The benefits of using a keyboard tray

When you have a table with a fixed height it can be difficult to achieve the perfect ergonomic setup. This is where a keyboard tray help achieve the perfect setup to prevent symptoms such as back pain, neck pain and more specifically conditions such as repetitive Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The best typing position is one where:

1. Your upper arms hang straight down from your shoulders. If the arms are lifted in any way, like when the keyboard is too high, it will put unnecessary pressure on the shoulders and fatigue will follow.
2. Your wrists are at a natural angle and not bend upwards. This puts pressure on the wrists and pain will follow.
3. You do not have to reach in any way. It should be easy to reach all keys on the keyboard without moving your arms and you should be able to move your mouse without having to move of lift your elbows.

The bottom line is this. A keyboard tray allows you to find the perfect setup, avoiding the pain and discomfort a wrong setup causes.

What to look for in a keyboard tray

Adjustability – the key feature

Height: Height adjustment is important because it allows you to find the best ergonomic position for your body dimensions and your specific office setup. Chair height, table height and arm length all influences the height your keyboard should be.

Tilt: The tilt range of most keyboards is 0 to 15%. A downward tilt position allows you to setup the keyboard to match the natural position of your wrists. Without a tilt feature the wrist can be at an unnatural angle causing wrist fatigue and pain.

Swivel: The tray must be able to swivel out of the way when it is not needed and also forwards and backwards for when you decide to change your working position.

Nice to have features

Mouse platform. A keyboard tray with a build in mouse platform is a definite advantage. The majority of keyboard trays come with a mouse platform that can be adjusted to fit a left handed or right handed person, but make sure the tray you choose is right for you. The mouse platform must trap or limit the movement of the mouse so that it does not fall of the platform, yet allow enough movement so that the mouse pointer reaches all corners of your screen. Also look for a platform that slides allowing you to find the most comfortable position.

Palm support. Some of the better keyboard trays come with palm support that adjust to the contour of the specific user. Look for a support that causes minimal pressure against the palm when used. One way manufacturers achieve this is by filling the support with foam that softens as the temperature warms up. The support ensures pressure points do not form, so that blood circulation does not get inhibited in any way.

Other points to look for:

1.    A sturdy well constructed design.
2.    A color that match the rest of your office.
3.    Mouse Cord Clip to hold the mouse cable at an appropriate tension and out of the way.

Types of keyboard trays available.

Standard Under the Table Keyboard Trays

This is your standard tray that attach to the underside of your table with an adjustable arm that can swivel and tilt.

Sit Stand Keyboard trays

Most keyboard trays are used by people who sit behind a desk. However, the large range of adjustment on some keyboard trays allow it to be used either while sitting or standing. This is perfect for people who want to setup their work area to alternate between standing and sitting.

Corner Keyboard Trays

The standard under the table keyboard tray will not fit a corner workstation. The L Shape of a corner workstation adds additional challenges to overcome and you need to look for a tray specifically designed to fit the corner workstation or one that comes with a corner sleeve.