best ergonomic keyboards


If you spend long periods typing reports or playing games then you know what wrist pain is. Sure, one of the things you can do to prevent this problem is to take regular breaks and remember about exercising. But be under no illusion that it will save the day. Ergonomics – that’s what you really need.

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Last update on 2023-11-30 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon

How to choose the Best Ergonomic Keyboard

When choosing an ergonomic keyboard, always consider the most important features from size to comfort level. You should know whether a chosen item will be able to provide you with all-day comfort and reduce your pain as well as stress.

Compiling the list of today’s best ergonomic keyboards we have taken into account the number of features that affect customers’ comfort, health and productivity most of all.

Intended use

Ok. You are buying a new keyboard. Obviously, you know what you’re buying it for. Do you need it for work in an office or at home? Maybe, it’s a part of your gaming set? Though all these questions may seem to be quite primitive but the answer to them is your first step.

If you are a gamer then look for a perfect gaming keyboard. Such keyboards usually have special gaming keys. Those who work with numbers will appreciate a keyboard with a numeric keypad. If you work long hours typing texts look for a super-ergonomic keyboard to save you from RSI (repetitive strain injury).

Size

Keyboards differ not only in their functional purpose but also size. Nowadays you may choose a keyboard of almost any size as the variety is amazing.

Full-sized keyboards are considered to be an excellent choice for those who like having every letter, number and punctuation marks close at hand. As to the small-sized items they are a great option for customers who prefer compact and portable things. Just think of what you really like and need.

Compatibility

Though it sounds a bit strange but not all keyboards are compatible with all existing operating systems. Surprising? But it’s true. If your keyboard supports Windows it doesn’t mean that it will also show a great performance with Mac. Besides, even if it’s a highly compatible keyboard its features may vary when used with different operating systems.

Wired or Wireless

Another thing to consider is the type of connection your future keyboard should have or has. Today lots of keyboards connect via USB ports. Wireless keyboards are also quite popular as they let you forget about the endless cable knots. Still, you may have some trouble when connecting them to the system via Bluetooth while plugging USB cord keyboards is the easiest thing you have ever done.

Note that wireless keyboards aren’t the best option for gaming as they can lag. What is more, it’s necessary to regularly charge the battery or even replace it. This means additional expenses. That is why it’s really great to buy a keyboard with both wired and wireless configurations. Such a purchase will offer you a freedom of choice.

Keys and Keystrokes

You should feel that the keys of your keyboard were designed namely for you. If there is no such feeling look for something different. But if the keystrokes do not irritate you and you smile every time your fingertips touch the keys – that’s the moment of truth as you have found your perfect keyboard.

Modern keyboards offer different types of keys – soft and sensitive or hard and requiring additional pressure. The keys respond depends upon the switches, which can be divided into three types. You can learn more about them here.

However, a good ergonomic keyboard has responsive keys, which are easy to click. What is more, it should be stable when typing. Nowadays there two types of keyboards: mechanical and membrane. A membrane keyboard doesn’t demand any force to press its keys while a mechanic one will show a faster reaction to your actions.

Remember that a truly ergonomic keyboard has an improved design with bigger tabs, enter and function keys.

Additional options

Here’s the list of some extra features ergonomic keyboards usually have.

Tilt angle
If your keyboard has a tilt angle it means that you can adjust it to your personal needs.

Split
Almost all ergonomic keyboards are split. Such design helps to personalize it taking into account the position of your shoulders, arms and wrists. The average split sizes vary from 9 to 20 inches.

Splay
Another variant of an ergonomic keyboard is a V-form design. Such splaying makes it more comfortable in use for most “typers”.

Tent
Such feature as tent allows you to change the horizontal position of a keyboard from a range of 0 to 30 degrees. This adjustment provides users with a more natural position of their hands and wrists.

Price
As well as all other items you buy, keyboards can be cheap or expensive. So, if you pay more you get more – more options, a more stylish design and more pleasure of using it. Remember that expensive keyboards are usually provided with such additional features as volume and music player control, power management keys, customizable shortcut keys, a touchpad etc.

Still, you can always find something good for a lower price as well. And if you don’t need additional options or special features then there is no sense in wasting your budget.

Best Ergonomic Keyboards

Logitech K350 2.4Ghz Wireless Keyboard

Great Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard With a Long Battery Life

Logitech K350 2.4Ghz wireless keyboard
If you can’t stand cords at your desk then this wireless keyboard is a nice option to consider. Logitech K350 has a wave design that not only looks stylish but is also comfortable for hands position due to its curved layout. Add to this cushioned palm rest and here comes one of the best budget ergonomic keyboards.

