Keyboard Tray Information:: ergonomic keyboard trays, computer keyboard trays

What Is a Computer Keyboard Tray?

Computer keyboard trays are simply something you can rest your keyboard on when you are typing. Keyboard trays are usually small shelves just big enough to hold your keyboard and mouse. Typically, these trays extend from below your desk. Keyboard trays come in many varieties. Some, like highly adjustable with ball-bearing tracks that make it easy to store the tray under your desk when it's not in use. Ideally, keyboard trays should be thin so that the keyboard can be as close to your lap as possible.

Why Buy a Keyboard Tray?

Keyboard trays can help reduce the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Many desks are not designed with computers in mind. Even many computer desks are not designed with ergonomics in mind. This is why a keyboard tray may be a necessary addition to your desk.

If you are raising your hands, lifting your arms, or extending your arms from your body in order to type, you are a prime candidate for trouble with repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Your upper arms should hang straight down from your shoulders when you type (you shouldn't be reaching at all). A keyboard tray can eliminate the need to reach (reaching puts unnecessary strain on your shoulders and neck). You also shouldn't be tilting your wrists or forearms up in order to reach your keyboard (again, this puts unnecessary strain on your upper body). Also, you shouldn't have to lean forward to reach the keyboard. The addition of a keyboard tray to your desk can help you maintain good posture when typing and reduce the risk of injury.

Positioning Keyboard Trays

The goal of a keyboard tray is to ensure that:

-Your feet are flat on the floor
-Your knees and waist are positioned at right angles with your knees slightly lower than your hips
-Your wrist is straight when you type
-Your arms are bent at 90 degree angles with your hands slightly lower than your elbow joint

In order to achieve this, you should place the keyboard tray just above your lap, sloping slightly downward from your elbow to your knuckles. The keyboard tray itself should also tilt slightly downhill from the front edge to compensate for the fact that most keyboards are thin in the front and thick in the rear.

Recommended Keyboard Trays

Keyboard and Mouse Tray with Pinnacle Low-Profile Articulating Arms -- This keyboard tray is available in many sizes and styles. It makes use of an Ultrathin material that allows the keyboard to rest close to your lap.

Fox Bay AALT Keyboard Tray -- This keyboard tray is thin, so it can be positioned close to your lap, and it has a turned up back edge to keep things from falling off.

If you have a corner desk that makes keyboard trays difficult, try a Corner Conversion piece which acts as a bridge to which a tray can be attached.