Left Handed Keyboard: Left Handers Don't Have To Suffer
A keyboard built for left-handed people is the mirror image of a regular keyboard, except the QWERTY keys are still in their typical order. It is just the numerical keypad and the accessory keys that are rearranged to the opposite side on a left-handed keyboard.
The express purpose of the left handed keyboard is to provide left-handed typists with a key arrangement more suited to their abilities. Right-handed typists, however, can benefit from this alternate arrangement since the placement of accessory keys on the right side of a keyboard provides little ergonomic advantage.
Since right-handed people often mouse with the right hand, a right-handed user has to lift his or her hand off of the mouse to use accessory keys. But if that same person uses a left-handed keyboard, he or she may simultaneously mouse and use arrow keys or the numeric keypad.
This keyboard layout could benefit individuals who want to make their computer usage more efficient. People doing data entry could select spreadsheet cells and type numbers without having to move their hands from their respective places. Additionally, the absence of numeric keys on the right side allows computer users to bring the mouse closer to the center of their bodies. These two ergonomic advantages could reduce users' likelihood of developing repetitive strain injuries.
Gamers might also enjoy left handed keyboards. When a game requires the simultaneous use of the numerical keypad (e.g. for navigation) and the mouse (e.g. to shoot), the gamer must use some set of letter keys as a surrogate numeric keypad. How convenient it would be if the numeric keypad itself were right there under the user's left hand!
Clearly, there are benefits to left handed keyboards that right-handed users should not ignore. In fact, it is a wonder that standard keyboards are not configured in this way. A typist must use both hands to use the letter keys as they are intended, but the numeric keypad and arrow keys were designed to be used with one hand. It makes ergonomic sense that these one-handed features be located underneath the typical user's free hand, not next to a hand that is already occupied operating the mouse.
The express purpose of the left handed keyboard is to provide left-handed typists with a key arrangement more suited to their abilities. Right-handed people normally control a mouse with their right hand, so in order to use the accessory keys; a user must release the mouse. But if a right-handed person used a left-handed keyboard, he or she could control the mouse with the right hand while at the same time access the accessory keys on the keyboard with the left hand. Clearly, there are benefits to these types of keyboards that right-handed users should not ignore.
- Frank Barnett
