Do Ergonomic Keyboards Really Help?

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Do Ergonomic Keyboards Really Help?

The more we type, the more we realize that comfort is key. So how to improve our experience? The answer: Ergonomics.

“Ergonomics''—you probably heard this term quite a few times. It’s the study of people’s physical wellbeing and performance. And it’s objective. That means that you can scientifically measure how ergonomic a device is. But ergonomics is also a relative term—some devices are more ergonomic than others. How to make the right choice? Here are the three main benefits of the best ergonomic keyboards.

#1 IMPROVED POSTURE

A curved keyframe places your hands, wrists, and forearms in a more natural posture, reducing muscle strain. You’ll notice a feeling of relaxation the moment your hands land on the keyboard.

“Research at the University of Washington has shown that keyboards with the keys curved to match the natural triangle—formed by the left and right hands—improve wrist posture. In addition, the research has shown that wrist rests can also help your hands type in a more relaxed and natural position. Health professionals often prefer ergonomic keyboards since they better match the complex geometry of our bodies and put less strain on our muscles, compared to conventional, rectangular keyboards.”

Peter Johnson, PhD
University of Washington - Professor Emeritus - Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Member of the Logi Ergo Lab Advisory Board

#2 WRIST SUPPORT

A pillowed wrist rest provides support and places your forearms just above the keyboard. This little bed for your hands helps increase comfort and optimize your ergonomic position. Compared to a traditional Logitech keyboard without a wrist rest, the ERGO K860 offers 54% more wrist support while reducing wrist bending by 25% Compared to a traditional Logitech keyboard without palm rest.

#3 REDUCED WRIST BENDING

Combine a curved, split keyframe with a pillowed wrist rest and you’ve got the ingredients to take stress off your wrists. By placing your forearms just above the keyboard, you reduce wrist bending and the discomfort that comes with it. The split complements the effect of a sloping form—keeping your hands and shoulders relaxed.

Bringing all that together, the ERGO K860 helps reduce muscle activity by 21% in the upper trapezius muscleCompared to a traditional Logitech keyboard without palm rest —a key muscle in the center of the upper back that stabilizes and facilitates shoulder and neck movement. If you are looking for an improved typing posture, relaxed typing position, and better wrist support, it might be just right for you.