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Computer Peripheral
Updated September 22, 2025
Ergonomic keyboard
An ergonomic keyboard is designed to fit the natural position of your hands and wrists. It helps reduce strain and discomfort during typing.
Category
Computer Peripheral
Use Case
Typing with reduced strain on hands, wrists, and arms
Key Features
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Split Or Angled Keyboard Design
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Contoured And Sculpted Key Wells
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Integrated Wrist Support Pads
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Reduced Force For Key Presses
In Simple Terms
What It Is
An ergonomic keyboard is a computer keyboard designed to fit the natural position of your hands and wrists. Unlike a standard flat keyboard, these are often split into two sections or have a curved shape. This design helps your hands rest in a more relaxed, neutral position instead of being turned inward. Some models also have built-in wrist rests or tenting features that angle the keyboard to reduce strain.
Why People Use It
People use ergonomic keyboards to prevent discomfort and injury from long hours of typing. Regular keyboards can force your wrists into awkward angles, leading to pain, stiffness, or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. An ergonomic keyboard encourages a healthier posture by aligning your hands, wrists, and forearms more naturally. This can reduce fatigue and make typing feel more comfortable, especially for those who work at a computer all day.
Everyday Examples
You might see ergonomic keyboards in offices where people type frequently, such as at a writer’s desk or in a data entry job. They’re also popular among programmers, gamers, or anyone who spends a lot of time on a computer. Some common types include split keyboards, where the two halves are separated, and curved keyboards that have a gentle wave shape. Many are available with wireless options or extra features like programmable keys, making them practical for home or work use.
Technical Details
Definition
An ergonomic keyboard is an input device designed to minimize physical strain and promote a more natural hand, wrist, and arm posture during typing. Unlike traditional flat keyboards, which force the hands into a pronated (palms-down) position, ergonomic models are engineered to align with the user's anatomical structure. The primary goal is to reduce the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and to enhance comfort during prolonged computer use.
How It Works
Ergonomic keyboards function by altering the physical layout and geometry of the keys to accommodate the natural positioning of the human body. Many models feature a split design, dividing the keyboard into two separate sections that can be angled outward. This allows the user's hands to rest with a neutral wrist alignment, reducing ulnar deviation (the bending of wrists outward). Some keyboards also incorporate a tenting mechanism, which tilts the two halves upward, promoting a handshake-like position that minimizes forearm rotation. Additionally, key sculpting and varying key heights help to keep fingers in a relaxed, curved posture, decreasing the reach and force required for keystrokes.
Key Components
Split Design: The keyboard is divided into two separate sections, allowing independent angling to match shoulder width.
Tenting Mechanism: A feature that raises the center of the keyboard, tilting the halves upward to keep the forearms in a neutral, palms-facing position.
Negative Slope: The keyboard is sloped downward away from the user, which helps to maintain a neutral wrist angle.
Palm Rests: Integrated or attachable cushioned supports that reduce pressure on the wrists and provide a stable base for the hands.
Sculpted Key Wells: Keys are arranged in a concave dish shape, matching the natural curvature and different lengths of the fingers.
Common Use Cases
Office Workers and Programmers: Individuals who type for extended periods to mitigate the risk of RSIs and combat fatigue.
Users with Pre-existing Conditions: People suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or tendonitis who require a typing solution that minimizes pain and discomfort.
Accessibility Needs: Provides an alternative layout for users with limited mobility or specific physical requirements.
* Preventative Health: Adopted proactively by health-conscious users to maintain long-term musculoskeletal health.
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