Spending long hours at a keyboard has become a daily routine for professionals in nearly every field. Extended periods of typing can increase the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel a condition which affects an estimated 3-5% of U.S. adults. As the risk of RSIs grows, ergonomic keyboards have gained popularity for their potential to reduce discomfort and improve typing efficiency. But do ergonomic keyboards really help? And what type of keyboard is best for coding or daily use? I've been using an ergonomic keyboard for over three years, and I'll answer these questions and more.
What is an Ergonomic Keyboard?
An ergonomic keyboard is designed to provide a more natural typing experience by minimizing strain on the hands, wrists, and shoulders. Unlike traditional keyboards whose design was primarily influenced by the constraints of mechanical typewriters, ergonomic keyboards offer endless form factors such as split, curved, or tilted layouts. These features are designed to allow typing in a more natural position, reducing stresses on tendons, and joints. Many users experienced reduced or eliminated hand and wrist pain after switching to an ergonomic keyboard.
Do Ergonomic Keyboards Really Help?
Do ergonomic keyboards really help with typing strain? Hand and wrist pain is what originally pushed me to purchase an ergonomic keyboard. I had just spent a whole summer working with my hands for 50 hours a week while also taking programming classes, and typing was becoming painful. Despite my hopes, the pain did not go away after leaving that summer job and returning to school. I found myself typing a lot more at school, and my right pinky began to hurt and on top of the wrist pain I already had. On traditional keyboards, the backspace key as well as most of the special characters used in code are the responsibility of the right pinky. Switching to the ZSA Moonlander completely resolved both issues within a month.
What Keyboard Is Best for Ergonomics?
When choosing what keyboard is best for ergonomics, your specific needs and typing habits should be considered. Some of the most popular ergonomic keyboards include:
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard - Known for its curved shape and split key layout, this keyboard is aimed at those who are seeking comfort while maintaining a familiar ease of use.
- Kinesis Advantage2 - This ergonomic keyboard offers a more premium feel, and combines a split layout with concave key wells. This keyboard is aimed at those who are seeking ultimate comfort and are committed to learning the new way of typing.
- ZSA Moonlander - Known for offering many coveted mechanical keyboard features like hotswap keyswitches, QMK compatibility, and RGB backlighting, this ergonomic keyboard is aimed at those who want comfort as well as customizability.
- The Ultimate Hacking Keyboard - Known for offering interchangeable thumb modules, this is a good option for people who want to combine their keyboard and mouse.
The best keyboard for you will depend on a lot of factors, so it’s important to understand what’s available and how different features will impact your experience.
Do You Type Faster on a Split Keyboard?
Once you’re comfortable with the new layout, do you type faster on a split keyboard? Many users report that after they adjust, their typing speed improves or remains the same. More importantly, they can type for longer periods of time without discomfort. Ultimately, this leads to better productivity over time. Reducing the strain on the hands allows for longer typing sessions and less context switching.
What Size Keyboard is Best?
Standard keyboards have remained mostly stagnant, but one aspect that has changed over time is the number of keys. A ‘full sized’ keyboard has over 100 keys, and is referred to as a 100% keyboard. Many of the ergonomic keyboards use less keys, ranging from 80 to 40 or less. So you might wonder, do I need a 100% keyboard for coding? A trend among coders is the use of compact keyboards, particularly 60% keyboards. So, why do programmers use 60% keyboards? 100% keyboards include the function row, arrow keys, and numpad, so you’ll have access to more keys without having to use chords with keys like control and command. 60% keyboards do not include those keys, which makes them more portable, frees up desk space, and reduces the distance you have to move your hands. Ultimately, this decision comes down to your individual workflow. Both options will allow you to do the same things in different ways.
Conclusion
Ergonomic keyboards are a great solution for those looking to reduce strain and improve their typing experience, particularly for people who spend long hours at their desk. Whether you choose a split or compact keyboard, finding the right one that suits your needs is key. For programmers, the choice between a 60% or 100% keyboard will depend on whether you prioritize portability or functionality. I have been using the ZSA Moonlander for years and can't recommend ergonomic keyboards enough. Investing in a keyboard that promotes comfort and efficiency can make a significant difference in your daily productivity and long-term health.
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About the Author
Chase DeVries
Chase is a computer science graduate with a passion for learning new things.