The following are a few tips to help you avoid the effects of long-term and keyboard and keyboard related health complications. These issues take time to develop, and once present, they can be challenging to reverse.
Several ailments can come due to incorrect use of your keyboard and mouse. Setting up Your Keyboard and Mouse Ergonomically Using it with an upright backrest will force your wrists in an upward flexed posture. However, it is only advisable to use it when your backrest seat is significantly reclined. Do not use it to support your wrists when resting.ĭepending on the keyboard you have, it will come with legs that help prop it up, making a positive tilt. In case you are using a wrist pad, make sure it flush against your keyboard.When typing, ensure that both your feet are flat on the ground.Do not rest your wrists on the desk it exerts pressure on your tendons, cutting off the blood supply.Your wrists need to be straight and not flexed upwards or downwards.If you are using an ergonomic keyboard or keyboard tray, ensure it can be used to achieve a negative tilt on the keyboard.Your elbows must be open between 90 and 110 degrees to help relax your shoulders and forearms.Make sure the keyboard is just below your elbow level.The following are critical steps used to achieve the most ergonomic and comfortable typing positions. The Appropriate Typing PostureĪccording to the University of British Columbia, a proper typing position is when the keyboard sits under your elbow height seated, and the user’s wrists are not plated on the desk’s surface. You should get a vertical mouse since they encourage the hand to remain in a neutral handshake position compared to your typical mouse that will cause twisting that results in strain and injury. Picking out the best mouse depends on your personal needs, and more so, what a user feels comfortable, and how often they get to use it. Compact keyboards are also lighter, which makes them perfect for carrying around between your workstation. You’ll be surprised to find out that it’s not the actual typing that results in painful injuries but twisting and reaching out. Compared to the typical keyboard, the compact keyboard is a bit smaller and doesn’t come with the number pads, to avoid reaching out too far between your mouse and keyboard. If you use your computer daily, it is recommended that you get a compact keyboard. Is There Such a Thing as an Ideal Keyboard and Mouse?ĭepending on what tasks you carry out daily, having the right keyboard is essential for your posture.