Compact
Keyboards
What are Compact Keyboards?
A Compact Keyboard is a keyboard which has
a smaller horizontal footprint than
conventional keyboards which are typically
18" wide. This is typically achieved
by eliminating the numeric keypad on the
right side of the keyboard, resulting in a
keyboard with around 80 keys instead of
the usual 104 key layout. Access to
the numeric keypad is usually maintained
through the use of an Embedded
Numeric Keypad. Some other
compact keyboards move the keypad to the
area of the keyboard above the Function
Row.
Note: Keyboards which have reduced size
keycaps or key
pitch may also be Compact Keyboards,
but are discussed under the Mini
Keyboards article.
What are the
Ergonomic Benefits of a Compact
Keyboard?
The only
ergonomic benefit arises from the common
design requirement that Compact
Keyboards are typically relatively
symmetrical, with the removal of the
discrete numeric keypad. This
allows for the mouse to be located in
the space created through the removal of
the numeric keypad. For right
handed users this will help to reduce Overextension
for the mouse and bring it into their Comfort
Zone. Some Compact Keyboards
are also Neutral
or Negatively Inclined as a
function of their portability, which
would provide benefits as noted for that
class of keyboard, but this is not
always the case.
A secondary benefit is
that Compact Keyboards are of course
smaller than most other types of keyboard,
so for mobile workstations the ability to
transport them easily provides some
ergonomic benefit.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Compact Keyboard?
Compact Keyboards do not actually improve
the ergonomics of the keyboard in any manner
(they simply improve the geographical
location of the mouse). The same risk
factors of
Ulnar
Deviation,
Pronation
and
Wrist
Extension which are inherent in
conventional keyboards typically apply to
Compact Keyboards.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are
Compact Keyboards Suitable?
The primary benefit of a Compact Keyboard is
usually the portability associated with the
smaller size. For users who routinely
enter keyboard input on tablets or laptops
and need to transport their devices
regularly, an easily portable external
keyboard is beneficial. However, for
users who typically use their tablet or
laptop in one or two regular locations,
there are more ergonomic benefits to be
garnered from other types of keyboards which
do not have portability as their key design
feature.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Compact Keyboards?
Compact Keyboards can be of benefit to a
wide variety of users including individuals
with wrist conditions such as
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome. As they also
reduce the amount of movement to use the
mouse, they are of potential benefit to
individuals with
Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome and
Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome.
