The science of ergonomics was invented due to an unfortunate computerizing of the work force, causing such products as the ergonomic office chair or the wireless ergonomic keyboard to be introduced. For repetitive stress injury sufferers and non-sufferers alike, these were a welcome alternative to hard chairs and uncomfortable keyboards. Today’s modern ergonomic keyboard has a few well-defined features that we will discuss in some depth. Knowing what features are available in wireless ergonomic keyboards should aid in correctly choosing the best keyboard tailored to your preferences.
Let’s start off with the most noticeable feature: the ergonomics. Today’s ergonomic keyboards are uniquely shaped from the rectangular non-ergonomic keyboards. The main key area is split in half and curved outward. This is to allow the hands to be positioned in a circular position, rather than a square position, as this is the most natural posture. A second feature of the ergonomic shape design is the slight hump in the center of the layout. This again allows the hands to rest at an angle, rather than flat on the wrists, further reducing injury. Trackballs are often conveniently placed at the center of the mounds for quick and easy access, as switching between keyboard and mouse can be quite tiring.
Though there are varying shapes, the most advanced ergonomic keyboards should utilize these designs. Some top of the line keyboards will go even further by including programmable buttons for common tasks, saving you from doing the same keystrokes over and over again. These intelligent keyboards usually cost more due to their sophisticated electronics. As manufacturers find ways to stand out from their competitors, some keyboards will even have extra USB ports so you can plug in additional devices to your computer without using any USB slots on your computer, effectively doubling as a USB hub. This added convenience is also found in some LCD monitors.
The wireless feature of today’s wireless ergonomic keyboard usually relies on 2.4 GHz technology, as the spectrum offers better reception and no interference from your other wireless devices. Remember that when using a wireless keyboard, devices like cordless phones or wireless mice could potentially cause your signal to be mixed up. This can be a major problem if your keystrokes don’t show up on the screen because they were not registered due to another device communicating on the same wireless spectrum. Many manufacturers offer keyboard and mouse combinations that work well with each other seamlessly. Standard 2.4 GHz technology will offer a range of up to 30 feet, though it can vary depending on how many objects are in your way and your office or room layout, so understand that this is a theoretical maximum, like the 2-mile range walkie talkie.
If you’re switching from a traditional 102-button keyboard, beware that some ergonomically designed keyboards may have moved around other key layouts like the arrow buttons, home key, or numeric pad. This is usually up to the designer’s discretion as to what constitutes an ergonomic placement, and this will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Getting used to a new wireless keyboard does not include just getting used to the new typing posture, but to different key placements. If your typing is not perfectly trained by a typing program, you may also have to relearn your typing as the mound that divides your right and left hands is basically not crossable by the other hand.
A final feature found commonly in ergonomic keyboards are built in wrist pads, eliminating the need for your to purchase one separately. This can be good or bad because some typists prefer a softer pad and the wrist pads that ship with keyboards are usually hard. Since they cannot be removed or replaced, you will not be able to supplement the keyboard with an external wrist pad.
Without a doubt, the wireless ergonomic keyboard is the most advanced typing device you can buy in the market. They offer a plethora of useful features, including wireless roaming, programmable buttons, and most importantly ergonomic comfort through extended use. In addition to a comfortable ergonomic chair, the ergonomic keyboard will certainly help you a long way in reducing repetitive stress injury at work.
The wireless ergonomic keyboard has a number of benefits that its standard layout, corded counterparts lack. For one, an ergonomic keyboard is laid out in such a way that it supports the most natural position of your hands which is not stretched out parallel in a straight line from the body but in fact rounded and curved. These keyboard designs will take getting used to since there will be a large separation between the left and right half of the buttons, but will greatly enhance your overall comfort and are advised in the long run. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by keeping your hands in unnatural positions over extended periods. The natural ergonomic keyboard prevents this from happening by keeping you in a position that supports good posture and therefore reduces chances of getting repetitive stress injury.
Repetitive stress injury, also known as RSI, is a large category of muscle-related problems including the famous Carpal Tunnel syndrome. This occurs when the wrist nerves are compacted because of repetitive stress. As this is becoming a bigger problem for office workers, it is especially important to take the necessary precautions to reduces chances of RSI or CTS. The most important things you can do to prevent this are to stand up and take breaks often. Your body needs to move around in order to keep a healthy posture and reduce stress from unnatural sitting and typing positions. The next best thing, when you do have to be at your desk, are to invest in good ergonomic equipment like a chair, a mouse, and of course an ergonomic keyboard.
