Computer Keyboard Ergonomics

The time that we spend at our computer workstation is increasing day by day. The effect of such an overdose can be various musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulder, forearm, elbow, hand and wrist. If the workstation is not ergonomically designed the soft tissues in the above areas can be exposed to awkward postures, forceful exertions and repetitive movements. Keyboards that are designed to help the user tide over such disorders are termed ergonomic keyboards. This type of keyboard won't force the wrists and hands into alignments that can cause damage to the body. Ergonomic keyboards are more comfortable to work on.

We need to be aware of various ergonomic designs and arrangements that can be done to the workstation and keyboards to increase our comfort level while working. In the long run, this leads to better health and increased productivity. After adjusting the chair in front of the computer, we need to rest our arms comfortably at the side. The forearms should be raised in a 90 degree angle with the upper arms. The height of the keyboard should be adjusted in such a way so that the shoulders can relax and the arms can rest at the sides. The keys should be pressed gently.

An articulating keyboard tray can help to achieve proper height and distance. The keyboard should be directly in the front and close to us. The mouse should be beside the keyboard and at the same height. The back of the wrist should be in a neutral position. The slope of the keyboard needs to be adjusted so that it is flat. Then only our postures would be right while typing. Our feet should touch the ground while sitting. The shoulders, arms, hands and fingers should be kept relaxed.

An ergonomic keyboard helps to reduce strain and fatigue, improve comfort level while typing, retain the right posture while working and lessen arm, hand, neck and shoulder pain. Such keyboards can be of different types. Split keyboards are elevated in such a way so as to allow the wrists to assume a natural posture while typing. Keyboards like the DataHand and the OrbiTouch are effective in reducing the strain on the hands and wrists. OrbiTouch is keyless. Here, two domes have replaced the keys.

The TouchStream keyboard needs zero pressure to use the keys. The mouse is integrated to the keyboard and a tap is equal to a mouse click. DVORAK keyboards have the keys arranged in a normal layout. A fixed split keyboard has the keys separated into two or three groups in a single board. This allows the user to type at different angles. This type of ergonomic keyboard has become a popular alternative to the usual keyboard.

The keyboard is split into many independent pieces in an adjustable split keyboard. This allows easy change of the angles between them. Among the other ergonomic keyboards are those that have fixed, vertically aligned keys. Here, the user types with his or her hands perpendicular to the ground. Many other keyboards allow a range of elevations and rotations. A DataHand keyboard eliminates the need for any wrist movement.

• John Palsson
• 14/05/2009, 12:59 AM
• 0 Comments