As more people work remotely or in flexible office spaces, the question “do you need a keyboard with a laptop stand” has gotten more attention. In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of using an external keyboard with your laptop stand, and if you actually need it.
Also, read our article on how to use a laptop stand to learn everything you need to know about setting up and using a laptop stand.
Table of Contents
- Do You Need a Keyboard With a Laptop Stand? – The Short Answer
- Scenarios Where an External Keyboard is Beneficial
- When You Might Skip the External Keyboard
- Why is it Good to Use a Keyboard With a Laptop Stand?
- Setting Up Your Laptop Stand and Keyboard for Optimal Ergonomics
- Do You Need a Keyboard With a Laptop Stand? – Conclusion
- FAQ
Do You Need a Keyboard With a Laptop Stand? – The Short Answer
Now, do you need a keyboard with a laptop stand? No, not if you use a laptop stand that makes it easy for you to write on your laptop. But, it’s still better to have an external keyboard if you can.
Several aspects play into whether you should choose to use an external keyboard, or not.
There are some scenarios where it’s best to have an extra keyboard, and there are times when it can be best not to. I will talk about these different scenarios now.
Scenarios Where an External Keyboard is Beneficial
Sometimes it can be undoubtedly better to use an external keyboard. Here are some of those times:
When you stay at the same place all the time
When you’re only using your laptop in the same place or office every day all the time, it could be smart to invest in an external keyboard. I personally always use an external keyboard when I use my laptop stand at home.
When you have long-duration typing tasks
Sitting at your desk for long durations writing long texts is a time when you would benefit from having a real ergonomic keyboard.
This will be a time when it’s better to use a keyboard than writing on the laptop stand in a position that can be straining on the wrists etc.
When you have larger hands
When you have big hands and prefer full-sized keyboards it can of course be nice to not have to write on the small laptop keyboard.
With an external keyboard you can choose the size of the keyboard yourself for the best comfort.
When your laptop screen needs to be significantly elevated
A laptop with a smaller screen, or one that needs more elevation because you’re tall, can be hard to write on. In this case, it would be wise to use an extra keyboard on your desk to keep your hands low and make it easier to type.
When You Might Skip the External Keyboard
Using an external keyboard with your laptop stand could be dumb if you’re traveling to different places all the time, working at cafes, and can’t be at a single place for very long.
Then it can be better to just write on the laptop to avoid bringing your keyboard with you all of the time.
A laptop stand though, can be very portable and easy to bring with you. The Nexstand K7 is a great example.
For those who have limited space on their working desk, not using a laptop stand may be a wiser move.
However, I think most people do have enough space for a keyboard, and if you don’t I think you should fix that.
Why is it Good to Use a Keyboard With a Laptop Stand?
A real keyboard often provides improved typing ergonomics and wrist positioning which can boost your productivity and have a huge impact on your work rate.
I think it’s extremely important with a good keyboard that fits me, so that I can type faster and feel comfortable.
With an external keyboard, you get the ability to adjust the laptop stand without compromising the keyboard placement.
Along with free adjustability you can place your laptop stand next to your other monitor to create a dual-screen setup with a keyboard.
Setting Up Your Laptop Stand and Keyboard for Optimal Ergonomics
Setup for typing on a laptop stand
You essentially want to have the top of the laptop screen at eye level or slightly below to reduce neck, back, and eye strain.
The problem with writing on a laptop stand without a keyboard is that you then have to elevate the laptop’s keyboard together with the screen, forcing you to keep your wrists in a non-optimal position.
To achieve a more ergonomic position for your wrists and arms, you should consider using a laptop stand with wrist rests. This will de-load your wrists from stress.
Setup for typing on an external keyboard
When you use a keyboard with a laptop stand you will use the laptop just as a monitor.
Make sure the top of the screen is at eye level or slightly below, just as when writing on the laptop stand.
Then place your keyboard so that your elbows are ninety degrees bent when you’re typing on it. You should be sitting upright with ninety-degree bent knees and feet flat on the floor.
Do You Need a Keyboard With a Laptop Stand? – Conclusion
So, do you need a keyboard with a laptop stand? The answer depends on what laptop stand you have, your specific needs, work habits, and comfort preferences. By considering the factors we’ve discussed, you can make an informed decision that best suits your unique situation.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use any keyboard with my laptop stand?
A: Yes, most external keyboards are compatible with laptops. You can choose between wired (USB) or wireless (Bluetooth or RF) keyboards based on your preferences and laptop’s connectivity options.
Q2: Will using a laptop stand with a keyboard affect my laptop’s performance?
A: No, using a laptop stand with an external keyboard doesn’t impact your laptop’s performance. In fact, it may improve cooling by allowing better air circulation around your device.
Q3: Can I still use my laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad with a laptop stand?
A: While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended for ergonomic reasons. Using the built-in keyboard on an elevated laptop can lead to awkward wrist angles and potential strain.
Q4: Do I need to disable my laptop’s keyboard when using an external one?
A: Generally, no. Most operating systems automatically manage multiple keyboards without issues. However, if you’re concerned about accidental input, you can usually disable the built-in keyboard through your system settings or third-party software.
Q5: How do I maintain a clean setup with all the extra cables from an external keyboard?
A: For a cleaner setup, consider using a wireless keyboard to eliminate cable clutter. If you prefer wired, many laptop stands come with built-in cable management features. You can also use cable clips or sleeves to keep your workspace tidy.