Computer Keyboard Tray Sizes
Computer keyboard trays are available in many shapes and sizes and it is sometimes confusing which type would be best for you. Generally, there are a few standard sizes that almost all keyboard tray manufacturers adhere to. Some trays are designed to fit only a standard keyboard, some fit both a standard keyboard and mouse on one platform, some have the keyboard and mouse platforms as two separate trays that connect to each other, and some computer keyboard trays are designed specifically for curved ergonomic keyboards.
If you are looking for a computer keyboard tray to hold only your standard keyboard the tray should be approximately 19 inches wide and 7 to 8 inches deep. Sometimes if the keyboard tray has a built-in wrist rest the depth may be slightly higher by an inch or two. A platform big enough to fit both a standard keyboard and a mouse will need to be about 27 inches wide and also about 7 to 8 inches deep. Manufacturers like Humanscale and Comfort Keyboard make what they call “Big Boards” to accomodate both a keyboard and mouse on one platform. Most people decide to keep their keyboard and mouse on separate trays and they need the standard 19 inch wide keyboard platform and an additional mouse platform that should be at a minimum 8 inches in diameter. If you want ample room to move around it is recommended to go with a 10 inch diameter mouse tray or larger.
Keyboard trays designed for ergonomic keyboards are usually in the 19 to 21 inches wide range but they have a larger depth to accomodate for the curve of the keyboard. These trays typically have a depth of 9 to 13 inches, the larger being keyboard trays that come with a built-in wrist support.
After you finalize what size keyboard and mouse platforms you need the next important measurment is the installation track. Almost all computer keyboard trays on the market attach to the worksurface via a steel track. This track is mounted to the underside of the desk or worksurface with screws. The standard size of a keyboard tray installation track is about 22 inches long and 6 inches wide. This size track will allow you to fully retract the keyboard and mouse platforms when not in use. If you don’t have 22 inches of unobstructed space on the underside of your desk then shorter tracks are available. The downside to installing a track less than 22 inches long is that you generally won’t be able to push your keyboard system under your worksurface when not in use, it will stick out. If you absolutely must be able to retract the platforms under your desk when not in use, and you don’t have 22 inches of space, there are some manufacturers that designed keyboard trays to fully retract on shorter tracks. One of these manufacturers is Intellaspace who recently launched their ‘Houdini’ keyboard tray system which retracts on a 17.75 inch track.
Comments
Leave a Reply