Many people experience pain in the hands or wrist after years of typing on the keyboard. Why This is because before 60 mechanical keyboard came into existence, traditional keyboards cause an unnatural position of the wrists when typing.This causes a compression of a nerve in the wrist, which induces a tingling or even painful sensation near the thumb and other areas of the hand and wrist after a long period of time. This strain leads to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as carpal tunnel.
Sufferers of carpal tunnel goes through injections, wear wrists guards and they will no longer have the ability to type as they once did!
Thankfully, none of us have to get to that stage because manufacturers are increasing aware of Ergonomics and have incorporated them into their designs. One of them is the Ergonomic Split keyboard.
Features of the Ergonomic Split Keyboard
Ergonomic split keyboards are designed to specificity to fit the position of the wrist and hands while typing. Instead of conforming your hands to the keyboard, the keyboard is conformed to the natural way your hands, fingers and wrist are positioned when typing.
An ergonomic split keyboard has “split” or divided one group of keys on one side of the keyboard and a second group on the other.
Usually ergonomic split keyboards come in two types. The “split” or the divide of the two parts of the keyboard can either be altered in angles or the split angle is fixed.
A fixed-split ergonomic split keyboard uses a single board just as any other inline keyboard that a PC or laptop may use, but the manufacturer will probably curve the layout slightly. The other type of ergonomic split keyboard is the adjustable split keyboard. Manufacturers of this keyboard split the keyboard into several independent pieces, allowing you to increase or decrease the space between the groups of keys, ultimately making it more personalized to your wrists and hands.
Benefits of Ergonomic Split Keyboards
The major benefit to using an ergonomic split keyboard is the fact that you don’t have to strain your wrist or hands when typing any long. You can keep them in neutral position (or natural position).
Instead of positioning your hands inwards when typing, your middle finger is almost forced to be in-line with the wrist and forearm, preventing an unnatural strain from the regular keyboard. When using an ergonomic split keyboard, you also won’t be unnaturally holding your thumbs rigid or keeping your pinkies extended up or outwards.
Many people who use ergonomic split keyboards find the positioning of the keys to be natural as well. Instead of forcefully pressing the keyboard keys, an ergonomic keyboard is designed so that you only have to use a light touch in order to type. Two-and-three-key combinations also come easier when using this special keyboard. For example, you can use both hands to comfortably make complex key combinations like the “Alt,” “Shift,” “Ctrl” and “Delete” buttons.
Overall, ergonomic split keyboards are not only easier, more comfortable and more ‘natural’ to use, you may find your typing speed increasing. Since you’re not straining your wrists or finger positions and holding them in awkward contortions, you can more easily relax your wrist and entire hand. However, don’t beat yourself up if you find your usual typing speed is not up to par, it will take time for your body to adjust and undo all the bad wrist straining habits. Remember it is for long term health!
Why To buy Ergonomic Split Keyboard
Microsoft has produced several ergonomic split keyboards over the years, a recent one being the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000. This keyboard is a fixed-split ergonomic keyboard that’s professional in appearance and pretty easy to use; it contains a 12-degree split between the two groups of keys that allows for reduced key reach. This Microsoft keyboard also has a 7-degree reverse slope to fit your wrist more comfortably.