Keyboard - @Xi Computer Corporation Mtower User Manual

Chapter 7, Computing Comfort and Safety

Keyboard

Keyboards have been singled out as contributing to many computer-related
injuries, particularly problems with the fingers, hands, wrists, and elbows.
When you use the keyboard, your forearms and wrists should form a straight line,
and your fingers should adopt a comfortable, natural curve downward. As you
type, do not apply too much pressure on the keys.
To keep your wrists straight, tilt the keyboard so the key tops form a plane in line
with the slope of your forearms and wrists. Taller people may find a reverse
(backward) tilt comfortable. If you have to raise your hands and arms to type, and
you cannot adjust your seat, keyboard, or desk to compensate, move the keyboard
away and rest your forearms on the desk. If you do not need to use the mouse very
much, try placing the keyboard in your lap.
Here is a brief list of things to consider about your keyboard:
• Do the keys provide a comfortable level of resistance?
The keys should require more than minimal force to activate, but not so much
that they are hard to press.
The keys should provide some auditory or tactile feedback. You can test this by
watching the display as you type. Can you tell when you've pressed the keys
firmly enough to activate them?
• Is the keyboard's angle adjustable?
Some experts believe that the keyboard should lie flat, while others advocate a
slight tilt, with the back row higher than the front row.
• Does the keyboard provide function keys to help you cut down on the number
of keystrokes?
For example, many keyboards provide scrolling keys such as Page Up, Page
Down, Home, and End to minimize mouse movements.
Pads and other such attachments offer inexpensive solutions for some ergonomic
deficiencies in keyboards and other hardware. Padded wrist rests that sit in front of
the keyboard are quite popular. Some newer keyboards are higher in the middle
and slope to each side to lessen wrist strain.
Take care not to spill any liquid on the keyboard. If you do, turn off your computer
immediately. If you spill liquid that is thin and clear, unplug the keyboard, turn it
upside down to let the liquid drain out, and let it dry for 24 hours at room
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