Ergonomic mouse - how can they help? r? duire g? do Typing
The design of an ergonomic keyboard aims to achieve a more natural and comfortable wrist position when typing. The wrist is prone to common RSI-related ailments, including carpal tunnel syndrome, and many people will first acquire an ergonomic keyboard to reduce the risk of developing such conditions when first noticing discomfort arising from their keyboard use.
Many people associate an ergonomic keyboard with a split key design, whereby the keys are arranged into two or more groups divided by a horizontal split angle. The result of this is that you no longer need to bend your wrists at an awkward angle as you do with a traditional keyboard. A common mainstream keyboard which incorporates this design is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. This keyboard carries a competitive price tag and is frequently well-received in reviews.
A split keyboard design, however, is more suited to touch typists with visual, or ˇ°two fingerˇ±, typists likely to find such a keyboard somewhat cumbersome. Equally, gamers will find that in the midst of the action the keys are too far apart and their game playing would be hindered. Even if you are a touch typist, there will be an initial learning curve during which typing speed and accuracy will suffer. Despite these provisos, those that do take the time to become accustomed to a split keyboard may well find this type of keyboard to be the most comfortable and beneficial.
However, an ergonomically-designed keyword is not synonymous with a split keyboard. For example, the Logitech Wave keyboard sports a curved rather than split keyboard design. This lends itself to a more ergonomically correct hand position, and mitigates the need to spend time adjusting to the different keyboard layout of a split keyboard. A keyboard such as this represents a good compromise between a split keyboard and a traditional keyboard.
Most ergonomic keyboards also feature programmable buttons. A lot of computer users will repetitively perform certain actions. An example of this might be opening Internet Explorer. With programmable buttons, a button can be assigned to do this avoiding the several mouse gestures it would otherwise entail. With many people first suffering with RSI in their mouse hand, this feature helps minimize mouse use which is commonly cited to be a contributory factor in repetitive strain injuries.
Although an ergonomic keyboard can be enormously beneficial in achieving typing comfort and alleviating mild pain, it is not a single guaranteed solution for what is a complex problem. Regular breaks should be taken from computer use, even if the computer user just periodically relaxes their arms from the rigors of typing. In addition, a good quality office chair with adequate lumbar support should be used, especially for those sat at a computer for prolonged periods of time. Your sitting height relative to your desk is also important to prevent having to bend your arms either upwards or downwards.
In conclusion, an ergonomic keyboard can help make great strides towards achieving a comfortable typing experience. However, it must be utilized alongside achieving other good habits such as taking regular breaks. If you suspect you have RSI, it is important to consult your doctor to receive proper medical advice and prevent the problem worsening.
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