Do ergonomic keyboards really work?

Are you one of the many people who experience neck and shoulder discomfort from sitting at your desk all day long? If so, you might want to consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards have become a popular option in recent years, as more and more people are beginning to realize the benefits they offer.

An ergonomic keyboard can help improve your posture and reduce strain on your muscles, leading to less discomfort during the day.

Who should use an ergonomic keyboard?

Most people who experience neck and shoulder discomfort from sitting at their desks all day should consider investing in an ergonomic keyboard. Some people might find that ergonomic solutions aren’t the right option for them, and that’s okay. Everyone is different. What works for one person might not work for another.

An ergonomic keyboard is a keyboard that has been designed to improve your posture and reduce strain on your muscles. These keyboards are a popular item for people who do a lot of typing during the day, as they can help alleviate discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

Ergonomic keyboards come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find one that is best suited for your needs. If you need assistance in choosing an effective ergonomics keyboard, we offer DSE assessments with one of our professional specialists.

The benefits of using an ergonomic keyboard

We are always getting asked do ergonomic keyboards really work? There are many benefits of using an ergonomic keyboard. Some of these benefits include improved posture and reduced strain on your muscles. An ergonomic keyboard can also help you work more efficiently, as it allows you to type in a more comfortable position.

Some of the benefits include:

1. Improved posture:

One of the main benefits of using an ergonomic keyboard is improved posture. An ergonomic keyboard is designed to help you type in a more comfortable position, which can lead to improved posture.

Good posture allows your muscles to relax and stretch out, which reduces the amount of strain they experience.

2. Reduced strain on your muscles:

Another benefit of using an ergonomic keyboard is that it can reduce the amount of strain on your muscles. When you sit in the same position for long periods of time, your muscles can become tired and sore.

An ergonomic keyboard can help alleviate this tension by allowing you to type in a more comfortable position. This can lead to less discomfort during the day and reduced muscle fatigue.

3. Increased efficiency:

Using an ergonomic keyboard can also increase your efficiency while you work. This is because an ergonomic keyboard allows you to type in a more comfortable position, which can lead to fewer mistakes.

When you are uncomfortable, it is difficult to focus on your work. This can lead to frustration and decreased productivity. An ergonomic keyboard can help you overcome these issues and increase your efficiency while you work.

4. It Can be tailored to fit your needs:

There are a variety of ergonomic keyboards available on the market, so not always easy to find one that is best suited for your needs. Ergonomic keyboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are purposely designed to fit your hands and body type.

Ultimately, the decision to use an ergonomic keyboard is up to you and should be based on your own needs. However, if you need some guidance our ergonomic specialists including our Head of Ergonomics, Chris Barlow are here to help.

5. Improves comfort while typing:

Try resting your fingers on the keys like you’re about to start typing. Now relax your hands and shoulders. Can you notice how they don’t stay on the keys? Your hands roll out, your elbows get closer to your body and your shoulders relax. This may be because your starting position was unnatural.

When you are using an ergonomic keyboard, you will likely find that you are more comfortable, and it is easier to type. This is because an ergonomic keyboard is designed to help you type in a more comfortable position. This can lead to less strain on your muscles and improved posture.

7. Has a split design:

A split design keyboard is one of the most common types of ergonomic keyboards. Ergonomic split keyboards can often be adjusted to fit your natural hand placement exactly for the most comfortable typing you’ve ever experienced.

This design is beneficial because it separates the keys, which allows you to type in a more natural position.

8. Has a curved design:

A curved design keyboard is another common type of ergonomic keyboard. This design is beneficial because it allows your hands and wrists to rest more naturally which can help to reduce strain on your muscles and tendons.

9. Has a padded design:

Another favoured ergonomic keyboard is one with a padded front. This design is beneficial because it helps to cushion your wrists while you type. This can help to reduce unnatural movements over and over which causes incremental damage that can lead to serious injury.

Do ergonomic keyboards help with wrist and shoulder pain?

Most people type on a standard keyboard that has a flat, straight design. This can cause some discomfort in your wrists and shoulders over time. An ergonomic keyboard is designed to curve and slope inward so that your hands and arms are in a more natural position. This can help reduce strain on your muscles and joints and can be a great option for people who do a lot of typing during the day.

That said, not everyone needs or wants an ergonomic keyboard. Some people find them uncomfortable to use, and they can be more expensive than traditional keyboards. However, if you’re experiencing discomfort from your current work setup, it might be worth trying an ergonomic keyboard to see if it helps.

What are the different types of ergonomic keyboards?

There are a few different types of ergonomic keyboards available, and the one you choose will depend on your own needs and preferences. One popular option is the split keyboard, which separates your hands into two halves so that they’re in a more natural position. This can be a great option for people who tend to type with their hands close together. Examples of our split keyboards can be found here!

Another popular option is the curved keyboard, which curves inward so that your wrists are in a more natural position. This can help reduce strain on your muscles and joints. Some keyboards are designed for use with a laptop, and these can be a great option for people who do a lot of typing on the go.

How do I know if an ergonomic keyboard is right for me?

