COMPUTER KEYBOARDS MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Computer Keyboards Market Opportunities

Increasing popularity for ergonomic keyboards

The sales of ergonomic products increased in comparison with conventional computer keyboards. Ergonomic keyboards are criticized by certain organizations for advertising them as a product that can avoid typing pain and injuries. According to a study ‘Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation” (funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)’, around 80% of participants said that they were pain-free irrespective of the keyboard they used. Hence, strengthening the significance of the ergonomics principle among consumers is expected to pose excellent business opportunities for market players in the near future. For instance, in 2020 Microsoft has been a prominent player in the computer industry for decades and has offered various ergonomic keyboards in their product lineup. One of their notable ergonomic keyboards is the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, which features a split-key design and a cushioned palm rest.

Strengthening presence in untapped markets to present major market opportunity during the forecast period

Various organizations in emerging economies are advertising and promoting the use of ergonomic keyboards at their workplaces. This is owing to decreasing absenteeism and the number of complaints from employees related to injuries or strain to hands, wrists, and fingers. According to Coherent Market Insights’ analysis, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Japan, and Middle East & Africa are expected to account for 17.6% of the total ergonomics keyboards market volume (in terms of units) by 2025. Hence, such factors are expected to provide major market opportunities in the near future.

Global Computer Keyboards Market Drivers:

Increasing demand for augmented comfort due to repetitive tasks

Different jobs or tasks involved repetitive motion or uncomfortable posture or positioning of fingers and arms. Such positions and tasks lead to a certain amount of strain on muscles and can cause severe damage in the long term. According to research conducted by Kinesis Corporation, typing 60 wpm equates to 18,000 repetitive keystrokes per hour. Moreover, Results of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) research suggest that manual labor, constant use of modern services, and office work are the major originators of repetitive strain in the modern world. According to the same source, in Canada alone, around 2.3 million adults are crippled by RSIs or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. For instance, as more individuals started working remotely, the importance of comfortable and ergonomic workstations became evident. Many people found themselves spending long hours typing on their keyboards, which increased the demand for keyboards that prioritize comfort and reduce the risk of strain or injuries associated with extended computer use. For instance, Razer, a leading brand in gaming peripherals, launched a notable promotional campaign in 2020 called "Razer for Life." This campaign aimed to engage and reward loyal customers by offering exclusive discounts, freebies, and access to limited-edition products. Razer leveraged its strong online presence and social media channels to promote the campaign, engaging with the gaming community and fostering brand loyalty.

Global Computer Keyboards Market Restraints:

Rising promotion of healthy typing techniques

The global computer keyboards market is expected to face a restraint in its growth due to the rising promotion of healthy typing techniques worldwide. As awareness about ergonomic practices and the importance of maintaining good posture while using computers increases, consumers and businesses alike are becoming more conscious about the potential health risks associated with improper typing habits.Typing for extended periods using traditional keyboards can lead to repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist pain. In response to these concerns, health experts and ergonomic specialists are actively advocating for the adoption of healthier typing techniques and the use of ergonomic keyboards. These specialized keyboards are designed to provide more comfortable hand positions and reduce strain on the wrists and fingers. The rising promotion of healthy typing techniques worldwide is expected to restrain the growth of the global computer keyboards market during the forecast period. Manufacturers and businesses in the industry will need to respond proactively to this trend to stay relevant and meet the changing preferences of consumers who prioritize their well-being while using computers.

Keyboards with non-standard layouts

The global computer keyboards market is anticipated to face hindrances to its growth over the forecast period due to the increasing prevalence of keyboards with non-standard layouts. Traditional keyboards typically adhere to standard layouts, such as the QWERTY layout, which users have become accustomed to over the years. However, with the rising demand for innovation and customization in computer peripherals, manufacturers have started introducing keyboards with non-standard layouts.While these non-standard layouts may cater to niche user preferences or specific use cases, they can also pose challenges to widespread adoption and market growth. Users who are already familiar with the standard QWERTY layout may find it difficult to transition to a new layout, as muscle memory plays a significant role in typing efficiency. Consequently, the learning curve associated with non-standard layouts could deter potential buyers, leading to a slower rate of adoption,while non-standard layout keyboards may cater to specific user needs and preferences, their adoption could hinder the overall growth of the global computer keyboards market. The challenges of user adaptation, compatibility issues, and potentially higher costs may limit their mass-market appeal and keep the demand focused on traditional standard layout keyboards. Manufacturers will need to carefully balance innovation with the user's familiarity and practicality to ensure sustained growth in the competitive computer keyboards market.