Why to Switch to an Ergonomic Keyboard
Why Go Ergonomic?
Everything from ring tones to tennis shoes are customizable these days, mostly for the sake of individuality. However, many customizations serve a far more practical purpose: comfort. What you wear and use on a daily basis should be comfortable and should fit you exactly. Your keyboard is no exception. Working on the same keyboard as someone who is a foot taller and 50 pounds heavier than you is ridiculous. When your keyboard doesn’t fit your build or your frame, you simply can’t position yourself properly, which often leads to discomfort at the very least and work-related injuries and strains (such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) at worst.
Why not try something new? There are a variety of ergonomic keyboards to choose from, so you’ll need to assess your specific needs as you decide which keyboard will work best for you.
How to Choose the Best Ergonomic Keyboard for You
Do you use your number pad? If not, a great option might be a mini keyboard which eliminates it altogether. If your work space is tight, a mini keyboard keeps the essentials and dispenses with the nonessentials for a minimalistic approach.- If you do use your number pad or are actually left-handed, the left-handed keyboard moves the number pad to the left, making the pad easer to reach with your dominant hand. Some righties opt for the left-handed keyboard because they want to keep the number pad (in contrast to the mini keyboard), but it’s not essential to have on the right, thereby allowing them to pull their mice in closer.
- Do you need more space? Even if your desk top is the size of a postage stamp, you still need to be able to keep your mouse on the same surface and tucked in directly next to the keyboard. A mini keyboard is a good way to approach this sometimes daunting task.
- Do you hate clutter? Why not go wireless with the wireless slim touch keyboard. Wireless electronics are always a good idea for at home use with little ones running about.
- Do you want a little flexibility? The Freestyle Solo allows you to split the keyboard however wide you’d like and the Microsoft Elite has a predetermined split.
- Do you want a compact keyboard with a touchpad? There’s a keyboard for that: compact keyboard with touchpad. Pretty clever name, eh?
- Do you need a larger font? How about the large font keyboard for easier viewing, for kids, and even for special needs students/individuals.
- Do you need a handheld presentation keyboard? The Miniature Mini Wireless Keyboard is excellent for presentations and teaching as you are free to move about the room (rather than be tied to your computer in one spot).