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Best Ergonomic Keyboard – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
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Best Ergonomic Keyboards Reviewed and Rated
A lot of people are looking for the best ergonomic keyboard that can allow them to be more comfortable when working at their computer workstation. Working on a computer for more than 8 hours a day is a relatively common occurrence now, especially when both work and personal use are considered. Using the computer for this extended time can be hard on wrists, fingers, thumbs, and even elbows and shoulders and contribute to soreness and fatigue. Lots of people are searching for the best ergonomic keyboard, best ergonomic mouse, and general office setup to reduce or get rid of this pain by making for a more comfortable computing experience.
Many users and reviewers of ergonomically designed keyboards talk about the positive impact it has had in aiding in relief from wrist pain from the ergonomic comforts they provide. For someone who has experienced wrist and hand pain from using a computer for extended periods of time in a home and office environment then one way to gain some comfort may be by the use of an ergonomic keyboard such as this. The swap to an ergonomic keyboard won’t always be a cure that eliminates all pain but it may be something that helps to improve it.
Using an ergonomic split keyboard will be strange at first and takes a few days to get fully used to it, but after that it will seem perfectly normal. The layout of this type of keyboard seems to position the hands and fingers in a more natural position and is more comfortable when typing. Typing speed may be impacted for the first few days, but after becoming acclimated to the keyboard the speed should return. You may notice the elimination of some bad typing habits by virtue of using an ergonomic split keyboard and typing accuracy actually seems to increase as it forces an improved focus on touch typing skills.
This style of keyboard places your wrist and hands in a nice comfortable position, and after using it for a while going back to the standard keyboard will be what feels strange. One option among many to improve wrist and finger pain is the use of a keyboard such as these and they come recommended by many users to aid that purpose. If it is recommended to you to make a more ergonomic computer work environment to help improve your wrist (or other) pain, then using one of these types of keyboards will be one option to consider.
The chart below will list our ratings and rankings for the best ergonomic keyboards out there on the market today. It is followed by a short summary of each keyboard that gives a nice review and some of the product features.
One of the most important and memorable features between the different types of ergonomic keyboards are the style being split, curved, and even one that is vertical. Split is a standard ergonomic design that is typical of most ergonomically designed keyboards. Split/Detachable is a split keyboard that detaches to two pieces. Split/Unique is what it sounds like, a split keyboard that is otherwise unique. And we even have one that is vertically inclined. Keep going to see the rankings and detailed reviews.
Best Ergonomic Keyboard Rankings are below. Let’s get right to the best of chart and then you can keep going for the chart of all keyboard rankings.
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Summary Notes for Best Ergonomic Keyboard Ratings Chart
The overall list below contains several good keyboard choices, but a few of them stand out as the top rated as reflected in the list at the top of this post. The Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave keyboard takes our top overall choice with a host of good options and lots of market acceptance barely edging out the Microsoft Natural 4000 Keyboard which is a tried and true performer. The Ergo K860 is a solid choice overall and if you want one with an included wrist rest then you can’t really go wrong with it either. The Microsoft Sculpt is one of the best if you want something more low profile and still ergonomic. Going completely the other way you can get the Kinesis Advantage to maximize uniqueness in the office place or just get the Kinesis FreeStyle and freak out your colleagues when you split the keyboard into two halves and get to work in comfort!
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Individual Ergonomic Keyboard Notes, Reviews, and Comments
Please read detailed reviews below that are posted in order with our best choices listed in order first.
Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Logitech MK550 Wave keyboard is yet another excellent ergonomic product from this great company that has a long track record of success in the ergonomic marketplace. You’ll see more than one of their products on top lists here on this site.
Product review
The MK550 Wave has a look that is what it sounds like – a wave. It has a curved contour to the keyboard to better match the natural different lengths of your individual fingers. It has the expected solid build from a Logitech product and also has exceptional battery life – a reported up to 36 months from a single swap. Add to this an integrated palm rest and easy setup and this is an ergonomic keyboard to consider and a great choice.
