Ergonomics of keyboards

An ergonomic keyboard is a standard keyboard that separates the left and right hand key areas specified by fingerprinting, forming a certain angle to prevent the operator from consciously clamping their arms and maintaining a more natural shape. This design of keyboard is named Natural Keyboard by Microsoft, which can effectively reduce the error rate of left and right hand key areas for users who are accustomed to blind typing, Such as the letters "G" and "H". Some ergonomic keyboards also intentionally increase the area of commonly used keys such as the space bar and enter key, and add a protective support plate at the bottom of the keyboard to provide support for previously suspended wrists, reducing fatigue caused by long-term wrist suspension. These can all be seen as humanized designs.
Ergonomics, also known as ergonomics or human engineering, is a new discipline that developed after World War II. It takes the human machine system as the research object and uses measurement, statistics, and analysis as the basic research methods. Specifically, in terms of product design and manufacturing, it is tailored to the physiological and anatomical functions of the human body, which is more beneficial to the physical and mental health of the human body. An ergonomic keyboard is a keyboard that divides a regular keyboard into two parts and unfolds them at a certain angle to adapt to the angle of the human hand. Users do not need to bend their wrists, which can effectively reduce wrist fatigue.
Both computers and typewriters require keyboard operation, and prolonged keyboard operation often leads to fatigue in the wrists, arms, and shoulders, affecting work and rest. From an ergonomic perspective, in order to improve work efficiency and ensure long-lasting operation, operators should be able to adopt comfortable and natural work postures. Abnormal postures used by workers due to existing keyboard operating conditions are the main cause of physical fatigue.
Because when operating the keyboard on the workbench, if the worker's wrist is placed on the table, the key surface of the keyboard is higher than the workbench, and the wrist must be raised, which can cause wrist pain over time; Although the operation of hanging the wrist or elbow is relatively flexible, due to the lack of support in the hands, the muscles in the arms or shoulders and back have to remain tense, so it cannot be sustained and is prone to fatigue. The current research conclusion of ergonomics on this issue is that the height of the keyboard from the countertop to the middle row of keys should be minimized as much as possible. If the thickness of the front edge of the keyboard exceeds 50mm, it will cause the wrist to excessively tilt up, thereby increasing the hand load. It is best to maintain this thickness at around 30mm, and palm pads can be added if necessary. This is solved by reducing the thickness of the keyboard itself and adding hand support in front of the keyboard. The degree to which a keyboard can be thinned is limited.
The separated keyboard in the middle can make the user's hands and wrists more relaxed and in a natural state. This can prevent and effectively reduce strain on the wrist muscles. The keys of this keyboard are in a comfortable angle for the user.