Fixed
Split Keyboards
What are Fixed Split Keyboards?
A Fixed Split Keyboard is a keyboard which
features a fixed 'split' or 'splay' in the
alpha section of the keyboard, often with
a fixed 'hump' or 'tent' in the middle of
this split.
What are the
Ergonomic Benefits of a Fixed Split
Keyboard?
The first
ergonomic benefit is derived from the
introduction of some 'splay' between the
portion of the keyboard utilized by the
left and right hand. By changing
the angle from perpendicular to the
plane of the body of the user to a
splayed orientation, Ulnar
Deviation in the wrists when
typing can be reduced depending on the Anthropometrics
of the individual. Unfortunately
due to the wide range of different body
types, shoulder widths, relative lengths
of upper and lower arms, this is a rough
'scatter shot' attempt at an ergonomic
improvement, unlike the precise and
targeted capabilities afforded by Adjustable
Keyboards or Separated
Keyboards.
The
second ergonomic benefit arises from the
fixed 'tent' in the keyboard. By
raising the planes of both sides of the
keyboard and creating a 'thumbs up'
posture, Pronation
of the hands while typing is reduced to
a limited degree.
NOTE:
The 'feet' at the back of many
keyboards, while arguably a
user-configurable adjustable feature, do
not qualify those keyboards as being
classified as "Adjustable
Keyboards". This is because
deploying these feet will create a
positive inclination in the keyboard,
which leads to Wrist
Extension, and actually introduces
an inferior design element to the
ergonomics of the keyboard.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Fixed Split Keyboard?
The most significant concern when
considering a Fixed Split Keyboard is
whether the current workstation can
accommodate the keyboard. Often
Keyboard
Trays are too shallow to accommodate a
Fixed Split Keyboard, and sometimes they
will have a Wrist Rest which will need to be
removed to provide sufficient space.
Finally, some non-height adjustable
Articulating
Arms may not lower sufficiently to
accommodate the vertical tent of a Fixed
Split Keyboard.
Another consideration is the risk of
Wrist
Extension that is
caused by tenting the Fixed Split Keyboard
and failing to provide a Palm Support to
prevent the wrists from 'dropping' off the
now more significant vertical profile.
Fixed Split Keyboards are also not
compatible with all other ergonomic
devices. For example, no Central
Pointing Devices will function in
conjunction with a Fixed Split
Keyboard. It can also be a
consideration for certain types of
Writing
Surfaces.
Fixed Split Keyboards help to reduce awkward
postures at the wrist but suffer from a lack
of customization. Depending upon the
personal
Anthropometrics
of an individual, when one attempts to
address issues at the wrist, it may create
new problems at the elbow or shoulder.
In these cases, an
Adjustable
Keyboard or
Separated
Keyboard may provide the answer.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are Fixed
Split Keyboards Suitable?
While individuals of all levels of
keyboarding skill are suitable potential
users of Fixed Split Keyboards, the split
inherent in this type of keyboard will force
users to become better typists as they will
find it almost impossible to type letters on
the left half of the keyboard with their
right hand, and vice versa. In this
sense, Fixed Split Keyboards may assist
hunt-and-peck
typists along the road to becoming
touch
typists.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Fixed Split
Keyboards?
Fixed Split Keyboards can be of some benefit
to users including individuals with wrist
conditions such as
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome and
Guyon's
Canal Syndrome.