If you’re considering purchasing an ergonomic keyboard, there are a few things you can do to help determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Price

When considering whether or not an ergonomic keyboard is right for you, it’s important to consider what you’re willing to spend. There can be a wide range in prices when it comes to ergonomic keyboards. Our prices range from £27.75 to £144.95 dependent on the item.

Comfort

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an ergonomic keyboard is comfort. Some keyboards are more comfortable than others, so it’s important to try out a few different models before making a decision. If you’re not comfortable using an ergonomic keyboard, you won’t be likely to stick with it for long.

Our ergonomic assessors come equipped with example keyboards to show you the differences and help you choose the one best suited to your needs.

Size

Another thing to consider is the size of the keyboard. Some ergonomic keyboards are larger than traditional keyboards, so if you have a small workspace, you may want to opt for a smaller model.

Work type

When it comes to choosing an ergonomic keyboard, it’s important to consider the type of work you do. For example, if you do a lot of typing, a split keyboard might be a good option. If you’re always on the go, a laptop sized keyboard might be a better choice. It’s also important to consider your own preferences. Some people prefer curved keyboards, while others prefer split keyboards.

Tilt and adjustability

One of the benefits of an ergonomic keyboard is that they often have a tilt and adjustability feature. This allows you to adjust the keyboard’s angle so that it’s in a more comfortable position for you. This can be a great feature for people who have different preferences or find that different angles work better for typing.

Switch types

When it comes to switching types, there are three main options: membrane, scissor, and mechanical. Membrane switches are the most common type of switch, and they’re found in most standard keyboards. They’re cheap to produce, and they offer a decent level of tactile feedback.

Scissor switches are similar to membrane switches, but they offer a bit more tactile feedback. They’re also slightly more expensive to produce than membrane switches.

Mechanical switches are the most expensive type, but they offer the best tactile feedback and durability. If you’re looking for the best possible typing experience, a mechanical keyboard is the way to go.

When considering an ergonomic keyboard, it’s important to think about the different factors that make one comfortable for you. There are a variety of keyboards available, so it’s important to try out a few different models before making a decision. Consider your budget, comfort level, and work type when making your decision.

Do ergonomic keyboards help you type faster?

It’s been found that using an ergonomic keyboard can help you type faster and more accurately (although there is often a learning curve). This is because the layout of the keys is more natural, which reduces the amount of strain on your muscles and tends to type more accurately. If you’re looking for a keyboard that will help you type faster and more comfortably, an ergonomic keyboard may be the right choice for you.

Do ergonomic keyboards help with wrist pain?

Some people experience repetitive strain injuries (RSI), such as wrist pain from typing, and an ergonomic keyboard can be helpful in reducing this discomfort. If you’re experiencing wrist pain from typing, an ergonomic keyboard may be the right choice for you. The curved or split design of the keys helps to keep your wrists in a more neutral position, which can prevent or reduce pain.

The carpal tunnel and carpal bones protect your carpal nerve, but it’s an extremely packed, tight area. Daily contortion causes swelling, irritates the nerve and can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you perform the same uncomfortable movement over and over, your hands, wrists and arms can become damaged.

Why should I invest in an ergonomic keyboard?

An ergonomic keyboard is suitable for every individual who uses a computer but more suitable than a standard keyboard for those who require a more specialist input device.

Without the right knowledge, a standard keyboard can cause injuries to your body. However, a lot of individuals are still not aware that they are hurting their bodies every day when they try to make a straight, flat keyboard suit their body types.

Some upper limb issues that a typical keyboard can cause include:

Bending upwards (Hyper-extension)
Bending downwards (Flexion)
Bending inwards (Adduction)
Bending outwards (Abduction)
Rotating downwards (pronation)

Are ergonomic keyboards worth the money?

That depends on how much discomfort you’re currently experiencing from typing. If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, an ergonomic keyboard can be a great investment in your health and wellbeing. Ergonomic keyboards tend to be more expensive than traditional ones, but they can last for many years and relieve discomfort.

They are an important consideration for employers, especially in meeting HSE guidelines.

What are the pros of an ergonomic keyboard?

Some of the pros of using an ergonomic keyboard include:

reduced strain on your muscles, which can lead to fewer aches and pains
improved posture, which can prevent or reduce neck and shoulder pain
increased typing speed and accuracy
a comfortable design that fits into your hands
less stress in the workplace

What are the cons of an ergonomic keyboard?

One potential downside of using an ergonomic keyboard is that it can take some time to get used to the new layout. If you’re not used to typing on a curved keyboard, you may find that your fingers stumble over the keys at first. However, with practice, you should be able to type just as fast on an ergonomic keyboard as you do on a traditional keyboard.

Conclusion

So if you’re wondering do ergonomic keyboards really work? The answer is yes! Ergonomic keyboards are now a popular option for people who do a lot of typing during the day. They can help reduce strain on your muscles, improve your posture, and increase your typing speed and accuracy.

If you’re experiencing discomfort with your current work setup, an ergonomic keyboard is definitely the best option for you.

We’re more than happy to have initial discussions to see how we can support individuals and employers with a range of ergonomic requirements. Email us on ergo@remtek-online.co.uk or phone on 0161 7458353 to get in touch with our team of specialists.