Generally speaking, it seems that people are most familiar with standard keyboards. Personally, this is the type of keyboard I learned to type on and what I continue to use. On the other hand, after looking into the benefits of ergonomic keyboards, I may be switching over in the near future…
The ergonomic keyboard, unlike the standard keyboard, is designed to fit the contour of your wrists so that the act of typing feels more natural and comfortable. The keyboard itself is curved on a slight angle thus splitting the keys in half.
The main goal of the ergonomic keyboard is to eliminate stress placed upon your hands, wrists and forearms. The design of the keyboard aims to prevent the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a condition in which pressure is placed on the median nerve of the wrist which can cause, pain, weakness and numbness in the hands, wrists and forearms). Similarly, the shape of the keyboard is said to reduce fatigue as well.
It’s obvious that the ergonomic keyboard has only positive benefits to offer. However, just as with anything new in life, switching to this type of keyboard may take some getting used to and some practice on your part. Still, once you’ve mastered the keyboard’s shape and style, you will quickly find that typing feels more natural. As a result, you may also notice an increase in your typing speed too.
Ergonomic keyboards appear to be a good fit for anyone whose job requires them to type for extended periods of time on a consistent basis—scratch that—ergonomic keyboards appear to be a good fit for anyone who types in general. That being said, what are your thoughts? Do you currently use a standard or ergonomic keyboard? What positive changes have you seen after switching over—if any? Tell us about your experience!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I made the switch from standard keyboard to an ergonomic keyboard and I wish I had done it years ago! I absolutely love it. I can feel the difference in my typing both in skill and speed. I don’t feel the strain in my wrist as well. There are other types of keyboard coming up the pipeline also. Some are totally rearranging the keys altogether so accomodate for less stretching of fingers to reach certain keys. I’ll be looking out to see what comes…:-)
New MTEC student
I use the NMB “clicky” keyboards. They are straight keyboards with a slightly springy feel. Underneath the keys, there is a mechanical structure in place which gives you a click every time you hit a key, which is good for keeping your rhythm.
Unfortunately, these are not being made anymore! But I did buy a number of them before they were all gone (I am in So. California, and used to live less than 30 miles from one of their offices). I have two of them in service now, and only one brand-new, never-used keyboard left.
BTW, I used to take one of these to work with me, and everyone who touched it loved it. One other MT bought at least one of them. I also gave away a couple of them for gifts.
The feel of them helped me to be more productive.