Product features
-Contoured shape for maximum comfort
-36 month battery life
-integrated palm rest
-simple setup
-minimal lag with excellent wireless connection
Summary
The MK550 is another great choice from a company that keeps putting out staples for the ergonomic community.
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a nice ergonomic product from Microsoft and is a longtime strong performer in this market. If you are looking for an ergonomically designed keyboard to help you get relief from hand and wrist pain then this one is definitely on your list to review.
Product review
The Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 is a great product in the ergonomic space. Many of the users of this keyboard talk about the positive impact it has had in aiding in relief from wrist pain from its ergonomic design. This keyboard has a split key design that is intended to place the hands and wrist in a more natural position than a standard keyboard. This type of split design is one of the key things that allow this product to have such a natural position for your hands. The layout of the keyboard for usability is a top feature of this product.
Moving to a split key keyboard like this one may seem strange or difficult at first, but after a few days of typing with it the difficulty should disappear and the typing speed should return. It just takes a little practice and then it will be like you’ve always used a split keyboard. The Ergo 4000 has a comfortable key strike that makes it for a nice ergonomic touch and complements the previously mentioned natural position of wrist and hands in an attempt to maximize the ergonomic value of this keyboard.
The look and feel of this keyboard is good as well and it gets good reports for longevity in addition to the comfort and support it provides. This well built and sturdy keyboard includes some nice features like five customizable hotkeys to help you perform common tasks and also includes a zoom slider for getting a closer look when you need to. It also has an integrated palm rest for increased comfort.
Product features
-great ergonomic design in a well built keyboard
-comfortable key strike
-comfortable and natural position for typing
-five customizable hot keys to make the keyboard work how you want
Summary
The Natural Ergo 4000 keyboard is a great Microsoft product from their Natural line of ergonomic devices and it is a top performer. If you are searching for a keyboard that may help you get relief from wrist, hand, or finger pain and think an ergonomic design is the way to go then this is one to consider. This keyboard gets high marks here and is a good product.
Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ergo K860 ergonomic keyboard is part of Logitech’s Ergo series of devices all designed for maximum ergonomic comfort for hands and wrists.
Product review
The Ergo K860 features a curving split key layout with comfortable scoop keys and a light touch requirement for key press. It features quiet keys as well to help reduce noise and distractions in your office environment. It also comes with a cushioned, adjustable wrist rest to better position you in a neutral low stress position. All around it is well designed and with minimization of hand and wrist strain at top of mind this is a great choice as an ergonomic keyboard.
Product features
- soft touch contour key design
- Cushioned wrist rest
- Split keyboard design
- Integrated number pad
Summary
The Ergo K860 joins Logitech’s other ergonomically designed products at or near the top of the rankings. It would be hard to go wrong with this keyboard if you want a split key layout.
Fellowes Microban Split Design Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Fellowes Microban Split Design Keyboard offers an affordable and attractive way to bring superior ergonomics and comfort to your desktop. Its split design allows for more natural hand placement while you type, reducing stress and strain on your fingers, wrists, and shoulders. This model also features a row of shortcut keys to make common tasks easier, as well as a split spacebar so you can type without worrying over which thumb you use to strike it with.
Product review
The central feature of the Fellowes Microban split design keyboard is its ergonomics and comfort and on this note it delivers exceptionally. The keys are angled and spaced apart perfectly for most users, the keyboard itself is full-size, and the keys offer just the right amount of resistance while still being quiet and easy to type with. Fellowes understands what you’re looking for in a split-key keyboard, and they execute it well.
Over and above the layout, this ergonomic keyboard is an excellent and well-built keyboard. Fellowes has paid attention to the small details that make a keyboard usable, like modern microswitches behind each key which perform well even when dirty, and a small memory buffer, so even if your computer hiccups you won’t have to re-type. The number pad is also full-size and easy to type on without looking at it making this ergonomic keyboard an excellent choice for either office or home use..
