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geekhack Community => Ergonomics => Topic started by: Ghetto Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:08:40

Title: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:08:40

Well I've heard people say wrist rests improve comfort when typing,  while others say they stop blood flow and give you carrmaple tunnleees sysndrome(i cant spell  :-) )
Any thoughts,plus any thoughts on how to use a wrist rest?


Much  Thanks

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:14:31

I can't recommend The_Beast's wooden wrist rest enough.

Here's a picture of mine:
(http://i.imgur.com/PGuTYHu.jpg)

Whenever I can't use the wrist rest (at work), its very uncomfortable, especially since mechanical keyboards tend to sit higher than most other keyboards.

Can't comment on blood blow because I can't really tell..

Its flippin awesome.

How to use? Put the bottom of your palm/upper wrist on the wrist rest and type.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Pac Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:16:00

Quote from: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:14:31

I can't recommend The_Beast's wooden wrist rest enough.

Here's a picture of mine:

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/PGuTYHu.jpg)

Whenever I can't use the wrist rest (at work), its very uncomfortable, especially since mechanical keyboards tend to sit higher than most other keyboards.

Can't comment on blood blow because I can't really tell..

Its flippin awesome.

How much did it cost you? And how does it feel?

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: dustinhxc on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:17:10

I use 3m gel wrist rests. Keyboard and mouse. They feel great but don't look as fancy as some.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:19:30

Quote from: Pac Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:16:00

Quote from: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:14:31

I can't recommend The_Beast's wooden wrist rest enough.

Here's a picture of mine:

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/PGuTYHu.jpg)

Whenever I can't use the wrist rest (at work), its very uncomfortable, especially since mechanical keyboards tend to sit higher than most other keyboards.

Can't comment on blood blow because I can't really tell..

Its flippin awesome.

How much did it cost you? And how does it feel?

I got it for $40 from inlikeflynn.

Not sure how much The_Beast charges. See his vendor forum.

It feels like... wood. I've never gotten like.. sores or anything from resting my wrists on it. Its quite ergonomic. To me at least.

For my mouse pad I use a leather wrist rest.. and its verrrry nice too.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:20:39

Quote from: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:14:31

I can't recommend The_Beast's wooden wrist rest enough.

Here's a picture of mine:

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/PGuTYHu.jpg)

Whenever I can't use the wrist rest (at work), its very uncomfortable, especially since mechanical keyboards tend to sit higher than most other keyboards.

Can't comment on blood blow because I can't really tell..no

Its flippin awesome.

How to use? Put the bottom of your palm/upper wrist on the wrist rest and type.

I'm currently making one that's similar but no curves at a cabinet shop.
Also one more question does the little kick feet effect any comfort/heath things

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:24:43

Quote from: Ghetto Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:20:39

Quote from: kenmai9 on Sat, 18 January 2014, 01:14:31

I can't recommend The_Beast's wooden wrist rest enough.

Here's a picture of mine:

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/PGuTYHu.jpg)

Whenever I can't use the wrist rest (at work), its very uncomfortable, especially since mechanical keyboards tend to sit higher than most other keyboards.

Can't comment on blood blow because I can't really tell..no

Its flippin awesome.

How to use? Put the bottom of your palm/upper wrist on the wrist rest and type.

I'm currently making one that's similar but no curves at a cabinet shop.
Also one more question does the little kick feet effect any comfort/heath things

I believe the rubber feet just makes sure it doesn't slide around or damage the wood through rubbing other surfaces.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Oobly on Sat, 18 January 2014, 02:35:40

Wood and hard leather are good, gel... can cause problems depending how it's used.

The thing is, they should be called "palm rests" not wrist rests. You should rest your palm (the hard nub at the outside bottom edge, heel of the palm) on the rest and only when not actively typing. At least that's the ideal "best practises" way to do it. I tend to rest the heel of my palm on the rest when gaming, since I'm pressing keys almost constantly for extended periods.

The worst is if you lay your wrists flat on a gel pad WHILE typing. That way you put pressure on the blood vessels and ligaments and it can cause all kinds of problems including lack of bloodflow to the fingers.

Mouse wrist rests are unnecessary most of the time (your hand is often "flatter" due to the mouse being off to the side). Just rest your palm heel on the desk when not moving the mouse. Again, for gaming I sometimes rest my palm heel on the desk and use it as a reference / rotation point (fingertip grip).

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: adder on Sat, 18 January 2014, 06:08:10

I find wrist rests necessary for mechanical keyboards that they tend to be taller than the other keyboards. I use a 3M gel wrist rest. As I use 60% keyboards, the rest doubles as a rest for my Slimblade trackball.
As the Poker 2 has a very thin bezel, I leave approximately 1 cm space between keyboard and wrist rest.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Matias on Sat, 18 January 2014, 15:28:52

If you're using an ergonomic keyboard tented, you pretty much need a palm support, to help keep your wrists straight.  Note that you DON'T rest your wrists on it — that's just bad — it's there for your palms.

