It is important to understand the keyboard options you have when outfitting your workstation. Different types of keyboards offer various benefits. Below are some options when selecting a keyboard for your workstation.
Split Keyboard
- Designed to straighten wrists and arms to be in a more neutral position
- Low force needed to press keys
- Compact size
- Compatible with all major computer operating systems
- Can spread keyboard to a shoulder-width apart
- Easy to position
- Can place mouse in the middle of the keyboard (allows for less reaching)
- No number pad which creates a shorter reach when the mouse is placed on the right side. If a number pad is necessary it is a separate attachment that can be positioned independently of the keyboard.
- Can be used with standard mouse or roller mouse.
Arc Keyboard
- Decreases unnatural wrist positioning (ulnar deviation)
- Wireless, compact
- Easily transported
Contoured Keyboard
- Adjustable slope of keyboard—neutral, positive, or negative
- Padded wrist wrest
- Raised middle to promote neutral wrist position
- Not compatible with a roller mouse.
Adjustable Keyboard Tray
- Height adjustable
- Can change tilt on tray (0 to -15 degrees)
- Swivel feature (keyboard tray and mouse board)
- Adjustable
- Takes keyboard and mouse off of desk top creating greater desk top working space.
- Allows for better flexibility in adjustments and allows for multiple users
Things to consider with an adjustable keyboard tray
- Ease of use
- Able to maintain its position
- Easily rotatable mouse board to allow for right of left handed mouse use.
- Dial indicating keyboard tray angle
Positioning
- The keyboard should be at or slightly below elbow height, and parallel with your forearms.
- If your keyboard has feet on the back that prop it up, make sure to close those feet in order to keep in flat and maintain the wrists in a neutral position.
- Position equipment and work tasks so that your body is directly in front of and close to your major work tasks (think letter “B” at your belly-button!)
- Utilize a gel wrist rest to provide rest breaks when typing
Additional Resources
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Contact Information
Brian Cournoyer, Occupational Health and Safety Manager
Phone: (603) 862-4761
Email: brian.cournoyer@unh.edu
Andrew Ernakovich, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
Phone: (603) 862-4266
Email: Andrew.Ernakovich@unh.edu