Product features
-Full-size microswitch keyboard with number pad
-Split design for comfort
-Shortcut keys that make common tasks simpler
-Antimicrobial coating for cleaner keys
Summary
Anyone looking for an ergonomic keyboard should pay close attention to the Fellowes Microban ergonomic keyboard. In terms of value provided, it’s a strong contender in the ergonomic keyboard market. Fellowes has focused on what you need, while leaving some unnecessary extras by the wayside. This keyboard is comfortable, durable, and installs easily even on older computers. If you want an ergonomic keyboard and don’t like the ones above it, then this is one to consider.
Perixx Periboard-512
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Perixx Periboard-512 is an advanced and comfortable keyboard that features a split-key layout for increased ergonomics. This keyboard goes above and beyond just ergonomic comfort, including premium features like a full number pad, wrist rest, and programmable multimedia hotkeys to make common tasks quick and easy to do with just the press of a button.
Product review
The first thing you’ll notice about this Perixx keyboard is its high quality. Made from high-impact plastic with advanced microswitches, this keyboard is built to last for a long time. The switches themselves resist dirt buildup between the keys which have a pleasant, springy feel to them. The manufacturing quality of this keyboard also makes it incredibly quiet, with no need to bang down hard on the keys as you type.
When it comes to ergonomic comfort the Periboard-512 keyboard is a contender. The included plastic wrist rest provides a convenient place to rest your hands as you type reducing stress and strain on your wrists. When combined with the split-key layout, this keyboard provides a lot of ergonomic bang for the buck. If you spend a lot of time typing at the computer you’re sure to appreciate the time and effort that Perixx took in designing this device.
The fact that this keyboard is so comfortable makes it a good choice for anyone who is looking for an ergonomic alternative to help ease their wrist pain. While simply switching to an ergonomic split-key keyboard won’t entirely eliminate the risk, it does take a lot of pressure off of your wrists and elbows. If you already have problems with these issues, as well as hand and wrist pain, arthritis, or limited mobility, switching to an ergonomic keyboard can help minimize your discomfort more than other traditional keyboards on the market.
Mac users should keep in mind that although this keyboard works with a Mac the keys are only labelled for Windows. That means you’ll be using the CTRL key in place of Command, and ALT key instead of Option. It’s a small adjustment, but if you want a keyboard that matches up perfectly then you’ll need to be extra careful to find one with the standard Mac layout.
Product features
-Full-size keyboard with an ergonomic layout
-Programmable multimedia keys are great for movies, music, and browsing the web
-Integrated wrist support
-Full-size number pad is perfect for office use
-Compatible with all desktops and laptops, including Apple and Windows PC
Summary
There’s a lot to like about the Perixx Periboard-512 keyboard. It’s simple to install, solid and durable, and has features that can make your life a little bit easier. The fact that it has multimedia keys along the top and a full-size number pad make it a great choice for home and office use alike. If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your current keyboard with an ergonomic alternative this offering from Perixx provides comfort and reliability at a good value.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is another of Microsoft’s entrants into the ergonomic keyboard space and it is a top performer as well. The successor to the long time top performing Natural line of products this keyboard has a strong pedigree to draw from with Microsoft’s ergonomic history in the keyboard marketplace and has taken one of the top spots in our best ergonomic keyboard rankings.
Product review
The Microsoft Sculpt keyboard is a split layout keyboard that has a very nice feel to it. The domed design promotes a natural position of the wrists and hands that is intended to minimize or reduce any pain users may have from prolonged typing or computer usage. The natural arc key layout also is intended to follow the natural path and complement the curved position of the fingers when typing.
The Sculpt comes with a detached number pad instead of being an integrated part of the keyboard. Some people will find this a neutral feature and others will like it a lot as they can then minimize their hand travel from mouse to keyboard and back since the mouse can be closer to the keyboard that way.
The keys are in the chiclet style and have a very nice feel with a soft keystrike that doesn’t require a lot of force and helps minimize wear on your fingers. This keyboard has a riser that can be used to tilt the keyboard forward if needed depending on your layout of chair, desk, and height, etc. There is also a cushioned palm rest that helps provide comfort as well as promote use of a more natural wrist position.
