Mini
Keyboards
What are Mini Keyboards?
A Mini Keyboard is a keyboard whose
primary feature is a reduced
size keycaps or key
pitch. In addition, most
Mini Keyboards are also Compact
Keyboards as they have removed the
discrete numeric keypad on the keyboard,
opting instead for a Embedded
Numeric Keypad. This
allows the keyboard to have a
substantially smaller horizontal
footprint than conventional keyboards
which are typically 18" wide. Some
Mini Keyboards are as small as 8" wide.
What are the Ergonomic Benefits of
an Mini Keyboard?
The only
ergonomic benefit arises from the common
design requirement that Mini Keyboards
are typically relatively symmetrical,
with the removal of the discrete numeric
keypad. This allows for the mouse
to be located in the space created
through the removal of the numeric
keypad. For right handed users
this will help to reduce Overextension
for the mouse and bring it into their Comfort
Zone. Some Mini Keyboards
are also Neutral
or Negatively Inclined as a
function of their portability, which
would provide benefits as noted for that
class of keyboard, but this is not
always the case.
A secondary benefit is
that Mini Keyboards are of course smaller
than most other types of keyboard, so for
mobile workstations the ability to
transport them easily provides some
ergonomic benefit.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Mini Keyboard?
Mini 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
Mini Keyboards.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are Mini
Keyboards Suitable?
The primary benefit of a Mini Keyboard is
usually the portability associated with the
smaller size. For users who routinely
enter keyboard input on tablets or laptops
and need to transport their devices
regularly, an easily portable external
keyboard is beneficial. However, for
users who typically use their tablet or
laptop in one or two regular locations,
there are more ergonomic benefits to be
garnered from other types of keyboards which
do not have portability as their key design
feature.
There is one type of user for whom Mini
Keyboards are not only suitable, but who can
actually realize significant ergonomic
benefits from using a Mini Keyboard.
This user is of course children who have
smaller finger tips and hands, and the
reduced key pitch is appropriate for the
scaled down size of their hands.
Unfortunately this benefit cannot typically
be realized by even the shortest adults as
the hand size of all adults is still
substantially larger than children.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Compact Keyboards?
Mini Keyboards can be of benefit to a wide
variety of children users including children
seeking to avoid the risk of
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome. As they also
reduce the amount of movement to use the
mouse, they are of potential benefit to
children at risk of developing
Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome and
Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome.
