With the holidays in full swing, we at SWAT are looking forward to spending quality time with our loved ones and hope you are able to do the same. When I am with my parents, they always remind me to focus on my health, especially in this era of prolonged sitting and working in front of computer screens. This article was inspired by my parents and contains a list of five ergonomic tech accessories you can gift to anybody in your life. They do not have to be avid gamers or software engineers; I personally enjoy these tools at my home and work spaces to help my body feel its best.
- Computer Glasses (Felix Gray, $95)
You may remember computer glasses as ugly yellow contraptions, but companies like Felix Gray are putting a modern spin on these important gadgets. The glasses filter Blue Light and eliminate glare to help combat Digital Eye Strain. You can read more about Felix Gray’s technology here and shop for several styles of unisex frames. Their glasses are available in non-prescription, prescription, and reading lenses. I have extremely poor eyesight, so I own a non-prescription pair that I wear over my contacts. Felix Gray offers a 30-day risk-free return policy and they create sunglasses as well, so you are bound to find a gift your recipient will love!
- Ergonomic Keyboard (Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop, $129.95)
Having a proper keyboard is crucial to prevent wrist pain that can lead to more serious issues like carpal tunnel or worse. I loved this keyboard so much at SWAT that I purchased one for myself at home! From Microsoft’s website, the split keyboard layout “keeps wrists and forearms in a relaxed position, and a cushioned palm rest to provide wrist support.” I connected my keyboard to my MacBook Pro and was easily able to reprogram the Windows key to match the location of my Mac’s Command key. You can find easy instructions here if you are in the same boat.
- External Monitor Arms (Amazon, $99.99)
This arm easily attaches to your monitor and clamps onto your desk. It allows the monitor to raise, tilt, and rotate to ensure you are not craning your neck or hunching your shoulders. Beyond ergonomics, the arm also helps free desk space and clears clutter—I’d call that a win-win! At home I use an external LG monitor that raises and tilts on its own, but use these arms at SWAT where my monitors aren’t adjustable. They are simple to set up for significant benefits.
- Laptop Stand (Rain Design, $39.99)
The same principle of raising your monitor to eye level applies to your laptop as well. Rain Design’s stand has 3,400+ positive reviews on Amazon, and I have one at home as well! I chose to buy their “mStand360” model which allows it to swivel around. Like the monitor arm, this stand also frees desk space by elevating my laptop and has a convenient hole for cables in the back. The aluminum panel helps cool your device, and it comes in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray. This stand basically turns my laptop into a raised second monitor. It is sturdily made and you can even find stand options from the same company for iPads!
- Wireless Ergonomic Mouse (Anker, $19.99)
My final recommendation is this affordable but effective mouse from Anker. It has over 6,800 reviews and is Amazon’s Choice for “ergonomic mouse”. The Microsoft Sculpt keyboard does come with a mouse, but this is a great alternative if you are only looking for a mouse. This unique “vertical” mouse keeps your hand, arm, and wrist in a healthy neutral position for smoother movement and less overall strain. It is also wireless and compatible with both Windows and Mac. If this mouse isn’t appealing, there are several other options for ergonomic mice on Amazon from rollerballs to alternative vertical designs and Microsoft’s Sculpt mouse sold separately from the keyboard.