It also provides padding for the bony bits of your hand.  This is the same reason I use a thickly-padded but FLAT mousepad.  Keeps the bony bits of your hand off the cold hard desk.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: davkol on Sat, 18 January 2014, 16:18:31

Those rests are meant to prevent you from bending your wrists vertically, but if you rest your hands while typing, you have to be careful not to bend your wrists horizontally. Also, yes, they do restrict blood flow, even when used as palm rests. Moreover, the solid ones tend to get cold, when you aren't touching them.

If you have your keyboard in proper height and quite close to your belly (e.g. on your lap/knees), your hands should fit on the keyboard quite naturally.

All in all, AFAIK the only use, that isn't harmful, is temporary when you aren't typing, but just navigating a document by pressing few keys right under your fingers.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 23:29:26

Quote from: davkol on Sat, 18 January 2014, 16:18:31

Those rests are meant to prevent you from bending your wrists vertically, but if you rest your hands while typing, you have to be careful not to bend your wrists horizontally. Also, yes, they do restrict blood flow, even when used as palm rests. Moreover, the solid ones tend to get cold, when you aren't touching them.

If you have your keyboard in proper height and quite close to your belly (e.g. on your lap/knees), your hands should fit on the keyboard quite naturally.

All in all, AFAIK the only use, that isn't harmful, is temporary when you aren't typing, but just navigating a document by pressing few keys right under your fingers.

What is an AFAIK

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: fourzeropooh on Sat, 18 January 2014, 23:31:21

Quote from: Ghetto Caps on Sat, 18 January 2014, 23:29:26

Quote from: davkol on Sat, 18 January 2014, 16:18:31

Those rests are meant to prevent you from bending your wrists vertically, but if you rest your hands while typing, you have to be careful not to bend your wrists horizontally. Also, yes, they do restrict blood flow, even when used as palm rests. Moreover, the solid ones tend to get cold, when you aren't touching them.

If you have your keyboard in proper height and quite close to your belly (e.g. on your lap/knees), your hands should fit on the keyboard quite naturally.

All in all, AFAIK the only use, that isn't harmful, is temporary when you aren't typing, but just navigating a document by pressing few keys right under your fingers.

What is an AFAIK

As Far As I Know                     

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: SonOfSonOfSpock on Mon, 20 January 2014, 00:38:30

If you use them wrong, wrist rests can cause you problems. Although, if you use a keyboard wrong it can cause you problems. I don't know much about wrist rests other than general comments from others and my own use. I find it uncomfortable to use a mech kb without one. Flat chiclet style keyboards I don't need one.

Matias hit the nail on the head with tented boards. It's hard to use them without a wrist rest.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: tototo on Sun, 26 January 2014, 11:26:40

I personally cannot stand being without a wrist rest as it helps raising the wrist into a flatter, more comfortable angle. I use the grifiti wrist pads that are decently priced and I think a little higher than normal. Also prefer this cloth covered foam over leather or harder wood/plastic rests. Not so pretty but comfy.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: metalliqaz on Sun, 26 January 2014, 11:37:22

I don't ever use wrist wrests but I want to give it a try.  I was once given one of those gel things at work and I hated the squishy feel.  I am currently lusting over the Noko leather customs but I would also like to try a wooden one.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: smknjoe on Sun, 26 January 2014, 11:49:11

Ideally, your hands should be above your keyboard while typing not level with or below. That's easier said than done though. That's why they are called wrist rests not palm rests like Oobly mentioned. The idea is to elevate the entire hand to where it hovers slightly above the keyboard. I'm sure they cut off blood flow but I've never had that problem.

http://www.typing-lessons.org/preliminaries_3.html

Edit: ...although I suppose you could accomplish the proper elevation while resting you palms on the "device" as long as it's tall enough.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 26 January 2014, 13:08:39

it really depends on what you're doing and how high your keyboard surface is relative to your elbows.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Sun, 26 January 2014, 17:40:58

Quote from: metalliqaz on Sun, 26 January 2014, 11:37:22

I don't ever use wrist wrests but I want to give it a try.  I was once given one of those gel things at work and I hated the squishy feel.  I am currently lusting over the Noko leather customs but I would also like to try a wooden one.

im currently making a wood one, the hard foam in my leather one never comes back up after i but pressures on it.  :(     i don't know whats wrong

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 26 January 2014, 18:28:53

Mmm it feels so good typing right now with my palms on the wrist rests.. I only use my palms on them btw..

