If you spend long hours in front of the computer, you would have realized the importance of having a comfortable setup and a correctly positioned keyboard. Hence, an adjustable keyboard tray can be a great addition to any desk as it can help you maintain the correct ergonomic posture, reduce strain on your wrists and arms, and improve your overall comfort level. However, not every desk comes with such a tray, let alone an adjustable one. So, can you add a keyboard tray to any desk to lessen the risk of aches and strains?
The answer is yes, whether you have a sitting or standing desk. You can add a keyboard tray to almost any desk since there are a variety of keyboard tray styles available on the market. It is just a question of what kind of tray fits your desk and your installation preference. Some keyboard trays are designed to be mounted underneath the desk, while others use a clamp mechanism with no screws and drilling needed.
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Keyboard Tray Under Desk With C Clamp
The main advantage of a keyboard tray under desk with C clamp is the ease of installation. You don’t need to do any drilling underneath your desk to install the tray. All that is required is some minor assembly to put the parts together. So, in most instances, a simple screwdriver will do the job.
Once you have put the whole keyboard tray together, you just need to fit it onto the edge of your desk. Turn the knob to clamp it tight on both sides and you are done. You can slide the tray underneath the desk when not in use.
The drawback to a C clamp keyboard tray is that most do not have a height adjustment capability. Even if they do, it is not as flexible and convenient as those which are mounted underneath the desk.
The other factors to take into consideration is the thickness of your desk and width. If your desk is too thick, the clamp may not be able to fit. Similarly, if your desk has a lip or sloped edge, the “clamp on” design is not going to work either. Then, you will need to check the desk width as well. The measurement starts from one side of the clamp to the other. Hence, your desk will definitely need to be wider than just the tray alone as you will need to make allowance for the clamps.
Under Desk Mounted Keyboard Tray
If you are willing to put in a bit more work when it comes to the installation, then you can consider a under desk mounted keyboard tray. Generally, this kind of tray will require you to screw in a gliding rail underneath your desk. Therefore, it is not as easy to install as the C clamp keyboard tray above.
The advantage of a mounted design is its greater flexibility in terms of height adjustment and tilting. Depending on models, you can change the height of the tray to accommodate different users or when you alter from sitting to standing position for a standing desk. Some would also allow you to tilt the tray for better comfort while typing. Others may have a swivel feature that will enable you to position the tray at a desired angle or to keep it hidden under the desk.
Apart from the more troublesome installation, another disadvantage of a keyboard tray that is mounted under the desk is the space required. Because there is a gliding rail present, your desk needs to be deep enough to accommodate it. It is common for these rails to require a depth of 17 inches or even more. Thus, if you have a small or slim desk, a mounted keyboard shelf with a track may not be feasible. Then, you will have to look for another option.
Trackless Keyboard Tray
If the underside of your table has support bars running though it or it is too shallow, it may not be possible to install a mounted sliding keyboard tray. You can go for the C clamp version but if you want easier height adjustment, a trackless keyboard may be a better option.
Basically, a trackless keyboard tray doesn’t have a long gliding rail for you to slide the tray in and out. Instead, it usually works using a swinging lift and lock mechanism to move the tray to the desired height level. You just need to mount a short bracket or two (depending on the model) to the underside of your desk after assembling the parts.
The problem though is that trackless keyboard trays have limited models available in the market. They can also be very expensive if you want those with smoother swings and greater stability with solid construction.
Check For Compatibility Before You Add A KeyBoard Tray To Any Desk
This is a reminder that not all keyboard trays can fit all types of workstations. So, it is important to ensure that the tray is big enough to house your keyboard and mouse and small enough to fit for installation on your desk. In other words, check the measurements before you buy. Additionally, if you have a sit-and-stand desk, make sure that the tray can accommodate both sitting and standing positions.
You should also check the features offered. Some come with extras such as a drawer and separate mouse platform which you may not need. But others like height adjustment might come in handy. For instance, if you have a habit of stepping on and off an under desk treadmill while working, you might need to adjust the keyboard height accordingly.
In conclusion, it is possible to add a keyboard tray to any desk although it may not necessarily be the type that you prefer. But one can greatly improve your comfort and posture. Hence, it is a great investment for a healthier you!
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