This is one sharp keyboard with a very advanced looking ergonomic design that is pleasing to the eye as well as to the hands and wrists. It looks modern and sleek for an aesthetically pleasing design. Like other Microsoft ergonomic products it is well built and should last for a long time.
Product features
-Advanced ergonomic design
-promotes pain free computer use with natural position of the hands and wrists
-comfortable and low force key strike
-detached number pad
Summary
The Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard is one of our top ranked choices if you are looking to upgrade from a standard keyboard. Feel free to go with this keyboard and feel good about your buying decision because you are getting a good product.
The Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard is an ergonomically designed keyboard from Kinesis. This ergonomic keyboard has been around for a while and it has stood the test of time. With a unique and patented design that is intended to reduce the pain and fatigue of heavy computer users this is one to consider further.
Product review
Like a few of the other ergonomic keyboards, the Kinesis Advantage2 has a very distinctive look to it. With most of the keys in two handwells at the upper right and left of the product with the remaining keys right below and slightly inside of it you can tell that there has been some thought placed into this design. This split keyboard design combined with these handwells helps to keep a good posture and hand position during use.
The handwells are designed in a concave fashion that place the hands in a neutral and relaxed position while typing. Other commonly used keys such as enter, backspace, delete, page up and down, control, and alt are positioned below the concave handwells in easy striking distance by the thumbs. The design theory behind that is that the stronger thumbs can activate these more frequently used keys and minimize the impact to other weaker, smaller fingers.
This keyboard has a host of other ergonomically supportive features. The keys are designed to be easy to activate for lower strike force when depressing the keys. The keyboard comes in standard qwerty layout, but is customizable to the dvorak layout as well. You can remap keys on the keyboard as well as program up to 48 macros for your use.
Product features
-Unique and patented ergonomic design reduces strain and fatigue
-Customizable keyboard with macro support allows for even better control and minimization of keystrokes
-Compatible with both PC and Mac
-Aesthetic design with multiple colors including a metallic finish
Summary
The Kinesis Advantage2 is a very nicely designed ergonomic keyboard. It has a great look and feel and has a lot of features including many customization options for different keyboard layouts and key mapping. Like some of the other designs that deviate a little more from the standard keyboard this one may have a small learning curve, but the rewards may be large. Check this one out.
Kinesis Freestyle2
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard features a unique design that lets you fine-tune your typing position and get the most productivity out of your time on the computer with the least amount of stress and strain on your wrists and hands. This ergonomic keyboard allows you to move each half of the keyboard and place it perfectly where your hands naturally fall.
Product review
When you choose a keyboard like the Freestyle2 you’re looking for comfort and an ergonomic keyboard design. The fact that the halves of this keyboard can be moved apart independently, connected by a slim 9” cord, meaning that you can place them wherever is most comfortable and natural for your hands and wrists. The advantages of this type of split keyboard design are that in comparison to a typical keyboard it can take a lot of stress off of your elbows, hands, and wrists.
In addition to its ergonomic advantages, the Kinesis Freestyle2 keyboard is well-made and durable. This keyboard uses modern microswitches instead of older-style mechanical keyswitches in order to provide a smooth feeling and quiet keystrokes. It also fully disassembles into two separate halves for portability thanks to a quick-release connecting cable.
One of the possible drawbacks of the Freestyle2 keyboard is that it’s for Windows users only. Apple computers use a different set of keys, so even though the keyboard will function fine if plugged into a Mac, the labels on the keys will be wrong. Kinesis does offer the same style of keyboard for Apple users, so be sure and shop carefully in order to make sure you get the model that you need.
Finally, while this Kinesis keyboard is billed as a full-size keyboard, the dimensions on the keys themselves tend toward the small size. This keyboard is more accurately described as halfway between a compact laptop keyboard and a traditional full-size desktop keyboard.
