Keyboard Selection

In a standard company office, with a standard company computer, you will be using a standard company keyboard. Nothing wrong with that, it cuts company costs and enables employees to be switched around cubicles without having to adjust to new and unfamiliar equipment.

In a home office however, no such limitations apply, and you are free to get whichever equipment you find the easiest and most convenient to use. Since you will no doubt be using your keyboard a lot it is worth investigating the different options available, so you can buy the one best suited to your needs.

Qwerty Layout

Most people are used to using a regular QWERTY keyboard. Such keyboards were originally invented and standardized to cope with the limitations of the typewriter. Prior to the QWERTY typewriter, typists pressed key combinations that were too close to each other too often. The QWERTY layout helped prevent the typewriter keys jamming. With computers, of course, there are no problems of keys jamming so there are many other options available. Why not check them out and see if you would prefer a different keyboard layout.

Dvorak Layout

The best known alternative to the QWERTY keyboard is the Dvorak keyboard. With this keyboard the keys are laid out in a more ergonomic fashion in order to make typing easier, and minimize the risks of repetitive strain injury. Proponents of the Dvorak typing system report a higher word count per minute, as many more words can be formed using only the keys on the ‘home row'. For the rest of the letters you start on the outside of the keyboard, and move in towards the center. This movement (from the outside in) is a more natural movement of the hand, making the Dvorak keyboard easier for many users.

There are even left and right handed layouts so if you have trouble with a conventional keyboard, it's worth taking a look at the Dvorak layout. Programmers also find the special Dvorak programmers layout very useful. Prices are similar to conventional keyboards.

Ergonomic Keyboards

If you have no wish to have to learn a whole new typing program, there are other options. New ergonomic keyboards are now available for around $60 and boast features such as customizable hotkeys, an integrated palm rest, and a whole host of additional buttons to access the internet, email and multimedia applications without ever having to move the mouse. The shape is designed to be more ergonomic as these types of keyboards have a break in the middle of the keyboard, so that the hands rest easily and naturally on their own sides, slanting up towards the centre keys.

Gel Rests

Another option to avoid fatigue is to buy a keyboard with a gel filled rest. These keyboards provide a comfortable place to rest the hands in between bouts of typing and are very comfortable to use. These rests can be bought separately for $10-$20, or you can find them integrated into a lot of the keyboards available on the market.

Fashion

For the fashion conscious, there are many keyboards available in different colors, shapes and sizes so you can add an even more personal touch to your home office. Prices vary greatly according to the style and model, and you can even personalize a keyboard so that it truly reflects your personality.

Check out the rest of our website for more help with your home office