The design is angled in such a way that your neck, shoulders, and arms will feel the soothing effects of the position. This is not designed just to alleviate stress in the hands. A properly designed keyboard will make your entire body feel more comfortable and stress free, leaving you with more energy at the end of the day.
Another benefit of a wireless ergonomic keyboard is the freedom it allows you for placement. Whether you are relaxing on your sofa or your workspace is just so cluttered that you cannot snake a wire through, the wireless keyboard will allow you to move about as you type and place your keyboard nearly anywhere, as long as it gets proper reception to the receiver.
Most receivers are usually USB compatible and must be plugged into a free USB port in your computer. The wireless technologies are different, but the most common is Bluetooth which is ideal for most situations. The signal is short range but does not suffer from interference problems like traditional radio wave transmitters, though these types of wireless keyboard receivers exist as well. For maximum dependence and range, be sure to consider a Bluetooth repeater or even splurge on RF technology.
RF technology is an abbreviation for “radio frequency” and this uses a very long wavelength to broadcast a signal. Similar to how you can receive a radio signal from just about anywhere, even through concrete and walls, an RF wireless keyboard affords you the same benefit. Its range is much longer than Bluetooth and you will be able to type through walls.
Many ergonomic wireless keyboards also offer numerous hotkeys. These can usually be customized and configured for any purpose, and depending on the driver software, can even be substituted for a series of keystrokes, for example to save a file to a certain directory. These advanced features are built into the software and not the keyboard itself, so be sure to pay attention to the driver software that comes with the keyboard to make sure you get the hotkey features you are looking for.
Though there are standard keyboards available, getting a ergonomic one will provide the least stress to your body and everyone could use some more of that.
These features are the most commonly found on ergonomic wireless keyboards and should be a good starting point when deciding on a model to buy. Our most recommended keyboards are those made by Microsoft and Logitech as they are constantly improving the technology and packing in more features into their products. Look for these main manufacturers for the best prices for value as well.
Technology in the computer marketplace has come a long way to today’s ultimate in comfort and convenience: the wireless ergonomic keyboard. These keyboards offer twofold benefits to the user. The first benefit is the wireless ability. As our technology demands that all our appliances go wire-free, so has the traditional computer keyboard. Today there is sophisticated technology built in so that we can be typing 15ft away from our computer and moving at the same time. The second benefit is the ergonomic aspect of the design. Since so many of today’s jobs typically involve a desktop, keyboard, and mouse, it is so critical that all aspects of our office workplace be as ergonomically compliant as possible. This includes wrist pads, keyboard trays, ergonomic office chairs, and of course ergonomic keyboards. By combining these two technologies we have the ultimate package built into one convenient compact unit, but it can be hard to navigate through the numerous features available.
Wireless Technology
Wireless ergonomic keyboards are not all created equal. In the wireless department, there are many different types of options available because there are many types of wireless technology available. In the earlier days, a cordless ergonomic keyboard relied in infrared technology. This was cheap and easy to manufacture but unfortunately this technology required a direct line of sight to the receive. These early keyboards used the same technology that we have been using in our TV remote controls for decades.
Bluetooth Wireless
The next stage of wireless keyboard advanced to proprietary wireless protocols, to radio waves, and the more common Bluetooth option. Since Bluetooth is so widely supported nowadays, this is the predominant option used in wireless keyboards today. However, Bluetooth technology is limited by distance unless there are a number of Bluetooth devices available to propagate your signal. If you must sit very far away, you may need to buy a Bluetooth extender or propagator for your situation.
Short Radio Waves
There are also wireless keyboards that use the radio waves commonly found in cordless phones and the like. These use the consumer electronic spectrum currently allowed by the FCC and as a result can cause interference if too many devices broadcast on the same radio wave. A common example is your cordless phone may have static or interference. This is due to some other device’s radio waves coming into your telephone handset. Likewise, the same problem can occur in your wireless keyboard so keep that in mind if you use many radio devices in your household.
RF Wireless
This uses the approved radio spectrum like a cordless phone above but is much more powerful due to longer wavelength of the signal. This is so powerful that is can penetrate walls. Top of the line ergonomic wireless keyboards will use RF technology to make sure no keystroke is ever missed but it can be a costly feature to have and may be overkill for average situations.
Know the usage and your surroundings and you should be able to select the best wireless technology for your keyboard.