People who work in office environments often perform repetitive tasks and motions, such as typing on a keyboard, clicking a mouse, or reaching across a desk. Though most of these tasks require limited physical effort, repetitive motions can actually cause pain and even long-term injury over time. In response to concerns over repetitive motion strain in the office, ergonomic furniture was developed to conform to the needs of the individual user and to reduce workplace injuries.
Most keyboards feature a standard design to fit an “average” user. However, ergonomic office keyboards are designed with the needs and comfort of the operator in mind. There are various types of ergonomic keyboards available to meet a wide range of individual needs. These keyboards include:
Adjustable
Adjustable keyboards allow users to change both the vertical and horizontal orientation of the keys. These keyboards are often split with an open space down the center, allowing the user to easily adjust the two halves for the maximum comfort of each hand. To match the natural pronation of each wrist, each side may be adjusted up to 30 degrees in either direction. Additionally, these ergonomic keyboards often feature larger space bars for ease of reach. Adjustable keyboards may increase productivity and comfort by allowing the user to straighten his or her wrists and properly align the arms and shoulders.
Contoured
Contoured keyboards are gently sloped, increasing in elevation toward the center of the keyboard. This design supports the wrists and allows for a natural positioning of the hand, wrist, and forearm, reducing tension that can lead to pain in the arms, shoulders, and wrists.
Compact and Travel
Compact keyboards make use of office environments with limited space, allowing workers to use their desktops more effectively. They reduce reaching and repetitive motions that can lead to strains in the wrists and shoulders and allow users to adjust the spacing on their desks to an arrangement that feels most natural and comfortable.
Ergonomic travel keyboards allow frequent travelers to use their keyboards without sacrificing comfort. These keyboards feature similar elements to adjustable and contoured keyboards, and often fold or adjust to fit into smaller spaces for portability.
Mouse friendly and Left-Numeric
Standard keyboards were designed before the mouse was invented. At that time, people mainly used keyboards for numeric data entry, so having the keypad located on the right side of the keyboard was useful. Today however, many more people use the mouse much more often than they use the numeric keypad. The mouse-friendly or left numeric keyboard has the numeric keypad situated on the left-hand side, freeing up space on the right side of the keyboard for more comfortable and natural mouse positioning.
These keyboards, ergonomic mice and other ergonomic computer products help reduce stress and strain that result from repetitive motion tasks and help the office environment conform to the needs of the user.
Beyondtheofficedoor.com offers modern office furniture solutions for both work and home office spaces. We offer a wide range of office furniture and products, from adjustable stand up desks to adjustable keyboard trays that are designed to maximize the comfort and efficiency of your workspace. If you are looking for innovative ergonomic options for your office space, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
