EK HEALTH

-by Kim Granata-Clark, MS in Human Factors and Ergonomics, Ergonomic Specialist

The standard keyboard has the number pad on the right side of the keyboard such as the HP or Compaq keyboards.  This keyboard can be ergonomic for some people especially if you use the mouse on the left side of the keyboard.  If you have wide shoulders, this keyboard is OK as long as you are not reaching for the mouse and the mouse stays in line with your shoulder.

A short keyboard does not have the number pad such as the Alimed S-Board, Apple Wireless keyboard, or BTC 6100.  A detached number pad can be placed on the left side of the keyboard, on the work surface, or on the outside of the mouse.  The reason a short keyboard is recommended is to bring the mouse closer to the keyboard and in line with your shoulder.  Otherwise you are reaching to the right for the mouse and using awkward posture such as dropping the wrist behind the mouse and shoulder abduction.  If you use the mouse the majority of your day, you are probably moving the keyboard to the left so the mouse can be closer to you and then you twist slightly to use the keyboard.  If you don’t use the number pad, get a short keyboard with no number pad.  If you need the number pad but only use it <50% of the day, you can order a detached number pad.  

A split keyboard has an opening between the “g” and “h” and some keyboards adjust in width and angle such as the Goldtouch or Kinesis keyboard.  The fixed split keyboard is the Microsoft Natural keyboard but it has a number pad attached and you might be reaching for the mouse.  A split short keyboard allows the wrist to stay straight versus bending of the wrist outward when using a standard keyboard.  It allows you to relax the arms next to the body keeping the wrists in neutral.   Those that are not touch typist might have difficulty using this keyboard since there is some space between the “g” and “h”.

Happy typing!!!