- 9.20/10 1. Premium pick: Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
- 8.80/10 2. Editors choice: Perixx Periboard Ergonomic Keyboard
- 8.60/10 3. Best value: iClever BK10
- 8.60/10 4. Kinesis Freestyle2
- 8.20/10 5. Microsoft Sculpt
- 8.60/10 6. Goldtouch GTU-0088
- 8.80/10 7. RedThunder K900 Gaming Keyboard
Keyboards are designed to increase productivity, but if you use them for an extended period of time, they can also have adverse effects.
A study by the American Institute of Stress found that workplace stress (which can occur in the workplace or when working from home) causes more than just difficulty sleeping and stressed-out eyes. At least 12 percent of respondents also complained of hurting hands.
Ergonomic keyboards are a way to reduce the pain associated with using computer keyboards. However, it can be difficult to use the right one for your needs with so many on the market. These are the best ergonomic keyboards to improve computer comfort.
The Logitech Ergo K860 is a full-sized, curved keyboard with a split layout for a more natural typing posture. It’s sloped, which reduces the level of strain on your wrists and forearms.
The keyboard also includes a pillowed wrist rest that includes a memory foam comfort level, a high-density support level, covered by a stain-resistant fabric that you can easily clean.
You can adjust the palm lift to tilt the legs to your preferred angle. The keyboard has quiet keys for fluid typing, and can be used with both Windows and Mac, and allows for up to 3 devices to be connected. The customizable function keys are a useful bonus.
- Wrist support provides extra comfort
- Keyboard layout is curved and split
- Brand: Logitech
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: 2x AAA
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Rubber Dome
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Number of Keys: 110
- Compatible Devices: Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Keyboard Description: Split
- Can connect with up to three devices
- Connection via USB receiver or Bluetooth
- The split layout may not be to everyone's taste
The Perixx Periboard-612 Wireless Ergonomic Split Keyboard has a built-in wide palm rest. The large space is conducive to comfort when typing for long periods. The split keys allow your hands and arms to be in their natural position, reducing the potential for discomfort.
The wireless keyboard has two sets of switches on the backside. The first button allows you to switch between Bluetooth 4.0 and the USB receiver. The second button allows you to switch between Windows and Mac layouts.
The keyboard also includes seven multimedia keys to control the volume, mute, pause, and play. The keyboard is available in wireless white, wireless black, and wired black.
- Split-key design
- Built-in palm rest
- Brand: Perixx
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: 2x AA
- Num Pad: Yes
- Compatible with macOS and Windows
- Seven multimedia keys
- Takes up considerable desk space
The iClever BK10 Bluetooth Keyboard has an ultra-slim, ergonomic design to foster a more comfortable experience when typing for long periods. It has a slight tilt, and this slope keeps your hands from leaning downward. The keyboard also has a sleek, stainless steel design with matte finished, spill-resistant keys.
The keyboard can be used with Windows or Mac devices and has a long-lasting rechargeable battery that can last up to 90 hours on one charge. The shock and skid-proof pads ensure that the keyboard doesn’t slide around on your desk. Convenient hotkeys that control the volume, mute, pause/play, etc., provide additional functionality. The keyboard is available in white, black, and silver/black.
- Modern and stylish design
- Compatible with macOS and Windows devices
- Brand: iClever
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: USB rechargeable
- Num Pad: Yes
- USB rechargeable battery lasts up to 90 days
- Media keys and num pad included
- No wrist support
4. Kinesis Freestyle2
If you’re a Mac user, the Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard offers a lot of control. The linking cable allows you to separate the two keyboard modules up to nine inches apart, ensuring that you’ll find the most comfortable position for your hands, wrists, and forearms. There’s also an option to purchase the version with the 20-inch linking cable.
The low profile keyboard has a zero degree slope, which keeps the wrist in the proper typing position. There’s no number pad, which allows the mouse to be placed closer to the keyboard, reducing wrist strain. However, you can purchase the numeric keypad separately.
