How to Buy an Ergonomic Keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard has become a necessity in recent years, as users spend long hours in front of a computer. Excessive keyboard use and the resultant stress on the fingers can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful and debilitating condition of the hands and wrists. Using an ergonomic keyboard reduces the stress on fingers. Here is how to buy one:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Choose the Keyboard

1. Understand the features of an ergonomic keyboard. It splits the keyboard into a V shape. In some keyboards, the two resulting sections are detachable. The goals are to reduce stress on the fingers and wrists and to keep hands in their natural posture instead of cramped together. Ergonomic keyboards also include a palm rest.

2. Choose a keyboard. If your computer has a USB port, choose a USB keyboard. If it has a PS/2 port, also called a round port, choose a PS/2 keyboard. PS/2 ports are found mainly in older-model computers.

3. Choose a wireless keyboard to avoid the hassle of cables. Choose a multimedia keyboard to take advantage of programmable keys and shortcuts to multimedia applications. Choose a Bluetooth wireless multimedia keyboard if you have a Bluetooth-enabled computer.

Purchase the Keyboard

4. Compare prices online and at local computer stores. You may find the prices of ergonomic keyboards online are low compared to the prices in a store. However, study the dealer details carefully before buying online. Check out reviews of the dealer.

5. Check out online buyers’ guides such as Epinions and MySimon (see links below). These sites compare brands of ergonomic keyboard and list numerous vendors along with prices.

Tips & Warnings

• It pays to comparison-shop. Compare the deals offered by several retailers and opt for the best deal possible.