We spent 46 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. If you are a serious data cruncher, writer, editor, programmer, or intense gamer who spends hours at your computer, there's no doubt that you've suffered with wrist or forearm pain at some point. Give your body a well-deserved break without sacrificing your productivity by investing in one of these ergonomic keyboards that will take the pressure off your aching joints.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. We spent 46 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. If you are a serious data cruncher, writer, editor, programmer, or intense gamer who spends hours at your computer, there's no doubt that you've suffered with wrist or forearm pain at some point. Give your body a well-deserved break without sacrificing your productivity by investing in one of these ergonomic keyboards that will take the pressure off your aching joints. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
The use of the computer and keyboard has dramatically increased the speed at which a person can accomplish almost any task, including writing, researching, accounting, and so much more. And of course that's to say nothing of the myriad activities that didn't even exist before the computer, such as programming, computer game play, and many types of graphic design work, to name but a few. However, with the many benefits of modern hardware and the software with which we interact using our keyboards, mice, and joysticks come a host of issues, as well.
The anatomy of the human hand and wrist was not designed for hours of repetitive minute motions, such as those involved with typing for hours on end, day in and day out. Far too many writers, programmers, gamers, and other regular computer users can attest to this physiological reality. The most common issues associated with protracted typing and mouse clicking are Repetitive Strain Injuries, often referred to in their abbreviated form as.
Just as a Major League pitcher can damage his shoulder after throwing too many fastballs in too many games, so too can you damage your fingers and wrists by too much use of hardware. One of the most common specific maladies caused by extensive computer usage is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The is a narrow passageway in the base of the palm formed among the ligaments and bones therein. Through the tunnel runs the median nerve, a nerve that connects the forearm to the palm and to every finger except the pinky. Extended pressure, such as that caused by a wrist resting on a desk or keyboard, can cause the carpal tunnel to compress, which therefore puts pressure on the nerve. The symptoms can be as mild as a faint tingling in the hands and wrist or as acute as a painful burning sensation accompanied by a lack of full fine motor control of the hands. Advanced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can even make it hard for the fingers to properly perceive certain sensations, such as hot and cold.
While all people are at risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome under the right circumstances, women are more likely than men to be afflicted with the condition. Treatment for advanced cases can involve everything from pain management and physical therapy in hopes the condition mends itself to surgical intervention. The best move, though, is to avoid this and any other RSI in the first place by practicing proper posture, correct hand positioning, and by using hardware designed with ergonomics in mind. Why An Ergonomic Keyboard Makes Sense Ergonomic keyboards come in many shapes and sizes, which should come as no surprise to the thoughtful consumer, as hands and wrists come in all shapes and sizes, too, and what is comfortable for one might not be so for another.
All computer hardware shares the same underlying design inspiration, however, and that is to help a user maximize their working (or playing) efficiency while minimizing the amount of strain put on their bodies. By easily allowing this overworked joint area to remain stabilized and straight, an ergonomic keyboard reduces pressure on the median nerve. A good ergonomic keyboard makes it easy for you to reduce the pressure put on the base of your palm and your wrist, the very spot of that Carpal Tunnel discussed above.
By easily allowing this overworked joint area to remain stabilized and straight, an ergonomic keyboard reduces pressure on the median nerve. Ergonomic keyboards also reduce the side to side shifting of the hands caused by most standard keyboards, which can further reduce wrist strain, as well as easing the pressure put on the refined but tiny muscles and tendons in your fingers themselves. There is an irony at play with most typing that an ergonomic keyboard helps to overcome. The irony is that the less your hands move, the less strain they suffer, unless in fact your hands, wrists, and arms are remaining largely immobile while your fingers are doing the moving, straining to reach keys.
By placing more keycaps in easy reach of a still, supported hand, ergonomic keyboards rectify this dilemma. Be prepared for an awkward period of adapting to an ergonomic keyboard, as their use initially feels highly unusual - know that with patience, these units will come to feel not only comfortable, but natural. Choosing The Right Ergonomic Keyboard When choosing an ergonomic keyboard, first assess the current condition of your own body. If you already suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or any other type of Receptive Stress Injury, the time to buy an ergonomic keyboard has ling since arrived, and you should consider top of the line models that can almost entirely curtail hand movement. You owe it to your future health to invest in a piece of hardware that will preclude any further damage and that will help allow your body to start healing itself.
Don’t forget to run the game as administrator. 
