Ergonomic and Split Keyboard

You might have heard about both ergonomic and split keyboard before, and wondering if there's any difference between the two. Well, there's slight difference between them, but they basically serve the same purpose -- to promote natural body posture while typing to prevent repetitive stress injury (RSI) caused by a high volume of typing.

What is a Split Keyboard
As the term suggest, a split keyboard is often split into two, sometime three separate parts to allow a more comfortable typing position. A typical split keyboard is separated into two from the middle of the keyboard, while remaining the QWERT keyboard layout on the two slanted halves. Also a split keyboard is usually integrated instead of totally separated, and often comes with wrist support. Sometimes, a split keyboard might be split into 3 sections, with the number pad makes up the third section. This kind of design is especially suitable for those who deal a lot with numbers such as accountants.

The main purpose of a split keyboard is to allow a more comfortable typing position. As it's adjustable, the user can manipulate the split keyboard anyway he or she want, until it's at a position which is optimally comfortable for him or herself. With the flexibility and integrated wrist support that a split keyboard often have, it's definitely worth investing on getting one in order to lower the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The only disadvantage of a split keyboard, is that it may not be easy, and may take up to several days for a user to get used to a split keyboard.

What is an Ergonomic Keyboard
An ergonomic keyboard, is a more generic term used to describe a keyboard that is designed to promote natural body posture while typing to avoid pain in hands, arms, neck, or shoulders. A split keyboard is a type of ergonomic keyboard, but an ergonomic keyboard is not necessary a split keyboard. It can be an unsplit keyboard with DVORAK layout and with vertical keyboard design. Different manufacturers will have their own ergonomic design which they think is the best for their users.

Normally an ergonomic split keyboard is much more expensive than a normal keyboard. But if you are a heavy keyboard user, it's definitely worth investing into one as it will help to prevent repetitive stress injury. It might be difficult to get use to an ergonomic split keyboard at the beginning, but you can always seek help from several websites and software programs that teach you how to type on a split keyboard.