The traditional input devices, keyboard and mouse, that DSE-workers normally use, force the user to work in a horizontal plane. The user needs to adapt his posture in order to adequately operate the input devices. Basically, this means having to make the following adaptations:

• Pronation- rotated forearms
• Dorsal flexion- moving the wrist upward
• Ulnar deviation- moving the wrist sideways in the direction of the little finger

For more detailed information, go to 'Want to know more? ' in the menu.

A new keyboard design?

Is it possible to design a keyboard that eliminates all the threatening postures mentioned above?

Large computer manufacturers are making small adjustments to the traditional keyboard to address the issues. E.g. split keyboards, where the left and right part of the keyboard are turned outward and away from each other. These solutions are a compromise between aiming for a optimal ergonomic posture and staying as close as possible to the familiar form of the conventional keyboard.

Unfortunately, the split keyboard only addresses the ulnar deviation, and completely ignores pronation and dorsal flexion. Most designs even create new problems in other areas.

Try this: put your hands flat on your desk in front of you, in the position they would normally be on a keyboard. Now turn you hands towards each other, until your hands are in a straight line with your lower arms. See what happens? Your elbows move outwards, away from your body. This posture results in extra strain in the shoulder and neck area.

By further developing the current splitting of keyboards SafeType Inc. managed to manufacture a vertical keyboard that eliminates all the threatening postures mentioned above and enables an uncompromising, ergonomically neutral posture that requires no pronation, dorsal flexion or ulnar deviation. The fore arm and wrist can be held in a completely natural position that reduces the blood flow impeding, medial nerve compressing postures to an absolute minimum. It is uncompromising in its design; you cannot even adjust it improperly!

The SafeType™ keyboard puts the user in an ergonomical optimal position. It is a keyboard that brings you the future of keyboard design today. Because of its unique design, the SafeType™ keyboard is an important weapon in preventing RSI.

But don't take our word for it! The SafeType™ vertical keyboard is the only keyboard demonstrated in a major university study to virtually eliminate the high-stress postures of pronation and dorsal flexion. Read: Cornell University research in 'Want to know more'

A new mouse design?

Is it possible to design a mouse that eliminates the threatening postures?

The problem with most conventional mice is the pronation and dorsal flexion. This can be solved by putting the mouse buttons in the vertical plane instead of horizontal. Designs shaped like a joystick are a good example of this. Unfortunately, using a joystick means gripping the mouse in order to move it accurately and click it. The 'gripping force' means extra, unnecessary muscle tension, that is still potentially harmful.

The vertical mouse

The vertical E-Quill-AirO2bic™ Grip-less™ mouse, is designed to remove mechanical stresses. Its design, based on biomechanical analysis, provides comfort and ease of use while reducing muscle tension. It totally support the hand and wrist in a neutral posture. A special mouse mat, the Quill-Well™, can be used to reduce friction between the mouse and the desktop surface. This minimizes the force required to move the mouse.

ErgoType Vertical Desktop

ErgoType combines the advantages of vertical input devices in the ErgoType Vertical Desktop. This combination of the SafeType™ vertical keyboard and the E-Quill-AirO2bic™ Grip-less™ mouse offers a complete vertical solution for DSE-workers, that reduces the risks of RSI.

For employers the ErgoType Vertical Desktop is a great tool to actively implement your RSI prevention policy and to reduce sick leave caused by RSI complaints.