If you are considering an ergonomic keyboard more as a preventive measure, hoping to prevent future damage and to make your day to day computer use more comfortable and potentially more efficient, you have multiple designs at your disposal, including models that look and feel almost like standard keyboards. Of key importance is making sure your wrists and hands are properly supported and not bent when you are using your keyboard. As for other considerations, go ahead and look into ergonomic keyboards that are backlit for convenient use at night or in low light conditions, and don't be afraid to indulge yourself with a dramatically colored or patterned keyboard. Your computer and its hardware are often a veritable extension of your self, and should reflect your style and personality.
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The team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. The Insider Pick:. Because voice recognition software is still prone to embarrassing errors, typing remains the best way to enter information into a computer. If you want the most comfortable and efficient keyboard, the is for you. It’s durable with great tactile feedback and has many specialized control keys.
If you dislike typing, you’ve probably been waiting and waiting and waiting for voice recognition software to finally live up to the hype. But after seeing the voice recognition software turn statements like “call Aunt Sally” into “small ants rally” or “touchdown pass” into “much clown gas,” you realize your keyboard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Since you’re going to have to live with that keyboard for the foreseeable future, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade. If you’re tired of your keyboard not having a numeric keypad, not providing enough tactile feedback, or not having a J keycap anymore, we have collected a list of some of the best keyboards you can buy. Whether you’re a typist with perfect form — thanks to Miss Jarvis in sixth grade and the thousands of times she emphasized the home position — or you’re a hunt-and-peck typist, having a great keyboard can at least make the job more enjoyable and more comfortable. Types of computer keyboards When purchasing a new keyboard, think about how you’ll use it.
Some people just want a new basic keyboard to plug into a desktop computer that doesn’t have so many crumbs inside it that every other keystroke sticks. But others will want a keyboard that can perform a specific function.
Gaming: A gaming keyboard will have fast response times, recording multiple keystrokes quickly. They also have pleasing aesthetics and use lighting to enhance the experience, as explains. They may offer extra keys you can program for certain gaming needs. Mechanical: A mechanical keyboard is popular, as it has great tactile feedback, while also providing that satisfying “clack” noise that clearly identifies a successful keystroke.
If you type fast with a light touch, mechanical keyboards will record those keystrokes well, according to. Mobile: Keyboards designed to be used with tablets or smartphones will be thinner and smaller than a standard keyboard to make them easier to carry. They may even fold for transport. Music: If you often play music on your computer, having a keyboard that includes special buttons for volume control and track skipping is a smart idea, according to. Specialty: Many types of keyboards exist that will perform specific functions, such as for software coding or with certain types of language layouts. Standard: A standard keyboard is exactly what you’d expect it to be, a general type of keyboard with all of the keys you’d expect to find.
It will work well in a multitude of situations, giving it plenty of flexibility, and it usually doesn’t cost very much. Key features of keyboards The features found in the keyboard play an important role in how you’ll be able to use it. We’ve collected some other important features to consider as listed below.
Backlight: Some keyboards will be lit from underneath the keys, which makes it easier to see the keys and the labels on the keys when working in a dark room. Some keyboard makers will use a backlight to improve the look of the keyboard, too.
What Is The Best Ergonomic Keyboard For Mac
Connection options: Some keyboards can connect to your computer or mobile device in multiple ways, as discusses. However, USB is the most common type of connection, as this method works easily and provides power to the keyboard. Wireless keyboards work over a Bluetooth or RF connection, giving them the advantage of being used anywhere, but they will need batteries to provide power.
Ergonomics: If you find yourself with tired wrists and forearms after spending a lot of time typing, an ergonomically designed keyboard can help. It forces you to hold your arms and wrists in the position for proper typing techniques, as shows. Some keyboards use padded wrist rests to accomplish this, while others have odd-looking designs with split or curved keyboards. Keystroke response: Different interior parts in the keys will yield different response times. Some key designs will respond more quickly to light keystroke touches.
The tactile feel of the keys will play a big role in your enjoyment of the keyboard. Layout of keys: Nearly all English-language keyboards use the traditional QWERTY layout, although you can find other layouts for special tasks, according to.
Some keyboards have a 10-key numeric pad on the right side, which is great for entering a lot of numbers into a spreadsheet quickly. Some contain function keys across the top, providing quick access to commands.
Some have dedicated arrow keys. And some keyboards even have unassigned extra keys, allowing you to program them for any function you need. Size of keys: Some keyboard makers will make use of smaller sized keys, especially when designing keyboards for laptops or for mobile applications.
