Contoured
(3-Dimensional) Keyboards
What are Contoured (3-Dimensional)
Keyboards?
A Contoured or 3-Dimensional Keyboard is a
visually distinct type of keyboard where
the plane of the keys is contoured or
curved. This results in keys which
are not only at different heights, but
different angles to allow for variance in
the key travel movement vectors during
typing. It also allows the user to
avoid a position of full extension while
typing, substantially increasing the
number of keys that can be reached by
simply extending and contracting the
fingers. These keyboards typically
feature two distinct 'key bowls' or
depressions which the fingers fall into,
with some additional thumb keys on top of
the housing.
What are the
Ergonomic Benefits of a Contoured
(3-Dimensional) Keyboard?
The first
ergonomic benefit is derived from the
key bowls which by allowing the fingers
to be curled (and not in full extension)
reduce Wrist
Extension. Through the
addition of separation to the keybowls
and the 3-dimensional layout on the
keycaps, this type of keyboard can be
used according to the personal Anthropometrics
of the individual. Most users can
find an appropriate position for the
hands and forearms to avoid the
requirement to twist the wrist when
using the keyboard, eliminating any
possibility of Ulnar
Deviation. Now a theoretical
line formed by the elbow, forearm,
through the wrist and the middle finger
of the user can be perpendicular to the
plane of the keyboard without any
twisting at the wrist, movement at the
elbow, or rotation at the shoulder
joint.
The
second ergonomic benefit arises from the
'thumbs up' posture which arises from
the recessed key bowls which reduces Pronation
of the hands while typing.
The
third ergonomic benefit arises from the
common design requirement that
contoured, 3-dimensional keyboards are
relatively symmetrical, and as such lack
a discrete numeric keypad (typically
opting for an embedded
numeric keypad instead).
This helps to address the risk factor of
Overextension
for the mouse.
What are Potential Concerns when
Considering a Contoured (3-Dimensional)
Keyboard?
Some non-height adjustable
Articulating
Arms may not lower sufficiently to
accommodate the vertical design of a
Contoured (3-Dimensional) Keyboard.
There is also a significant learning curve
associated with learning to use a Contoured
(3-Dimensional) Keyboard. For most
users, it can take a couple of days to get
up to a reasonable level of proficiency with
the new layout, as the 'reach' for keys from
the home row is significant reduced
(resulting in overshooting of keys during
the adjustment period). However, most
users will get to close to their old
performance level within 2-3 weeks of
switching to this type of keyboard, and will
experience a 10-20% increase in speed once
fully acclimated.
Contoured (3-Dimensional) Keyboards are also
not compatible with all other ergonomic
devices. For example, they do not work
with
Central
Pointing Devices and can be a
consideration for certain types of
Writing
Surfaces.
For What Types of Tasks / Users are
Contoured (3-Dimensional) Keyboards
Suitable?
Typically this type of keyboard is only
suitable for individuals who are
touch
typists, and spend at least an hour
a day during primarily keyboard
input. Ideal candidates include (but
are not limited to) medical/legal
transcriptionists, programmers,
writers/bloggers, and anyone who enters a
significant amount of text while at the
computer. While touch
typists
will experience gains in their typing
speed with this keyboard, hunt-and-peck
typists who do not have at least
some degree of touch typing will be unable
to use these types of keyboards as it is
difficult to see the keycap tops while
keyboarding.
The increased tactile feedback afforded by
differentiated vectors for each keyswitch
will greatly speed the learning curve
towards becoming a
touch
typist.
What Physical Injuries or Conditions
Typically Benefit from Contoured
(3-Dimensional) Keyboards?
Contoured (3-Dimensional) Keyboards can be
of benefit to a wide variety of users
including individuals with wrist conditions
such as
Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome and
Guyon's
Canal Syndrome. Due to their
tented design, they also typically benefit
individuals with
Lateral
Epicondylitis and
Medial
Epicondylitis. As they also
reduce the amount of movement to use the
mouse, they are of potential benefit to
individuals with Rotator Cuff, Bursitis and
Cubital
Tunnel Syndrome.
