We have discussed a lot about ergonomic chairs and desks in some of our previous articles, but there is a lot more to it when you have to work for longer hours. Everything related to your workstation and workspace should be ergonomically correct for maximum benefits and effects. And one of the most important things in this ecosystem is using keyboards correctly. You must have seen people using flat keyboards, while there are many other users who prefer to use angled keyboards. So, you must be wondering which one is better, and what are their individual pros and cons. Let’s directly dive into each one of these through this detailed article.
Difference between flat and angles keyboard:
The difference is the level of inclination or angle between the desk and the keyboard. Most keyboards have adjustable feet to make a keyboard flat or inclined as per the user’s convenience.
There are keyboard holders available in the market that can transform your flat keyboard into an angled one.
So, it is basically not just about 2 different types of keyboards, but the placement of the keyboard which makes the whole difference. Though there are keyboards available that are completely flat, there are ones that are angled and you will also be able to find some keyboards which are adjustable. (Those have an advantage, obviously)
Flat Keyboards:
Flat keyboards are usually keyboards with a flat surface and have a thin design with low-profile keycaps. It is considered better where your chair height is more so that when you sit your wrists stay in a neutral position. Many ergonomic keyboards with lower profiles follow flat design patterns, and they look very elegant. They are recommended for users who routinely use them for official purposes, and they work at a relaxed pace.
Pros of Flat keyboard:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Lightweight and portable
- Low profile, hence less stress on fingers and wrist
- No need for an additional armrest in most cases, as they are conveniently comfortable for wrists
Cons of Flat keyboard:
- Due to their thin design, they are not considered durable
- Costs more, as low-profile keyboard switches are expensive
- Reduced productivity due to low-profile switches. The key needs to be bottomed out to register the keypress, which can lead to reduced productivity.
Angled Keyboards:
These are sometimes also known as raised keyboards, as they are raised towards one of their edges which makes the keyboard slightly inclined or angled. In some keyboards, you will also find a way to adjust at 2 or 3 different angles, like 3-degree, 6-degree, or 9-degree. In these types of keyboards, you will find that different key rows are raised at different heights to make them more convenient to use and to make them comfortable for the wrist and the fingers.
The keyboards are designed in a thicker frame and hence these are more durable, but heavier in weight as compared to flat keyboards. The prices are very commonly available everywhere and they are very pocket friendly compared to flatly designed keyboards.
Pros:
- Durable
- Pocket friendly
- More stable due to higher weight
- The inclination angle could be adjustable
- Less strenuous, as high-profile keys do not need to be bottomed out
- Easy to maintain, as high-profile keys are better to replace
- The keycaps are more accessible and reachable
Cons:
- Less portable
- Might need additional wrist rest for better comfort
Which one is better, Flat or Angled?
Let’s look at each one of them on certain defining factors:
- Wrist Position: In a low-profile flat keyboard, the wrist is in a more natural state, while in a positively angled keyboard you will have to bend your wrists to access the keys. The wrist will be in a more comfortable state on a negatively angled keyboard.
- Size and Portability: Flat keyboards are thin and more portable than angled keyboards.
- For Gaming: Inclined or positively angled keyboards are considered better for gaming, as there are fewer keys that are frequently used, and the switches register keypress without bottoming out, hence faster to use.
- For Typing: Flat keyboards and negatively angled keyboards are considered best for the purpose of typing.
- Price: Flat keyboards are more expensive than angled keyboards.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is using a wrist pad or palm rest good or bad?
You must have found a lot of arguments around this topic, and one of the popular statements is that it puts too much stress on your inner wrist. This is found true in some of the cases, but the reason seems to not using the wrist rest correctly. I have seen a lot of people using it incorrectly to support the palm, rather you should move the resting pad closer to the keyboard and rest your palms over it, instead of placing your wrists over the resting pad.
What is the most ergonomic solution to using a keyboard?
There are split keyboards available which we think is the most ergonomic and convenient solution. The split keyboards are in 2 pieces which can be adjusted independently for the left and right hands. Though it might feel awkward initially and may take you some time to adapt to using a split keyboard, it can be really game-changing.
Conclusion:
There is no definite answer to which one will be better, it all depends on individual preference, behavior, and habit. But from an ergonomics point of view, we have experienced a negatively angled keyboard. You can use certain accessories to enhance the comfort and ergonomics, like palm rests, keyboard holders, or angle adjustable keyboard trays.
I work from home. To do the best possible job I need the right accessories - the right desk, the right chair, the right keyboard, the right monitor, etc. When I work I want to feel comfortable. I review everything that's related to home desk setup - focusing on Monitors & Keyboards.
