What is an Ergonomic Keyboard, and Why is it Recommended to Use One?

Excel spreadsheets, emails, and reports are precisely what long typing sessions at the office look like. If you are one of these office workers, you must deal with strained fingers and aching wrists. But what if I tell you of another way to perform your daily tasks without using flat rectangular keyboards that give you nothing but pain?

This article will discuss ergonomic keyboards where productivity and comfort go hand in hand. Select ergonomic keyboards like Meetion DirectorW and DirectorC are designed to reduce stress on your hands and wrists and minimize repetitive stress injuries. In this article, we will discuss the basic features of ergonomic keyboards to help you make an informed decision when buying one.

1. What is an Ergonomic Keyboard?

Unlike conventional keyboards, designed to be as slim and cost-effective as possible, ergonomic keyboards keep your comfort in mind. They do not look like simple rectangular flat keyboards. Instead, they come in different shapes and sizes to align your hands and wrists more naturally. They come in split and curved designs with concave or tapered keys.

The arrangement of keys is optimized to minimize awkward finger stretches and unnecessary strain. Moreover, such keys require less force by the user, which means decreased stress and fatigue. This results in a comfortable & efficient typing experience leading to improved productivity even if you have extended typing sessions.

2. Why Use an Ergonomic Keyboard?

An ergonomic keyboard is not a luxury but a necessity that prioritizes your well-being and productivity. Consider upgrading an ergonomic keyboard, especially if you type for extended hours daily.

Productivity Boost

Your mind and body should be at ease so that you can focus better and give it your best at work. If you constantly have ached fingers and tired muscles, you limit your ability to deliver your best. Having relaxed and ache-free fingers can also increase typing speed over the long run. It eventually results in boosted productivity, enabling you to progress more.

Minimize Workplace Stress

According to recent research, more than 50% of Americans do not engage in work due to stress resulting in a loss of productivity. Now, combine this with hands that always hurt due to typing day in and day out. Will you ever be able to have peak focus and productivity in this situation, or will your workplace stress increase more and more?

Well, ergonomic keyboards come to your rescue here. If you want to minimize workplace stress, consider investing in ergonomic keyboards like Meetion DirectorW to show your employees that you care for their health and well-being.

Minimize Typing Injuries

Wrong postures, unnatural finger movements, and forced wrist positions lead to typing injuries commonly known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). It won't happen overnight but rather when unnatural motions occur repeatedly. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and require surgery. You only need to invest in an ergonomic keyboard to avoid such complications. They can be your savior in such cases because their design prevents such injuries from occurring in the first place.

3. Types of Ergonomic Keyboards

Ergonomic keyboards are available in various designs and shapes to address specific needs and comfort required. They all exhibit more natural wrist positions and finger stretches as alternatives to flat rectangular keyboards. Let’s discuss some of these types:

Split Keyboards

Keyboard designers make split keyboards so that there is a distinct separation between the left and right halves of the keyboard. They are in high demand as they help eliminate Ulnar Deviation during typing. This condition occurs when wrists bend outwards for a long stretch, and the carpel tunnel constricts, giving you pain. It will happen if you type on a conventional keyboard for long hours. Therefore, split keyboards address this issue via separation by giving your wrists a natural posture and spacing them at your shoulder width.

Contoured Keyboards

Contoured keyboards offer slope adjustment to the natural slope of your hands and wrists. It doesn't mean they are in two-half portions. Instead, they are angled to help reduce typing injuries. It also helps prevent awkward finger stretches because such keyboards follow the natural contour of your fingers. Some variants also have padded wrist rest for a more comfortable typing posture.

Vertical Keyboards

Manufacturers divide vertical keyboards into two sections, but the base is perpendicular to the bottom. Typing on a vertical keyboard is very different than other keyboards because your thumbs face upwards rather than conventional horizontal position. Such design helps reduce shoulder strain as hands and forearms are placed at the sides of the body rather than in front. The manufacturers specially design them to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. However, they also have disadvantages, such as you need help seeing the keys while typing, which may be very challenging for beginners.

4. How to Choose an Ergonomic Keyboard

When choosing which type of ergonomic keyboard to buy, the decision highly depends on your preferences and needs. Questions like Do you have any existing medical condition? How much time do you spend typing each day? And the size of your workspace can help you make an informed decision.

Moreover, you can always try out reading reviews about different ergonomic keyboards available in the market. Research their features and benefits, then opt for one that aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences.

Also, there are many chances that you have not used an ergonomic keyboard before. If this is the case, consider trying out different keyboards before buying one. You can always test using different designs and setups and examine which one feels the most comfortable to you and can be adjusted naturally in your workspace.

5. Conclusion

In today’s competitive world, you must give your best to survive or be left out. Delivering to your full potential is impossible without a healthy mind and body. Therefore, ergonomics is more important than ever in today's age and day. Investing in an ergonomic keyboard must be considered a necessity, not a luxury. Remember that a life of comfort and ease without Repetitive Strain Injuries is just one decision away. It’s time to embrace Meetion's ergonomic keyboards to lead a comfortable, empowered, and healthier life.