wrist angle and prevent problems such as RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome. The design of these keyboards dates back to the 1980s. 

● Split Keyboard

A split keyboard is parted from the middle of the Alpha section. It seperates the function and alpha section into two parts. The purpose is to allow the shoulder and wrists to come into a natural angle. The shoulder is less stressed when the wrists align with the shoulder length.

● Wave Keyframe

The critical section of this keyboard forms a wave. It welcomes the contour of our fingers. As some fingers are longer than others, it promotes lower bending and undue stress on the fingers, improving users' typing experience and reducing stress on finger joints. 

● Natural Hand Position

Some unique designs do not necessarily use the QWERTY keyboard layout. They are harder to adapt to, and some users may find it difficult to adopt them. Overall, they are more efficient and consider minimum finger movements to achieve high typing speeds. 

How to Create an Ergonomic Work or Home Setup for Your Well-Being

An ergonomic keyboard is just a start if you want to build an ultimate ergonomic setup at home. You must include other crucial parts to ensure the best ergonomic setup for work or gaming. Let's begin:

1. Start by selecting a table that promotes a healthy working style. The best tables have adjustable heights that allow sitting in a standing position. Users can alternate between sitting and standing to relieve their backs.

2. Align the monitor with your eyes. Your eyes should be at the center of your monitor. Use a stand or adjust the monitor's height to align eyes with the monitor center.

3. Use a chair with a depth compatible with your thighs. Push yourself all the way to the back of the chair. Adjust the height so that your feet firmly touch the ground. Angle the back at 110 degrees. Adjust the armrests to make a 90-degree angle.

4. Your elbows should be at 100 degrees from the keyboard.

5. Use an ergonomic keyboard to keep wrists, forearms, and shoulders in a relaxed position.

6. Purchase a vertical mouse with an ergonomic design for maximum comfort.

7. Place the monitor at an angle to reduce the glare on the screen. Cover windows with curtains.

Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Well-Being

MEETION 2.4Ghz & Bluetooth Dual Ergonomic DirectorA 

Key Specification and Features

● Curved Keyframe for Maximizing Natural Wrist Position

● 2.4GHz and Bluetooth Connectivity for Maximum Compatibility

● Switch Between Three Computers/Devices Seamlessly

● Angled Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard for Fast Adoption

● 1600dpi Mouse Sensor and Full-Size Keyboard Layout

Conclusion

Whether it's productivity at work or reducing fatigue at home, ergonomic keyboards and peripherals definitely help. The theories are backed up by science and research. Buying a keyboard with a curved keyframe, wrist rest, and split keyframe is ideal to avoid long-term health effects. Consider converting your whole workspace into an ergonomic station that enhances your productivity and efficiency.

Visit the MEETION website for more products and to broaden your horizon on ergonomic products. We hope you found a compelling reason to switch to an ergonomic keyboard!