 Buy This Budget System Here - Only $79.95 |
Buy Premium Humanscale Systems Here |
 |
|
Under Desk Keyboard Tray Buying Tips
Buying an under desk keyboard tray system for a computer workstation may seem overwhelming at first, but do not worry my friends because the tips and advice found here will lead you straight on your way to choosing the best product for your specific application. When you start searching for adjustable keyboard trays online you soon realize that the options and styles available are endless. This article will focus on “ergonomic” systems which attach to the underside of your worksurface, not the trays or drawers that sit on top of your desk. While those models are useful to some (and usually much less expensive) you really need a full system that you connect to your existing furniture to enhance your comfort while working on the computer (which increases productivity) and also keeps your shoulders, arms, wrists and hands in a more natural (neutral) position, thereby decreasing the risk of developing serious muscular conditions over time. If you’re the type of person who has a hard time seeing the long-term benefits of a product it is OK, because with the right system you’ll immediately feel less strain and fatigue while typing and using a mouse. So, in essence, a high-quality underdesk keyboard platform pays you now AND pays you later.
Tip #1: Measure the dimensions of your computer keyboard and mouse area so that you know how much space you need on your new tray(s) to work comfortably. This will correlate to what size trays you need to buy. Most systems include one platform to hold your keyboard (whether it be a standard or ergonomic split-key model) which usually measures approximately 19″ wide and 7″ to 9″ deep, and a second connected mousing platform that varies in size and shape (8″ to 10″ diameter circular trays are common). There are also other systems that are simply one large keyboard and mouse platform (one single tray, usually rectangular in shape measuring approx. 27″ wide and 7-9″ deep). Properly determining how much surface area you need before buying will prevent you from ordering the wrong size and having to exchange.
Tip #2: Measure the amount of flat, unobstructed space you have on the under-side of your desk. Keyboard systems are attached to desks via steel mounting tracks that are usually 5″ to 7″ wide. Multiple track lengths are normally an option to accommodate for varying furniture builds. Generally, mounting tracks are available in various lengths between 14″ and 27″, with the general standard being between 21″ and 22″. The reason track length is important is because it affects the position of the system when stowed away (retracted under the desk). For most keyboard trays to fully retract underneath your desk when not in use they require a 21-22″ track. Short tracks are usually available (under 21″) if you don’t happen to have enough clearance with your chosen furniture, and longer tracks (up to 27″) are also sometimes offered if you have the extra space and wish to push your system far under the work-surface when stored.
Who Makes The Best Keyboard Trays?
If you’ve already come to the conclusion that you need a computer keyboard tray system you may now be wondering which one to buy. Chances are you have a specific budget in mind, so lets take a look into what you can get for what you want to spend. For the budget-conscious consumer there are a few good options. Comfort Keyboard Co. offers two systems that are around $100; one that is the width of a standard keyboard with an attached articulating mouse tray, and a “big board” which utilizes a single tray design while providing enough usable surface area for both the keyboard and mouse. 3M and Kensington also make a few decent ergonomic keyboard tray systems in the same price range. The value brands give you a functioning product without breaking the bank. However, if quality is what you’re after than you’re going to need something a little better. If you want a nice sturdy system made of high-quality, long-lasting materials than you’re going to have to spend more. For $250 to $300 one can attain a premium adjustable keyboard tray made by Humanscale or WorkRite, which will look nicer, last longer, and feel sturdier and more luxurious. These two brands have been making keyboard systems for a very long time and their products are immensely popular among the corporate world. This is largely due to the higher price of their items because a system like this would fare just as well in your home as it would at your office. At the time of this writing the best and most popular Humanscale keyboard tray system model is the 5G mechanism with the standard keyboard platform (model 900) and clip mouse tray (models 90 & 91). WorkRite’s most popular system has been the banana board for many years, but they offer a great selection of keyboard platforms and mouse trays in various sizes and styles. WorkRite keyboard trays use a ball-bearing mounting track (with the standard Pinnacle 2 arm) which is the primary difference between their system and Humanscale’s. This small design touch results in smoother action when adjusting the system and greater ease of use. These brands also use different materials in their components but both are generally equal in quality.
How To Install A Keyboard Tray
These instructions apply to almost all of the popular adjustable keyboard tray systems available, but there are always a few exceptions. This guide will help provide some information that is useful to know when attempting to install an articulating keyboard tray, or when thinking about buying one and how it will work with your computer workstation, desk or other work surface. Most systems will come with the following items: 1) a keyboard platform (sold in a wide variety of shapes and sizes), 2) a mechanism or “arm” that attaches the keyboard platform to the desk (multiple models are usually available to accommodate almost all computer setups), and 3) a mounting track (usually metal/steel) that attaches the arm to the underside of the work surface (sold in various sizes). Depending on how versatile the system you choose to purchase is, and how you configure it, there may also be other items included in the ergonomic keyboard tray system like a palm rest (sometimes called a wrist rest), a separate mouse platform (usually attaches to keyboard platform), cable managers (plastic guides to hold the wires for the keyboard and mouse) and other miscellaneous pieces.
