Ultimate Guide to Ergonomic Typing to Prevent RSI

Stop the Strain

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) acts slowly. It starts as a mild ache in the forearm or a tingling sensation in the wrists, and can quickly escalate into debilitating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

# The Floating Hands Technique

The most common mistake typists make is resting their wrists on the desk or a wrist rest while typing. This forces the hands to bend upwards at damaging angles (extension).

The Correct Way: Your hands should float above the keyboard like a piano player. The wrist rest is only for resting between typing sessions, never during.

# Keyboard Tenting

Standard flat keyboards force your wrists to pronate (turn inwards so palms are flat). Using an ergonomic split keyboard that is "tented" in the middle allows your hands to rest at a more natural vertical angle, mimicking a handshake position.

For a fantastic demonstration of desk posture and typing ergonomics, we highly recommend this physician's YouTube guide.

If you are a heavy developer working with data, taking breaks is essential. Even when using our completely secure Password Generator, step away from the screen every 45 minutes to stretch your flexor tendons.