How to Choose A Keyboard for Transcription

There are so many keyboards on the market that choosing one can be a frustrating task. For transcriptionists choosing a keyboard involves a lot more thought and sometimes more money than the average computer user. So many keyboards are classified as ergonomically designed and yet they don't necessarily help with the very common wrist pain, elbow pain and finger pain that transcriptionists suffer. While appropriate ergonomic chairs, desk location and monitors can be very beneficial, selecting the right keyboard for you will help immensely and contribute to better productivity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Go to a store that has keyboards on display.

2. Try out different types of keyboards. The major types you should try are split keyboards, ones that tilt forward and ones that tilt backward.

3. Decide which keyboard feels most comfortable for you. Keep wrist support in mind as well as location of the keys. For transcription, a keyboard that tilts forward may be the best choice as it supports your wrists for extended periods of time.

4. Search websites (see Resources) with user reviews of keyboards for the style of keyboard you liked best. Look at reviews of brightness, scroll and zoom functions because those will come in handy while transcribing to keep your hands on the keyboard.

5. Select a keyboard based on user reviews and your time testing them at the store.

Tips & Warnings

• Some ergonomic keyboards have strange key placement, When shopping for keyboards keep in mind the keys you use most and test keyboards with that in mind. Some keys might be a less than comfortable reach for you.
• Pay attention to return policies. Save receipts and packaging. This way you can work with your new keyboard for a few days to decide if it meets your needs effectively.

Resources

• Cnet Keyboard Reviews
• Keyboards on Amazon