Before you even buy a keyboard tray system you need to take some measurements of your desk to make sure you have enough room to install it. The real important measurement is for the steel mounting track. The average size of mounting tracks is approximately 22 inches long and 6 to 7 inches wide. It needs to be screwed flush to the underside of your work surface so you need at least this amount of flat unobstructed space. Mounting the track is the hardest part of installing an adjustable keyboard tray system but it really isn’t that difficult if you use a power screwdriver. The screws used are around 1 inch long so your desk needs to be at least 1.5 inches thick. If you don’t have 22 inches of space smaller tracks are usually available, but the system won’t fully retract under your desk when not in use with tracks shorter than 22 inches. The other obvious thing you need to check before buying a system is that your desk is made of a material that can accept screws (preferably wood). If you use your computer on a work surface made of things like plastic or glass you won’t really be able to install a standard system and you’ll need to find a custom solution which can be a pain.
After your mounting track is installed you can start piecing together the keyboard platform and arm (adjustment mechanism). These two parts are usually connected with four screws. Don’t be alarmed if the mechanism looks like it’s broken or defective in this stage because they are designed to only function properly once fully installed, which is in this case is after you connect the arm to the mounting track. Attaching the keyboard tray and arm to the track is usually just a matter of sliding it into place, which is easier to do with two people so ask for help before attempting to install it yourself. Once the three main parts are connected (the keyboard platform, arm and track) you may need to install a few stoppers (usually rubber or plastic) to prevent the system from falling off the track. At this point you can also attach the wrist rest and mouse platform (if any) to the keyboard tray and test the movement of the complete system.
That’s really all there is to installing an articulating keyboard tray system. These guidelines will be most accurate for systems manufactured by Humanscale, Intellaspace and WorkRite Ergonomics. Always remember that each individual product may vary slightly in the specs and dimensions of its parts, but these are readily available before you purchase one so you can be sure you’re getting the right system for your specific application.
Why Do I Need A Keyboard Tray?
The reasons for buying and installing a computer keyboard tray are numerous. Anyone who uses a computer on a daily basis can benefit from using this piece of ergonomic furniture. Computers are everywhere and almost everyone uses them, either at the office or in their own homes. Thinking about your body and your health makes you a responsible and intelligent computer user, and your long-term safety and comfort should be a priority. An adjustable keyboard tray system is one of the many “ergonomic” devices you can utilize that can help prevent common injuries and conditions resulting from daily computer use. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is the most common and most often diagnosed computer-related condition people face. One of the more well known repetitive stress injuries is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which effects your hands, wrists and forearms. Frequently repeated tasks, like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse, are the root cause of these types of ailments, and installing a high quality tray is a surefire way to reduce tension in your shoulders and arms.
Preventing any such conditions from becoming a problem in your life is a great reason to buy an ergonomic keyboard tray, but what about the present? I mean you’re spending all that money on a new system now right? Besides keeping you safe, keyboard trays can greatly increase your comfort and productivity at the computer. Studies have proven that the introduction of ergonomic products into the home or workplace can have positive effects on work performance and can allow your body to use the computer longer before feeling fatigued.
Another popular reason for installing a keyboard tray is to reduce desktop clutter and create more work space on top of your desk. Moving your keyboard and mouse off of your worksurface can open up previously unused areas and also add some style to your computer setup. Overall this little piece of furniture is a smart investment for anyone who is serious about their comfort, health and safety.
What Is A Keyboard Tray?
A keyboard tray is a piece of ergonomic computer furniture that is designed to hold your keyboard and mouse and is generally used to move the location of such input devices, either moving to a fixed position or being on-the-fly adjustable. Keyboard trays attach to your desk or work surface and allow you to easily change the position of your keyboard and mouse so that it is safer and more comfortable to work on the computer. There is a wide variety of keyboard trays on the market but most of the popular systems attach to the underside of your desk or worksurface.
Each manufacturer and distributor may use different terminology to describe their products. Most often the keyboard tray names will include the words “ergonomic”, “adjustable”, “articulating”, “platform” and “system”. For the most part these words can all be used to describe the same thing. Some vendors sell the parts of these systems individually in which case you may find the terms “tray” and “platform” used to describe a single part of a complete system, so be sure to use your due diligence when shopping around.
“Ergonomic” is a term used to describe a product that is designed to help relieve discomfort and prevent serious long-term injuries related to daily computer use. Almost every keyboard tray system that is marketed as Ergonomic will bring the keyboard and mouse closer to the user and this allows their hands, arms and shoulders to be in a more relaxed, neutral typing posture.