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 Choosing the right
keyboard is important; the wrong
keyboard-combined with incorrect
usage-can contribute to discomfort and
ultimately even injury. Here are a few
key things to consider when selecting
your keyboard:
There are a variety
of keyboard designs and shapes from
which to choose. Most computers
come with a traditional
"straight" keyboard, which is
the rectangular design we're all
familiar with. Other companies produce a
keyboard that splits the letters down
the middle, producing two halves, which
are then angled outward to better
conform to the shape of our body. This
design is particularly good for people
with broad chests, as their elbows are
already pushed slightly outward,
naturally angling their wrists toward
each other. Conversely, thinner people
may find a traditional
"straight" keyboard more
comfortable.
There are also a
number of "alternative"
keyboards available. Contoured keyboards
offer recessed keys to better fit the
natural placement of fingers. Chording
keyboards have fewer keys, allowing you
to keep your fingers fixed on a given
key. (They work by using combinations of
keys instead of individual keystrokes.)
There are even variations on letter
arrangement; the Dvorak Layout keeps the
same position of each key, but assigns
different letters to each one. Commonly
used letters such as "A",
"O", "I", etc. are
placed in the "home" row, and
under the strongest fingers. These
layouts can actually improve efficiency
significantly, but require some time to
learn.
There is no truly conclusive evidence
that alternative keyboards reduce the
risk of developing musculoskeletal
disorders. Some of these keyboards have
been shown to reduce hand pain, but it
may take weeks or months until you're
aware of the reduction. However, if not
set up properly these keyboards may make
postures worse, so always follow proper
setup and usage tips.
Size
Some keyboards
have a smaller distance between the
keys, which may be more comfortable for
children or people with small hands.
These keyboards can also be useful for
people with little space on their desk
top-but don't hurt yourself just to save
space.
Feel
There's often a
distinct "feel" to typing on
each keyboard, and it's due to the way
keyboards translates your keystrokes
into text. Some use mechanical keys,
which tend to make a clicking noise and
feature better defined "up"
and "down" positions. Others
use a "membrane" technology,
with a softer feel, which makes it
easier to depress the keys. Some people
like the clear feeling of "up and
down," and others like the softer
touch and quieter action of membrane
keyboards. Choose what feels most
comfortable to you.
Features
The standard
keyboard is the 101-key QWERTY version
(named after the first five letters in
the upper left row of the keyboard), and
includes cursor keys, function keys, and
a 10 key numeric pad on the right side.
Some additional features you may want to
consider are:
Cursor
Keys in an inverted "T"
arrangement: The arrow keys that let
you move the cursor can come in two
arrangements: side-by-side (arranged in
a single row) or in an "inverted
T" configuration. The inverted T
configuration is more intuitive (and
often more comfortable!), and makes it
easier to navigate pages, play games,
etc.
Special
function keys: Some newer keyboards
have added extra keys to the traditional
101 layout-common examples include the
"Windows" key, Internet
keys, or multimedia keys. These can be
very useful for frequently repeated
tasks, reducing keystrokes, improving
efficiency, and reducing your risk of a
repetitive stress injury. If the keys
don't initially do exactly what you
want, some can even be reprogrammed to
execute a macro for the desired task.
Detachable Numeric Pad: For
people who use the numeric pad
extensively-accountants, for example-it
may make sense to purchase a keyboard
with a detachable 10 key module (this
allows a much greater range of
positioning). Not all keyboards even
have a numeric keypad on the right side.
Some keyboards are produced without
them, and are therefore narrower. This
can be very useful for people who do not
use the 10 keys-the mouse or trackball
can be brought closer to the keyboard,
leading to a better position for the
arm. These keyboards also take up less
space on the desktop
Fit
There are a variety
of ways for a keyboard tray to attach to
your desk - with levers, screws, or
other devices - so first make sure that
the tray will fit your underneath your
workstation and that you'll have
adequate leg clearance to sit
comfortably. (If you need to sit further
from your desk, you can also consider a
lap-held keyboard platform). Some models
are specially built to attach properly
to well-known desk types, so check to
see that the type you buy fits your desk
or can easily adjust to fit it. You'll
also want to make sure that the tray
leaves enough room for your legs after
it's installed; people often forget that
adding an under-desk tray lessens the
amount of available leg room under their
workstation. Learn the tray's
measurements, and then make sure you'll
still be comfortable once it's
installed.
Make sure the tray's big enough for your
keyboard. Some keyboards are built with
integrated wrist wrests or extra keys -
and may not fit on a smaller keyboard
tray. Always check both the length and
width of your keyboard before purchasing
a tray
Makes Available In
Keyboards
| IBM |
Hewkett |
Compaq |
| Logitech |
Microsoft |
Acer |
| L-Com |
Samsung |
Zenith |
| Magtek |
Memorex |
TVS-Gold |
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