1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Ergonomics

Guide to Setting Up an Ergonomic Computer Station

By , About.com Guide

4 of 6

The Keyboard

Improper Keyboard Setup

An ergonomically improper keyboard setup.

2006, Chris Adams, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The Keyboard
  • Position the keyboard slightly below the elbow and at a negative angle to allow the wrists to remain straight when you sit in a slightly reclined posture
  • Do NOT use a wrist rest while actively typing. It’s meant to rest on not to lean on when working. Hold your hands and arms off of any supports while typing.
  • Do NOT use the keyboard supports to raise the back up. Do NOT tilt the keyboard tray so that the back of the keyboard is higher than the front. Though design and a lot of prevailing information say you should tilt the keyboard to a positive angle like this, it is wrong. A negative angle that allows the wrists to stay in their natural wrist position is better. A positive angle is an repetitive stress injury waiting to happen.

More on Keyboard Ergonomics

Explore Ergonomics

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Ergonomics
  4. Workplace Ergonomics
  5. Office
  6. Guide to Setting Up an Ergonomic Computer Station - Positioning the Keyboard

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.