- macOS layout
- Split keyboard design can be moved to ideal positions
- Brand: Kinesis
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: No
- Num Pad: No
- Built-in two-Port USB hub
- Adjustable splay angle
- Number pad must be purchased separately
- No palm rests
5. Microsoft Sculpt
The Microsoft Sculpt is an excellent option if you also want a matching ergonomic mouse. The dome shape and split keyset design provide a natural typing environment, and the physical arc in the middle supports your interior fingers.
The package also includes a separate number pad, and the keyboard has a cushioned palm rest to support your wrist and avoid discomfort. In addition, the mouse has a sculpted design that also fits your hand and supports your wrist.
For the privacy-conscious, the keyboard uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technology to encrypt your keystrokes, keeping your information confidential.
- Purchase includes the keyboard and a mouse
- Separate num pad included
- Brand: Microsoft
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: 2x AAA
- Num Pad: Yes
- Keyboard Description: Ergonomic
- Encrypts keystrokes
- Included mouse also has an ergonomic design
- Windows-only, so can't be used on macOS devices
6. Goldtouch GTU-0088
The Goldtouch GTU-0088 is both suitable for Windows and macOS devices and can adjust vertically and horizontally. It mimics your natural typing stance by allowing your wrists to be down or neutral instead of being in an uncomfortable upward position.
The keyboard is wired and does not include a numeric keypad (although it is sold separately), which allows your mouse to be closer to the edge of the keyboard. However, it does include command keys, like delete, number lock, and print on the keyboard's left side.
- Can be adjusted vertically and horizontally up to 30 degrees
- Supports macOS and Windows devices
- Brand: Goldtouch
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: No
- Num Pad: No
- Soft keys reduce force required for key presses
- No batteries required
- Wired connection only
- No wrist support
The RedThunder K900 Gaming Keyboard is the best ergonomic option for gamers. The keyboard comes with a hand wrist rest and includes adjustable rear feet to help you find the most comfortable position.
The device combines both a membrane keyboard and mechanical switches to achieve the best of both worlds, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing.
The RGB backlit keys make it easy to see what you’re typing, and there are up to 42 different color combinations to choose from. Also, there’s a convenient smartphone holder on the top edge of the keyboard. The water-resistant unit has 12 multimedia shortcut keys and is compatible with Windows, macOS, the Xbox One, and the PlayStation 4.
- Customizable RGB backlight
- Removeable key caps
- Brand: RedThunder
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: Yes
- Media Controls: Yes
- Num Pad: Yes
- Suitable for office work and gaming sessions
- Combines membrane and mechanical elements
- Wired connection only
FAQ
Q: Why Would I Choose an Ergonomic Keyboard?
Most people assume that long-term use of keyboards can cause Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, but according to medical experts, this is a myth. However, it can exacerbate the problem in people who do have this condition.
Long-term use of keyboards does cause pain in the muscles and tendons in your hands, wrists, and elbows. In addition to pain, you may also experience swelling, joint stiffness, and other issues. An ergonomic keyboard can prevent or at least lessen these effects.
Q: How Can I Choose Between a One Piece or a Split Ergonomic Keyboard?
The best type of keyboard will depend on your individual needs, and to a certain extent, it will also depend on the size of your hands and wrists. Some people consider ergonomic keyboards as a preventative measure. However, if you're already experiencing pain when you're typing, a split keyboard may provide more relief since it's more customizable.
On the other hand, many one-piece keyboards tend to be wireless, and if you don’t like cords, you may lean toward that type.
Q: Is it Hard to Learn How to Type on an Ergonomic Keyboard?
If you've never used an ergonomic keyboard before, it's unlikely that you'll just jump on it and resume typing at your normal pace. It's going to take several days, and perhaps a few weeks, to truly get used to it. It's best to start by using the keyboard in a way that is as disruptive as possible.
For example, if it's a split keyboard, keep the two keyboard modules relatively close to each other until you get comfortable, and then gradually increase the distance between the two pieces. If the keyboard tilts, use the lowest setting for a while and then gradually increase the slope.