Choosing A Keyboard That Offers The Best In Office Ergonomics

When it comes to choosing a keyboard for optimal keyboard ergonomics, there are numerous options designed to enhance office ergonomics. With so many choices, how do you know which one is right for you?

The concept of keyboard ergonomics dates back to the 1920s when it was suggested that splitting the keyboard and inclining the halves would reduce arm strain for typists. Research by Kromer in the 1970s led to commercial ergonomic keyboards becoming available in the early 1990s. By 2006, the split keyboard was the highest-selling ergonomic keyboard on the US market.

If you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard, it is wise to be an educated consumer. Here’s how to choose the right keyboard for optimal office ergonomics:

How To Choose The Right Keyboard For Optimal Office Ergonomics

Start by asking the following questions:

• How is this product different from others on the market?
• How will this product change the way the user will interact with their equipment?
• What discomfort or symptoms might this product work to correct?
• Are there any drawbacks to using this product?  

To better answer these questions, the following sections will review various models of ergonomic keyboards, highlighting their unique features and why you might opt for one over another.

Pros And Cons Of A Wave Style Keyboard

A wave style keyboard is often what comes to mind when people think of ergonomic keyboards. The wave style allows users to maintain straight wrist postures while typing. However, it is typically larger than standard keyboards, potentially increasing the reach distance to the mouse. This can be a drawback for users with small hands or petite frames. Ensure you have enough desk space, as the larger wave keyboard may not fit on all sizes and styles of keyboard trays.  

Why Choose A Split Keyboard?

A split keyboard is divided into two pieces, allowing each half to be positioned independently. This design eliminates awkward wrist postures and improves elbow and shoulder postures, making it a good option for users with small or wide shoulder breadth. However, non-touch typists may find this keyboard challenging to adapt to. Additionally, split keyboards usually have an embedded numeric keypad, so if a dedicated numeric keypad is essential, consider purchasing a separate number pad.

The Benefits of A Keyboard With The Number Pad on The Left

A left-handed or ‘mouse-friendly’ keyboard resembles a standard keyboard but with the number pad on the left side. This design helps balance the workstation by eliminating the need to reach over the number pad, promoting better right shoulder posture. However, this keyboard is not ideal for left-handed mouse users.

Pros And Cons Of A Compact Keyboard

A compact keyboard does not have a number pad, so it has similar benefits to keyboards with the number pad on the left in that reach distances to use the mouse are minimized. This style of keyboard most resembles a laptop keyboard, but sometimes compact keyboards also mean smaller key size so be cautious when selecting a compact model. Smaller keys may result in more awkward wrist postures when typing; look for models with full size alpha keys. The bonus is that compact models are often smaller and more lightweight, so they pack nicely in a laptop bag for use when travelling, in meetings or porting the keyboard to/from home for hybrid work.

No matter which keyboard you choose, remember that change takes time! Be sure to educate yourself and employees on how to use the keyboard as it may have different features from what you are used to. Although the keyboard may be exactly the right choice from an ergonomic standpoint, if the user hasn’t been educated, they may find it frustrating to use, use it incorrectly or simply not use it at all.

Our Thoughts On Keyboards For Optimal Office Ergonomics

The keyboards pictured are examples of the various styles of keyboards available. PROergonomics does not promote one brand over another; however, we are continuously trialing new products to evaluate when and why they would be a good fit for our clients.