Ergonomic Keyboard for Wrist and Hand Pain
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A good ergonomic design keyboard can help to improve your comfort levels and reduce the aches and pains associated with using a traditional keyboard. For many users, simply switching from their traditional keyboard to an ergonomic keyboard can help alleviate their wrist, hand and/or forearm pain. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse will place the hands into a neutral position and can also help to reduce shoulder pain. This creates a more natural position for your hands and wrists. For additional support you can incorporate a wrist rest which will provide a cushioned palm rest.
What is an Ergonomic Keyboard?
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An ergonomic keyboard is a specialized computer keyboard designed to enhance user comfort and minimize the risk of hand, wrist, or finger injuries or discomfort.
Keyboard ergonomics plays a pivotal role in office ergonomics, as many office professionals perform over 10,000 keystrokes per hour during computer use. Such repetitive movements can lead to aches and pains caused by awkward postures and the repetitive nature of traditional keyboard designs. These standard keyboards were not originally created with comfort in mind.
The Best Ergonomic Keyboards are designed for:
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Wrist pain
Hand pain
Forearm pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
Our range of Ergonomic Keyboards includes:
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Compact / Small Ergonomic Keyboards
Thin / Slim Ergonomic Keyboards
Keyboards without numeric keypad
Split Keyboards (e.g. Kinesis Freestyle2 with split design - the kinesis advantage)
Wireless Ergonomic Keyboards
Portable Ergonomic Keyboards
Compact Ergonomic Keyboards
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Compact Ergonomic Keyboards are specifically designed to address a common issue with traditional keyboards – their excessive width, which compels users to position their computer mouse at a distance from their body. This suboptimal mouse placement often forces users to abduct their shoulder (causing "winging") and reach uncomfortably to access the mouse. Such awkward work postures activate additional muscles in the neck and shoulder, potentially leading to tightness and discomfort over time.
The distinctive feature of Compact Ergonomic Keyboards is the absence of a numeric keypad or number pad, resulting in a significantly reduced length. This reduction in keyboard size allows the mouse to be brought closer to the body, eliminating the need for extended reaching. Moreover, many compact ergonomic keyboards incorporate function keys that integrate shortcuts or buttons typically absent on standard keyboards. To activate these functions, simply press the Fn key followed by the relevant function key you wish to use.
At our Australian warehouse, we offer a diverse selection of compact ergonomic keyboards, including wired, wireless, and Bluetooth models. Our wireless and Bluetooth keyboards boast impressive battery life, ranging from 8 to 12 weeks of regular use. Compact ergonomic keyboards are particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing forearm pain, as they can help alleviate discomfort over the long term.
Split Key Ergonomic Keyboard
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Split Keyboards are uniquely designed with a division in the middle of the keyboard, creating two separate parts that form a V-like shape. This innovative design significantly alters the wrist and hand postures while typing. By separating the keys, split keyboards effectively eliminate wrist deviation, a common source of wrist and hand discomfort associated with traditional keyboards. Sustained wrist deviation places undue stress on the wrist bones and the muscles of the hand and forearm, often leading to aches and pain. These discomforts can extend to the elbow, where the forearm muscles connect.
Split Key Ergonomic Keyboards are available in both fixed split key configurations and adjustable split key options. While adjustable keyboards offer versatility, fixed split key arrangements are renowned for consistently achieving the optimal split key angle. For individuals experiencing wrist pain, split keyboards are an excellent choice to alleviate discomfort and promote more ergonomic typing.
Portable Ergonomic Keyboard
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Portable ergonomic keyboards are wireless computer keyboards designed to be compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travelers and on-the-go professionals.
These keyboards feature low-profile keys and a compact, flat design, making them compatible with laptops, computers, or tablets. We offer a diverse selection of portable ergonomic keyboards at our Australian warehouse, ready for quick shipment within 3-5 working days.
How to correctly set up a keyboard
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To minimize the risk of developing discomfort or pain in your neck, shoulders, forearms, and wrists while using your wireless keyboard, it's essential to ensure proper positioning. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve a more ergonomic setup:
1. Shoulder and Elbow Position: When typing, maintain relaxed shoulders and ensure your elbows are at a comfortable 90-100-degree angle. If necessary, adjust your chair height to achieve this posture.
2. Document Placement: Pay attention to the placement of paper documents on your desk, especially for tasks like data entry. Positioning documents to the side or flat on the desk can force you to twist your upper body and repeatedly bend your neck forward or to the side. Always use a document holder to secure your documents. Place it in line with your body, between your keyboard and monitor, so you don't need to twist your neck to view them. If you're not proficient in touch-typing, consider practicing, as touch typists tend to look down at the keyboard less frequently, reducing the risk of neck pain.
3. Keyboard Position: Position your keyboard approximately 6-7cm away from the edge of the desk, providing enough space in front of the keyboard for resting your forearms on the desk or a wrist support. This may require you to move your monitor further back to accommodate the keyboard in the correct position, which is optimal for minimizing hand pain.
4. Wrist Alignment: Achieve a neutral wrist alignment, keeping your wrists flat and in line with your forearms. Ensure that your keyboard is flat against the desk by folding down its feet. This promotes neutral wrist alignment and reduces wrist extension during typing. If achieving neutral wrist alignment is challenging, consider using a slim keyboard or an ergonomic keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards, with their shorter height or slight curve, are designed to promote neutral wrist alignment and eliminate wrist deviation commonly associated with traditional keyboards.
5. Take Regular Breaks: Ideally, take a break from typing for at least 5 to 10 minutes every hour. Use this time to engage in different tasks, such as stretching, moving out of your chair, or organizing. If you tend to get absorbed in your work and forget to take breaks, consider using a computer program that acts as a timer and reminder to prompt you to pause and stretch. Numerous free stretch break software options are available online.
Maintaining "Neutral Wrist Alignment" can significantly reduce discomfort and pain in your wrists and forearms. This position ensures that your wrists align straight with your forearms. The diagrams below illustrate both correct and incorrect wrist postures that can occur when using a computer keyboard.
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