Why You Should Swap To An Ergonomic Keyboard

Is your back, shoulder, neck, and wrist aching after a typing session at work? The solution is within reach. Swapping your regular keyboard with an ergonomic one can alleviate these discomforts. Regular keyboards can put your hands in non-ergonomic positions, leading to health issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist strain. But with an ergonomic keyboard, you can find relief and hope for a more comfortable work experience.

As a professional, you must consider an ergonomic keyboard instead of your regular one. Ergonomic keyboards solve major health issues that could arise from prolonged keyboard use. Continue reading the article to see how an ergonomic keyboard stacks up against a regular!

The Problem: Traditional Keyboards and Their Impact

The flat-shaped rectangular keyboards are now a thing of the past. They might be great for economics as they require smaller storage and transport space, but they are also great for applications with low input. Typists or professional writers will require sophisticated technology meant for their use. Let's see the problems with the regular keyboard that ergonomic keyboards solve:

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and Keyboard Use

Keyboards require engagement of the wrist with all the related muscles and nerves. Typing is a repetitive process where you type in words at the exact location multiple times. If the muscle or nerve is repeatedly strained in an unnatural position, it may cause pain or discomfort. Some users report decreased touch sensitivity and constant pain in their wrists through prolonged use of regular keyboards. RSI can also occur in the forearm muscles due to the excessive use of keyboards.

Discomfort and Pain: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Wrist Strain

Typing requires repetitive use of force using the tips of the fingers. The force exerted by the fingers requires movement of muscles passing through your wrists. These muscles can cause pain and discomfort when stretched at the wrong angle.

Poor Posture and Long-Term Health Effects

When using a regular keyboard, one must align their shoulders in an unnatural position, which can lead to back arching. The problem started with a flat regular keyboard that can travel to the back and cause backaches.

The Solution: Ergonomic Keyboard Benefits

Now that we know about the problems associated with a regular keyboard, how does an ergonomic keyboard solve these problems? Let's begin exploring!

Improved Typing Posture and Reduced Strain

When using an ergonomic keyboard, the keys are at an angle that reduces strain on your hands, automatically giving you a sense of relaxation. Most users will experience an immediate sense of comfort from the first use. In addition, the shoulder also feels a similar sense of ease. How does an ergonomic keyboard achieve this while remaining superb for typing? We will discover it in the next section.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency

Ergonomic keyboards not only improve posture and provide comfort, but they also enhance productivity. When using an ergonomic keyboard, typists will feel they can work longer and faster than a regular keyboard. Sure, there is a learning curve, but the efficiency improves once you get the hang of it.

Long-Term Health Benefits: Preventing RSIs

When you are in a more natural posture, your fingers move on the keyboard without causing strain on the muscles. The overstretching caused by the movement of fingers on a flat regular keyboard can cause fingers to tire. All the complex muscles and nerves pass through the wrist, and frequent unnatural stretches can lead to body aches. Typists suffering from RSI’s need an ergonomic keyboard in their lives.

Understanding Ergonomic Keyboard Types

Let's see how ergonomic keyboards eliminate many health-related problems associated with prolonged use of regular keyboards. Keyboard designers have come up with the following unique features:

Split Keyboards: Separating the Keys for Natural Typing

Why bend your arms towards the center if you can split the keyboard from the middle into two places? The hands can be far apart from the center, aligning with the width of your shoulder for a better typing experience. It reduces the undue pressure on the muscles trying to force your hands towards the center.

Contoured Keyboards: Promoting Proper Wrist Alignment

Making the keyboard flat by sitting on a surface forces users to twist their wrists to lay their fingers flat on the keycaps. Contoured keypads on an ergonomic keyboard allow wrists to sit at an angle that immediately provides a relaxing effect from the fingers to the shoulders. Users can work for more extended periods and improve efficiency as less force is required and muscle stretch is lowered. 

Wave Keyboards: Offering a Natural Curve for Hand Positioning

Rather than keys laying straight in a linear fashion on a regular keyboard, ergonomic keyboards utilize a curvature that lets the finger rest in an unforced position. The hands are still positioned on the “asdf” and “jkl;” like any other regular keyboard, so there is no significant learning curve for new users.

Ergonomic Keyboards with Wrist Rests: Added Support and Comfort

Another aspect that most users need to remember is using wrist pads. Users only buy a third-party wristpad if it is packaged with the keyboard. Wrist pads assist in keeping wrists in an uplifted position, which is natural and essential to avoid wrist pain and long-term health effects.

Choosing the Right Ergonomic Keyboard for You

Now that you know the benefits of ergonomic keyboards, we can discuss guidelines for selecting the perfect one.

● Consider Your Typing Style and Needs

You have an ergonomic keyboard, whether you are a typist or need to put in many numbers. Always consider the layout of the keyboard before making a purchase. You can go for the TKL keyboard layout that does not have the numpad if you don't need one. There are also full-size keyboards that are suitable for any kind of user.

If you have broad shoulders, it's better to go for a keyboard that splits into half “literally” to allow you to place it as far from the center as possible. These keyboards are generally high-end and can cause cable management issues for some users.

● Wired vs. Wireless: Connectivity Options

Wired ergonomic keyboards have a lower price tag. In comparison, wireless ergonomic keyboards can be a burden on the wallet. Wireless keyboards are great for portability, but wired keyboards are a better choice if you use your keyboard in the same position without moving around. They do not require charging and provide a better connection.

● Additional Features: Palm Rests, Backlighting, Media Controls

If you spend most of your day in front of a computer screen, we recommend buying a keyboard with palm rests. They keep your wrists in a natural position. You can opt for premium cushioned palm rests or a simple plastic one. The purpose is to provide the wrists with the support they need. If you work in low-light conditions, consider backlighting, and for users who deal with audio and video, you can go for keyboards with media control.

Most Comfortable Ergonomic Keyboards for New Users

1. Logitech ERGO K860 

Best Features

● Works with Mac and Windows Operating System

● Full-Size Keyboard Layout

● 54% More Wrist Support

● 2-Year Battery Life

2. MEETION 2.4 GHz WIRELESS COMBO DirectorC 

Best Features

● 2.4GHz Fast Wireless Connectivity

● 3-Zone Split Keyboard Design

● Natural Curvature for Wrist Position

● Advance Wrist Rest with Memory Foam

3. Programmable Ergo Pro Keyboard for PC 

Best Features

● Adjustable width between keyboard split

● Low Key Switch Operating Force

● Adjustable Legs for 9° tenting and 4.5° negative tilt.

● 3 USB 2.0 Pass Through Ports

Conclusion: Invest in Your Comfort and Performance

In the end, ergonomic keyboards can be a game-changer in your life. Regular typists or corporate employees can benefit equally from the ergonomic keyboard design aspects. Take care of your health and avoid long-term health issues. An ergonomic keyboard will align your wrists, back, neck, and shoulders more naturally.

Check out the MEETION’s ergonomic keyboards. They offer unique designs that cater to all types of users. Their combo products include ergonomic vertical mice that also play a vital role in overall well-being. We hope you find the best product for you!