Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is becoming increasingly common – especially among people who spend long periods typing on a computer.
We use technical devices every day. They make our lives easier, but can also cause discomfort – such as tingling in the fingers or pain in the wrist.
How does carpal tunnel syndrome develop when typing?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel and is common in people who perform repetitive hand movements for long periods of time.
1. Incorrect wrist position
Poor wrist alignment is one of the most common causes of nerve compression.
Wrist extension (bend upwards):
This happens when the keyboard is too high or has a strong positive angle. The wrists have to lift in order to type.
Ulnar deviation (lateral bending):
A flat, non-split keyboard forces the wrists to point outwards to reach the keys. This puts more strain on the tendons and reduces the space in the carpal tunnel.
Pressure from hard surfaces:
When the wrists are resting on the edge of a table or pressing against a hard surface, additional direct pressure is placed on the median nerve.
2. Repeated finger movements
When typing, the nine flexor tendons in the carpal tunnel move very quickly and in many short repetitions.
This constant friction can irritate the tendons and their gliding surfaces, leading to inflammation and swelling (tendovaginitis) – further narrowing the already limited space in the carpal tunnel.
3. Excessive impact force
Hitting the keyboard too hard puts additional strain on tendons and tissue.
Even between keystrokes, the fingers often remain raised instead of relaxing.
This leads to permanently tense muscles, reduces blood flow and causes fatigue and inflammation more quickly.
4. Poor posture overall
It's not just the wrists – the entire body posture influences the alignment of the hands. For example:
- The table is too high or the chair too low
- Bending forward changes shoulder tension and therefore the angle of the hands.
- Arm position too wide when using large keyboards
- The mouse is lying too far away from the body
What makes a keyboard-friendly for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most important principle of a CTS-friendly keyboard is to minimize pressure on wrists, palms and fingers and to promote a natural, neutral hand position.
1. Neutral wrist angle
If the wrist remains bent inwards for an extended period of time, constant pressure is exerted on the median nerve and the flexor tendons in the carpal tunnel.
A keyboard with a negative tilt angle prevents excessive wrist flexion or rotation and supports a natural, neutral posture.
2. Low trigger force
Switches that require little force shorten finger movement and allow typing with significantly less effort.
3. Adjustable trigger path
Keyboards with adjustable key travel – such as keyboards with magnetic switches – allow the actuation point to be shortened.
This reduces repetitive finger movements and decreases the overall strain on the muscles.
4. Ergonomic layout
Layouts that minimize ulnar deviation (lateral bending of the wrist) and reduce finger hyperextension promote a natural typing motion.
Compact layouts also help to relieve pressure on the shoulders, as the hands remain closer together.
5. Compatibility with wrist rests
The option to combine the keyboard with palm rests or support pads further improves alignment and reduces pressure on the carpal tunnel.
Which keyboard types are suitable for people with carpal tunnel syndrome?
Based on the basic principles of CTS-friendly typing, the following keyboard types can help relieve strain on the wrists while still allowing for efficient typing:
1. Ergonomic / Split Keyboards
Split keyboards have separate left and right halves, allowing the spacing to be adjusted to the user's shoulder width.
This prevents an inward rotation of the wrist, which could strain the median nerve, reduces wrist strain and supports a natural hand position.
If you don't want to try a split keyboard, a tented Alice keyboard is also a good option.
The raised midsection creates a natural angle of inclination. The Alice layout also allows the hands to be positioned slightly outwards, reducing wrist flexion and pressure on the carpal tunnel.
2. Low-profile keyboards
The short key travel reduces pressure on the fingers and friction on the tendons.
The slim design keeps the keyboard close to the table, allowing the wrists to rest naturally without having to be lifted.
3. Mechanical keyboards with smooth switches
Heavy mechanical switches force fingers and wrists to exert more pressure.
Smooth-operating switches require less force when typing – this reduces the strain on tendons, tendon sheaths and the median nerve.
4. Keyboards with a compact layout
Smaller keyboards reduce finger travel.
Reducing the reach – especially to the mouse or arrow keys – prevents unnatural stretching of the hand and arm and reduces strain in the long term.
Buying advice: Which keyboard suits your needs?
When buying a keyboard, the main goal is to keep the wrist straight and relaxed while typing.
Here are recommendations for various use cases:
| Use case | Recommended keyboard type | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Users with existing wrist pain or diagnosed CTS | Ergonomic split keyboard + magnetic/smooth switches | Maximum wrist neutrality + minimal force required per button |
| Frequent writer / office worker | Low-profile or magnetic switch keyboards | Reduces the cumulative strain on fingers and wrists |
| Users who hit keys hard | Smooth linear or magnetic switch keyboards | Softer impacts, less strain on the tendons |
| Small desk or compact work environment | 60% / 65% / 75% compact keyboards | Less reach needed, better shoulder position |
| Programmers & productivity users | Ergonomic split keyboard or 75% layout | Balance between comfort and full functionality |
| Gamers who want speed + low load | Magnetic switch keyboards (fast actuation) | Fast activation, low effort, less fatigue |
| Laptop users who switch to external keyboards | Low-profile / slim keyboards | Familiar typing feel, minimal wrist angle |
| Users who cannot fully switch keyboard layouts | Compact keyboard + palm rest with negative tilt angle | Reduces flexion even without a new keyboard |
Recommended Akko keyboards for carpal tunnel syndrome
Akko Magnetic Keyboard
If you prefer a customizable, smooth typing experience, magnetic keyboards are an excellent choice. They allow you to optimize the actuation point and key movement, and reduce key resistance – ideal for users prone to wrist strain.
- Adjustable actuation point & key travel – often the travel can be shortened so that keys are registered with a gentle, light press.
