Computer keyboard

[Gottarelax]

I have the opportunity to buy a new work computer keyboard. While I don't have major issues with my current keyboard but the heavily used key letters so work have suggested I replace it. I think that it makes sense to future proof by getting a keyboard that is kind to my hands. Currently I have a 'normal' keyboard and the keys are fairly light touch which I think helps. I'm looking for advice on ergonomic or just generally well laid out, touch sensitive keyboards. I have gel rests separate from my keyboard and these certainly help with wrist pain.

Edited to add that I touch type.

[Madmusiclover]

can’t comment on keyboard but I’ve used a central mouse for years. A godsend

[Gottarelax in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thank you Madmusiclover. Do you mean something like this.

Mouse in wrist support

[Madmusiclover in reply to Gottarelax]

Yes! Mine has bigger a roller bar in the middle but yes.

[Gottarelax in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thanks. I'll have a look into that.

[Amnesiac3637]

I had loads of help when I was at work (in the NHS) from Access To Work which can provide you with specialist equipment and software - they advised on split keyboards, voice recognition, different mouse controls and all sorts of things I’d never heard of to help my hands and wrists.

You’d need a workplace needs assessment through your employer - I’m assuming you have one - but as RA comes under the Disability Discrimination Act we are entitled to access this service. I was a practicing clinician but still needed to type stuff which I couldn’t do and this service helped enormously. You may already know about it but if you don’t……..😀

[KittyJ in reply to Amnesiac3637]

This ⬆️⬆️ 👍🏻

[Gottarelax in reply to Amnesiac3637]

I work for a smallish company and from home. I have an adjustable desk and a good chair but this is just from my own research. At the moment I don't think that a full assessment is necessary and it may be difficult to arrange as my company probably don't have experience. I probably should have done it before going on medication but I can't say that I specifically need aids now. I just thought that as I was getting a new keyboard, I may as well make it one that is kind to my hands.

[FLS1]

Hi. I have a split ergonomic keyboard, which incorporates a wrist rest. This was recommended by the physio who advised against gel wrist rests (that I had previously used). I also use a standup mouse, which means I don’t need to grip it. Your hand is in a much more natural position, and the mouse incorporates a roller ball function. I have found both of these really useful as in addition to the RA, I also have osteoarthritis in my hands and fingers. Brand for both is perixx.

[Gottarelax in reply to FLS1]

I've seen this make and that's what I was considering. I don't have any issues with the mouse right now but perhaps I should try alternatives before I 'need' them.

[Scottishlad]

I touch type and use a Microsoft ergonomic keyboard which allows the hands to sit at a more natural angle. I also use a a Logitech vertical mouse. I previously used a more conventional ergonomic style mouse but the Logitech is more comfortable as my wrist is relaxed. Having quite large hands I find a small conventional mouse gets uncomfortable after a while.

[Gottarelax in reply to Scottishlad]

My current keyboard is a Microsoft one and I find the keys just right in terms of response and noise (I don't like really clicky keyboards).

[cyberbarn]

I am assuming you are using a pc rather than apple products? So my advice won't be any good but I find the low profile of the Apple keyboards really suit me (I touch type too). I rest my whole forearm flat on the desk so I don't have a lot of strain on my shoulders. The keys are light to touch, except when I forget to clean them (I knit at my desk too and there is enough fluff and felt beneath the keys to make a quilt but the keys are easy to remove and clean out). I also use a track pad rather than a mouse, and it is a large one, much larger than a laptop track pad. Because it is movable I can put it in different places according to what I am doing, so if I am doing data entry I can use the number keypad on the keyboard and the trackpad to the left, or if I am using the main keyboard I can have the track pad on the right, but mostly it sits between my forearms.

I would second getting Access to Work involved if you can, or at least the occupational officer at your work if it is big enough to have one.

[Gottarelax in reply to cyberbarn]

Yes, it's a PC. I like the Apple computers but find that switching between operating systems too awkward...I think that switching between the two when I needed to print off my thesis (a long time ago) and finding everything out of alignment was the last straw for me. I'll look into Access to Work. My company don't have an occupational officer.

[cyberbarn in reply to Gottarelax]

Oh yes, that is a bit of a pain. I prepared a presentation for one of my studies in Keynote, then exported it to Powerpoint and had to go back and realign a load of lines. Luckily my university asks us to submit pdfs so I can export straight from Pages to that and hopefully not loose all the formatting!