19.2 Keyboard Styles
Keyboards
are available in two distinct styles:
A traditional keyboard is rectangular and has a
constant slope, from highest at the rear to lowest at the front.
These keyboards are available in various footprints, including
standard (19x8 inches); midsize (18x7 inches); and space-saver
(17x6.5 inches or less). Size is important to the extent that large
keyboards occupy considerable desk space and may not fit some
keyboard drawers.
An
ergonomic keyboard uses a split face and
variable slopes, which allow for more natural and comfortable hand
and wrist positions. Most ergonomic keyboards are as large as or
larger than standard traditional keyboards, not least because they
include a built-in wrist rest. Some claim that ergonomic keyboards
help reduce Repetitive Stress Injury
(RSI) problems such as Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome (CTS), but we have seen no
credible evidence to support these claims. The secret to avoiding
such problems, regardless of what keyboard style you use, is to take
frequent breaks and to avoid using the keyboard continuously for more
than an hour or so at a time.