What Are Good Ergonomic Keyboards For Mac Free
Smaller keyboards are convenient to carry, but they can be difficult for typing, because you may strike more than one key inadvertently. With all these tips in mind, read on to see which of our keyboard picks is best for your needs. We've included, mechanical, wireless, mobile, and gaming keyboards to suit different peoples' needs. Although the is our top keyboard pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the, the, the, the, the, the, and the. The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
The Insider Pick: Because voice recognition software is still prone to embarrassing errors, typing remains the best way to enter information into a computer. If you want the most comfortable and efficient keyboard, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional keyboard is for you. It’s durable with great tactile feedback and has many specialized control keys. If you dislike typing, you’ve probably been waiting and waiting and waiting for voice recognition software to finally live up to the hype. But after seeing the voice recognition software turn statements like “call Aunt Sally” into “small ants rally” or “touchdown pass” into “much clown gas,” you realize your keyboard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Since you’re going to have to live with that keyboard for the foreseeable future, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade. If you’re tired of your keyboard not having a numeric keypad, not providing enough tactile feedback, or not having a J keycap anymore, we have collected a list of some of the best keyboards you can buy.
Whether you’re a typist with perfect form — thanks to Miss Jarvis in sixth grade and the thousands of times she emphasized the home position — or you’re a hunt-and-peck typist, having a great keyboard can at least make the job more enjoyable and more comfortable. Types of computer keyboards When purchasing a new keyboard, think about how you’ll use it. Some people just want a new basic keyboard to plug into a desktop computer that doesn’t have so many crumbs inside it that every other keystroke sticks. But others will want a keyboard that can perform a specific function.
Gaming: A gaming keyboard will have fast response times, recording multiple keystrokes quickly. They also have pleasing aesthetics and use lighting to enhance the experience, as Tom’s Guide explains.
They may offer extra keys you can program for certain gaming needs. Mechanical: A mechanical keyboard is popular, as it has great tactile feedback, while also providing that satisfying “clack” noise that clearly identifies a successful keystroke.
If you type fast with a light touch, mechanical keyboards will record those keystrokes well, according to Engadget. Mobile: Keyboards designed to be used with tablets or smartphones will be thinner and smaller than a standard keyboard to make them easier to carry. They may even fold for transport. Music: If you often play music on your computer, having a keyboard that includes special buttons for volume control and track skipping is a smart idea, according to Lifewire. Specialty: Many types of keyboards exist that will perform specific functions, such as for software coding or with certain types of language layouts. Standard: A standard keyboard is exactly what you’d expect it to be, a general type of keyboard with all of the keys you’d expect to find.
It will work well in a multitude of situations, giving it plenty of flexibility, and it usually doesn’t cost very much. Key features of keyboards The features found in the keyboard play an important role in how you’ll be able to use it.
We’ve collected some other important features to consider as listed below. Backlight: Some keyboards will be lit from underneath the keys, which makes it easier to see the keys and the labels on the keys when working in a dark room. Some keyboard makers will use a backlight to improve the look of the keyboard, too. Connection options: Some keyboards can connect to your computer or mobile device in multiple ways, as PC Mag discusses. However, USB is the most common type of connection, as this method works easily and provides power to the keyboard. Wireless keyboards work over a Bluetooth or RF connection, giving them the advantage of being used anywhere, but they will need batteries to provide power.
Ergonomics: If you find yourself with tired wrists and forearms after spending a lot of time typing, an ergonomically designed keyboard can help. It forces you to hold your arms and wrists in the position for proper typing techniques, as The Wirecutter shows. Some keyboards use padded wrist rests to accomplish this, while others have odd-looking designs with split or curved keyboards. Keystroke response: Different interior parts in the keys will yield different response times. Some key designs will respond more quickly to light keystroke touches. The tactile feel of the keys will play a big role in your enjoyment of the keyboard. Layout of keys: Nearly all English-language keyboards use the traditional QWERTY layout, although you can find other layouts for special tasks, according to Lifehacker.
Some keyboards have a 10-key numeric pad on the right side, which is great for entering a lot of numbers into a spreadsheet quickly. Some contain function keys across the top, providing quick access to commands.
Some have dedicated arrow keys. And some keyboards even have unassigned extra keys, allowing you to program them for any function you need. Size of keys: Some keyboard makers will make use of smaller sized keys, especially when designing keyboards for laptops or for mobile applications. Smaller keyboards are convenient to carry, but they can be difficult for typing, because you may strike more than one key inadvertently. With all these tips in mind, read on to see which of our keyboard picks is best for your needs. We've included, mechanical, wireless, mobile, and gaming keyboards to suit different peoples' needs.
