2.    An Alternative Keyboard  

Long hours spent typing can wreak havoc on the body. In fact, typing can lead to a condition far too many of us are familiar with -- carpal tunnel syndrome.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this issue involves pain and weakness in the hands and wrists. Contrary to popular belief, CTS comes as a result of nerve problems in the wrist as opposed to muscular issues. The severity of symptoms can also be different in each person, with some experiencing mild discomfort and others experiencing extreme discomfort.

So just what do keyboards have to do with carpal tunnel syndrome?

Some believe that one of the ways to lessen the risk of CTS is by steering clear of a traditional keyboard. According to OSHA, many keyboards can create a sideways bend in the wrists. This is because the wrist bends to reach keys.

And that’s not all. Other types keyboards can cause issues too. For example, a tilted keyboard can put the wrists in an awkward position. And tiny keyboards (like those found on small laptops) can also cause injuries.

This is where alternative keyboards can come in handy. They can position the wrist in different ways that may reduce the risk of injury. Two examples of ergonomic keyboards are split keyboards and tented and raised keyboards. These devices can help the wrist to stay in an appropriate position. That said, more research is needed on these designs.