Which keyboard fits you?
There are three kinds of keyboards: Standard, short, and split. Each has their purpose. The fixed split keyboard is the Microsoft Natural keyboard but it has a number pad attached and you might be reaching for the mouse. Refer to my blog for more information and my product list for recommendations for keyboards.
The standard keyboard has the number pad on the right side of the keyboard such as the HP or Compaq keyboards. This keyboard can be ergonomic for some people especially if you use the mouse on the left side of the keyboard. If you mouse with your right hand, you might be reaching for your mouse over the number pad and abducting your shoulder. You should line up the “G” and “H” on your keyboard with the center of your monitor or intersection of your monitors.
A short keyboard is a keyboard that does not have the number pad such as the Apple keyboard or Evoluent keyboard. If you need the number pad but only use it <50% of the day, you can order a detached number pad. The detached number pad can be placed to the right of the mouse or on the left side of the keyboard. The reason a short keyboard is recommended is to bring the mouse closer to the keyboard and in line with your shoulder. Otherwise you are reaching to the right for the mouse over the number pad and using awkward posture such as dropping the wrist behind the mouse and shoulder abduction (arm goes away from your body).
A split keyboard has an opening between the “g” and “h” and some keyboards adjust in width and angle such as the Goldtouch or Kinesis keyboard. These keyboards allow the wrist to stay straight versus bending the wrist outward when using a standard keyboard. It allows you to relax the arms next to the body keeping the wrists in neutral. Those that are not touch typist might have difficulty using this keyboard since there is some space between the “g” and “h”. The fixed split keyboard is the Microsoft Natural keyboard but it has a number pad attached and you might be reaching for the mouse.
There are also short keyboards that have a number pad attached such as the Logitech k360. These are approximately 2” shorter than your standard keyboard and still allows the employee to use the number pad and bringing the mouse closer to in line with the shoulder.
Visit your local office supply store such as Staples or Office Depot to try out some keyboards or talk to me regarding the best keyboard for you. Also, refer to my Resources tab for my keyboard recommendations.
If you have any further questions, contact me at kgranataclark@ergonomicsandyou.com, my website is www.ergonomicsandyou.com, or you can schedule some time with me to discuss this topic at https://calendly.com/ergonomicsandyou/1-1-consult.
