A natural keyboard aims to reduce strain and discomfort during prolonged typing sessions. These keyboards typically feature a curved or split layout that mimics the natural positioning of the hands and wrists. The primary goal of a natural keyboard is to promote a more comfortable and neutral typing posture, potentially reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is a Natural Keyboard?
A natural keyboard, also known as an ergonomic keyboard, is designed to fit the natural posture of your hands and wrists while typing. These keyboards usually have a curved or split layout that helps reduce strain and discomfort during long typing sessions, potentially lowering the risk of repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Features of natural keyboards often include padded wrist rests, adjustable angles, and keys that are easier to press, all contributing to a more comfortable typing experience.
Design of Natural Keyboards
Natural keyboards, designed with ergonomics in mind, prioritize user comfort and aim to reduce the risk of strain or injury during typing. These keyboards typically feature a split layout, dividing the board into two halves that allow the hands and wrists to rest in a more natural, relaxed position. To further support natural hand alignment, many natural keyboards are curved or tented, enhancing the ergonomic benefits by keeping the wrists at a neutral angle. Adjustable features are also common, users can modify the angles of the keyboard halves to suit their personal comfort needs. The arrangement and size of keys are tailored to match the natural movements of the fingers, reducing the need to stretch and strain, and keys often require less force to press, minimizing stress on the fingertips. Additionally, many natural keyboards come equipped with padded wrist rests, which help to maintain a comfortable wrist position and prevent excessive bending. Together, these design elements make natural keyboards a favorable choice for anyone looking to improve their typing ergonomics, especially those who spend long hours at the keyboard.
Key features of Natural Keyboards
- Split Design: Natural keyboards often have a split or divided layout, with the keys separated into two or more distinct sections. This design allows users to position their hands and wrists in a more natural and relaxed posture, reducing strain.
- Curved or Angled Layout: The keys on a natural keyboard may be arranged in a curved or angled pattern, conforming to the natural alignment of the fingers and reducing the need for wrist extension.
- Palm Rests: Many natural keyboards come with integrated palm rests or wrist supports to provide additional comfort and support during typing.
- Programmable: Using harder-to-reach keys repeatedly, especially with your pinkies, can cause RSI and hand pain. A programmable keyboard allows you to shift frequently used keys to more accessible sections of the keyboard.
- Tenting/Tilting: Your wrists perform far better when they are closer to a handshake position rather than flat on the table, as with a typical keyboard.
Comparing Natural and Traditional Keyboards
| Feature | Natural Keyboards | Traditional Keyboards |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Split, curved, or tented layout | Straight and flat layout |
| Key Layout | Keys arranged to follow natural hand movements | Uniform keys arranged in rows |
| Wrist Position | Promotes a natural wrist alignment | Often causes wrist to bend or strain |
| Comfort | Designed for long-term comfort and ergonomics | Can cause discomfort during extended use |
| Risk of Strain | Lower due to ergonomic design | Higher, can lead to repetitive strain injuries |
| Customizability | Adjustable angles and positions | Fixed position with little to no adjustability |
| Wrist Support | Often includes padded wrist rests | Usually no wrist support, unless added |
| Typing Effort | Keys require less force to press | Keys may require more force to press |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | More budget-friendly |
| Suitability | Ideal for heavy users and those with discomfort | Suitable for general us |
Health Benefits of Natural Keyboard
- Reduced Risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Natural keyboards are designed to keep the hands and wrists in a more natural alignment, which helps reduce the strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. This ergonomic positioning can significantly lower the risk of developing RSIs such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
- Improved Posture: The split design of many natural keyboards encourages a better overall sitting posture. Users are less likely to hunch over or strain their necks and shoulders while trying to accommodate a poorly positioned keyboard.
- Decreased Wrist Pain and Discomfort: The curved and tented design of ergonomic keyboards supports the wrists in a more neutral position, preventing excessive bending and twisting. This can reduce discomfort and pain, particularly during long typing sessions.
- Less Finger Strain: Ergonomic keyboards often feature keys that require less force to press and are positioned to match the natural movement of the fingers. This design decreases the effort required to type, which can minimize fatigue and discomfort in the fingers.
- Enhanced Blood Circulation: By promoting a more relaxed hand and arm position, natural keyboards can improve blood circulation to these areas. Good circulation is crucial for reducing stiffness and maintaining healthy muscle function.
- Long-Term Health Benefits: Regular use of a natural keyboard can contribute to long-term health benefits by preventing the onset of chronic injuries and conditions associated with traditional typing practices.
Frequently Asked Question on Natural Keyboard – FAQs
What type of keyboard is best for hands?
Ergonomic keyboards are considered the best type for hands, especially for those who type frequently or have discomfort from regular keyboards. These keyboards feature designs such as split layouts, tented angles, and cushioned wrist rests, all aimed at promoting a natural hand position, reducing strain, and preventing injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Which type of keyboard is best?
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is considered to be one of the best keyboard available in the market.
Is typing with all fingers faster?
Our typing accuracy, efficiency, and speed will all increase by learning to type with all your fingers than if you continue to hunt and peck.