How Many People Actually Use Ergonomic Keyboards?

How many people reading this article work in front of a computer all day? A few? Ok, how many of us work in front of one for most of the day? A few more? Got any serious gamers out there? How much time do you spend in front of your machine? A better question might be how many hours each day do you spend using your keyboard?

I ask because I am concerned about your health. Specifically, I am worried about your wrists. Chances are good that if you use a standard keyboard for more than several hours a day for at least 3 days during the week then you probably have experienced some type of pain before. How to prevent this, you ask? Well, the obvious answer is to stop using your keyboard. But that isn’t very helpful is it?

Maybe you should try an ergonomic keyboard. Now, if you just want something similar to what you are use to I would suggest a nice curved keyboard from Microsoft. (or Logitech or Kensington if you prefer) This type of keyboard is a little bit better than your standard rectangular keyboard. However, if you want something a bit more comfortable then look for a split keyboard. These types often have more padding, more elevation and feel more natural against your palms.

This is the type I have at work. Since I am a programmer I spend quite a bit of time typing. Now, this keyboard does relieve a lot of the pain I use to suffer from, but it does take a bit to get used to. The break in the keys feels comfortable after a while but for that first week or two your typing speed will be cut in half. So be prepared for that adjustment.

Of course, if you have the money then I would suggest one of these extreme keyboards. I use the word “extreme” because that accurately describes both the shape and the price. Personally $400 for a keyboard is a bit much for me, but hey, for you, it might be a steal!

I bring this up because, while I find Apple’s keyboards very cool, very smooth and very white, I also find them very uncomfortable. Or, at least uncomfortable enough to prevent me from doing any serious typing on one. The same can be said of Apple’s mouse. It is nice for those users who really like mice, but it isn’t for me. First, it doesn’t have enough buttons. And second, like all mice, it tends to hurt my wrist after prolonged usage.

So, at my desk, I always have a nice trackball handy. I realize, of course, that trackballs aren’t for everyone. But if you doing a serious amount of typing then it really is worth your time to walk into a nearby computer store and check out some of their more expensive trackballs. Because trackballs are manipulated with either your thumb or your pointer, middle and ring fingers, it relieves some of the stress on your wrist.

So, if you just can’t bring yourself to disturb the feng shui of your workspace by removing Apple’s stock keyboard and mouse then don’t. Go ahead and preserve the symmetry of your desk. But if your hands have been hurting more than they should lately then please consider a nice ergonomic keyboard and a large trackball. It will cost you a little more than $100 for both of them but the price is well worth it.