It’s October, which means it’s designated National Ergonomics Month. The facts and figures around workplace injuries due to bad ergonomics are no slouching matter.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics gives show that at least 33% of ergonomic injuries are from workplaces. Additionally, something as small as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) affects about 3% of women and 2% of men in the United States. Unfortunately, the effects of CTS can be costly as workers are impacted by at least 37 days needed to recover. Carpal tunnel syndrome makes your hand feel numb and weak.
Mice and CTS
Using a mouse extensively may cause fatigue and pain in the hand and fingers, which may be accompanied by numbness or tingling. This may be due to overworking the muscles and tendons in the hand, which can result in inflammation and swelling.
If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, using a mouse may worsen your symptoms by increasing the pressure on the median nerve. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you have persistent or severe signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as loss of sensation or strength in the hand.
TB450 and TB550 Pro Fit® Ergo Trackballs
Ergonomics is important to help keep employees safe and healthy so that they can perform their responsibilities.
Kensington has designed technology to make workers more efficient and designed to work in demanding (i.e. compact) spaces. Ergonomic trackballs have become increasingly popular, offering a more comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional computer mice. Kensington has released TB450 and TB550 Pro Fit® Ergo Trackballs to provide a tech solution to easy the strain and pain or workers.
The Kensington TB450 and TB550are wireless trackball mice that are designed to improve wrist and forearm alignment, provide precise and accurate cursor control, and work in tight spaces with limited desktop space.
Both, TB450 and TB550 feature a unique shape that was sculpted from clay to conform to the natural curvature of the hand, making them natural, comfortable alternatives to the traditional computer mouse.
They are compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS, and can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz wireless connection. The main differences between the two models are:
- The TB450 has five programmable buttons, while the TB550 has seven programmable buttons.
- The TB450 uses two AA batteries that can last up to 18 months, while the TB550 has a rechargeable battery that can last up to four months.
- The TB450 has a standard scroll wheel, while the TB550 has a 4D scroll wheel that can scroll left, right, up, and down.
Kensington earned the 2023 Red Dot Award for Product Design for both the ProFit® Ergo TB550 Trackball and the ProFit® Ergo TB450 Trackball. Both were “Recognized for Outstanding Design that Incorporates Aesthetic Appeal, Function, and Innovation”.
Not only are both of these Ergo Trackballs good for your posture but they are great for the environment. The rechargeable TB550 eliminates battery waste, and the total plastic components of the trackballs each incorporate a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled content.
Features and Specifications
- Includes a choice of Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) and 2.4GHz wireless connection (2.4GHz nano receiver included).
- Long battery life means up to 18 months of use with 2.4GHz and up to 15 months of use with Bluetooth®.
- Plug & Play Installation for simple setup
- Government-grade 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced security to deter hackers from monitoring wireless connection
About Kensington
From docking stations, to computer cable locks, to mice and trackballs, to ergonomics, we’re proud to design, engineer, and build award-winning products that are trusted by professionals around the globe.