As it’s a wireless keyboard its performance depends upon the battery life. And it won’t disappoint you as it reaches up to three years what equals approximately 2 million keystrokes a year. Logitech K350 also comes with a USB port and Internet connection.

Pros:
  • stylish design
  • excellent battery life
  • reasonable price
  • unifying receiver
Cons:
  • supports Windows OS only
  • media keys location isn’t the best one

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Microsoft Sculpt

Great Quiet Ergonomic Keyboard

Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard
As well as Logitech K350 or Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard this one has all the features that make it a truly ergonomic keyboard. They include a split and domed keyset design, cushion palm rest and a natural arc key layout.

Microsoft Sculpt has also got a separate number pad what makes this keyboard more flexible for various tasks. What is more, its key presses are very soft.

Pros:
  • low impact keys
  • quiet
  • comfortable in use
  • a separate number pad
  • wireless connection
Cons:
  • poor separation of key clusters
  • poor palm rest

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Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless

The King among Ergonomic Keyboards

logitech ergo k860 wireless
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless is another excellent product from the Logitech that combines great comfort, ergonomics, and before anything else, great usability. It’s curved and split KeyFrame, along with adjustable pillowed wrist rest will reduce your hand and wrist strain, while scooped keys will let you use it with ease.

Also, you will have the ability to tilt its front feet into free position, one neutral and two negatives, with the -4° and -7° tilting angles, as well as get the perfect positioning for your hands and experience all the necessary comfort.

Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless keyboard comes with great compatibility and can work with every major operating system, such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, and more. On top of that, it is compatible with both Logitech Options and Flow software and provides solid connectivity that lets you use it either with the help of a USB receiver or through the Bluetooth connection, at up to a 10-meter distance.

When talking about the performance, this keyboard proves its value in both office and mixed usage, delivering great precision and fluidity and, above all, quiet operations that make Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless keyboard a pretty good deal if you are after the best ergonomic keyboard.

Pros:
  • Ergonomic
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable palm lift
  • Both curved and split KeyFrame
  • Great compatibility
  • Well-built
  • Quiet
  • Customizable Fn keys
Cons:
  • No backlighting
  • No onboard memory

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Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (LXM-00001)

A Highly Customizable Ergonomic Keyboard

microsoft ergonomic keyboard (lxm-00001)
If you are seeking a comfortable and reliable keyboard that will reduce your hand and wrist strain and provide great functionality at the same time, Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (LXM-00001) is the device for you.

With this keyboard, you are getting accurate performance, stylish looks, and plenty of customization options that can be managed through an intuitive Mouse and Keyboard Center, allowing you to assign macros, remap keys and give them some specific function, such as shortcuts to make them perform different commands in different applications and so on. Also, due to its ergonomic, split keyboard design, cushioned palm rest, and split keyboard, you will enjoy a comfortable typing experience and relieve your arms from possible fatigue or injury.

In other words, you will get everything needed for comfortable work. The only flaw is that its design will require some adaptation period; however, if you want to save yourself from pain and wrist problems, there is no better ergonomic keyboard than the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (LXM-00001).

Pros:
  • Reliable
  • Accurate
  • Comfortable
  • Nice-looking
  • Adjustable tilt
  • Multiple shortcut keys
  • Excellent customization options
Cons:
  • Limited compatibility
  • A bit large

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Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard

A More Basics-Oriented Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard

kensington pro fit ergonomic wireless keyboard
If you don’t require any advanced keyboard features such as assigning macros, key reprogramming, or RGB backlight, and are looking for a good ergonomic shape and comfortability, Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard is the thing for you.

As mentioned, this keyboard doesn’t have many features and is more turned to the basics, with the addition of excessive comfort that comes as result of its Split and sloped keyboard design and little inclusions such as wrist-rest and adjustable reverse tilt, with multiple positions.

Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard offers both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 4.0 encrypted connectivity and very quiet performance. However, it lacks programmability and its keys are too close to each other, which certainly affects its overall usability.

All in all, Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard isn’t great. Nevertheless, if you want a solid wireless connectivity and great comfortability it is a pretty good option, even if it is surely not the ideal one.

Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • Dual-wireless
Cons:
  • It lacks programmability
  • Not the best build quality
  • Keys are a bit too cramped

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Kinesis KB600 Advantage2

The Best Mechanical Ergonomic Keyboard

Jestik Kinesis KB600 Advantage2
Kinesis KB600 Advantage2 comes with a patented contoured keyboard design, which keeps your hands relaxed due to their natural position. There are also concave key walls and separate key wells for each hand. What is more, this Jestik Kinesis model is equipped with separate thumb keys.

