Alternative Keyboards

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Alternative Keyboards Pointing Devices

• Iowa State University

Some material adopted from NIOSH Suggests
Considerations for Alternative Keyboard Use
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Alternative Keyboards
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Alternative keyboards can help keep wrists
straight, avoiding postures thought to cause
musculoskeletal problems. However, few studies
have examined actual performance on alternative
keyboards to evaluate whether they are more
beneficial than conventional designs in
preventing discomfort, fatigue, and strain.
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety
Health (NIOSH) cautions that a computer keyboard
is only one element of the workplace that can
influence comfort and health. Therefore, all
features of the work environment, not just the
keyboard, should be examined when evaluating ways
to enhance user comfort and avoid potential
musculoskeletal problems.
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Keep in mind that it may take a few days to
become accustomed to an alternative keyboard -
and that some people never completely adapt to
them.
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Broad-shouldered individuals may find that split
keyboards allow improved (neutral) wrist postures
compared to conventional keyboards. Small
individuals may find the greater width of
ergonomic keyboards induces an uncomfortable
distance and/or approach to the mouse.
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At least one study has provided evidence that
negative slope keyboards (keyboards tilted down
in back) may help alleviate keyboard discomfort
and injury however, to date there is no
consensus on this subject among
ergonomists. Whatever the keyboard height, try to
select a keyboard angle that promotes neutral
(straight) wrist posture. Keep in mind that
tilting a keyboard tray with an attached mouse
tray may cause the mouse to roll off the tray.
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If alternative keyboards are to be used in the
workplace, the following suggestions may be
helpful in making purchasing decisions
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Determine if the keyboard is compatible with
existing hardware and software, and whether it
can accommodate other input devices such as
mice and trackballs.
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Assess how the keyboard will fit with the
workstation. Some alternative keyboards,
particularly those with a tented design, must be
placed on surfaces that are lower than those
required for standard keyboards to achieve proper
working posture.
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If the workstation has a standard keyboard on a
keyboard tray, an ergonomic keyboard may not
fit on the old tray. Details? (a subsidiary of
Steelcase, Inc.) is a government contract product
line available to ISU departments. Details? (as
well as other vendors) have keyboard trays
specifically designed for the Microsoft Natural
keyboard. Additional information can be found at
http//www.scdetails.com/
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Pointing Devices
Touchpad
Trackball
Mouse with scroll wheel
Second digit, Homo sapiens
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Alternative pointing devices are not as common as
garden-variety mice for a simple reason most
people find a mouse works best for the tasks they
perform. Occasionally, alternative pointing
devices will suit a task or an individual better
than a mouse.
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If you are experiencing upper extremity pain or
discomfort while at the computer, make a habit of
moving your hands away from the mouse and/or
keyboard whenever possible - for example, when
thinking, reading from the monitor, or while
waiting for files to download. Stretching and/or
massage may help alleviate symptoms.
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Individuals hoping to limit pain associated with
mousing may wish to try alternative pointing
devices. Some people find that switching hands
and/or devices helps control repetitive stress
injury symptoms. Although the new device may
allow mouse-injured tissues to recover, consider
that using the device may also lead to new types
of injury or discomfort.
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Whatever pointing device is used, its important
to place the device adjacent to (and roughly at
the same level as) the keyboard. When ordering a
keyboard/mouse tray, be sure there is enough room
(width) under the worksurface to accommodate the
new tray.
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If you would like more information on alternative
keyboards or pointing devices, see the ergonomics
links on the EHS web page at http//www.ehs.iasta
te.edu/ or contact EHS at 294-5359.
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