What is an ergonomic mouse and keyboard – and what are the health benefits?
Sharon Seah, Logitech Southeast Asia's B2B Country Head shares why Logitech has been making ergonomic mice and keyboards for users.
As someone who spends more than eight hours in front of the laptop writing as part of her day job, I do feel the strain on my wrist, which can be detrimental in the long run. That led me to find out more about how ergonomic mice and keyboards can help reduce tension and better posture. Whether you're working from home or at the office daily, you're bound to be exerting pressure on your wrists.
So I turned to Sharon Seah, B2B Country Head, Logitech Southeast Asia to find out why computer peripherals and software brand Logitech has been making ergonomic mice and keyboards for users.
"Poor posture while working not only hinders productivity but can also lead to longer-term consequences on the employee’s health and wellness. For instance, prolonged computer use can lead to chronic pain and stiffness, and increases the risk of repetitive strain injury, where repetitive actions cause pain and reduced functionality in tendons and muscles. In fact, a study by Logitech found that 58% of remote employees contort themselves into uncomfortable positions for video meetings. Additionally, 69% experienced physical discomfort such as eye strains, from prolonged sitting during calls," Seah shared with Yahoo Life Singapore.
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"A fuller shape would provide better support, reduce tension and provide a more comfortable grip, and lower the likelihood of cramping in the wrist and hand. Likewise, those with smaller hands would suit a more compact mouse."Sharon Seah, B2B Country Head, Logitech Southeast Asia.
The world of ergonomics
When we talk about ergonomics, the general consensus is that it's the study of people in their working environment. It's a process of designing tools, workplaces, and systems to help better suit the worker.
"Ergonomics go beyond the common mice and keyboards, and we should also consider how we are looking at our computer monitors – whether we are straining our necks to look up or down. With more video meetings taking place, having an external webcam on top of the monitor can help raise the eyeline and improve posture. Similarly, wireless audio tools like headsets have also become the norm and can help users move freely instead of being confined to a certain position to keep the cable in place. Thus, we should choose headsets with ergonomic considerations such as memory foam earcups and adjustable headbands to help improve comfort during long calls," Seah stressed.
What are the benefits of using such tools (ergonomic mouse and keyboard)?
The way we're using the traditional mouse is unnatural for the way how our bones are structured. When using the mouse faced down, we're causing our hand's bones to twist and this would lead to muscle pinching. That is why most of us suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome if we're not careful.
"Ergonomic setups help reduce strain on the arms and shoulders by improving posture and reducing the effort from muscles, allowing workers to work comfortably over long periods. The design of ergo mice and keyboards ensures that the wrists are straight while typing (no bending from side to side, or up and down) to alleviate the strain on the muscles," added Seah.
Interestingly, Logitech even established an in-house technology and research team based in Switzerland, the Logi ErgoLab, that works relentlessly to make the future of work healthy and comfortable through creating ergonomic products and solutions that enhance wellbeing.
How do I choose a product to use (i.e. hand size)?
There are many ergonomic designs and sizes and here is an easy guide to choose what's best for you.
Seah stressed that it’s important to choose a product that’s comfortable and suitable for the individual. "Every individual has their own preference, but as a start, finding the right-sized mouse is important to ensure that the user’s hands can be in a natural position when using it for extended periods. The fingers should reach the buttons and scroll wheel naturally and comfortably. This also applies to a mouse with side buttons or a side scroll wheel. The entire palm should be supported, and there should be no need for the pinky to stretch uncomfortably to hold the mouse on its side."
For those with larger hands, opt for the larger mouse as that leaves you with more space to rest the palm.
"A fuller shape would provide better support, reduce tension and provide a more comfortable grip, and lower the likelihood of cramping in the wrist and hand. Likewise, those with smaller hands would suit a more compact mouse."
For keyboards, Seah recommended contoured designs with a curved keyframe to allow the hands, wrists, and forearms to be more relaxed, reducing strain and increasing the amount of time that users can type comfortably. If the number pad is rarely used, consider a keyboard without it, so that there is no unnecessary strain while reaching for the mouse. As a guide, the H key should line up with the middle of the body while typing, and the wrists should be straight and aligned comfortably with the forearms. Compared to a standard keyboard, the reduced width lowers shoulder movement by up to 50%.
It is also worth looking into getting a pillowed wrist rest, which would support wrists and position the forearms just above the keyboard while typing.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and it all comes down to individual preferences, hence it is imperative for the user to test out the equipment beforehand to find the right fit.
Is there a specific cleaning process?
Seah suggested using a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth to wipe away the dust, fingerprints or surface grime that are left behind on the mouse and keyboard. "Consider using a cotton bud or a soft, clean toothbrush to clean the crevices and buttons, including stubborn stains. For the buttons on the mouse, gently press them while cleaning to ensure no dirt or grime is left behind."
To ensure the mouse glides smoothly, you should also take care of the underside – especially the pads at the bottom of the mouse, which help to reduce friction between the mouse and the mousepad. Gently clean the underside using a cotton swab or soft cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, ensuring it is non-abrasive to avoid damage. Also, avoid using excess moisture to preserve the mouse’s lifespan.
Additionally, it is important to clean the sensor area of the mouse, as it can accumulate dust or debris, which would in turn affect its tracking. Use a cotton swab, lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol, to gently clean the sensor area.
Disinfectant sprays can also be used on the devices. Always spray the cloth and wipe, rather than spraying onto the product directly. The mouse and keyboard may not be designed to withstand significant liquid damage, and spraying directly could potentially cause damage to the device. Once cleaned, let the equipment air dry for a few minutes before using them again.
Shop these Logitech products now:
1. Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
2. Logitech ERGO M575 Wireless Trackball Mouse Graphite
S$59.70 S$64.90 at Amazon Singapore
