Advantages and disadvantages of keyboard arms
A keyboard arm is an extension accessory for a keyboard similar to a display arm. This section summarizes what a keyboard arm is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose one.
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What is a keyboard arm?
A keyboard arm is an arm-type keyboard stand on which a keyboard is placed. Simply put, it is a keyboard version of a display arm.
Advantages of the Keyboard Arm
The biggest advantage is that it allows you to type in a proper posture regardless of the distance between the display, desk, and chair.
For example, if your PC desk is small, it cannot be lowered beyond the depth of your desk, even if you increase the display size and try to increase the distance between you and the display.
With a keyboard arm, regardless of the desk space, you can get the proper distance from the display while keeping the keyboard where you are comfortable to type.
Another advantage of the keyboard arm is that it is easily height-adjustable. Normally, the height of the keyboard is determined by the height of the desk, the height of the keyboard, and the thickness of the laptop if it is a notebook PC, but by using a keyboard arm, the height of the keyboard can be freely adjusted.
A gaming chair or other chair with armrests can reduce the burden on the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.
Disadvantages of Keyboard Arms
The biggest disadvantage of a keyboard arm is the extra desk space required for the arm.
If the keyboard arm is placed in front of the desk, the chair will inevitably be pulled back, requiring additional depth of desk space. Extending the arm under the desk also has some limitations, such as the need to raise the height of the desk depending on the type of desk, so it cannot be used with desks that have height restrictions.
What are the different types of keyboard arms?
There are three main types of keyboard arms.
- chair-mounted type
- desk-mounted type
- wall-mounted type
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, but the most common type is the desk-mounted type, which looks like a keyboard drawer added to a desk.
The advantage of the chair-mounted type is that the distance from the desk to the display can be set freely, but the disadvantage is that it may or may not be possible depending on the chair.
The wall-mounted type is mainly used for servers and other business purposes. The disadvantages of this type are that it is difficult to install because a hole is drilled in the wall and the layout cannot be set at any distance other than from the wall.
Key Points to Consider when Choosing a Keyboard Arm
When it comes to actually buying a keyboard arm, there is only one point to consider when choosing one: choose a product that allows you to freely adjust the distance with your current desk layout.
When working or working at a desk, there are changes in the environment, such as a change in the size of the display, a change in the size of the keyboard, or a change from a desktop PC to a notebook PC.
If the keyboard arm has flexibility, you can adjust the keyboard placement to suit the layout and use the product for a long time.
In this sense, it is best to choose a keyboard arm that is either chair-mounted or desk-mounted, with a wide arm extension and an up-and-down range of motion.
Although the price will be an expensive purchase, costing about 10,000 yen for an arm, it is not expensive if you consider it an upfront investment, as typing in the proper posture will lead to higher productivity and less physical pain.
