How to choose a keyboard drawer or platform

Your comfort and health are important considerations in setting up your workspace. You can't work comfortably if your office is poorly planned. You subject yourself to aches, cramps and repetitive stress injuries when you have to reach too far or at awkward angles for the office tools you use everyday. Shoulder and neck pain are among the most common complaints of office workers. Proper keyboard positioning can help alleviate shoulder and neck discomfort. Keyboard drawers and platforms let you maintain a comfortable work position all day.

There are three main considerations to take into account when selecting a keyboard drawer or platform: the shape and layout of your workstation, the design of the keyboard drawer or platform itself (mousing surfaces, wrist rests and so on), and the level of adjustability you will need. Let's look at each of these factors in more detail.

First, identify the type of workstation you have, then measure its width and depth.

Is your workstation diagonal workstation, curved workstation, straight workstation, a 90º corner workstation, or a desktop workstaton?

 

A. Ensure keyboard tray width is shorter than the width of the workstation. B. Confirm that desk depth measurement is adequate for glide track installation. C. Consider desk drawers that may block the tray, inhibiting its use.

D. Desktop versions can fit nearly any keyboard tray.

Next, measure to determine how big the keyboard and mousing surface needs to be.

You can plug your measurements into the "narrow your search" feature on the Keyboard Drawers and Platforms page.

A. Keyboard Size: Measure your keyboard to ensure it fits within the tray dimensions. Too big and it may overhang, too small and there may be an inappropriate amount of room for the keyboard to slide around.

B. Mousing Surface: If you are going to use your mouse on a pad next to your keyboard, make sure there is adequate room for the mouse pad to rest on the platform on the side that is most comfortable for you.

C. Wrist Rest: If you are using a keyboard with a built-in wrist rest, or have removable wrist-rests for either keyboard or mouse, make sure you allow for the space that these will take up on the platform when selecting a keyboard manager.

 

Last, identify the level of customization you need to work comfortably.

These selections can also be entered into the On Time Supplies "narrow your search" feature.

Height: Keyboard trays are traditionally available in fixed height adjustments or in an infinite range.

Tilt: Keyboard trays can tilt for custom comfort when typing.

Sit/Stand: Longer arm allows for the keyboard tray to be adjusted above the desk surface for standing or sitting use.

Swivel: Allows for the keyboard tray to rotate to maximize user comfort.