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Build Computers:
Choosing a keyboard and mouse
Most people use the cheap keyboard that came with their computer. Unless you have a specific complaint about it, you probably can't think of a good reason to replace it. But the fallacies of a cheap keyboard aren't always apparent at first -- sometimes you have to compare it to a really nice keyboard before you notice the difference.
A lot of keyboards have some interesting features like multimedia controls, a scroll wheel, and specialized buttons that open email and other programs. When building your own computer, you might find that these buttons are convenient, and on the other hand you might never use most or all of them, or worse -- you may find that they're annoying and they get in your way. What's important is that you get a keyboard that feels good to use. The cheap mass-produced keyboards that come with Dell, Apple, Gateway and other mass-market machines are always low-quality products generally produced by the lowest bidder. They're more prone to failure, improper operation, discomfort and repetitive stress injuries than a good aftermarket ergonomic keyboard.
Some people like their keyboard to be somewhat stiff, but this is very hard on the fingers, especially after a long day of typing. Some people like keyboards with keys that you barely have to touch to activate; while this may be easier on the hands, it also causes a lot of typos and other keyboard errors. Ideally you'll want something in between. Keys should also have a definite stopping point instead of a spring-loaded soft stop; in other words you should be able to completely depress a key without a lot of effort.
Then there's the debate between the split keyboard and the standard keyboard; the general rule of thumb with the split keyboard is that if you can touchtype (meaning your hands are in the proper positions for typing and you don't have to look at the keys to type) then you'll probably be more comfortable with the split design. Split keyboards are much more comfortable to use because they allow a more natural posturing. The downside is that it's somewhat difficult to use a standard keyboard after you've gotten used to a split design.
Ergonomics
A good keyboard can be used all day without your hands or wrist being sore, but this is contingent on proper posture and good ergonomics. You should be able to put your feet flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle; your elbows should also be bent at 90 degrees and you shouldn't be leaning on your keyboard. The mouse should be at the same level as the keyboard and you shouldn't have to stretch to use it. Improper ergonomics leads to repetitive stress injuries and illnesses and plain old sore muscles and joints. Just having your keyboard in the wrong vertical position (too high or too low) can cause shoulder and wrist pain after a few hours of use. Under no circumstances do you want your wrists to be bent while typing.
Mouse
A good mouse can be used all day without your hands or wrist getting sore, but this is contingent on proper posture and good ergonomics. You should be able to put your feet flat on the floor with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle; your elbows should also be bent at 90 degrees and you shouldn't be leaning on your keyboard. The mouse should be at the same level as the keyboard and you shouldn't have to stretch to use it. Your wrists should be straight at all times; if you're bending your wrist up or down to move the mouse, you'll need to reorganize your desk for better posturing. Improper ergonomics leads to repetitive stress injuries and illnesses and just plain old sore muscles and joints. Just having your keyboard in the wrong vertical position (too high or too low) can cause shoulder and wrist pain after a few hours of use. But if your work environment is properly configured for your body and posture, you can use a computer all day and not feel sore or worn out.
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