4 ms·

Musculoskeletal disorders are complicated and not completely understood. I’m not sure the evidence base for alternative layouts and geometries is compelling eno

by hyko 7y ago

Musculoskeletal disorders are complicated and not completely understood. I’m not sure the evidence base for alternative layouts and geometries is compelling enough to suggest that using a conventional laptop keyboard amounts to “destroying your wrists”.

raihansaputra 7y ago
I think the main areas of possible injuries are related to the angle and width of your keyboard: - Your hands and wrists pronate to type on a flat keyboard. Holding _any_ position for a prolonged period increases chance for injury. Other things such as pens and mugs don't require us to turn our wrists that much. Some say the ideal wrist position is more like a handshake. - The arm angle in on the standard keyboard as the home keys (for the index on 'f' and 'j') is positioned too close. This can cause either excessive wrist rotation or hunching of shoulder when typing. I am sure not everybody has the same risks to injury, every hand and body is unique, either muscle composition/strength/flexibility, bone ratios/geometry, and others. But it doesn't hurt to try these alternative keyboard/layouts to find out whether it's more comfortable _for you_. Again, most of us makes money by typing into keyboards, it would be insane to see a truck driver seating on a bench seat just because it's 'standard' or cheaper.
- hyko 7y ago
  Everyone should use whatever keyboard makes them happy, and that includes choosing one that is most comfortable for them; the study of physical ergonomics can sometimes help with that. If we’re making general claims that a specific device will prevent a medical condition then we need evidence from clinical studies.
  - raihansaputra 7y ago
    I agree with you on that. The statements are often times overboard. The testimonials are too. People need to watch out for these false claims and also be aware of their own needs and signals from their body.

by hyko 7y ago

raihansaputra 7y ago

I think the main areas of possible injuries are related to the angle and width of your keyboard: - Your hands and wrists pronate to type on a flat keyboard. Holding _any_ position for a prolonged period increases chance for injury. Other things such as pens and mugs don't require us to turn our wrists that much. Some say the ideal wrist position is more like a handshake. - The arm angle in on the standard keyboard as the home keys (for the index on 'f' and 'j') is positioned too close. This can cause either excessive wrist rotation or hunching of shoulder when typing. I am sure not everybody has the same risks to injury, every hand and body is unique, either muscle composition/strength/flexibility, bone ratios/geometry, and others. But it doesn't hurt to try these alternative keyboard/layouts to find out whether it's more comfortable _for you_. Again, most of us makes money by typing into keyboards, it would be insane to see a truck driver seating on a bench seat just because it's 'standard' or cheaper.

hyko 7y ago
Everyone should use whatever keyboard makes them happy, and that includes choosing one that is most comfortable for them; the study of physical ergonomics can sometimes help with that. If we’re making general claims that a specific device will prevent a medical condition then we need evidence from clinical studies.
- raihansaputra 7y ago
  I agree with you on that. The statements are often times overboard. The testimonials are too. People need to watch out for these false claims and also be aware of their own needs and signals from their body.