Keyboard Tray Ideas

A work desk may be at the correct height for a monitor, but it may not be correct or comfortable for keyboard use. Ergonomics in the workplace (proper placement of monitor, keyboard and seating to prevent injury or discomfort) is addressed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency created by Congress in 1970 to help prevent work-related injuries. Keeping OSHA recommendations in mind when adding a keyboard tray to a home office can help keep discomfort in check.

Keep It Separate

Desks with a narrow depth may leave little room for proper placement of both a keyboard and a monitor. Create a keyboard tray or holder by locating a separate table in front of the desk or work surface. Place the keyboard on the table and type from there. This allows plenty of room to place the monitor and the keyboard for ergonomic success. Look for a table that has height adjustment (crank or electrical) so the keyboard can be properly situated for each person using the computer. According to OSHA, elbows should be close to the body and wrists and hands should line up with the forearms. Wrists and hands should not rest on sharp edges.

Attach A Tray

Attach a keyboard drawer or tray to the underside of the desk and have the ability to push the keyboard out of the way when not in use. Trays and drawers come in a variety of styles which may include an attached mouse platform, a wrist rest or a combination tray that includes keyboard, mouse platform and wrist rest. Keyboard trays can be found at office supply stores, some office furniture retailers and through office hardware suppliers. Items will require some basic installation skills like the use of an electric screwdriver and a tape measure. Consider the use of an adjustable desk chair to work properly with keyboard tray height.

Mount To Wall

Investigate the use of a wall-mounted keyboard tray. Combination monitor and keyboard tray wall-mount units are also available for purchase. Wall-mounted trays work well in constrained or small work spaces. They generally swing either direction (left to right) as needed and fold up against the wall. Look for a product that uses an internal cable management trough to keep cords hidden and out of the way of feet.