what to do when keyboard is too high

April 10, 2022 Post a Comment

Keyboard Ergonomics and Setup

Overview
There are a number of ailments that can come from using your keyboard incorrectly-from curt-term issues similar sore wrists to long-term problems like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. These ailments can take years to develop, and in one case present, tin can be difficult or even impossible to reverse. That'south why it's so important - fifty-fifty if you're not currently feeling hurting-to position and utilise your keyboard properly to avoid future problems.

1. If you lot don't currently utilise an adjustable keyboard/mouse tray, consider attaching one to your surface.

This allows a much wider range of adjustment, and helps you lot maintain a proper ergonomic setup. Choose a system that is summit adjustable, lets you tilt the keyboard away from you slightly for ameliorate posture (negative tilt), and allows you to use the mouse with your upper arms relaxed and as close to the body as possible.

two. Brand sure the height of your keyboard allows you to continue an "open angle" with your arms.

In the proper position, the keyboard should exist placed just above the level of your lap. This is lower than most people normally place their keyboard, merely lets your arms tilt downward while using the keyboard, leaving your elbows at a comfortable "open" angle. (If yous don't have an adjustable keyboard tray, you may need to accomplish this by adjusting your chair height).

3 . If your keyboard is lower than the desk surface, tilt the back border of the keyboard slightly down (known every bit "negative keyboard tilt").

Using a slightly negative keyboard tilt will help yous keep your wrists in the proper (neutral) position. Endeavor to avoid positive keyboard tilt (i.e., where the elevation row of keys is noticeably higher than the bottom row of keys). Likewise, make sure that if there are "legs" attached to the bottom front of your keyboard, they are left un-extended.

4. If you utilise a keyboard tray, make sure there'south enough room for your mouse.

Your mouse should exist shut to your keyboard so that you don't have to achieve far to grasp it.

5. If you take a broad chest, consider a "split" keyboard.

Split keyboards divide the keyboard into 2 halves, each of which points slightly outwards. The outward angle lets your wrists and forearms point inward without requiring your elbows to come in every bit far, better conforming to the contours of your body. Conversely, thinner people may find a traditional "straight" keyboard more than comfortable.

1 . Use a light touch when typing (don't blindside on the keyboard!).
Try to use the minimum amount of force necessary to depress the keys. The tendons from your fingers connect near your elbow, so striking the keys too hard can lead to bug you might not associate with your keyboard-for example, hurting and inflammation in your elbows (Epicondylitis).

ii. Go along your wrists in a neutral (straight) position—not bent up or downwardly.
Repeatedly bending your wrists up and downwards (extension and flexion) compresses structures inside the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can cause pain and lead to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. When you're typing, your forearms tend to sag as the artillery tire, putting the wrists into even greater wrist extension-another good reason to take frequent stretch or rest breaks!

3. Keep sure your elbows at a slightly open bending-ninety˚ or greater.
Keeping your elbows bent less than 90° can cause nerve pinch, leading to sore wrists and arms. Adjust the elevation of your chair or your keyboard tray to achieve a comfortable position.

iv. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and your elbows at your side.
You shouldn't have to enhance your shoulders to get your hands to accomplish the keyboard-endeavour raising your chair instead. Your forearms should be roughly parallel to the floor. If your chair has armrests, the armrests should comfortably support your elbows during rest breaks.

v. Don't use wrist rests or armrests while typing-just while resting.
If your workstation has wrist rests or armrests, exist sure to use them only while taking breaks. Never utilize wrist rests or armrests while typing. A wrist rest should be used to rest the heel of your palm, not your wrist itself.

half-dozen. Stay centered on the lettered part of the keyboard.
Keyboards aren't symmetrical. Letter keys are on the left and the numeric keypad is on the correct, but virtually people center themselves with the entire keyboard or keyboard tray-non the messages! This puts the keyboard a little also far to the left. If yous use the messages most, it makes sense to align yourself with that department—the "B" key should be most in line with your belly button.

7. Consider using a vocalization recognition software program.
Voice recognition programs let you to dictate to your estimator and free yourself from the keyboard. At that place are a number of commercially available programs. Exist enlightened, yet, that this can atomic number 82 to new bug such as vocalism loss!

eight. Consider using keyboard shortcuts or macros to repeat common tasks.
Many of the commands available through carte choices can also be accomplished by using the keyboard. (For case, Ctrl-C can be used to copy text.). Some programs also allow you lot to automate common tasks (such every bit formatting a document or inserting your address) with scripts called macros. You can even purchase software programs that allow you to easily record macros for any software and assign complex key sequences. These can significantly reduce the amount of typing yous need to exercise.