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Vertical Keyboard vs Carpal Tunnel

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the ongoing-ergonomic-adventure dept.

An anonymous reader sent us links to a quite strange vertical keyboard which also links to a study that claims that this is more ergonomic than your usual board. Of course at $347 it also better make me coffee.

4 of 255 comments (clear)

  1. BS by Tyler+Eaves · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Quote: The result? The SafetypeTM is the only keyboard proven in a Major University Study to virtually eliminate the high-stress postures that contribute to Repetitive Stress Injuries, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

    My emphasis. This is always a big red flag. If it wasn't Podunk College, Thelma's Corner, AL, it would be named....

    --
    TODO: Something witty here...
  2. Vertical? how bout 45 degrees and folding by billstr78 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I know that people tend to rest thier rists agains the desk, and this is a major source of carpal tunnel symptoms, but could the job be done with a mere 45 degree angle and maybe a hinge that allowed in to fold (to many degrees)? It seems as though gravity would take it's toll on your shoulders after keeping your hands in a vertical position 3 inches off the desk.

  3. Re:Is it really the keyboard? by Wesley+Everest · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I've been at a keyboard since 1978, with no thought about ergonomics until the early 90's after I first noticed problems. So, that was about 14 years with no problems. Now I have no choice but to be careful about my setup, take stretch breaks, etc. which generally keeps things ok.

  4. Ergonomics is mostly junk science ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful
    ... that truly benefits the injury lawyers and ergo-consultants. How can these guys state in one breath that working while remaining fixed in one position promotes injury ... then turn around and recommend fixed positions to prevent injuries (eg. 90 degree angle at elbows, straight wrists with "floating" forearms, 20 inches from monitor at eye level, fixed keyboard angle, etc.)?

    The best way to prevent repeated motion injuries is to vary the motion by forcing the person to change tasks regularly ... not by doing quick stretch-routines. I haven't seen any evidence that one can prevent repeated motion injuries by performing 5-minute "stretching exercises". How is a 5-minute stretch going to prevent damage caused by 8 hours of fixed positions or repeated motion?

    All of the ergo-consultants I've seen ... they travel around the country at some other company's expense ... they're always smiling ... they're not held accountable if they're recommendations cause more pain or injuries ... and they all have nice tans. Why is ergonomic equipment so expensive? A footrest for $50 ?!? Snake oil, I say.