Ergonomic keyboards can help improve your typing posture and reduce discomfort. The best ergonomic keyboards also feature wireless connectivity and keymapping.
Logitech Ergo K860: Best Ergonomic Keyboard Overall
When it comes to ergonomic keyboards, the Logitech Ergo K860 stands out as the best overall choice. Its curved, split keyboard configuration and padded wrist rest help align your arms, wrists, and shoulders for more comfortable long-term typing. The palm lift feature also enables you to angle your wrist rest upwards for neutral arm placement at any position, whether you’re sitting or standing.
One of the remarkable features of the Logitech Ergo K860 is its compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It offers a wireless connection via Bluetooth, allowing you to connect the keyboard to up to three devices simultaneously. This feature is perfect for multitasking and making presentations. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tangled cables cluttering your workspace.
Pros
- Wireless
- Multi-OS support
- Full size
Cons
- Not rechargeable
- No mechanical keys
Tech specs:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Power: 2 AA batteries
- Mechanical: No
- Size: Full size
- 10 Key: Yes
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Kensington Pro Fit: Best Budget Ergonomic Keyboard
If you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard that won’t break the bank, the Kensington Pro Fit is an excellent choice. Its split, curved configuration and wrist rest help reduce muscle strain, while the chiclet-style keys ensure quick and quiet typing — a game changer in shared workspaces where loud, clacking keys can be a distraction.
The keyboard is also spill-proof, so there’s no need to worry about water, soda, or coffee ruining your new keyboard. The Kensington Pro Fit is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, allowing you to plug it in and start working right away.
Pros
- Quiet keys
- Spill-proof
- Windows and Mac compatible
Cons
- Not backlit
- No mobile or ChromeOS support
Tech specs:
- Connectivity: Wired USB
- Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac
- Power: USB
- Mechanical: No
- Size: Full size
- 10 Key: Yes
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Cloud Nine C989M: Best Split Design Ergonomic Keyboard
For those who need more control over their ergonomic keyboard, the Cloud Nine C989M is an excellent choice. This keyboard features a split-body design, allowing you to customize the layout by placing the halves up to 8 inches apart to suit your natural arm placement. It also offers lift feet that can reach 7 degrees of tenting, allowing for tilting to the right or left, rather than forward and backward.
The left-hand side of the keyboard features a media wheel for adjusting volume and dimming keyboard backlighting, while the Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The keyboard’s USB passthrough allows you to connect other peripherals, and it works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. However, the software for custom keybindings and RGB lighting schemes only works with Windows.
Pros
- Mechanical switches
- USB passthrough
- Media wheel
Cons
- Control software only works with Windows
- Mechanical keys distracting for shared workspaces
Tech specs:
- Connectivity: Wired USB
- Configuration: Split body ergonomic
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Power: USB
- Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX Brown/Red/Blue
- Size: Full size
- 10 Key: Yes
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Kinesis Advantage 2: Best Ergonomic Keyboard Splurge
The Kinesis Advantage 2 may come with a steep price and learning curve, but it’s worth the investment for comfort and convenience, especially for programmers. Each half of the Qwerty keyboard is concave and tented 20 degrees to establish a natural wrist and forearm position. The thumb keys can move tabs, backspace, and enter various peripheral keys to reduce pinky finger strain.
The Kinesis Advantage 2 features Cherry MX Brown switches, Dvorak layout options, and the ability to remap keys for custom layouts. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome, and Linux operating systems, making it a versatile choice for those who want a tailored ergonomic experience.
Pros
- Qwerty and Dvorak layouts
- Keymapping
- Macro recording
- Mechanical switches
Cons
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
Tech specs:
- Connectivity: Wired USB
- Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS
- Power: USB
- Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX Brown
- Size: Full size
- 10 Key: No
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ProtoArc EK01: Best Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
If you prefer a wireless ergonomic keyboard, the ProtoArc EK01 is an excellent choice. It’s one of the more affordable options on the market, yet it still offers plenty of premium-grade features. The integrated battery gives you up to 100 hours of use on a full charge, allowing you to work for over 12 days before needing to recharge.
This keyboard can connect to your computer with either a 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth, and you can control up to three computers at once with the multi-device mode. It has support for Windows, Mac, and Android-based devices, enabling you to transfer files between your smartphone and laptop or work on two projects simultaneously.
Pros
- Control up to three computers
- Supports Windows, Mac, and Android devices
- 100 hours of use on a full charge
Cons
- Caps lock indicator is the same color as the backlights, which can be confusing
Tech specs:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz
- Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android
- Power: Integrated battery
- Mechanical: No
- Size: Full size
- 10 Key: Yes
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Which Ergonomic Keyboard Is Right for You?
When choosing an ergonomic keyboard, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Much like buying a mattress or a pair of shoes, everyone’s requirements are different. If possible, test out a few models in a brick-and-mortar store or borrow a friend or colleague’s keyboard to understand your particular needs. Here are some recommendations based on your requirements:
- Logitech Ergo K860: The best overall ergonomic keyboard
- Kensington Pro Fit: A budget-friendly ergonomic keyboard with quiet keys
- Cloud Nine C989M: A split-design ergonomic keyboard
- Kinesis Advantage 2: To splurge on an excellent ergonomic keyboard
- ProtoArc EK01: A wireless ergonomic keyboard with backlighting
How Did We Choose These Ergonomic Keyboards?
Apart from considering the price, we carefully analyzed ergonomic keyboards with various configurations and designs. Since not all typing jobs are the same, there isn’t a universal perfect ergonomic keyboard. Some products on this list may have steep learning curves but still offer long-term comfort, while others are budget-friendly and have simpler designs best suited for shared home use.
What Does “Ergonomic” Mean?
Ergonomic products are designed to work with your body’s natural movement and posture for enhanced comfort. Ergonomic keyboards often have a sloped or split design, intended to suit the natural angle of your wrists and arms while you rest them on the desk to type.
Do Ergonomic Keyboards Actually Help?
While studies have not definitively shown that ergonomic keyboards prevent repetitive stress injuries or carpal tunnel, they can help alleviate discomfort if you already have an injury or condition. By working with the natural position of your arms and wrists, a sloped, split, or arced keyboard can help reduce muscle strain that causes pain during long workdays.
What Is the Correct Typing Posture?
When typing, even for short periods, it’s essential to sit back fully in your chair. Your hips should be all the way back in the seat, and your back and shoulders should be pressed against the upright back of the chair. Your arms shouldn’t fully rest on the desk or keyboard but should “float” just above them. This may feel unusual at first, but it allows your wrists to maintain a natural arc that’s more comfortable in the long term.
Are There Other Ergonomic Keyboards Worth Considering?
Certainly, there are plenty of other ergonomic keyboard options available. Here are a few additional choices you may want to consider:
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard
- Perixx Periboard-512 Ergonomic Split Keyboard
- Kinesis Freestyle Edge Split Mechanical Keyboard
In conclusion, choosing the right ergonomic keyboard can significantly impact your comfort and productivity. With the top five options of 2024 outlined above, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. Embrace the future of typing with an ergonomic keyboard that suits you.