How to choose the
right keyboard
It’s important to get the right keyboard for your work
Using an unsuitable keyboard set up may lead to :
Muscle discomfort or pain
Pressure or strain to joints, ligaments or nerves
Acute or chronic arm, wrist or hand injuries
Treatment and rehabilitation costs
Reduced productivity
Around 20 tonnes of force are pushed through the fingers in an average work week when typing at just 40 words per minute!
Get comfortable with the right style of keyboard to fit you and the way you work
1
Select the appropriate number pad configuration
Tenkeyless
Shortens the keyboard width and reduces shoulder overreach to the mouse which may improve comfort. Use if number keys are not frequently used.
Detached
Separates the number pad for positioning flexibility. May be used to alternate use of hands or closer positioning of the mouse to improve comfort.
Connected
Traditional configuration for frequent use of the number pad. Increases reach distance to the mouse and risk of potential discomfort.
2
Create a comfortable wrist angle
Maintaining a neutral wrist position may be more comfortable when typing
Linear
Standard design, may require user to type with outward turned wrists. May be associated with wrist discomfort in some users.
Split
Angled key configuration encourages naturally straight wrist posture and potential comfort for some users. Adjustable designs available.
Separated
Each side can be individually moved for comfort and user placement preference. The most flexible design to fit a user’s wrist posture.
And tilt positions
Level
Requires typing with hands down, forearms rotated and wrists extended back. May be associated with wrist and forearm discomfort in some users.
Tented
Forearms are positioned in more neutral angle with less pressure to the wrist’s delicate anterior. Fixed or adjustable tenting angle options available.
Negative tilt
Downward sloping angle away from the user reduces wrist extension. Feature can reduce forearm muscle fatigue and improve comfort when typing .
3
Consider other features
Actuation force
Effect body force required to depress keys. Preferred between 0.5 N to 0.6 N to minimise users applying more force than required.
Programmable
Assign custom keyboard actions, rearrange keys, record macros, to increase comfort and boost productivity. QUERTY or endless alternative layouts.
Key mechanics
Mechanical switch keyboards have a premium reputation being more durable, responsive and configurable. Membrane or scissor keyboards are often cheaper but quieter.
Palm support
Reduce pressure, support the weight of the hands and reduce wrist extension. Not designed to rest the wrists as this may increase carpal tunnel pressure.
Overall size
Affects finger positioning and reach along the keys. Consider a 80%, 60%, etc. size TKL board for smaller hands to reduce repetitive finger overreaching.
Ortholinear
Arranges keys in a linear pattern to minimise finger movement and sideways reaching for improved efficiency.
4
Do you experience any discomfort when keying?
Then these design features may be worth trying
Fingers / hand
Wrist
Forearm
Shoulder
Fingers / hand
Wrist
Forearm
Shoulder
Detached number pad or TKL
Split
Tented
Negative tilt
Mechanical switches or reduced actuation force
Palm support
Compact size / TKL (60/70/80%)
Ortholinear
Programmable
Invest in the right equipment to maintain productivity and promote long term comfort and health
Optimise your workstation with Swivel
Having the right equipment is only half the solution, it must be correctly adjusted to fit your body to maximise comfort and reduce risk of injury.
Frequently asked questions
