The Ergonomics of Mechanical Keyboards: Ergonomics at Your Fingertips
If you ever remember the old IBM keyboard, you may be familiar with a mechanical keyboard. These types of keyboards are making a comeback over the years especially with gamers and versed typists. Their tactile feedback, durability, and customizable features make them attractive for high tech and new age computer users. In this article we will explore the importance of how mechanical keyboards can contribute to improving our computer ergonomics.
Ergonomics is, by one definition, the science of designing products to optimize our well-being and performance. When it comes to keyboards, we want a design that ensures that our fingers, wrists, and arms are positioned in a neutral posture. This reduces strain and the chances of cumulating a repetitive strain injury or RSI. There are a few ways that these keyboards achieve this.
Features of Mechanical Keyboards
Key switch options: There are various mechanical key switches (colorized) that offer varying levels of tactile feedback and actuation force. Users may choose switches that best suit their typing preferences and habits as to minimize muscle fatigue and reduce the internal pressures in the wrist.
Key layout and spacing: Various mechanical keyboard designs feature layouts and spacing that is engineered to encourage a more natural hand and finger position as the user types. This reduces the need for redundant hand movements as well, which may improve typing speed and accuracy after tackling the learning curve of keyboard adoption.
Keyboard size and form factor: Mechanical keyboards come in compact, without an attached numeric keypad, or full-size keyboards to provide options based on what the user needs eliminating the need to extend their arm over to use a mouse.
Adjustable split angles, tenting, negative tilt options, wrist support: Ergonomically designed mechanical keyboards often offer adjustable keyboard angles, allowing users to achieve a neutral posture to reduce common ulnar deviation, extension, and pronation of the wrists. Integrated wrist rests or palm supports provide vital cushioning that reduces contact pressure on the structures of the carpal of the wrists.
Programmable keys and macros: Mechanical keyboards often have programmable keys and macros that are used with customizable stickers to enhance efficiency which allows users to reduce the need to type significantly.
Choosing the Right Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard:
It is best to hire an ergonomic specialist to help you decide on what the best design suits you. First off, it is difficult to observe yourself working so having someone who is a specialist in identifying risks do that for you. Second, your mechanics and habits play a big part in determining what the best features you would want to consider. Another way is to research and compare different models by going to a Best Buy or ergonomics specialty store to try out various models side by side paying attention to features such as key switch options, layout, adjustability, and additional accessories.
Health Benefits of Using Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboards:
Investing in an ergonomic mechanical keyboard offers several health benefits:
- Reduced strain on wrists and fingers
- Prevention of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Improved posture
Give mechanical keyboards a try if you suspect you can benefit from the ergonomics of their design. They can improve your ergonomics as well as productivity too. Embrace the power of ergonomic mechanical keyboards and try them out for a healthier and possibly more enjoyable typing experience to come.