The art of keyboarding

Traditional standard keyboards are very functional in design but do not take into account the needs of the human body during intensive typing sessions at the computer.  As a result, many people at work are suffering now from various musculoskeletal disorders, e.g. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Wrist Tendonitis. However there is now a range of improved keyboard designs that provide a more comfortable working experience.

What are the problems associated with the design of a traditional keyboard?

1. Fixed Keyboards Encourage Wrist Pronation
   In order to operate the keyboard the hands have to be turned to make the palms go flat.  Pronation from using a flat keyboard continually will increase pressure on the median nerve inside the wrist and lead to problems for the user.
   
   
2. Ulnar Deviation
   This is forced by using a standard flat keyboard.  Basically the rows are straight and the fingers do not line up on the keyboard unless the forearm is rotated. Over time this will increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries.
   
   
3. Upper Arm Rotation
   This often occurs when typing – the design encourages the hands to be brought right to the middle of the keyboard.  In order to do this the upper arms are rotated a little, bringing the forearms closer to the middle. Using these muscles all the time may cause shoulder and neck discomfort.

Choosing a Keyboard
There are now a variety of ergonomic keyboards available to help manage and prevent various musculoskeletal conditions. These alternative keyboard designs have been developed so that the keyboard can be split and adjusted laterally or the keyboard has been specially shaped to accommodate the typing position. Here is a selection of our best ergonomic keyboards.

The Goldtouch Adjustable Split Keyboard - view online
Advanced ergonomic keyboard offering a comprehensive solution to prevent and manage the discomfort associated with Repetitive Strain Injury.

The Goldtouch Adjustable Keyboard improves typing posture by enabling the left and right keys to be adjusted both horizontally and vertically to suit individual body requirements. This helps the user to assume a more natural posture that is conducive to improving comfort and productivity while using the computer. 

Features Include:

• Variable Split: Use adjustable angle (0 to 30 degrees) between left and right keys to straighten wrists.
• Adjustable Lateral Tilt: The 'tenting' enables the keyboard to be tilted upwards (0 to 30 degrees), offering almost twice the tilt of other ergonomic keyboards. This ensures users minimise muscle tension.
• Optional Wrist Supports: With the padded supports wrist rests on the soft surface to relax neck and shoulders.

Mini Keyboard - view online
The small size of the mini keyboard helps to ensure arms are tucked in rather than pointing outwards whilst typing.  By re-positioning the wrists there is less strain put on the wrists and forearms. 

The small keyboard enables the mouse to be closer to the body and helps to reduce stretching of the arms and fingers.  The keyboard also features soft touch keys to encourage a gentler typing technique.