Site icon Ergosanté

What is the difference between a keyboard and an ergonomic keyboard?

Since the digital revolution, the keyboard has quickly become an indispensable item for people doing office work. This computer accessory allows the user to make a "semblance of a journey" of about 32 km per day with his fingers. Both in data processing and in digital input, the operator becomes familiar with the keys and the use of the keyboard becomes intuitive and spontaneous. Nevertheless, this apparent simplicity hides in reality a physical activity that is often repetitive and a behaviour that generates musculoskeletal pain.

Comfort and convenience are essential to optimise typing conditions and to correct awkward postures that are usually perceived as being without risk to health. Using a keyboard that facilitates good posture It is therefore fundamental to alleviate discomfort and maintain well-being at work. The hands, wrists, shoulders and neck are particularly vulnerable to MSDs. This common situation highlights the importance ofergonomics of keyboarding.

Choosing your keyboard - selection criteria

Beyond a matter of taste and preference, choosing the right keyboard for your job is crucial to working in satisfactory conditions. Classified according to design, mobility or connectivity, this basic peripheral is essential in almost all computer tasks. Some models offer several options and depend on more advanced technology, others have additional keys that other more basic versions do not have. 

A traditional wired keyboard has a cable that only needs to be plugged in for the equipment to be operational. The cable must be long enough to allow for optimal use. A wireless keyboard is often compact, lightweight and thinner, and is very practical. It offers greater convenience by allowing the operator to change from their usual working positions. Not being limited by the length of a cable, this connected model is pleasant to use and easy to move. By extension, it will also be a split keyboard, gamer, multimedia, with or without numeric keypad, standard or backlit.

Built around innovative, cutting-edge technology, mechanical keyboards are dedicated to gamers and typists alike. Solid, responsive but slightly more resistant to touch, they are designed in a concept that is ideal for prolonged work or game sessions.

In the digital age, traditional keyboards are gradually giving way to new ergonomic keyboards. These models contribute to a natural and relaxed typing position with their slightly curved keys. They are developed to reduce the strain on the upper limbs and neck by systematically improving the posture of the hand. Wrist flexion is greatly reduced along with the uncomfortable sensations associated with intensive keyboard use.

The ergonomic keyboard and the innovations it will bring

Handling the mouse all day long and typing repeatedly fatigues the upper limbs. The person may experience unpleasant sensations of numbness, fatigue or pain in the fingers and wrists. It is a fact that since the beginning of computerisation of tasks, the realities keep changing with the needs. In response to this ongoing evolution, a new range of more comfortable and easy-to-use keyboards is improving the on-screen experience for operators.

Ergonomic keyboards are optimised versions of standard models. They offer greater comfort of use and promote the well-being of the user, who can continue to work serenely. Designed to make typing easier, these devices have a special design that is tailored to the shape of the hand. As clever as they are practical, they adapt naturally to the position of the wrist to alleviate those pains that can spread to the back region.

Ergonomically designed keyboards prevent the wrist from twisting and keep it in line with the forearms. Properly designed to alleviate disabling upper limb pain, it prevents finger stiffness and the risk of tendon inflammation. The ergonomics of this product are well suited to office workers who spend long hours in front of a computer.

In addition to its basic functionality, the ergonomic keyboard relieves carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects as many as 600,000 people every year in France. People who usually type on their PCs are the most exposed to this nerve problem. Repetitive manual work associated with intensive keyboard use can cause tingling, pins and needles or a progressive numbness in the tips of the first four fingers of the hand and even in the forearms.

Especially recommended for people with hand, arm or neck pain, the ergonomic keyboard promotes a neutral and comfortable typing position. Its specific design will relieve the excessive pressure attributed to the continuous manipulation of the keyboard.

Exit the mobile version