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The Benefits of Choosing an Ergonomic Keyboard Setup
If you are like most of us, you have been typing on a standard one-piece QWERTY keyboard. These keyboards are the standard for electronics designed for English speakers. In fact, if you learned to touch-type, it was on one of those QWERTY keyboards. While they are pervasive, they are not the best choice in terms of ergonomics. They help contribute to injuries and strain, including common repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. So, it is no surprise that many people look for an ergonomic keyboard due to its benefits.
Ergonomic keyboards are any keyboards that are designed to help you be more comfortable. These keyboards will reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries. They come in assorted designs, which can be tailored to your body style.
Ergonomic keyboards have a variety of unique features. They are often split, which lets you separate them and keeps your arms in a more natural position. They may also have an angle, referred to as a tent. Tent allows you to adjust the keyboard horizontally, which can let you move your hands and wrists more comfortably. The keyboards may also have a splay in their setup, which is a better design for how your fingers move on the keyboard.
People often wait until they have a condition like carpal tunnel before getting an ergonomic keyboard. However, that is a mistake. While ergonomic keyboards can help you manage repetitive stress injuries or chronic conditions, they can also help you avoid developing those injuries in the first place. That is why it is important that anyone who types often uses an ergonomic keyboard.
Additionally, people worry that ergonomic keyboards are prohibitively expensive. Yes, they cost more than standard keyboards and are not usually included in computer packages. However, when you look at costs over time, you see that an ergonomic keyboard will save you money because of the benefits. First, employees are unlikely to keep seeking out new keyboards to alleviate pain or discomfort. Second, the business saves money over time because of saved medical expenses. There is a third savings, as well. If people get repetitive stress injuries, they miss time at work. That means lost money for the employer.
Even if you do not type all the time, an ergonomic keyboard and accessories can be helpful. Any time in a bad working posture is too much time in a bad working posture. Even if you only type a few minutes a day, you deserve to do so in a comfortable position that minimizes your risk of injury.