- Low, consistent key resistance / no hard mechanical contact – reduces repetitive strain on fingers, tendons and wrist, especially helpful during long typing sessions.
- Consistent typing feel throughout its lifespan – because the switches operate without metal contacts, wear and tear is reduced, so the comfortable typing feel is maintained for a long time.
If the health of your wrists is important to you, you often type for long periods and want to reduce the strain on your fingers and median nerve, choosing Akkos magnetic switch keyboards is a very sensible decision.
Akko Low Profile Keyboard - Air 01 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard
The Air 01 impresses with its low-profile design, which reduces the need to stretch the wrists while typing, thus supporting a more neutral and comfortable posture.
- For those who are used to typing in laptop style or prefer a flatter keyboard profile, the Air 01 offers a familiar, laptop-like typing experience – combined with the comfort and durability of an external keyboard.
- For office work, writing and general typing – when no special layout (split, tented or compact) is required – a low-profile keyboard with light key travel is an easy way to reduce wrist strain.
The Air 01 is ideal for users who prefer a sleek, slim design and a neutral wrist position. Those who appreciate smooth keystrokes or the flat, effortless typing feel of a laptop will find this a very comfortable and user-friendly solution.
Akko Tented Alice Keyboard - Year of Snake - Armor
The Year of Snake – Armor keyboard features an Alice layout with a tented design that allows the hands and wrists to relax naturally. This prevents ulnar deviation (lateral bending of the wrist) and wrist extension, which can occur during prolonged typing on conventional keyboards.
For users who type intensively for long periods and already experience mild discomfort due to carpal tunnel syndrome or frequent tension in the wrist and forearm, this layout significantly improves the angles of the wrist and forearm, thus helping to significantly reduce strain and fatigue.
In addition, this keyboard impresses with its unique design, which integrates elements of the culture and aesthetics of the Year of the Snake.
Akko Compact Keyboard - MOD68 HE ISO Magnetic Keyboard
The MOD68 is a Hall-effect keyboard with adjustable actuation distance, allowing you to set the key activation to be shallower and lighter. This requires less force per keystroke, reducing the cumulative strain on your fingers and wrists.
Since both the key travel and the trigger sensitivity are adjustable, you can find the "light typing mode" setting that suits you best – especially helpful for those with carpal tunnel syndrome or increased fatigue.
The compact layout brings the hands closer together, reduces arm, shoulder and wrist extension, and supports a favorable wrist alignment.
For those who want to minimize keystroke force and reduce hand/arm extension, the MOD68 is a very well-balanced choice – especially suitable for frequent typists, programmers and users who spend long hours working with text.
Further strategies beyond the keyboard
Consider your new keyboard as part of a healthy work environment – it's not a standalone solution. The best protection for your wrists comes from a combination of the right tools, a supportive setup, healthy habits, and, if necessary, professional medical care.
1. Ergonomic workplace adjustments
Even the best keyboard is of little use if it's in the wrong position. A properly adjusted workstation plays a crucial role in protecting your wrists and reducing strain.
Chair and table height:
Adjust your chair so that your elbows form approximately a 90-degree angle (or slightly greater) and your forearms are parallel to the floor. Both feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest, and your thighs should be horizontal.
Keyboard and mouse position:
Position your keyboard and mouse directly in front of your elbows and close to your body so that your shoulders remain relaxed and your arms don't have to extend forward. When typing, your wrists should remain straight and in line with your forearms.
Monitor position:
The top of the screen should be at eye level or slightly below, about an arm's length away (50–70 cm). This helps avoid neck strain and a forward-tilted head posture, which can increase tension in the shoulders, arms, and wrists.
2. Use a suitable wrist rest.
A soft palm rest can reduce pressure on the base of the hands during breaks. However, it should support, not compress – the hands should float while typing and not rest heavily on a surface.
3. Take frequent micro-breaks
Continuous typing without breaks is one of the biggest risk factors.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule or simply take a 30-60 second break every 20-30 minutes to stretch your fingers, hands, and forearms.
4. Adjust work habits and lifestyle
Alternate typing tasks with non-dominant activities such as reading, conference calls, or thinking.
Avoid excessive wrist flexion while sleeping.
A nighttime wrist strap can help keep the wrist in a neutral position – a very effective conservative measure.
5. Pay attention to early warning signs
Tingling, numbness, weakness or burning in the fingers are early signs of nerve compression.
Don't ignore them – adjust your setup immediately and consult a specialist if symptoms persist.
FAQs
Are mechanical keyboards better for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Mechanical keyboards can help if the right switches are chosen. Smooth linear or magnetic switches reduce the force required per keystroke, thus reducing repetitive strain on fingers and wrists.
Strong, tactile, or clicky switches that require more force can, on the other hand, increase fatigue. Low actuation force and smooth clicks are crucial, not just the "mechanical" aspect per se.
Does an ergonomic keyboard really help?
Yes – ergonomic keyboards can significantly reduce strain, especially when used correctly. Layouts like split, tented, or Alice-style promote a natural wrist and forearm position and reduce nerve pressure and muscle tension.
While they are not a medical cure, many users report noticeable relief with long-term use.
Are split keyboards difficult to learn?
There is a short adjustment period, usually a few days to two weeks. Initially, the muscle memory feels slightly unusual, but most users adapt quickly.
After adjustment, many find split keyboards more comfortable and less tiring – especially during long typing sessions.
Conclusion
Remember: No keyboard works alone.
Real protection for the wrists comes from a combination of the right keyboard, correct posture, ergonomic workplace and healthy typing habits.
When these three factors work together, long-term comfort and productivity become significantly easier to achieve.
