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Sore wrists. A stiff neck. A tired back.
Spend any amount of time working at a computer with a poorly positioned keyboard, and you’ll likely walk away feeling discomfort. What seems like a small detail – where and how a keyboard sits – can have a huge impact on long-term health and productivity for your employees.
At first glance, your office setup may appear fine. Employees are meeting deadlines and keeping the wheels of productivity turning. But beneath the surface, poorly designed workstations create a hidden productivity killer: chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries. These issues can spiral into costly outcomes, including increased workers’ compensation claims and lost productivity.
Employee well-being is no longer a perk; it’s a necessity. By prioritizing correct office ergonomics, you can reduce back, neck, and eye strain while protecting your team from desk-related injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
While monitor placement is critical, keyboard location is even more important. So what’s the best ergonomic position for a keyboard?
Why Keyboard Position Matters in Office Ergonomics
The right keyboard position isn’t just about comfort; it’s about health, efficiency, and business outcomes. Here’s how ergonomic computer keyboard trays and proper positioning help:
- Boost Comfort and Health: Properly positioned trays keep your wrists in a neutral position, reduce shoulder and neck strain, and promote better posture.
- Increase Productivity: Comfortable employees stay focused longer and complete tasks with fewer distractions from fatigue or pain.
- Support Hybrid Work Models: Portable or under-desk trays ensure employees can maintain consistent ergonomic standards whether they’re in the office or working from home.
A well-placed keyboard protects your employees from injuries while helping them stay efficient and engaged.
The Ideal Ergonomic Keyboard Position
There’s no single formula for the perfect setup – it’s really about creating a space where someone feels comfortable and supported. These adjustments can help most people find that balance:
Staying Centered
If you use more than one monitor, the keyboard should match the screen you rely on most. That way, you’re typing straight ahead instead of twisting at the shoulders or neck. For those who split their time evenly between screens, placing the keyboard in the middle keeps everything balanced.
Height Matters
Your keyboard shouldn’t force you into a “T-Rex” pose with bent wrists and elbows sticking out. Aim for elbows at about a 90-degree angle with your wrists angled slightly downward. If your desk height makes this tricky, an ergonomic tray with tilt and height adjustments can help you stay in that neutral position.
Distance From the Screen
A keyboard that’s too far away makes you lean in. Too close, and your wrists end up resting awkwardly on the desk. The goal is to let your arms fall naturally so your shoulders stay relaxed and your posture upright.
Distance From the Chair
Where your chair sits matters just as much as the desk. Push in enough so you can type comfortably without slouching forward, but not so close that your arms feel cramped. When everything’s aligned, typing feels easy and natural.
Choosing the Best Ergonomic Keyboard Tray
Standard desks are often too high or too low for comfort. That’s where ergonomic trays come in, allowing employees to type comfortably regardless of their height, body type, or desk setup.
When shopping for the best ergonomic keyboard tray, consider:
Materials
- Steel or phenolic trays: Durable, sturdy, and long-lasting.
- Wood or bamboo trays: Popular for sustainability, but generally less durable.
- Avoid VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can harm indoor air quality.
Features
- Adjustable height and tilt for personalized comfort.
- Palm rests or wrist pads to reduce repetitive strain.
- Integrated or adjustable mouse trays for better alignment.
- Slide-under or clamp-on designs to save space.
- VESA compatibility for easier installation.
Price Factors
Expect higher costs for adjustable, durable trays with customizable features. However, the investment pays off in reduced injuries, better comfort, and fewer replacements.
Common Ergonomic Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best equipment won’t help if used incorrectly. Here are some common bad office ergonomics examples and how to correct them:
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | How to Fix It |
| Tray too high or too low | Causes shoulder tension or slouching | Adjust so elbows are at 90° and wrists remain neutral |
| Flat tilt angle | Forces wrists into an unnatural position | Use a slight negative tilt to relax wrists |
| Skipping the mouse tray | Reaching across the desk strains arms and shoulders | Use an integrated or adjustable mouse tray to keep everything within reach |
| No wrist support | Increases fatigue and pressure on joints | Add a padded or gel wrist rest and use it lightly |
| Poor chair/desk pairing | Misalignment disrupts posture and comfort | Pair trays with ergonomic chairs and desks; feet flat, knees at 90° |
| Skipping breaks | Long hours without rest increase strain and fatigue | Follow the “20-20-20” rule to rest eyes and stretch regularly |
Beyond the Keyboard: Ergonomic Essentials for the Office
A good keyboard setup is a huge step toward comfort, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. True office ergonomics comes from looking at the entire workstation and how everything works together.
- Chairs that support you. A chair with lumbar support and adjustability keeps your back in its natural curve and helps you avoid that end-of-day slump.
- Screens at eye level. Monitor stands or arms prevent you from craning your neck down or up just to see your work.
- Flexibility to sit or stand. Adjustable desks let you switch positions throughout the day, which keeps your energy up and reduces strain.
- Foot support when you need it. A simple footrest can make a big difference if your chair height leaves your feet dangling.
- Good lighting. Task lights or natural light reduce eye strain and keep you from leaning in closer to your screen.
- A clear workspace. Desk organizers and cable management help cut down on clutter so your ergonomic tools can actually do their job.
When all these elements come together, you get a workstation that feels natural, keeps your body in balance, and makes it easier to stay focused all day.
FAQs About Keyboard Ergonomics
How do you effectively apply keyboard ergonomic principles with a standing desk? How do you maintain ergonomic posture when using a laptop? What are the long-term health benefits of office ergonomics? Yes. They reduce healthcare costs, absenteeism, and fatigue while boosting productivity and morale. |
Set Your Office Up for Success
Supporting employee well-being isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart business decision. Ergonomic computer keyboard trays, along with other workstation accessories, reduce injuries, improve morale, and enhance productivity.
Ready to improve your office ergonomics?
(Editor's Note: This article was originally published in April 2020 and was updated recently in September 2025 to represent current trends.)
