One of the most important tasks in our daily schedule is writing, therefore we believe that a mechanical keyboard is perfect for that purpose. Nowadays, people prefer mechanical keyboards over others, especially gamers and typists. But using a keyboard all day may lead to some health consequences.
Despite the good looks, a poorly designed keyboard ends up ruining your wrists pretty quickly. Numerous reports reveal that hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with wrist pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel every year alone in the United States.
The worst part about these health issues is that the only way to get well is to rest, which means not typing at all. And for a professional typist, it is not possible to stop typing entirely. Therefore, one of the most common questions that people who are just getting into typing will ask is – “are mechanical keyboards better for your hands?”
The short answer to this question is YES, mechanical keyboards are better for hands. Thanks to the ergonomic design, they feel great to the hands while typing. However, some fake mechanical keyboards tout themselves as supporting health but are genuinely ineffective.
To fully clear your doubts, in this article, I will explain whether mechanical keyboards are better for our hands. If you are also wondering why most typists prefer mechanical keyboards then read this article.
Mainly when it comes to keyboards, people talk about mechanical and membrane keyboards. While mechanical keyboards use physical mechanical switches underneath each key, membrane keyboards use rubber dome switches to register your clicks.
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Mechanical and membrane keyboards differ most significantly in terms of the typing experience. Since membrane keyboards use a rubber dome underneath each key, you get a poor and uncomfortable typing experience. And if you type for longer periods every day then it can result in carpal tunnel or wrist pain. Also, most membrane keyboards don’t promote ergonomic shape, which causes shoulder pain.
On the other hand, the feel and quality of a mechanical keyboard are generally clean and crisp, regardless of the type of switch. Plus, the mechanical switches used in mechanical keyboards give a satisfying typing experience. The best part is, unlike membrane keyboards, you don’t experience the wimpy feeling that you get when you press a key.
On top of it, if typing is a regular schedule for you, using a membrane keyboard can develop pain in your wrists or elbow. In contrast, mechanical keyboards feature an ergonomic design that supports healthy wrist movement when typing.
In the end, if you want to prevent wrist pain, carpal tunnel, or tennis elbow, there is no better alternative to choosing a mechanical keyboard. However, make sure you choose the right mechanical keyboard. Click here to see our recommended keyboard options.
What makes a mechanical keyboard better for your hands?
In this section of the article, we will get into the nubs and bolts of what makes mechanical keyboards better for your hands.
1. Ergonomically designed
One of the most legitimate reasons that make mechanical keyboards better for your hands is the ergonomic design. Nowadays, almost all mechanical keyboards are designed with ergonomics in mind from the ground up. So, you won’t feel pain even after long sessions of typing.
Unlike regular membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards have a bit of a curve to them. This facilitates touch typing greatly and makes it easier for you to type with both hands. As a result, you can work more efficiently with reduced wrist travel.
In addition, it is mostly the keyboard that causes wrist stress because people use it the most while working on a computer. Also, frequent wrist travel and pivoting can lead to wrist injuries or carpal tunnel. In this case, an ergonomically shaped keyboard can support your wrists better give you a better typing experience.
Also, not all gamers and typists feel comfortable with a regular-sized rectangular keyboard. This is where mechanical keyboards play a big role since they come in a diverse number of sizes and shapes. You can choose the one that provides comfort and reduces strain from your wrists.
2. Better typing experience
It is not a secret that a mechanical keyboard provides a better typing experience. It allows you to type constantly without any lag or interruption.
Most of the typical style keyboards usually have membrane or rubber dome keys. The keys register your keypresses when the underlying electric circuit is activated. This is the main disadvantage of membrane keyboards which can ruin your typing experience.
In contrast to the standard keyboard you use in your office or the one that came with your computer, mechanical keyboards are quite different. They come with individual switches underneath every key, so you don’t experience any lag or frequent typing errors while typing. Keystrokes are reliably registered in a highly consistent manner. So, you can type comfortably without pressing the keys hardly down to the bottom.
Furthermore, you get satisfying tactile feedback each time you press any key, which enhances your typing experience. After you have become accustomed to the precision and feel of a mechanical keyboard, a membrane keyboard will feel weak to you.
3. Smoother key travel
The smoother key travel is another factor that accounts for the success of mechanical keyboards. The slightly curved keycaps provide a firm grip to your fingertips, which results in reduced typing errors and better hand position. It allows you to move your fingers smoothly across the keyboard surface.
Also, mechanical keyboards feature an individual switching pattern. As opposed to rubber dome or membrane keyboards, which look like a mesh of buttons, these mechanical switches trigger a single key or button, providing you better typing experience and consistency.
Thanks to the dedicated switches, you can enjoy smoother key travel. It no longer requires you to press the keys hardly until they respond the way you might have otherwise, and you will make fewer typos.
These factors result in a more enjoyable typing experience. And due to this improved efficiency, you will experience less wear and tear on your shoulders and hands.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Blue Switches
4. Better wrist support
Mechanical keyboards usually come with different types of wrist pads to support your wrists and minimize pressure from your hands. As a result, you experience a better hand posture and reduced strain in your hands.
With these wrist pads, your palms will have more support where you need it when typing. However, you may need some time to adjust to typing on a keyboard with a large pad on the bottom, but it’s all part of protecting you from stress injuries. You will start loving it after few days of use.
The best thing about these pads is that they can be adjusted according to your preferences, completely removed, or even changed out. You have full control over your mechanical keyboard and you can configure it easily.
So, getting a mechanical keyboard with comfortable wrist support can enhance your typing experience as well as deliver better comfort to your hands. But you should make sure the size of the pad is right for you – not too big, not too slim, but just right.
are mechanical keyboards better for carpal tunnel?
Mainly carpal tunnel occurs when continuous pressure is placed on certain nerves in your wrist, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands and fingers.
During the initial stages of its onset, it is easy to ignore carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but if untreated for too long, the aching condition can quickly escalate into a searing, sometimes chronic condition.
Usually, it can be treated by yourself, but it takes a long time to heal. But for a person whose work is to type all day, cannot afford to stop typing altogether. In this case, using a better-designed keyboard can play a significant role in reducing the severity of pain experienced.
Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards come with better ergonomics and feel comfortable while typing. Plus, they feature individual mechanical switches underneath each key, so you get a more responsive and accurate typing experience.
So, considering all these features and benefits, using a mechanical keyboard can help you fight back against carpal tunnel for sure.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, mechanical keyboards provide plenty to be enamored of – especially when it comes to ergonomic shape and comfortability. An ideal mechanical keyboard is designed after analyzing users’ reviews and data, you won’t feel uncomfortable.
There is no doubt that mechanical keyboards are exceptionally well made, well-engineered, and provide a better typing experience. However, people who are concerned about their health, always seem to ask the question that “are mechanical keyboards better for hands?”
In this article, I have explained why mechanical is better for your hands and how they will prevent your hands from carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, or shoulder pain.
Of course, you need to make sure the mechanical keyboard you are using or planning to buy prioritizes ergonomics. Consider something that promotes better wrist and hand posture, and comes with a generous wrist pad to support your palms while working.
If you choose the right mechanical keyboard then there is nothing to worry about. We also have written an article on budget mechanical keyboards. You should check that out.
Hopefully, you got the answer to your question from this article.
Thanks for being with us 🙂
