Ergonomic keyboard
Encyclopedia
An ergonomic keyboard is a computer keyboard
designed
with ergonomic
considerations to minimize muscle strain and a host of related problems. Typically such keyboards are constructed in a V shape, to allow right and left hands to type at a slight angle more natural to the human form.
An "adjustable split keyboard" has the keyboard split into several independent pieces, so the angle between them can be easily changed.
A further development of the split concept are contoured keyboards like the Kinesis
Advantage line, which place the keys into two depressions set approximately at shoulder width, with function keys set between the key groups for use with the thumbs. In this configuration, very little movement of arms and wrists is required.
A few ergonomic keyboards do not have the typical one key per letter, such as a keyer
or a keyless ergonomic keyboard. Datahand
eliminates the need for any wrist motion or finger extension.
, but there is no clear evidence of benefit. Manufacturers claim ergonomic keyboards reduce injuries, and that after a user takes the time to adjust to this style of keyboard, ergonomic keyboards can make typing easier, faster and less awkward.
These keyboards may take more space on a computer table, forcing the mouse to be farther away.
Computer keyboard
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
designed
Keyboard layout
A keyboard layout is any specific mechanical, visual, or functional arrangement of the keys, legends, or key–meaning associations of a computer, typewriter, or other typographic keyboard....
with ergonomic
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities.The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics as follows:...
considerations to minimize muscle strain and a host of related problems. Typically such keyboards are constructed in a V shape, to allow right and left hands to type at a slight angle more natural to the human form.
Keyboard types
Split Keyboard
A "fixed-split keyboard" is a single board, with the keys separated into two or three groups, allowing the user to type at a different angle than the typical straight keyboard.An "adjustable split keyboard" has the keyboard split into several independent pieces, so the angle between them can be easily changed.
Contoured Keyboard
Kinesis
Kinesis, like a taxis, is a movement or activity of a cell or an organism in response to a stimulus. However, unlike taxis, the response to the stimulus provided is non-directional....
Advantage line, which place the keys into two depressions set approximately at shoulder width, with function keys set between the key groups for use with the thumbs. In this configuration, very little movement of arms and wrists is required.
Angled Split Keyboard
The angled split keyboard (sometimes referred to as a Klockenburg keyboard) is similar to a split keyboard, but the middle is tented up so that the index fingers are higher than the little fingers while typing. Key Ovation makes the Goldtouch ergonomic keyboard which is an adjustable angled split keyboard.Other Ergonomic Keyboards
Other ergonomic keyboards have fixed, vertically aligned keys, so the user types with their hands perpendicular to the ground, thumbs-up. Still others allow a range of rotation and elevations.A few ergonomic keyboards do not have the typical one key per letter, such as a keyer
Keyer
A keyer is a device for signaling by hand, by way of pressing one or more switches. Modern keyers typically have a large number of switches but not as many as a full-size keyboard; typically between four and fifty. A keyer differs from a keyboard in the sense that there is no "board"; the keys are...
or a keyless ergonomic keyboard. Datahand
Datahand
The DataHand keyboard was introduced in 1995 by DataHand Systems, Inc. Before that it was produced by Industrial Innovations as early as 1992. The keyboard consists of two completely separate "keyboards", one for the left hand and one for the right, that are molded to rest your hands in. This...
eliminates the need for any wrist motion or finger extension.
Cost
Simple ergonomic keyboards can cost as little as typical keyboards or as much as $995 for high end keyboards.Advantages
An ergonomic keyboard may reduce muscle strain and reduce risk of carpal tunnel syndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an entrapment idiopathic median neuropathy, causing paresthesia, pain, and other symptoms in the distribution of the median nerve due to its compression at the wrist in the carpal tunnel. The pathophysiology is not completely understood but can be considered compression...
, but there is no clear evidence of benefit. Manufacturers claim ergonomic keyboards reduce injuries, and that after a user takes the time to adjust to this style of keyboard, ergonomic keyboards can make typing easier, faster and less awkward.
Disadvantages
Some ergonomic keyboards are sold at very high prices. Typically ergonomic keyboards also include other premium features such as mechanical switches and programmable layouts which radically increase their cost, although this does significantly increase lifespan. For simply ergonomically shaped keyboards with no additional features, prices are a little higher than non-shaped keyboards. For a full featured mechanical keyboard, including adjustable splits, prices can be around $250, while premium ergonomic keyboards can cost many hundreds more.These keyboards may take more space on a computer table, forcing the mouse to be farther away.