But that’s just the tip of iceberg. KB600 Advantage2 has Cherry MX low-force tactile key switches, Cherry ML mechanical function keys and a vertical layout. It also provides 20 degrees of tenting and includes palm supports. In fact, Jestik Kinesis KB600 deserves the name of the best ergonomic keyboard of nowadays.

Pros:
  • patented contoured keyboard design
  • concave key walls
  • separate key wells and thumb keys
  • low-force tactile key switches
  • mechanical function keys
  • vertical layout
  • 20º tenting
  • palm supports
  • smartest programming engine
  • instant configuration
Cons:
  • very expensive
  • need time to adjust to its layout
  • a bit noise

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Perixx PERIBOARD-512 Ergonomic Split Keyboard

Great Ergonomic Keyboard Under $50

Perixx PERIBOARD-512 ergonomic split keyboard
Another USB keyboard to consider is Perixx PERIBOARD-512. It has 7 built-in multimedia hotkeys and tactile strokes for comfortable typing. It also comes with a split and integrated palm rest design.

This ergonomic keyboard supports such an operating system as Windows (versions 7/8/10). What is more, it has durable laser printing keys. Another pleasant bonus is its low price.

Pros:
  • soft keystrokes
  • low price
  • 7 built-in multimedia hotkeys
  • a split space bar
Cons:
  • poor arrow key as well as vertical layout
  • annoying context menu key

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KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge

An Excellence in a Shiny Suit

kinesis gaming freestyle edge rgb
KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge is a great device, probably the best ergonomic keyboard you will find on the market today. This is a keyboard that has it all: excellent comfortability, ergonomic, great programmability, per-key RGB lighting, basically whatever you think of is there.

It is equipped with Cherry MX switches that can be blue, red, brown or silver, it has a plug and play functionality, supports Windows, Linux, Mac and Chrome and offers a very practical split design that, similarly to other models, allows for its separation at up to half a meter distance.

KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge is fitted with 95 fully programmable keys; it has a neat SmartSet key that allows for fast remapping and macros creation and offers numerous customization options that can be used through the dedicated SmartSet App. With the help of this app, you can create up to nine different dual-layer profiles, make macros, and fully customize your RGB, with the involvement of the effects such as Wave, Rebound, or Pulse and much more.

This keyboard is equipped with nine game keys, it has a built-in wrist rest and offers up to 4MB of flash memory for storing all the settings and customizations.

Overall, this keyboard is a great choice for every eSports fan or a serious gamer that appreciates a true brilliance and has enough resources to back it up.

Pros:
  • Cherry MX switches
  • Comfortable
  • Ergonomic
  • Customizable RGB lighting
Cons:
  • Expensive

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Cloud Nine C989M Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard

Excellent Performance and Comfort in One

cloud nine c989m ergonomic mechanical keyboard
Cloud Nine C989M Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard is sort of a hybrid keyboard that tries to combine ergonomics and comfort with solid gaming performance, and for the large part, it manages to do that. However, it comes with flaws here and there, such as its easy-to-use, yet a bit unrefined software, high price, as well as large size that make it unsuitable for a large number of users.

On the other hand, there are Cherry MX brown mechanical switches that provide low activation force and a nice tactile feeling to the user, 10 programmable macro keys, as well as some handy features, such as USB pass-through and a dedicated multimedia dial. When talking about ergonomics and comfort, this keyboard offers built-in palm and tenting support, and an ergonomic split design that lets you separate the keyboard at up to 8 inches of distance, helping you find the perfect positioning for your hands.

Besides, there is also customizable RGB lighting, smooth and responsive performance, and overall good functionality that rightfully positions this device among the best ergonomic keyboards on the market.

In other words, Cloud Nine C989M Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard is a great product; however, it isn’t for everyone. Those of you who are only after ergonomics should look somewhere else, while those who are seeking great gaming performance and comfort in one product and have enough money to support these wishes, should certainly go with it and can be sure they won’t be disappointed.

Pros:
  • Cherry MX brown switches
  • RGB backlighting
  • 10 programmable keys
  • USB pass-through
  • Customizable RGB lighting
  • Comfortable to use
Cons:
  • A bit large
  • Pricey

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Summary

Ergonomic keyboard is a must for those who take care of their health. Nowadays there are plenty of items to choose from which vary in their size and features. The list above has some great options for both work in an office or home and gaming. But you can also have a look at perfect combos of a wireless keyboard and mouse.

About author

Thetechlounge editorial team consists of versatile tech enthusiasts. Each of us specializes in the specific area (from photography to virtual reality).
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