If you are into training for eSports or just downright in love with gaming on your PC, there are a couple of things that you should get and do to create a an ergonomic PC gaming setup.
In this blog post, we will be tackling the specifics of an ergonomic setup that will reduce the stress on your joints, and improve your overall well-being even if you are engaged in gaming for long periods of time.
Positioning Your Keyboard
The keyboard is probably the most used peripheral device of the PC, and whether you are working or playing, your hands will be connected to this input device the moment you want to get things done. But the problem is the keyboard is also the primary source of strain and pain for gamers. How do you position the keyboard so there is less strain on your wrist and fingers?
The solution is to re-position the keyboard about three inches above your knees. Ideally, your keyboard should be around the same height as your bellybutton so your shoulders, forearms and all associated joints don’t have to work harder just to keep your hands aloft.
What about wrist rests? Unfortunately despite the convenience that wrist rests seem to provide, they actually double the amount of carpal tunnel strain, so you can do away with a keyboard that has one.
Instead of a wrist rest, what you really need is an arm support attachment for your gaming chair that will support your arms near the elbows, so your shoulder muscles can naturally relax even when your hands are really busy.
We recommend mechanical keyboards like the CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are an excellent alternative to membrane-type keyboards and they are also more responsive, with the added benefit of the clicking sounds that allow the user to know when a key has been registered. Great for both gaming and typing.
Ergonomic Gaming Desk
Obviously, you are going to need a table that can be repositioned where your new gaming chair is going. Height adjustment is paramount, so we don’t really recommend office tables for gaming.
If you want, you can try desks like the Eureka Ergonomic Z2 Gaming Desk, which has a unique Z-shaped design for added stability, cable organization features, a cup holder, and other cool features. The important thing here is you can level the surface of the table to reduce the strain on your wrists, arms, elbows, and shoulders.
On the other hand, if you feel that you still are not getting the right type of relief from the new table, you may want to think of ways to craft a keyboard stand on your own that would extend mechanically from the table.
This would take a little DIY know-how, but it’s not impossible, technically. All you will need are a few hinges, screws, a slab of wood, and some mechanical knowledge to make the setup retract and extend as needed. If you are DIY-inclined, this would definitely be a good weekend project to try.
Is There Such A Thing As A Ergonomic Gaming Mouse?
Technically, yes, however their a very awkward feeling. At least to me.
I would just go with your favorite gaming mouse and try to take necessary steps to make it comfortable on your wrist.
If you love playing Minecraft and RPG games on your PC like Diablo, the mouse is going to be mashed like nothing before. Unfortunately, improper placement of the mouse can also cause wrist pressure and strain, which will eventually wear down your joints. Have no fear: the solution is actually easy.
To improve the ergonomics of your mouse, simply transfer it to the same level as the keyboard (three inches above the knee). This should reduce the strain nicely. Also, try to shop around for a mouse that feels comfortable when you use it. Different hand types and sizes lend well to different mouse models.
If you are looking for a programmable gaming mouse with just the right heft, feel, and number of programmable buttons, check out the Razer Mamba Elite Wired Gaming Mouse. It has a 16,000 DPI optical sensor, Chroma RGB lighting, a total of nine programmable buttons and best of all – sensitive, mechanical switches.
Ergonomic Gaming Monitor
The distance of your monitor will depend largely on your eyes, and how you see. Some people are near-sighted, others far-sighted, and still some are just sensitive to light so they get migraines frequently when exposed to the light of the computer screen for long periods of time.
The general rule of thumb here is to position the monitor in such a way that your eyes can see the characters clearly, but the eye strain due to light exposure is reduced.
We recommend a monitor such as ASUS ROG PG279Q 27″ Gaming Monitor Adjustable Ergonomic EyeCare G-SYNC.
The minimum distance would be the distance from your shoulder to your wrist, or to some who require the monitor to be farther away, from the shoulder to the tip of the fingers.
This is only a general calibration of the distance, and you should still check if you can see the monitor comfortably. If the monitor is too far, then that’s not good either as your eyes will have to work double time to see what’s on the screen clearly.
Ergonomic Gaming Chair
We don’t have to tell you anymore how long gamers can stay in one position just to have their fill of gaming in a day.
Unfortunately, poor posture while gaming can lead to a variety of progressive and degenerative conditions, including scoliosis and joint inflammation. The basic rule for long periods of sitting down is that the feet have to be flat on the ground, or placed on a relaxed incline.
Having a footrest isn’t a bad idea, either. Your hips and knees should also be parallel to the ground, so the strain on your waist and spine is reduced. Too much pressure on any part of your body can result in sluggish blood flow or circulation, or even a complete disruption or blockage.
The backrest should also be adjusted; aim for ninety to one hundred twenty degrees for maximum comfort and support. Do not lean too far back that your back feel stretched unnaturally. Follow the natural flow of your spinal column and you should be fine.
If you are looking for a gaming chair that’s not too fancy but still does the job right, we recommend the Essentials Racing Style Leather Gaming Chair. Support for the lumbar spine is essential for reducing back pain after long periods of playing on the PC.
Conclusion
Aside from the ergonomic setup, make sure you have the essentials for a good gaming setup. This includes a good headset, a gaming tower with good airflow & of course good internal components such as gpu, cpu etc..
