Editing Keyboard technology (section)

=== Physical injury ===
The use of a keyboard may cause serious injury (such as [[carpal tunnel syndrome]] or other [[repetitive strain injury|repetitive strain injuries]]) to the hands, wrists, arms, neck or back.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/how-can-i-prevent-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
|title=How To Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: 9 Hand & Wrist Exercises
|access-date=1 April 2021
|archive-date=16 April 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416193708/https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/how-can-i-prevent-carpal-tunnel-syndrome
|url-status=live
}}</ref> The risks of injuries can be reduced by taking frequent short breaks to get up and walk around a couple of times every hour. Users should also vary tasks throughout the day, to avoid overuse of the hands and wrists. When typing on a keyboard, a person should keep the shoulders relaxed with the elbows at the side, with the keyboard and mouse positioned so that reaching is not necessary. The chair height and keyboard tray should be adjusted so that the wrists are straight, and the wrists should not be rested on sharp table edges.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2471321
|title=Sharp Edges on Mac Book Pro
|access-date=1 April 2021
|archive-date=26 April 2021
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426201812/https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2471321
|url-status=live
}}</ref> Wrist or palm rests should not be used while typing.<ref>{{cite web
|title=Wrist Rests : OSH Answers
|date=23 November 2022
|url=https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/wrist.html
|access-date=1 April 2021
|archive-date=15 April 2017
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012243/https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/wrist.html
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

Some [[adaptive technology]] ranging from special keyboards, mouse replacements and pen tablet interfaces to speech recognition software can reduce the risk of injury. Pause software reminds the user to pause frequently. Switching to a much more ergonomic mouse, such as a [[vertical mouse]] or joystick mouse may provide relief.

By using a [[touchpad]] or a stylus pen with a [[graphic tablet]], in place of a mouse, one can lessen the repetitive strain on the arms and hands.<ref>{{cite book
|title=Complete Computer Hardware
|page=165
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WSYjdR425p4C&pg=PA165
|quote=wrists should not be rested on sharp table edges. ... Switching .. to using a stylus pen with graphic tablet or a trackpad such as ...
|access-date=18 May 2022
|archive-date=25 May 2022
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525161757/https://books.google.com/books?id=WSYjdR425p4C&pg=PA165
|url-status=live
}}</ref>