Situation: Compare and Contrast the differences between cheap versus commercial grade keyboard holders.

We were recently asked to do a workplace ergonomic evaluation. One of the recommendations was to position the keyboard at optimum height to minimize body stress when working at the keyboard. Desks and cubicle work surfaces are typically 29″ above the floor, fine for writing but not the best height for keyboard positioning. Putting the keyboard on a typical work surface is too high for most people and ultimately lead to stress, carpal tunnel syndrome or other arm, back problems. It’s a worker comp claim in the making.

Our suggestions included a commercial grade under-work surface keyboard holder. And since the price of those units seem high compared to typical office super store purchasers, we were asked to provide information on the differences between consumer grade keyboard holders and commercial grade keyboard holders. While consumer grade keyboard holders are certainly less expensive, there are real reasons businesses should only consider commercial grade keyboard holders.

Factors that justify the benefits of a commercial grade under-work surface keyboard holder.

Knob adjustable tilt and height, typical of consumer grade products:

Professional/Commercial products do not require hand twisting a knob to adjust and set the height (and tilt at the same time). Height adjustments should be only dependent upon the user grabbing the edge of the tray, twist slightly to unlock, move to the desired height and let go. The unit should stay there. The only time you adjust the tilt is once and from then on the tilt is maintained. A unit with knob adjustment for the height would require constant adjustment every time you want to push the keyboard back under the work surface. A big no-no. Plus, the twisting knob is not something you want to do every time you want to set the height (not to mention the tilt will be constantly adjusting at the same time (no consistency))

The value of Metal Parts;

The height adjustment mechanism on some consumer units are made of plastic. Not a good idea for reliability since this section of the keyboard holder needs to be robust.

Keyboard tray is made of phenolic material in commercial grade keyboard holders.

Inexpensive keyboard trays are made of wood or plastic. Professional grade products are made of phenolic, an ultrastrong composite made of wood pulp and resin that is non-toxic, durable, and easy to clean. A phenolic tray holder is thinner and provide more clearance between knees and the bottom of the tray. And it will not crack or split.

U-shaped brackets that connect the keyboard tray to the lift mechanism are used in commercial grade keyboard holders.

The angle brackets on the bottom of an inexpensive keyboard holder are larger than the type typically used in professional grade products because there is only one 90 degree bend. Professional grade products typically have a 5 surface keyboard tray holder in the shape of a U with flanges, not a simple L. This means more clearance for knees and strength without bulk.

Installation will take more time in a consumer product.

One way companies keep product prices down is to leave much of the installation finishing to the consumer. In consumer grade product, you often get a bag full of parts. Commercial grade products in contrast come almost fully assembled. You do have to bolt the keyboard track to the underside of the work surface and bolt the tray to the lift mechanism, but that’s about it in a commercial grade product. You aren’t going to be assembling the knob mechanism or other parts.

Lack of options in consumer grade products.

Consumer grade keyboard holders typically just have one track length and one shape – straight. Plus they are only available in one keyboard tray size. In contrast, commercial grade keyboard holders offer a variety of track depths and keyboard tray widths and shapes (for example, to accommodate curved front keyboards like those available from Microsoft.  RefBPCH-0005

Lack of mouse cord restraint or mouse pad edge in consumer products.

Commercial grade keyboard holders include a special bracket or clasp with their mouse pads. These constraints grip the mouse cord and help keep the mouse from falling onto the floor. If you have a cordless mouse, pads in commercial grade products have a lip that helps prevent mice from falling over the side.

Lack of meeting BIFMA standards is typical for a consumer product.

BIFMA (Business and International Furniture Manufacturer’s Association) has established standards for commercial/industrial grade products used in offices. Consumer products often do not meet BIFMA standards.

Environmental Standards and LEED credits.

Organizations that specialize in building commercial grade keyboard holders often have Greenguard certification and specific programs for recycling materials used in the manufacturing process. Consumer grade products don’t typically have the same level of environmental commitments.

Our Recommendations:

Our firm offers only commercial grade product. In regard to Keyboard tray holders, we represent HumanScale, Idea-at-Work, Intellaspace, DolphinPointMarketing, and Workriteergo. These companies specialize in workplace ergonomics including sit/stand workstations, monitor holders, keyboard holders and lighting. Plus, many of their products are LEED MR 4.1 & 4.2 eligible. Typically commercial grade warranties are at least 10 years. Consumer products are typically warranted for only 1 year.

Contact us at 408-656-1709 for specific recommendations based on your requirements. Locally we are pleased to provide a no-obligation, on site work place review and specific recommendation.

It’s great to be average because the world is built for you. But if you or your employees are petite or extra big or tall, it is a challenge to get seating that works. How often have you seen legs dangling from the edge of the chair cutting off circulation? Or cushions on the back of the seat because the seat is too big? Or for the big & tall, chairs that fall apart because they are stressed beyond their design limits. And even when the chair is in the full upright position, knees still stick in the air.

There are three things you shouldn’t skimp on; 1) good shoes that fit, 2) a good quality bed, and 3) a work task chair that fits you.

Now there is a great solution, ergonomic task chair fit to the individual. Today you don’t have to settle for average. The solution is simple, get measured.

Considering how much time the typical office employee is seated, doesn’t it make sense to get a chair that fits the individual and contributes to productivity? Key measurements are leg length – upper and lower leg, and elbow-to-elbow and hip width. These numbers determine the optimum seat height, seat depth and width.

Learn more at http://www.sitmatic.com/pdfs/AboutFit.pdf.

Based on an individual’s measurements, Sitmatic custom configures a task chair that perfectly fits the person. Plus, a local representative will come to your site, do a quick ergonomic assessment of your work space, and measure you for a custom sized chair. Your big/tall & petite employees with thank you every day.

Not only with a good chair contribute to comfort and productivity, but it can also help avoid costly worker comp claims.