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: osi on Sun, 26 January 2014, 18:37:45

If you are having pain in your hands/wrist, try one out. Otherwise, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Personally, I've never needed a rest for my keyboard or mouse.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Linkbane on Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:54:35

Putting your wrists down on something inhibits proper typing. Wrists rests aren't and have never been necessary solely because typing is supposed to be done with the proper floating wrist technique.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: 1pq on Sun, 26 January 2014, 22:41:58

Quote from: Linkbane on Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:54:35

Putting your wrists down on something inhibits proper typing. Wrists rests aren't and have never been necessary solely because typing is supposed to be done with the proper floating wrist technique.

^^ that's so tiring/uncomfortable though

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Sun, 26 January 2014, 22:47:07

Quote from: 1pq on Sun, 26 January 2014, 22:41:58

Quote from: Linkbane on Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:54:35

Putting your wrists down on something inhibits proper typing. Wrists rests aren't and have never been necessary solely because typing is supposed to be done with the proper floating wrist technique.

^^ that's so tiring/uncomfortable though

^ wrist rest are a bad habbit to use but its more comfortable in the short term ^-^
well i bought a filco leather one a while back and i really don't like it, il just sell it when im done making my wood wrist rest

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Linkbane on Sun, 26 January 2014, 23:04:44

Quote from: 1pq on Sun, 26 January 2014, 22:41:58

Quote from: Linkbane on Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:54:35

Putting your wrists down on something inhibits proper typing. Wrists rests aren't and have never been necessary solely because typing is supposed to be done with the proper floating wrist technique.

^^ that's so tiring/uncomfortable though

Maybe if you do something else other than typing, but I can do it pretty much indefinitely (or at least to any possible amount of time I'd be typing, which can be a few hours with intermittent breaks). It always seems to make sense to use the most efficient solution rather than go to a wrist rest crutch (unless you are actually typing nonstop for several hours each day, which I doubt).

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: tototo on Mon, 27 January 2014, 02:46:57

Need to add that I got really used to wrist rests after many years of the MS Ergo 4000 with negative slope. Mostly I just like resting the hands between typing and when using one hand on the mouse as I don't enjoy hovering the hand over the keyboard while not actively typing. For this thread I've thought a bit about how I'm holding the hands and they do indeed float while typing, though actually mostly due to the non-proper way of touchtyping. :)

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Oobly on Mon, 27 January 2014, 03:17:28

Quote from: 1pq on Sun, 26 January 2014, 22:41:58

Quote from: Linkbane on Sun, 26 January 2014, 21:54:35

Putting your wrists down on something inhibits proper typing. Wrists rests aren't and have never been necessary solely because typing is supposed to be done with the proper floating wrist technique.

^^ that's so tiring/uncomfortable though

It's a lot easier if you have elbow support, so you're not trying to hold your whole arm up. That can lead to shoulder tension.

I find I tend to rest my palms when not actually typing (such as reading through some code, planning what to type, etc), but float them when typing.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Noko on Mon, 27 January 2014, 09:52:38

Quote from: Ghetto Caps on Sun, 26 January 2014, 17:40:58

Quote from: metalliqaz on Sun, 26 January 2014, 11:37:22

I don't ever use wrist wrests but I want to give it a try.  I was once given one of those gel things at work and I hated the squishy feel.  I am currently lusting over the Noko leather customs but I would also like to try a wooden one.

im currently making a wood one, the hard foam in my leather one never comes back up after i but pressures on it.  :(     i don't know whats wrong

Lower-quality foam will compress over time with use.  That's why I opted to pad my wrist rests with felt rather than foam--it's the most incompressable padding available :)

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: katushkin on Mon, 27 January 2014, 11:34:00

I'm getting a free wrist rest from WASD after they messed up my order :) I am also looking into a Beast wooden one for my Keycool as well.

I have to say, if I do conciously bring my wrists up when I type, it feels a lot more comfortable, a lot like how my piano teacher told me to while playing... o.O But I can imagine they do help, but at the end of the day it is personal preference, and I would suggest trying a really cheap one. If you like the general feeling, then fork out for a more expensive one.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 12:22:19

That wooden wrist rest looks pretty great. You would think they'd be uncomfortable, but there seem to be plenty of enthusiasts on this site and elsewhere, so they must not be.

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: davkol on Wed, 29 January 2014, 12:52:10

Quote from: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 12:22:19

You would think they'd be uncomfortable, but there seem to be plenty of enthusiasts on this site and elsewhere, so they must not be.

And your logical fallacy is... bandwagon!

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: spuriousgeorge on Wed, 29 January 2014, 13:05:20

You're right, davkol, I guess if I want to find out about them I'll have to try them myself.

Although who doesn't love a good logical fallacy?

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Fri, 31 January 2014, 17:16:14

I just made a wood wrist rest im going to post a few picutres in a few minutes

Title: Re: to wrist rest or to not wrist rest
Post by: Ghetto Caps on Fri, 31 January 2014, 17:30:05

[attach=1][attachimg=1]