Maximizing Comfort and Efficiency: Understanding Keyboard Tray Ergonomics
In the era of modern office setups, where ergonomics and comfort are paramount, the use of keyboard tray holds significant importance, both in the realm of sit-stand desks and beyond. As more workplaces transition to adjustable desks to promote better posture and mitigate the risks of prolonged sitting, understanding when and how to utilize keyboard trays becomes essential for optimizing productivity and well-being.
The Importance of Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing workspaces and equipment to fit the capabilities and limitations of the human body. When applied effectively, ergonomic principles can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders, increase comfort, and enhance productivity. One crucial aspect of ergonomic office workstation setup is the alignment of the keyboard and mouse with the user's body to minimize strain and promote natural movement. Keyboard trays can be particularly beneficial in situations where the standard desk setup does not adequately support ergonomic positioning.
Utilizing Keyboard Trays on Sit-Stand Desks
Sit-stand desks offer the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the workday, promoting movement and alleviating the negative effects of prolonged sitting. However, achieving proper ergonomic alignment with sit-stand desks sometimes presents its own set of challenges. Here's how keyboard trays can enhance comfort and efficiency on sit-stand desks:
Increased monitor distance: When a shorter 24” depth surface is used or required, a keyboard tray can be installed to allow the user to position the monitor up to 30” to the eyes.
Limited desk height range: Sit-stand desks encourage users to move and change positions frequently. If a sit-stand desk mechanism doesn’t have the full ANSI/ BIFMA standard range of 22.5”-48”, a keyboard tray can be used to lower the keyboard height for shorter individuals.
Limited desk width: In more compact workstation with desks that are a narrower width, a keyboard tray can allow for increased desk space for other essentials required to complete work tasks with keyboard and mouse removed from the surface.
When Keyboard Trays Are Used Beyond Sit-Stand Desks
Fixed Desk Heights: In offices or home workstations with fixed-height desks, keyboard trays provide an opportunity to customize the ergonomic setup. Not all desks are adjustable, and some may not be at the ideal height for every individual. A keyboard tray allows users to fine-tune the positioning of their keyboard and mouse, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury, even on desks with non-adjustable heights.
Users with Special Needs: Individuals with physical disabilities or limitations may require specialized equipment to access and interact with their computers comfortably. Keyboard trays can be configured to accommodate various accessibility needs, such as mounting at specific heights or angles to facilitate easier typing and navigation for users with mobility impairments.
Multi-Monitor Setups: In environments where multiple monitors are utilized, traditional desk space may be limited, making it challenging to find an optimal position for the keyboard and mouse. Mounting these peripherals on a tray beneath the desk frees up valuable surface area for additional monitors or other essential work tools, while still maintaining ergonomic alignment for efficient workflow.
Shared Workstations: In shared work environments or hotelling desk setups, individuals may have different ergonomic preferences or requirements. Installing keyboard trays allows each user to adjust the keyboard and mouse to their liking, promoting comfort and reducing the risk of discomfort or strain associated with prolonged computer use. This is helpful when a sit-stand desk is not an option!
Task-Specific Workstations: Certain tasks or professions may involve specialized equipment or workstations that differ from standard office setups. For example, professions such as graphic design or music production often require extensive keyboard and mouse use in conjunction with other equipment. In these cases, keyboard trays can be integrated into custom workstations to optimize efficiency and comfort for specific tasks.
Limited leg-room: In workspaces where legroom is restricted, such as under compact desks or in cubicle settings, installing a keyboard tray may increase available leg space. The tray will bring the user further away from the barrier or area that is impacting legroom and allow for increased ease of movement.
Considerations for when a keyboard tray may not be a good fit.
While there are many scenarios where keyboard tray use is beneficial and optimal, however there are certain times where keyboard trays may not be the best fit.
Home office desks: Sometimes desks used at home can’t have a tray installed into the surface as they aren’t thick enough to support the weight of a tray, or a glass top is used which can’ t be screwed into. However, in these cases a clamp-on tray may be a suitable option.
Space restriction: If the footprint of the workstation is limited, a keyboard tray may not be a suitable option. It is important to consider how much space is behind the workstation so the used isn’t bumping into walls, or other surfaces with the keyboard tray bringing them away from the desk.
Sit-stand mechanisms: While often a keyboard tray can be successfully installed on a sit-stand desk, the location of the mechanism below the surface can impact the installation of a tray in conjunction with a standing base. It is important to check the available space between the front edge of the desk and the base to ensure the keyboard tray can fit.
Keyboard trays can offer ergonomic benefits, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences in various work settings. Whether it's optimizing comfort in fixed-height desks, accommodating special requirements, or enhancing efficiency in multi-monitor setups, keyboard trays play a vital role in creating ergonomic workspaces that promote health, productivity, and well-being for users across diverse industries and contexts.
There are a variety of times where a keyboard tray may be helpful or even required, if you are considering ergonomics in the initial design of your workspace it is often not needed. If desks used are ~30” deep, with a height adjustable range of 22.5” 48”, with sufficient width, you are well on your way to achieving optimal ergonomic set-up - no keyboard tray needed!