The principle of an ergonomic keyboard is to provide the most optimal user experience based on the natural structural characteristics of the human body in keyboard design. When using a traditional keyboard, the forearms typically form an angle. The construction of a standard keyboard requires our hands to remain parallel when typing, leading to involuntary bending of the wrists. As the downward position of the hands is the most natural and comfortable, ergonomic keyboards adopt a reverse tilt design with the front of the keys lower than the back. Taking into account the positions of the left and right hands, ergonomic keyboard design incorporates a slight lateral tilt from the center towards the sides, creating a 10° angle with the desktop, thereby alleviating the pressure on the hands and forearms.
As digital products continue to evolve, “ergonomics” has become the focus of attention for mice and keyboards, and ergonomic keyboards are increasingly favored by consumers. Duco also continues to launch ergonomic keyboard products. The Duco GM903 is its newly released arched ergonomic keyboard this year.
In terms of key design, the GM903 does not differ much from the previous generation in terms of commonly used keys, except for the removal of multimedia control shortcuts in the center of the keyboard. In other aspects, the keycap shape of the GM903 has become circular, the ABS material has a longer service life, and the extra-large magnetic absorption detachable palm rest allows users to decide whether to use it according to their needs.
This keyboard features a wrist rest, addressing issues such as wrist strain and wrist collapse that can occur with prolonged keyboard use. Additionally, it separates the keys controlled by each hand at a certain angle, naturally spreading the arms apart to achieve the purpose of reducing fatigue. There are many types of keyboards like this, including fixed, split, and adjustable-angle designs, to accommodate various postures of different users.
At the top, there’s a small OLED screen that displays information such as keyboard battery level, signal strength, connection mode, multimedia key mode, and Win/Mac switching. The GM903 supports three types of connections: wired, 2.4G, and Bluetooth. It has a built-in 1100mAh battery and charges via a Type-C interface, allowing users to easily understand the keyboard’s status.
The Colorful GM903 ergonomic keyboard made a stunning appearance with its bold retro circular keycaps, coupled with a stylish display screen showing status updates, affirming the retro trend and the avant-garde features of technology. The ergonomic curved design relieves shoulder pain and other discomforts commonly experienced by white-collar workers, programmers, and others who need to type for long periods, making it a unique desktop cultural blessing.
Key principles of ergonomic keyboards include:
- Split design: Ergonomic keyboards often have a split or separated layout where the keyboard is divided into two halves. This design allows users to position their hands in a more natural, relaxed position, reducing wrist pronation and ulnar deviation.
- Tenting or tilting: Some ergonomic keyboards are designed to tent or tilt upwards in the middle, allowing users to position their hands and wrists at a more neutral angle, minimizing strain on the wrists and forearms.
- Negative slope: Ergonomic keyboards may feature a negative slope, where the keys are angled downward from the top row to the bottom row. This slope helps to keep the wrists in a more neutral position, reducing the risk of wrist extension.
- Reduced reach: Ergonomic keyboards often position frequently used keys, such as Enter, Backspace, and Delete, closer to the center of the keyboard to minimize reaching movements and strain on the shoulders and upper arms.
- Cushioned palm rest: Many ergonomic keyboards come with a padded or cushioned palm rest along the bottom edge to provide support and reduce pressure on the wrists during typing.
- Ergonomic key layout: The key layout of ergonomic keyboards may differ from traditional keyboards, with keys arranged in a more ergonomic pattern to reduce finger movement and reach.
Overall, the principle behind ergonomic keyboards is to create a typing experience that is more comfortable, natural, and supportive of the body’s natural posture, ultimately reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and improving overall typing comfort and efficiency.