Frequent typists know pain in the wrists or shoulders. Mostly the reason is a wrong attitude in front of the computer. An ergonomic keyboard can help to find a relaxed position in front of the computer.
Hardly any other tool lets people work as efficiently as the computer and hardly any other tool forces it into such an uncomfortable position – in the truest sense of the word. Anyone who has an office job and types a lot on the computer quickly notices a tug in the back, a burning sensation in the eyes, a stinging in the forearm or wrists.
Office work is the opposite of what humans were actually made for, namely to roam at least 10,000 steps through the savannah. It is all the more important to make work on the computer as sensitive as possible for body and mind. This requires the right work material and this includes height-adjustable desks or office chairs with lumbar supports as well as ergonomic mice and keyboards.
1. Logitech Ergo K860: The premium keyboard
Logitech is one of the premium manufacturers in the field of computer peripherals. His Ergo K860 is divided, curved and curved towards the middle. According to the manufacturer, this promotes a natural hand position and ensures relaxed muscles. If you like, you can attach the included wrist rest to the keyboard. Nice: If you alternate between sitting and standing, you can change the incline of the keyboard. Two feet on the underside of the joint support make it possible.
Buy now: Logitech ERGO K860 bei Amazon
2. Ergonomic keyboard: Perixx Periduo-505
If you want to replace your mouse at the same time, the Perixx-Periduo-505-Set could be just right for you. It is a set consisting of an ergonomic mouse and keyboard. Compared to the Logitech Ergo 860, however, it is wired. Otherwise, the ergonomic keyboard impresses with features similar to the Logitech model: Thanks to the feet on the front, a sloping position is possible. In addition, the keyboard is divided for the left and right hand. Unfortunately it is not woven towards the middle.
Buy now: Perixx Periduo-505 bei Amazon
3. Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard: The classic
Microsoft has several ergonomic keyboards on offer. The standard version is wired, is divided into the left and right hand and bends upwards towards the middle. At the top of the keyboard there are keys that users can use to regulate system settings such as volume.
But that’s not all: In Microsoft programs such as “Word” or “Excel”, the function keys are assigned shortcuts to search, display emojis and more. Compared to the other ergonomic keyboards, this Microsoft model also offers the largest keys. Those who like to “dig” into the keyboard with their fingers will be happier with it than with the flat keys.
Buy now: Microsoft keyboard on Amazon
4. Kabelloses Set: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic
Microsoft also has a wireless set on offer. The keyboard it contains is of course divided and woven towards the middle. What is particularly nice about the set is that in addition to an ergonomic mouse, it also includes an external numeric keypad. The ergonomic keyboard is therefore more space-saving than other models.
Buy now: Microsoft-Set bei Amazon
5. Kensington ergonomic duo-gel palm rest
If you don’t want to throw away your beloved keyboard right away, you can also buy an external palm rest for the keyboard. Especially those who suffer from sore wrists can try to get the symptoms under control.
Buy now: Duo gel overlay on Amazon
6. Ergonomic laptop stand
When you crouch down in front of a laptop, pain in your neck, back, and hand is not far away. The hours of use of the touchpad in particular are exhausting for inexperienced hands. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also difficult to properly rest your hand on or on a laptop. Working on a mobile computer should therefore remain the exception.
It is better to connect the laptop to a screen and operate it with an external mouse and keyboard. If there is not enough space in the home office for this, a height-adjustable laptop stand is ideal. Laptops with a size of up to 17 inches can be accommodated on it and at a height that is more comfortable for the neck and back, because the person typing can change the angle at which he or she looks at the screen thanks to the height adjustability.
Buy now: Laptop stand at Amazon
Bad posture brings the pain
The main problem with normal mice and keyboards is that they force their users and their hands to assume an unnatural position. If those affected keep it for a longer period of time, this leads to tension, irritation and, in the worst case, inflammation.
One of the most common extremes is tendinitis of one hand. But an unnatural posture also affects the back, neck and shoulders. An ergonomic keyboard is designed to support a natural hand and forearm posture. In most cases this is achieved by modifying the keyboards:
- They are bent upwards towards the middle and thus adapt to the natural hand position of the writer on the side
- The keyboard is an ergonomic keyboard divided for the left and right hand
- Keyboards that are particularly stretched out ensure that the shoulders are stretched out
- In contrast to the normal keyboard, which rises to the back, ergonomic keyboards fall backwards, which leads to a more comfortable hand position when typing, because the writer does not have to pull his hands towards the body and thus use his muscles in the forearm
- Most ergonomic keyboards have a gel pad that you can rest your hands on
- One disadvantage is the time it takes to get used to it
- Less suitable for gamblers and two-finger tipsters
Ergonomic keyboards are suitable for these people
Above all, prolific writers who use all their fingers benefit from an ergonomic keyboard. Of course, there is a time to get used to typing. For experienced ten-finger writers, it usually doesn’t last too long. However, if you staple the keyboard with both index fingers, you should distance yourself from the ergonomic keyboard.
Two-finger typists tend to stare at the keyboard while typing to find the letters. You might find it even more difficult to find the right words on a curved keyboard. Gamers could also run into problems if they want to press long-practiced key combinations on an ergonomic keyboard.
And an ergonomic keyboard does not help against all ailments, because which keyboard is suitable for the respective person always depends on the personal circumstances such as body size or general fitness. Especially for smaller and narrow people who have shoulder pain when typing, it might be enough to switch to a smaller keyboard with the keys close together.
The smaller keyboard ensures that the shoulder position changes because the hands are closer together when typing. Others can find a gel pad under the keyboard on which they can put their hands while typing. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula. If you suffer from pain while typing, you should try different models.
Frequent typers? Tips for working on the computer
In addition to the wrong keyboard, people can tense up their muscles in the office. For example, a tug in the neck can result from the fact that the viewing angle on the monitor is unfavorable. An uncomfortable office chair causes back problems, a mouse that is too small or large causes tendinitis. And as if that weren’t enough, long periods of sitting and too little exercise favor all those ailments. What you can do about it:
- Sit healthily thanks to an office chair with lumbar support
- Get up and move around at least once an hour
- Wear glasses with a blue light filter to protect your eyes
- Turn off the blue light on the monitor
- Look at the screen at an angle of around 20 degrees and at a distance of 50 to 80 centimeters
- Use height-adjustable tables to work alternately standing and sitting
- Place the footstool under the desk
- Sport
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
