Keyboard tray vs. desk top

[PAlexC]

For years, I had a massive Ikea desk. I could comfortably have my monitor, keyboard, mouse, reference books...everything laid out on it while I was working.

When I moved, I ditched it because it took up too much room, and I went for form over function and bought this:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family...c=1209&f=24063

I figured, it would hide the clutter because the whole keyboard tray slid in to it.

Thing is, I feel awkward using it. The height just isn't working for me, I like having my hands and arms resting on the desk while I work, even if my keyboard is halfway under my monitor. I feel clumsy and "off" when things aren't at the right height. Less productive actually, I can't focus.

So, FK, my question to you guys, what do you prefer: having your keyboard and mouse on a tray, or on the desk?

Bonus: Does anyone want to buy a slightly used desk?

[Genesis F5]

I keep the keyboard on my lap and the mouse goes wherever there is room. The "desk space" (if you can call it that) is barely enough for a pad of paper (which regularly doubles as a mouse pad).

[jAQUAN]

Did you have the Ikea jerker? I loved that desk so much I bought two. Still it didn't quite fit all my leg space needs. My dad was looking for a new woodworking project so we designed what is probably my most prized possession.

Oh, I hate keyboard trays, I need to be able to get into all my weird thinking positions. There's one for programming, one for building images, one for reading FK, and so on and so on...

[silverx2]

i cant use a slide out tray.

a.) its to low.
b.) it slides so sometimes ill start typing on the wrong row of keys.

id much rather have everything on the same level on a desk.

[jasonsplace]

I tried using the keyboard drawer on my current desk and took it off a week later.

[hanratty21]

I recently got this one for the house...
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/...c=WE-SH1FRNSKS
The monitor is mounted to the wall on an arm, so that saves desktop space as well.

[lefteyewilly]

at work it's on the desk top, at home i have a custom built desk that has a tray at the perfect level, the mouse however is a tad bit too high compared to the keyboard...but i deal with it.

[jAQUAN]

my desk.

[asheep_uk]

Desktop, the keyboard trays are just irritating. Desks should be as wide and as deep as possible.

[argonauta]

I prefer the tray, just because I my chair has arms, and they fit with the tray, so my arms are always resting. The mouse is on the desk though. I find it more comfortable to move the arm up to reach the mouse instead of to one side. It's faster to switch between mouse and keyboard

[gerbick]

On the desk... in a tray, it feels like I'm typing towards my crotch.

[carly1979]

i prefer on the desk. i have had desks with a tray though, didn't bother me too much, but desk is better. those trays always feel a little flimsy to me (maybe that's just because i've always used cheap desks?).

and @ jaquan- nice desk, i like a lot.

[silverx2]

id take a photo of the desk im currently at but i dont feel like showing everybody the two smaller desks iv pushed together to get a normal sized one, or the gadget graveyardi currently have piled up.

[PAlexC]

Did you have the Ikea jerker?

No, I think it was called Effektiv. It was a big heavy slab of wood/whatever they make their tops out of, and these sturdy T-shaped legs. They don't make it anymore. It was office-grade stuff and near indestructible.

The shape looked like a corner desk, but the back angle was obtuse, so it wouldn't fit in a corner. It was designed for an open office layout where you could have 3 desks facing in towards a center. Hence, the space issue.

The thing I really liked, and that I like about your desk jAQUAN, is that the seating position was curved. Makes those marathon coding sessions really comfortable. Right now, I'm sitting at a normal desk in my office and it's always pressing into my belt buckle and ruining my shirts when I get up close. (No, no spare tire there.)

Nice desk Hanratty, but too small for me.

[CVO Chris]

I had a desk which had a pull out tray but switched to one without. It's much better sitting on the desk but for a while I've went to pull the keyboard tray out before realising there was none there.

[ihoss.com]

PAlexC, I have the same desk, with the A-legs and I bought it with a keyboard trey. I'm just about to rip it out of it though! It annoys the hell out of me!

Also, +1 for having keyboard in lap

[chrismitchell]

I just have a wireless keyboard and mouse and use it where-ever the hell i want but i would never own a desk with a keyboard tray even if i had a normal keyboard.. they annoy me too much.

[EVPohovich]

I recently got this one for the house...
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/...c=WE-SH1FRNSKS
The monitor is mounted to the wall on an arm, so that saves desktop space as well.

Please tell me that you bought that desk for your wife...

Normally I like my keyboard on the desk with my monitor, but my oak rolltop's tray is the perfect height. That damn desk is so huge though, it's no wonder it's taller than a normal desk.

And.....very nice desk jAQUAN, great design.

[hanratty21]

Please tell me that you bought that desk for your wife...

Nope. It's shared usage. It's also not white. It also has no lace or other soft material hanging from the all behind it. The chair in front is an Aeron and the wall behind it has a 24" monitor mounted on a jointed arm swivel mount. This pic is not even close to represntative. If it'll make you feel better I can stencil flames and skulls on the side.