Tips in Choosing Keyboard Trays for Better Ergonomics

No matter where you work, be it in an office or in the convenience of your home, the kind of equipment and materials that you will use matters. This is because they can either bring comfort or make your work stressful. For instance, the position of your keyboard plays an integral part in achieving a comfortable work experience. Proper positioning of your keyboard also aids in preventing issues such as wrist pain, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other health conditions.

Benefits of Using Ergonomic Trays in the Workplace

Some ergonomic experts advise computer users to utilize keyboard trays on their desks so that they can work better. If you’re one of those individuals who spend long hours typing and doing other computer jobs, then the following benefits of keyboard trays will help you. 

#1 Keyboard trays will help you position the mouse and keyboard correctly. It is vital to have the keyboard placed on a position lower than the desk surface. Most ergonomic keyboard trays can drop the mouse and keyboard are by 4” to 6” under your desk. Having a keyboard tray can aid in acquiring the correct height position for a more comfortable typing position. Another option for you to acquire the correct position when working is to find a sit-stand standing desk. It aids in alternating between sitting and standing, thus, avoiding the adverse effects of today’s common sedentary lifestyle. 

#2 With keyboard trays properly placed, you can view your monitor at the proper height. Having your workstation properly setup means that you also put your monitor and keyboards on their correct positions. It will also be great to use an adjustable monitor stand so you can adjust your monitor on its proper height. This will help you avoid neck pain and discomfort while typing. A common error computer users are doing is that they set up the monitors too low and the keyboard tray a way too high.

#3 A keyboard tray allows you to have more desk space for your other tasks. Adding an ergonomic keyboard tray on your desk can help create more space for you to either add more items or do other tasks. You can place additional notepad, a framed mantra, a calendar, or an indoor plant that can help you feel more relaxed. In case you do not want to be overwhelmed with various paper works, you can push the keyboard tray under your table desk. It’s convenient how to place the mouse and keyboard when you’re not using it.

#4 A keyboard tray will let your hand and risks work comfortably. To avoid resting your wrists on the desk surface, you should have a keyboard tray. It will aid in lessening the stress on the wrists and reduce the chance of having desk injuries. Yes, there are instances where injuries are acquired in using the mouse or the keyboard. Using an ergonomic keyboard tray will be beneficial for both the employers and employees since typing and using a mouse can be free from hassle. 

#5 A keyboard tray allows your arms to move from the desk’s edge. Resting your arms on hard surfaces is not advisable since it can lead to health issues. The same goes for the hard edge of the desk’s surface into your forearms. The good thing with using an ergonomic keyboard tray is that it helps in the naturally pushing you away from the edge and the desk surface. It will help improve the feeling of your forearms and wrists while working on your computers.

Quick Reminders When Purchasing Ergonomic Products

Acquiring an ergonomic product such as standing desks and keyboard trays require some factors to consider when planning to buy them. Remember that an ideal ergonomic keyboard is the one that provides various adjustment options. Also, you should choose an under-desk keyboard tray that can be swivelled left to right, instead of only sliding in and out. Such a feature can make your desk free from clutter and organized. Besides, it can also promote flexibility, which can be beneficial if you need to move around often.

It is also crucial when buying a keyboard tray to determine the number of trays that are needed in your office. Just like in buying other kinds of products, the cost, reviews, efficiency, and customer support responsiveness are factors that should also be considered. 

Also, after buying a keyboard tray, make sure you will install it properly at the height that is fit for you. Position the keyboard at a negative angle, wherein you can optimize your posture while working on your keyboard and computer. The top of the keyboard should be at a tilted adjustment or is pointing downward. In that way, your wrists will be at a neutral angle so that possible injuries will be avoided.

Avoid positioning your keyboard too low or too high. It should not also be placed too far away from you. Set up your computer monitor to eye level as part of your ergonomic working environment. As previously mentioned, improperly positioned keyboard can cause strains in your wrists, shoulders, hands, head, and neck. Your arms should be bent at about a 90-degree angle when typing on your keyboard. To achieve that position, you need to include an adjustable tray on your desk. An ideal keyboard tray should also provide a separate mousing platform. 

Commonly, keyboard trays provide various adjustments such as angle, height, stability, and rotation. Stability of the tray is an essential factor so that both the mouse and the keyboard will feel as they are fixed, instead of seeming to lose its solid angle over time. 

When you buy other ergonomic items for the workstation, such as a standing desk converter or a sit-stand desk, make sure that they can be adjusted to the correct height and distance. They need to fit in the space you have in the work station, too. Every ergonomic equipment and accessories that you will have in the workplace should also protect your health against the adverse effects of some working conditions. They should have the features that you will need to acquire the best working experience that will promote efficiency and productivity.