Use your keyboard correctly

Function and size
A keyboard on which the alphabetical part can be separated from the numerical one facilitates its positioning on the desk. What you make most use of should be placed directly in front of your body. 

Ideally, the keyboard should be no wider than the width of your shoulders. Women’s shoulders are usually narrower than men’s. A keyboard that is too wide makes it more difficult to position the mouse correctly, i.e. near the keyboard and within the length of your forearm and width of your shoulder. This is a common problem: the keyboard chosen is too wide and the mouse is too far away. In a situation like this, it is not unusual for unnecessary and one-sided problems to develop with fatigue and muscle strain of the shoulders, arms and hands. So make sure you choose the right width of keyboard and place the mouse as close to the keyboard as possible and at the same height on the desktop. 

Now you’ve made your choice
The keyboard must be approximately 15 centimetres in from the edge of the desk to allow enough room for your forearms. An ergonomic desk with a curved section provides extra space and support for the forearms so that you can sit closer to the desk. 

Ring the changes with the mouse in front of the keyboard or with an additional mouse on the left-hand side. If you choose two mice, remember that the left one must be suitable for your left hand in terms of shape and the way in which you press the mouse buttons. 

Most of the mouse functions can be performed using the keyboard shortcut commands.

Keyboard shortcuts
It is common for people to use the mouse too much and for excessive periods of time. This places a strain on and causes fatigue to the muscles of the shoulder, arm and hand especially if you do a lot of clicking. Intensive double-clicking is particularly tiring. 

You can reduce this over-use of one side of the body in several ways. Choose programs that allow you to use the keyboard shortcuts as an alternative or complement to the mouse. There are many useful keyboard shortcut commands that will make your work easier; you can perform ordinary keyboard functions more quickly and avoid disrupting the "flow" of your work by fumbling around for the mouse. And it is easier to maintain a relaxed working posture. To start with, having to learn all these keyboard shortcuts may seem onerous but the most frequently used commands make working much easier and reduce the amount of time spent clicking on the mouse and thereby concentrating activity on the out-turned forearm and hand of one side of the body. Memorize, for example, one new keyboard shortcut command a week and make a note of how much you can actually do directly via the keyboard and in a more relaxed working posture.

Keyboard contrast
A keyboard should be easy to read under varying kinds of light conditions. The contrast should be good enough for the reader to be able to read the characters on the keyboard. 

 

Further improve your sight work with clean keys
As keyboards are made from different plastics, with different colour types and surface treatments, we’re unable to provide any detailed advice on how to clear your own specific keyboard. 

But the cleaner your keys, the better it is for your sight work – and your health! 

We recommend you read the manual that came with your keyboard; this should contain information on cleaning.

Find out more:
Use your keyboard correctly
Choose the right mouse
Avoid stress injuries