Compact Ergonomic Keyboards are designed on the principle that traditional keyboards are too wide and force the computer mouse to be positioned too far away from the body. This incorrect placement of the computer mouse means the users shoulder is abducted ("winging") and having to reach away from the body to access the mouse. This awkward work posture activates more muscles in the neck and shoulder and overtime can lead to tight or sore neck and shoulder muscles. Compact Ergonomic Keyboards have no numeric keypad which makes them significantly smaller in length. By reducing the length of the keyboard, the mouse is able to be brought closer to the body.

Split Key Ergonomic Keyboards are designed with a defined split in the middle of the keyboard that splits the keys into two sections. This split creates a V like shape which effectively modifies the working postures of the wrists when using the keyboard. By splitting the keys, the wrist no longer deviate. Wrist deviation is a common cause of wrist pain from traditional keyboards. Working with sustained wrist deviation places additional pressure on bones in your wrist and the muscles in your hand and forearm. The aches and pain associated with sustained wrist deviation can also be felt in the elbow where the forearm muscles attach to the elbow. Split Key Ergonomic Keyboards come in either a fixed split key arrangement or an adjustable split key option. The adjustable split key option is great, however the fixed split key arrangement keyboards tend to get the split key angle right every time.