Keyboard Styles
Keyboards are available in two distinct styles:
- Traditional keyboard
A
traditional keyboardis rectangular and has a constant slope, from highest at the rear to lowest at the front. These keyboards are available in various footprints, including standard (19” × 8”); midsize (18” × 7”); and space-saver (17” × 6.5” or less). Size is important to the extent that large keyboards occupy considerable desk space and may not fit some keyboard drawers.- Ergonomic keyboard
An
ergonomic keyboarduses a split face and variable slopes, which allow more natural and comfortable hand and wrist positions. Most ergonomic keyboards are as large as or larger than standard traditional keyboards, not least because they include a built-in wrist rest. Some claim that ergonomic keyboards help reduceRepetitive Stress Injury(RSI) problems such asCarpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS), but we have seen no credible evidence to support these claims. The secret to avoiding such problems, regardless of what keyboard style you use, is to take frequent breaks and to avoid using the keyboard continuously for more than an hour or so at a time.