What is the best hand position for typing?

The best hand position for typing involves maintaining a neutral wrist posture and curved fingers over the keys.

Key Elements of Optimal Hand Position

To achieve the best typing hand position, focus on the following:

Neutral Wrists: Keep your wrists straight and avoid arching them up or down excessively. Think of your wrists as an extension of your forearms, forming a straight line.
Curved Fingers: Your fingers should be naturally curved over the keys, ready to strike them lightly. Avoid flattening or over-extending your fingers.
Floating Hands: Your wrists should "float" slightly above and parallel to the keyboard. Avoid resting your wrists directly on the desk or a wrist rest while actively typing, as this can restrict movement and potentially lead to strain. Use a wrist rest only during breaks to rest your hands.
Thumb Placement: Your thumbs should hang comfortably near the spacebar, ready to activate it without unnecessary stretching.
Elbow Angle: Aim for a 90-degree or slightly greater angle at your elbows, keeping your upper arms close to your body.

Maintaining good hand position is crucial for:

Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Correct posture reduces the strain on your wrists, hands, and arms, minimizing the risk of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Improving Typing Speed and Accuracy: Proper positioning allows for more fluid and efficient movements.
Increasing Comfort: A comfortable posture makes typing more enjoyable and less tiring.

Wrist Extension (Arching): Bending your wrists upwards puts excessive pressure on the nerves and tendons in your wrist.
Wrist Deviation (Side-to-Side Bending): Bending your wrists from side to side also increases strain.
Tensing Your Shoulders: Relax your shoulders and avoid hunching, as this can transfer tension down your arms.
Pounding the Keys: Use a light touch when typing. Avoid striking the keys forcefully.
Using wrist rests incorrectly: Avoid resting your wrists while typing. Wrist rests are for resting, not typing.

Your typing setup plays a significant role in your hand position. Consider the following:

Keyboard Height: Adjust your chair and keyboard height so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle and your wrists are straight.
Keyboard Angle: Experiment with tilting your keyboard slightly to find a comfortable angle that supports neutral wrist alignment. Some keyboards have adjustable feet to allow for this.
Chair Support: Use a chair with good lumbar support to maintain proper posture.
Monitor Placement: Position your monitor at eye level to prevent neck strain, which can also affect your shoulder and arm positioning.