Product features
-Split design for superior comfort
-Excellent ergonomics are easy on your arms, elbows, and wrists
-High-quality design uses electronic microswitches for outstanding feel and durability
-9” of cable gives you plenty of room to position the keyboard halves where they feel best
Summary
If you’re looking for an ergonomic alternative to a traditional keyboard, then the Kinesis Freestyle2 is a solid choice. It’s quiet, comfortable, and durable, with the ability to be positioned at any angle you require..
Goldtouch GTU-0088 adjustable keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Goldtouch GTU-0088 adjustable keyboard is a split keyboard that can be adjusted on both the horizontal and vertical tilt between 0 and 30 degrees. Made by Goldtouch and compatible with both PC and Mac this keyboard is one to consider carefully.
Product review
The GTU-0088 is an ergonomically designed keyboard that has some really nice features built into the design. One of the features that is really nice is the ability to adjust the keyboard both horizontally and vertically up to a 30 degree angle. This will allow the keyboard to be adjusted to suit the user’s preferences for comfort and ergonomics. The keyboard can even be split completely in two halves if desired to operate it in that manner.
The GTU-0088 includes Goldtouch’s soft key touch which is designed to give a lighter feel to typing on the keyboard. Having a light touch and a full key travel is intended to make for a more comfortable typing experience and make things easier on your typing fingers! As a way to help ease the typing strain the reviews on this product are strong in its favor.
The reports on this product also focus on its ease of use and installation. With a basically plug and play installation it can be up and running by plugging it into a USB port and getting started. The user friendly design should let a new user get up and running pretty quickly without a lot of technical hurdles. For Mac users who want to get a more standard Apple keyboard layout there may be some minor additional customizations to make to the settings menu for standard Apple key layouts, but for PC users that isn’t required.
Product features
-Ergonomically designed
-Plug and play easy setup
-Patented ball/lever design adjustment
-Soft key touch for lighter feel and less strain
-Intuitive design for a natural typing position
Summary
The GTU-0088 is a highly rated keyboard with good marks from most sources. With many ergonomic features that are designed to minimize strain and discomfort from typing and using a keyboard it is a strong entrant in the ergonomic keyboard category. With the soft key touch, the adjustable design to fit your body, and the easy setup by most accounts this stacks up as a good keyboard.
SafeType Vertical Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The V902 vertical ergonomic keyboard from SafeType is an intriguing product that is designed to place the user’s hands in the most neutral position possible while using the keyboard. For those suffering from wrist and finger pain from using a computer keyboard that doesn’t support you ergonomically then read on to learn more about the V902 and its unique vertical keyboard design.
Product review
The first thing that you notice when looking at this keyboard is that it probably doesn’t look like any keyboard you have ever seen before. It incorporates a “vertical” design that is seen in some of the quality vertical ergonomic mouse models that are out there, but not as often in keyboards. The vertical design places your hands in the more neutral position and eliminates extension, deviation, and pronation by its design. In addition, the design doesn’t allow a user to adjust it out of its ergonomic configuration and negate these benefits.
The keyboard layout will take some getting used to, but it is laid out in a manner that is designed to be learned intuitively by those already familiar with a qwerty style keyboard. The left and right vertical keys match up primarily to the letters on a standard keyboard and the middle of the keyboard brings you a ten key number pad and the direction (arrow) keys. The keyboard also includes two mirrors on the outside of the vertical keyboards in case you want a little help in seeing the keys while you are typing.
This keyboard receives high praise for helping to lower or eliminate wrist and hand pain while using the computer. One con should be mentioned that could apply to specific users. One important note is that this is not for a hunt and peck style of typist as the keys are visible with the mirrors, but it is intended for someone with touch typing ability. A hunt and peck typist will have a hard time using this keyboard.
Product features
-Vertical ergonomic design for the most neutral typing position
-Design features are built in and cannot be accidentally adjusted improperly by the user
-Easy installation and setup
-Great design and quality construction
Summary
This vertical ergonomic keyboard from SafeType is one to consider if you want to make a major change up to your workspace to try to deal with serious hand or wrist pain. It may take a little getting used to with its revolutionary design, but once the small learning curve is overcome the gains in comfort may be worth it. If you are looking for relief then this is one to consider.
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