Office Ergonomics: The Keyboard Tray
Other Topics: Mouse and Pointers | Chair | Monitor and Copyholder
This fact sheet provides helpful information on using keyboard trays. Follow the instructions below to adjust your tray to help make you more comfortable and productive, and possibly help prevent injury.
What is a keyboard tray?
- • A keyboard tray is a platform attached to the
underside of your desk. It is designed to hold your keyboard and pointing
devices.
- • The platform should be adjustable for height and tilt.
Why should I use an adjustable keyboard tray?
- • It lets you keep the keyboard and pointing
device (e.g. mouse) in a more comfortable position and reduces reach.
- • It lets you adjust the height of your
keyboard. This allows most users to sit comfortably with feet on the floor and
with relaxed shoulders while typing or mousing.
- • It lets you adjust the tilt of the keyboard. Proper tilt combined with the height adjustment helps to keep wrists straight (unbent).
How do I adjust my keyboard tray?
- • Height adjustment for newer trays can be done
by finger pressure alone. Many older trays use levers or knobs that need to be
loosened to change the tray height.
- • Tilt adjustment on newer models is usually
done by turning a knob. On many older trays the same knob adjusts height and
tilt. Some trays have levers to change tilt.
- • Check the manufacturer's instructions to make adjustments if you are having trouble.
What is the best position for my keyboard tray?
- • Before adjusting the tray, adjust the height of your chair so feet are flat on floor, and make all other important adjustments to your chair (see Office Ergonomics: The Chair)
- • Your chair and keyboard tray should be aligned with the monitor (see Office Ergonomics: The Monitor and Copyholder). A keyboard tray that pivots may
help with this alignment.
- • For touch typists:
- Lower the tray so that it is almost resting in your
lap with your arms and shoulders in a comfortable position, supported by the
armrests.
- Tilt the front (the edge closest to your body) of your keyboard higher than the rear. This is called ‘negative tilt'. Tilt the tray so that your wrists are not bent up or down.
- • If you are a ‘hunt and peck' typist and need
to look at the keys, experiment with the keyboard in higher positions to
reduce neck bending but be aware that raising your keyboard may lead to wrist
bending. Consider learning to touch type.
- • Some keyboard trays can also be raised to a
height that allows the user to stand while working. Unless this type of tray
has two arms, the platform may be unstable (e.g. tray bounces when keying).
- • The keyboard tray should be retractable under your desk to create more space when not being used.
