Why You Should Upgrade Your Computer Keyboard

If you spend a lot of time typing, you need a computer keyboard that will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from developing as well as neck or shoulder strain. These ergonomic models have an ergonomic design meant to reduce stress on your arms, wrists, and hands.

Most ergonomic keyboards  use a curved design. This is a better keyboard setup because your forearms naturally pivot inward with your hands at an angle on the keys. Ordinary keyboards require that you bend your wrists back slighting to align your palms with the keys, which can cause discomfort over time. Alternatively, curved keyboards allow you to keep your wrists straight while typing.

Many of these updated keyboard styles also include a slope or pad where you can comfortably rest your wrists while typing. Some even split into two halves to allow you to set your hands much farther apart. Keep in mind that it can take a week or two to get used to these designs, but once you do, your hands, wrists, and arms will thank you.

Do you wish you could move your keyboard around your desktop with ease or rest it on your lap for a while so that you could lean back in your chair? If so, you should look at getting a wireless keyboard. Wireless keyboards connect to your computer via Bluetooth rather than a cord. This design gives you greater grange of motion and positioning that you can enjoy while using them.

You might also consider whether an upgraded keyboard with certain color schemes or backlighting will improve your typing and gaming abilities. For example, if you're a gamer, you’ll be happy to learn that there are a variety of gaming keyboards made specifically for your favorite hobby.

Gamers and others who want the option of resting their keyboard on their lap also enjoy 60% keyboards that are more compact than old computer keyboards by 60%. There are also updated keyboards that are reduced in size by the elimination of the ten number keys found on the right side of a traditional keyboard. This is referred to as a ten-key-less or TKL keyboard.

If you want to get really fancy, some companies offer the option to customize a keyboard even further. Mechanical keyboards feature specific shortcut keys that can serve you well in many career fields.

You might wonder why anyone would need a separate keyboard for a laptop since there is already one built in. However, you can save yourself a lot of neck strain by choosing to use a separate keyboard rather than the one that’s built into your device.

That’s because it’s best for your elbows to be at a 90-degree angle while you type, putting your hands just above waist height. But your neck should be straight, meaning your eyes should be level with the top of your display. Laptop keyboards and displays are too close together to allow for this position. Either your keyboard will be too high or your display too low. By purchasing a portable keyboard, you will be able to place your laptop higher up, avoiding neck strain, while still typing at desk height.

Once you’ve decided to buy a computer keyboard that’s optimized for your current needs, be sure to consider how you’ll protect your investment. For starters, it’s good to protect it against crumbs, dust and spills with a keyboard cover. This see-through, plastic cover is one of the most effective ways to keep your keyboard clean and preserve its functionality. It’s also a lot cheaper than having to buy a PC keyboard to replace the damaged one.

Plus, it’s important to clean your keyboard on a regular basis with an air duster. This product helps remove little bits of food and dirt than can get lodged under your keys, especially if you commonly eat lunch at your desk to maximize your workday.