Financial
Compact Keyboards
What are Financial Compact Keyboards?
A Financial Compact Keyboard is a keyboard
which has a slightly smaller horizontal
footprint than conventional keyboards
which are typically 18" wide. This
is typically achieved by compressing the
navigation key area of the keyboard (the
arrow keys and Pg Up, Pg Dn, Ins, Del,
Home and End) while preserving the
discrete numeric keypad on the
keyboard. Financial Compact
Keyboards typically have the same number
of keys as a conventional keyboard, but
realize a 1" to 3" reduction in their
horizontal width.
What are the
Ergonomic Benefits of a Financial
Compact Keyboard?
The only
ergonomic benefit arises from a slightly
more symmetrical design than
conventional keyboards. This
allows for the mouse to be located a
couple inches closer to the midline of
the user due to the alternate layout of
the navigation keys. For right
handed users this will help to reduce Overextension
for the mouse and bring it slightly
closer to their Comfort
Zone.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Financial Compact Keyboard?
Financial Compact Keyboards do not actually
improve the ergonomics of the keyboard in
any manner (they simply improve the
geographical location of the mouse).
The same risk factors of
Ulnar
Deviation,
Pronation
and
Wrist
Extension which are inherent in
conventional keyboards typically apply to
Financial Compact Keyboards.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are
Financial Compact Keyboards
Suitable?
The primary benefit of a Financial Compact
Keyboard is slightly easier access to the
mouse with almost no learning curve for the
user, as the vast majority of both the alpha
and numeric section of the keyboard remains
unchanged. For users who are
exceptionally resistant to the slightest of
change, Financial Compact Keyboards are a
good option.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Financial Compact
Keyboards?
Financial Compact Keyboards can be of
limited benefit to a wide variety of users
including individuals with wrist conditions
such as
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome.
As they also reduce the amount of movement
to use the mouse, they are of potential
limited benefit to individuals with
Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome and
Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome.
