Ergonomic Keyboards Vs Traditional Computer Keyboards
Keyboard is primarily the input device in the computer using which you can type the data that you want to provide as input, play games and perform various other tasks. A keyboard has several keys though it depends and differs from one to the other manufacturer. Now there can be two types of keyboard depending on the arrangement of keys, one is the traditional keyboard and the other is the ergonomic keyboard.
Traditional Keyboards
The traditional keyboard layout is QWERTY which are the first six letters. This type of keyboard was introduced in 1872 and was marketed by Christopher Sholes. This arrangement of keys prevented the typewriters from speeding so that the metal arms can be prevented from colliding and jamming as people typed fast. Some are also of the opinion that the design was aimed to put all the common letter pairs on the opposite side so that typing becomes easier. This pattern was the standard for a long time till the new keyboards came around.
Ergonomic Keyboards
Let me first give you an idea regarding what "ergonomic" exactly means. Ergonomic at the first place means the application of science to design objects, systems and environment in such a way that it facilitates better human use. Similarly, ergonomic keyboard is that kind which is designed to minimize the strains on the muscles of the user and all the other problems that a user faced till date due to the usage of a traditional keyboard.
The traditional keyboard went through a number of changes and designs so that these keyboards are easy and safe to use. Due to increased use of keyboard some users have suffered from Repetitive Stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and like, though there are conflicting views regarding the same. To deal with this, ergonomic keyboards have been designed which are designed in such a way that the user's hands are in a more natural position while typing. This prevents the user from injuries. These keyboards prevent people from using their hands in a "prayer mantis", there are again conflicting views that the position hands are kept in this case are actually a way of injury prevention. The simplest of ergonomic keyboards seemingly look like traditional keyboards that have been divided in the middle so that a person's hand are further apart and the wrists remain aligned with the forearms. Some manufacturers up grade it a little more and place the two halves of the keyboard on the armrests of the chair. Some even go farther by putting the halves of the keyboard perpendicular to the desk. Various models of ergonomic keyboards actually create a contoured design which is much more comfortable than the standard keyboard. Some ergonomic keyboards slant down the middle so that the two halves are spaced a few inches apart and some others have either a rounded base or palm rest.
Problems with Traditional Keyboards
When workings on a traditional keyboard the posture that a user takes causes strain and the continuous extending of hands and wrists also becomes painful. The stress on muscles causes pains in the hands, arms, neck and shoulders of the users since it does not give the user the proper wrist support. It also leads to the hands being crowded on the keyboard that impedes the speed of work, hence causing a lot of strain for the users.
Benefits of Ergonomic Keyboards
The ergonomic keyboards solve several issues like it overcomes stress that the users are subject to when they try to reach out for the mouse. The frequent extending of hands and wrists that take place in traditional keyboards seem painful after using it continuously for hours together. The weakest finger, that is the little finger is also used to hit several additional keys, which can cause pains. When using an ergonomic keyboard both the hands do not crowd the keyboard as in case of traditional keyboards. They provide a natural position that reduces muscle stress and strain while typing.
