Practical tips and tools to help you and your team work comfortably

Welcome to the October edition of Ergonomic Edge! This month, we’re tackling one of the most important (and overlooked) pieces of office equipment: the keyboard.

With so many designs now available — wave, split, compact, and even vertical add-ons — it can be hard to know which one will actually make a difference.

Below, you’ll find both new research highlights and practical recommendations based on common challenges like wrist pain, shoulder tension, and arthritis. Contact us today for your FREE downloadable PDF comparison chart of the most common keyboards on the market below!

And don’t miss our Stretch of the Month to reset your posture after long hours at the desk.

⌨️ Ergonomic Keyboards – What’s New

• Low-profile builds reduce wrist extension and are easier on finger joints.
• Split & modular keyboards allow for tenting and alignment that reduces shoulder and forearm strain.
• Compact designs keep the mouse closer, reducing shoulder abduction.
• Customization (hot-swappable switches, programmable layouts) is now available even in mid-range models.

Matching Keyboards to Common Needs

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Wrist Pain​
  → Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic or Kinesis Freestyle2​
  Keeps wrists in a neutral angle and reduces compression.

• Shoulder & Neck Pain (mouse too far away)​
  → Logitech MX Keys Mini or other compact keyboards
  Reduces mouse reach, easing shoulder strain.

• Forearm Pronation / Tennis Elbow​
  → Tented split keyboards (e.g., ErgoDox EZ, Kinesis Advantage)
  Allows a handshake position, reducing rotation stress.

• Arthritis / Reduced Finger Dexterity​
  → Low-profile models (Logitech Wave Keys, NuPhy Air75 V3)
  Shallow key travel = less force needed to type.

• Hybrid / Remote Work with Small Desks​
  → Portable compact keyboards (Keychron, MX Keys Mini)
  Easy to carry, pairs with multiple devices.

Final Takeaway...

The “best” keyboard isn’t the most expensive one — it’s the one that fits you. Whether you’re managing pain, preventing injury, or simply upgrading comfort, small changes at your desk can have long-lasting results.

Stretch of the Month: Wrist Extensor Stretch

Typing for long periods shortens and tightens the muscles on the top of your forearm. This simple stretch helps relieve tension and improves comfort during keyboard use.

How to do it:

1. Sit or stand tall with shoulders relaxed.
2. Extend your right arm straight out in front of you, palm facing down.
3. With your left hand, gently press the back of your right hand downward, so your fingers point toward the floor.
4. You should feel a stretch along the top of your forearm.
5. Hold for 15–20 seconds, breathing steadily.
6. Repeat on the other side.

✅ Tip: Repeat this 2–3 times per hand during the day, especially after long bouts of typing.

Need Help?

If you or your team are experiencing discomfort or need help with workstation setup, now is a great time to book an ergonomic review.

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📧 info@ergobyerin.ca | 📞 (780) 953-9461

Until next month,
​– Erin​
​Ergonomics by Erin