Although the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is our top keyboard pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Corsair Gaming K70, the Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550, the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, the AbleNet Keys U See Large Print USB Wired, the Qwerkywriter Typewriter Wireless Mechanical, the Logitech Washable K310, and the iClever Portable Folding keyboards. The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. The Insider Pick: Because voice recognition software is still prone to embarrassing errors, typing remains the best way to enter information into a computer. If you want the most comfortable and efficient keyboard, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional keyboard is for you. It’s durable with great tactile feedback and has many specialized control keys.
If you dislike typing, you’ve probably been waiting and waiting and waiting for voice recognition software to finally live up to the hype. But after seeing the voice recognition software turn statements like “call Aunt Sally” into “small ants rally” or “touchdown pass” into “much clown gas,” you realize your keyboard isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Since you’re going to have to live with that keyboard for the foreseeable future, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade. If you’re tired of your keyboard not having a numeric keypad, not providing enough tactile feedback, or not having a J keycap anymore, we have collected a list of some of the best keyboards you can buy.
Whether you’re a typist with perfect form — thanks to Miss Jarvis in sixth grade and the thousands of times she emphasized the home position — or you’re a hunt-and-peck typist, having a great keyboard can at least make the job more enjoyable and more comfortable. Types of computer keyboards When purchasing a new keyboard, think about how you’ll use it. Some people just want a new basic keyboard to plug into a desktop computer that doesn’t have so many crumbs inside it that every other keystroke sticks. But others will want a keyboard that can perform a specific function. Gaming: A gaming keyboard will have fast response times, recording multiple keystrokes quickly. They also have pleasing aesthetics and use lighting to enhance the experience, as Tom’s Guide explains. They may offer extra keys you can program for certain gaming needs.
Mechanical: A mechanical keyboard is popular, as it has great tactile feedback, while also providing that satisfying “clack” noise that clearly identifies a successful keystroke. If you type fast with a light touch, mechanical keyboards will record those keystrokes well, according to Engadget. Mobile: Keyboards designed to be used with tablets or smartphones will be thinner and smaller than a standard keyboard to make them easier to carry. They may even fold for transport. Music: If you often play music on your computer, having a keyboard that includes special buttons for volume control and track skipping is a smart idea, according to Lifewire. Specialty: Many types of keyboards exist that will perform specific functions, such as for software coding or with certain types of language layouts.
Standard: A standard keyboard is exactly what you’d expect it to be, a general type of keyboard with all of the keys you’d expect to find. It will work well in a multitude of situations, giving it plenty of flexibility, and it usually doesn’t cost very much. Key features of keyboards The features found in the keyboard play an important role in how you’ll be able to use it.
We’ve collected some other important features to consider as listed below. Backlight: Some keyboards will be lit from underneath the keys, which makes it easier to see the keys and the labels on the keys when working in a dark room. Some keyboard makers will use a backlight to improve the look of the keyboard, too. Connection options: Some keyboards can connect to your computer or mobile device in multiple ways, as PC Mag discusses. However, USB is the most common type of connection, as this method works easily and provides power to the keyboard. Wireless keyboards work over a Bluetooth or RF connection, giving them the advantage of being used anywhere, but they will need batteries to provide power. Ergonomics: If you find yourself with tired wrists and forearms after spending a lot of time typing, an ergonomically designed keyboard can help.
It forces you to hold your arms and wrists in the position for proper typing techniques, as The Wirecutter shows. Some keyboards use padded wrist rests to accomplish this, while others have odd-looking designs with split or curved keyboards. Keystroke response: Different interior parts in the keys will yield different response times. Some key designs will respond more quickly to light keystroke touches. The tactile feel of the keys will play a big role in your enjoyment of the keyboard. Layout of keys: Nearly all English-language keyboards use the traditional QWERTY layout, although you can find other layouts for special tasks, according to Lifehacker. Some keyboards have a 10-key numeric pad on the right side, which is great for entering a lot of numbers into a spreadsheet quickly.
Some contain function keys across the top, providing quick access to commands. Some have dedicated arrow keys. And some keyboards even have unassigned extra keys, allowing you to program them for any function you need. Size of keys: Some keyboard makers will make use of smaller sized keys, especially when designing keyboards for laptops or for mobile applications. Smaller keyboards are convenient to carry, but they can be difficult for typing, because you may strike more than one key inadvertently. With all these tips in mind, read on to see which of our keyboard picks is best for your needs.
We've included, mechanical, wireless, mobile, and gaming keyboards to suit different peoples' needs. Although the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is our top keyboard pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Corsair Gaming K70, the Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550, the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, the AbleNet Keys U See Large Print USB Wired, the Qwerkywriter Typewriter Wireless Mechanical, the Logitech Washable K310, and the iClever Portable Folding keyboards.