The continuous evolution of the human civilization has enabled us to exert the minimal amount of effort in going through our daily chores. Whatever industry we may be in, there is a computer waiting for us, to do our bidding with a stroke of a key and click of the mouse. From start-up companies to fulfilled corporations, majority of offices in the world have at least one of these electronic brains. Without a doubt, computers have become indispensable for mankind.

Unfortunately, a breakthrough comes with a drawback. Repetitive use of these machines can cause various disorders in our body. Among the ordinary discomforts that computer users get are the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), and shoulders and back aches. CTS is a painful condition caused by increased pressure on specific nerves of the wrist. Repeated hand movements cause inflammation of the wrist nerves. Even a little pressure on this area will cause discomfort.

The layout of regular keyboards forces users to work for long periods of time in an uncomfortable position. The hands and wrists are in an angle that goes against their natural stance, causing strained muscles and nerves. The arms and the shoulders get strained, as well. This awkward angle of the arms aggravates the muscles on the shoulders and back, causing occasional but severe pains.

Many therapists advise the use of ergonomic keyboards, which are curved in shape, adapting to the normal angle of the hands and wrists. The letter keys on an ergonomic keyboard are angled as well, so the user can relax his wrists without decreasing his typing speed. The elevated angle of the keyboard itself enables the user to work while maintaining the natural position of the arms and wrists.

Ergonomic keyboards are specially designed to alleviate stress on the hands and wrists due to typing. There are many types of ergonomic keyboards out in the market. Aside from the angled layout, some even come with a soft pad on the edge of the keyboard where the user can rest the base of his hand, making computer works a breeze.

One of the most popular types of ergonomic keyboards is the split keyboard, which is literally split in the middle to create an angular layout of the keys. The wider angle of the letter keys lets the user type with a more natural positioning of his hands and wrists.

Another popular type is the trackball keyboard. It is actually a standard layout keyboard, but the built-in trackball gives the user a secondary pointing device. This type of keyboard enables the user to point and click without removing his hands from the keyboard. Trackball keyboards are suitable for users whose tasks require excessive use of the mouse, maintaining the hands’ natural position.

The development of science and technology is a vicious cycle. While it provides us with tools that make our lives easier, it also brings different health hazards that may cause long-term discomfort. And then further developments will produce new devices that will eliminate those inconveniences. And so on. The good thing is, we never stop finding ways to life easier.

Many people experience carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder and back pain due to prolonged and repetitive use of the computer. Fortunately, ergonomic keyboards have been developed to prevent and eliminate these discomforts. This kind of keyboard is available in the market with different variations: the split-type, trackball keyboard, and touchpad keyboard among many others. These keyboards may differ aesthetically, but all of them relieve the strain on the hands and wrists caused by standard keyboards.

- Frank Barnett

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