For years, I prioritized desk ergonomics, experimenting with various keyboards, mice, and chairs. Yet, I overlooked one crucial element: the keyboard tray. Having one in my office ensured optimal keyboard and mouse positioning, promoting relaxed shoulders and elbows. This changed with the pandemic. Working from home meant abandoning my office setup, including the keyboard tray, leading to awkward workarounds and eventually, shoulder pain.
The Search for a Solution
Initially, I resigned myself to the discomfort. Drilling holes in my table wasn’t an option, so a traditional keyboard tray seemed impossible. I vaguely recalled no-drill options, but remembered them as flimsy, non-retractable, aesthetically unappealing, and most importantly, lacking clearance for my tented Goldtouch keyboard.
A Surprising Discovery
My outdated perception of no-drill keyboard trays was shattered upon a recent Amazon search. To my astonishment, a wide array of affordable and functional no-drill trays now exist. These models feature sturdy clamp attachments, sliding mechanisms, pivoting capabilities, and pitch adjustments. The only apparent drawback is the limited availability of higher-end models with adjustable height, a feature commonly found in drill-mounted options. Furthermore, sleek black and white designs have replaced the outdated woodtones of the past.
altThe variety of no-drill keyboard trays is impressive, with options even available for corner desks.
An Affordable and Effective Solution
The abundance of choices, coupled with the $50-$70 price range, convinced me to opt for a no-drill tray over a traditional one. The benefits were clear: no drilling required, easy repositioning for future desk or monitor configurations, and sufficient clearance for my ergonomic keyboard without the $100+ price tag of comparable drill-mounted models.
My Choice and its Impact
I chose a $60 Japanese model with a single clamp and 360-degree pivoting. Unlike trays with two smaller clamps and slide-out mechanisms, this one sits entirely in front of my desk, eliminating any height or depth conflicts with my tented keyboard and roller mouse. When not in use, it swivels neatly under the desk. Remarkably, my pandemic-induced shoulder pain has significantly subsided.
A Simple Upgrade for Enhanced Comfort
If you, like me, spend considerable time at your desk and experience ergonomic discomfort, a no-drill keyboard tray can significantly improve your work-from-home setup. Its ease of installation and minimal commitment make it a worthwhile investment, freeing up time to explore further ergonomic enhancements.
