Combo
Keyboards
What are Combo Keyboards?
A Combo Keyboard is a keyboard which has
a mousing solution in combination
with the keyboard input
capability. This usually takes the
form of a built in touchpad, trackball
or cursorpoint device (and accompanying
buttons for left/middle/right
click.
What are the Ergonomic Benefits of
a Combo Keyboard?
The main benefit is similar to
that of Central
Pointing Devices in that having
the mouse on the footprint of the
keyboard usually helps to address Overextension for the mouse. This is because the
mouse will be closer to the midline
of the user than if it was outside of
the keyboard housing, displaced to the
left or right by the keyboard.
Unlike conventional mice, embedded mousing
solutions in Combo Keyboards cannot
usually be pinched or gripped which
eliminates the risk factor of
Static
Grip Force.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Combo Keyboard?
The most significant concern is to ensure
that the personal
Anthropometrics
of the individual do not result in an
awkward posture when reaching into their
Midline.
If this is a consideration, consider
Combo Keyboards or other product
categories which allow access to mousing
functions other than a narrow band around
the
Midline
of the user.
As with all all-in-one devices, a
fiduciary risk with a Combo Keyboard is
that if the keyboard or mouse
functionality develops a problem, the
usability of both types of input is
affected (unlike the typical situation
where there are two distinct devices each
of which can be replaced as
required). Also, just as with all in
one Printer / Scanner / Fax / Copier
devices, while multi-function devices are
convenient, being by definition generalist
in design, they do not excel in any one
function.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are Combo
Keyboards Suitable?
Combo Keyboards are typically most
suitable for non-standard workstations
such as wall mounted workstations which
must store vertically while not in use, or
rack mounted server applications.
The convenience of having all input in one
solid state device (no moving parts such
as what a mouse has) which can be stored
vertically, or in any other orientation
has benefits in non-standard office
environments.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from a Combo Keyboard?
Combo Keyboards can at times be of benefit
to users including individuals with hand
conditions such as arthritis and
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome. As they also
reduce the amount of movement to use the
mouse, they are of potential benefit to
individuals with Rotator Cuff, Bursitis
and
Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome.
