Separated
Keyboards
What are Separated Keyboards?
A Separated Keyboard is a distinct subset
of Adjustable Keyboards which offer
additional positioning capabilities.
These keyboards are capable of physically
separating into two distinct pieces which
are only connected by a bridging cable,
providing a vast improvement on the
ability of the keyboard to accommodate any
user or workspace. Additional
mechanisms and capabilities can be added
with accessories or deployable assets
within the design of the Separated
Keyboard.
What are the
Ergonomic Benefits of a Separated
Keyboard?
The first
ergonomic benefit is derived from the
introduction of a user-configurable
separation between the portion of the
keyboard utilized by the left and right
hand. By changing the separation
and angle between the keyboard sections,
the keyboard can be positioned according
to the personal Anthropometrics
of the individual. The user can
ensure that there is no requirement to
twist the wrist when using the keyboard,
eliminating any possibility of Ulnar
Deviation. For many users,
an Adjustable Keyboard can achieve this
goal, but at the expense of the elbows
and shoulders. In order to
straighten their wrists, some users find
that their elbows have to 'bow outward'
(as in the Chicken Dance) or are 'forced
inward'. A Separated Keyboard
allows all users to type with no twist
in their wrist, with their elbows
relaxed at their sides in the neutral
position and their shoulders square to
their body (with no hint of 'curling'
forward or awkward rotation). Now
a theoretical line formed by the elbow,
forearm, through the wrist and the
middle finger of the user can be
perpendicular to the plane of the
keyboard without any twisting at the
wrist, movement at the elbow, or
rotation at the shoulder joint.
The
second ergonomic benefit arises from the
introduction of a user-configurable
'tent' in the keyboard. By
separating both sides of the keyboard,
any desired inclination can be
created. This includes the common
'thumbs up' posture which reduces Pronation
of the hands while typing, or even an
eliminated of Pronation
if the keyboard is
adjusted to a vertical orientation.
The
third ergonomic benefit arises from the
common design requirement that separated
keyboards must be relatively
symmetrical, and as such lack a discrete
numeric keypad (typically opting for an
embedded
numeric keypad instead). This helps to address the
risk factor of Overextension
for the mouse.
The
fourth ergonomic benefit is the
versatility that a separated design
affords. Provided a sufficiently
long bridging cable is available, users
can mount each half of the keyboard to
the arms of their chair, or even more
non-standard orientations to address the
personal needs of any user.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Separated Keyboard?
Some non-height adjustable
Articulating
Arms may not lower sufficiently to
accommodate the vertical tent of a Separated
Keyboard. Another consideration is the
risk of
Wrist
Extension that is
caused by tenting the keyboard and failing
to provide a Palm Support to prevent the
wrists from 'dropping' off the now more
significant vertical profile.
Some ergonomic devices are not compatible with Separated Keyboards. For example, certain types of
Writing Surfaces may be incompatible in certain circumstances with Separated Keyboards (due to either their separation or their height).
For What Types of Tasks / Users are
Separated Keyboards Suitable?
While individuals of all levels of
keyboarding skill are suitable potential
users of Separated 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, Separated Keyboards may assist
hunt-and-peck
typists along the road to becoming
touch
typists.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Separated
Keyboards?
Separated Keyboards can be of benefit to a
wide variety of users including individuals
with wrist conditions such as
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome and
Guyon's
Canal Syndrome. Due to their
tenting capabilities, they also typically
benefit individuals with
Lateral
Epicondylitis and
Medial
Epicondylitis. 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.
