The best ergonomic keyboards for 2024

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For those who spend portion of your waking hours behind a desk, merely slapping an ergonomic mouse and keyboard in your desk received’t clear up the true downside, which is sitting still for too lengthy. However after you’ve peppered in a couple of walks and added some stretches for good measure, your workstation ergonomics is the subsequent factor to contemplate. Hunching, twisting and contorting are all prone to result in discomfort in the long term.

Ergonomic keyboards may help: these boards cut up, tilt and/or angle the keys in ways in which assist hold your shoulders and chest extra open and your forearms and wrists extra aligned. One ergonomic board received’t work for everybody, so I examined out 15 totally different fashions, and thought of a mixture of ergonomic options that embrace Alice and totally cut up designs, columnar orientations, thumb clusters, programmable keys and extra. Listed here are one of the best ergonomic keyboards we may discover.

Desk of contents

What to search for in an ergonomic keyboard

Alice vs cut up

Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two classes: Alice and cut up. The previous is a single board with the 2 halves of the keys rotated about 30 levels aside on the backside. The separation varieties an A-shaped house between the keys — which has nothing to do with why it’s referred to as an Alice format, it’s only a glad coincidence. This delicate tweak pushes your elbows away out of your ribs whereas preserving a straight line out of your forearm to your center knuckle. Utilizing one, I fairly immediately felt extra open alongside the entrance aspect of my physique. This format extra carefully resembles a conventional keyboard, so it needs to be simpler for most people to get used to than a completely cut up possibility.

Talking of, cut up boards break the keys into two separate elements you may place individually. You’ll be able to put them shoulder distance aside, deliver them nearer collectively or angle them as a lot as feels comfy. You too can put your mouse between the halves, which can really feel like a neater journey on your cursor hand and will doubtlessly assist with circumstances like repetitive pressure accidents. Personally, I like having the ability to put my present snack between the 2 elements. I’ve additionally discovered that pairing a cut up keyboard with a good ergonomic mouse has helped me much more, notably a vertical mice.

Tenkeyless

Yow will discover ergonomic keyboards with and with out quantity pads. Not having these quantity keys on the precise aspect permits you to hold your mouse nearer in, minimizing general attain. However if you happen to work with numbers quite a bit, you’ll possible need that pad included. Some programmable boards permit for the usage of layers, which briefly repurpose keys and might give you a ten-key possibility via intelligent remapping of letter keys.

Tenting and detrimental tilt

Tenting raises the center of the keyboard up, so your palms transfer nearer to a “handshake” place. Alice keyboards normally angle up in direction of the center and all the time to a set diploma, because the two sides are linked. Cut up boards typically allow you to alter the diploma of tenting, going from flat to delicate to excessive carry.

You could have encountered keyboards with an elective carry in the back of the board, elevating the highest keys greater than the house bar. Each set of palms is totally different, however for most individuals, pulling the backs of the palms in direction of the forearms will increase pressure. Damaging tilt has the other impact by sloping within the different course, decreasing the highest quantity keys whereas elevating the sting with the spacebar. Many Alice and a few cut up keyboards supply an elective detrimental tilt. I discovered it was extra comfy to allow that function once I’m standing, and I most popular to have the keys flat when sat at my desk.

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Staggered vs columnar

This determination appears to be one of many extra hotly-contested amongst ergo fans. A standard keyboard has staggered keys, with every row barely offset to the rows above and under it — so the A key’s about midway between the Q and W above it. It is a holdover from classic mechanical typewriters, wherein every press activated a hammer that smashed ink onto paper within the form of a letter. To suit the hammers as shut collectively as potential, whereas nonetheless permitting for finger pads, the keys have been staggered.

Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, typically with rows that aren’t linear. Proponents declare this makes the keys simpler to succeed in. Whether or not that’s true can be as much as your fingers to determine, however I can say for sure that if you happen to discovered to sort on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar format is hard. It’ll take days, probably weeks earlier than you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys don’t fare a lot better.

Programmable keys

With a couple of exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a typical typing enter, however the usage of operate and scorching keys might require some remapping. It may be as straightforward as an onboard change to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as concerned as downloading software program to alter up the keys. Some boards even embrace (or allow you to purchase) further keycaps to alter, say, the Mac’s Command and Possibility keys to PC’s Begin and Alt buttons.

For some boards, remapping or programming keys is an important function. Gaming peripherals have further keys which you could set to execute a collection of keystrokes with the push of a single button. Keyboards that work with layers, wherein a single button can carry out a number of capabilities, usually let you change what these are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with a number of keys close to the house bar that you simply function together with your thumb. You’ll additionally be capable of program these.

Different concerns

Ergonomic keyboards are available mechanical, membrane, and scissor change variations. Which works greatest for you is, once more, as much as your choice. I received’t get too deep into the particulars right here, as we’ve got a complete information devoted to mechanical boards, however the in need of it’s that membrane and scissor switches are much less customizable than mechanical and usually cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are extra customizable, supply a extra responsive typing expertise and are normally pricier.

You’ll even have the choice of wired or wi-fi ergonomic boards. All different issues being equal, wired fashions are cheaper. Aggressive avid gamers who depend on split-second responses might desire the zero-lag of wired keyboards. Wired fashions additionally by no means run out of battery life and have fewer connectivity points. However wi-fi keyboards hold your desk much less cluttered.

Some ergonomic keyboards include everlasting or detachable wrist or palm rests, which could be cushioned or laborious. That is one other space the place opinions diverge: proponents declare they provide help to preserve a impartial hand place, whereas detractors say they put stress on the tendons in your wrist and might exacerbate circumstances like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms needs to be resting, not your wrists, and also you would possibly discover you want having that assist or it’s possible you’ll discover the stress uncomfortable.

A closeup shot of an ergonomic keyboard that shows the two sides splitting apart. — Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

How we examined ergonomic keyboards

All our guides start with intensive analysis to determine what’s on the market and what’s value testing. We think about manufacturers with good reputations that we’ve heard good issues about from colleagues and take a look at keyboard evaluations in boards and different trusted publications. For this information, I appeared for keyboards with ergonomic options like tenting, cut up keys, palm assist and so forth. I additionally zeroed in on boards that didn’t require a deep quantity of familiarity with the huge and exhaustive world of customized keyboards.

As soon as I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used every one for anyplace from a couple of days to a couple weeks. I attempted out the remapping and macros software program and thought of the consolation, design, worth and sturdiness of every mannequin earlier than arriving at picks I believe will work greatest for the most individuals on the market.

Greatest ergonomic keyboards for 2024

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The Ergo K860 from Logitech carefully resembles a typical, full-size keyboard, so there’s not a lot of a studying curve. However delicate modifications just like the Alice format, tented center and elective detrimental tilt make typing noticeably extra ergonomic. Logitech makes a few of our favourite PC equipment, and the the reason why are all evident with this keyboard: it connects shortly and reliably by way of Bluetooth, the construct is strong and feels high-quality and it is fairly priced at $130 (and is commonly on sale for round $100).

It’s appropriate with newer iterations of Home windows, MacOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS and Linux, although you’ll want software program to assist non-basic key capabilities for the latter two working programs. There are three switching buttons that swap between beforehand linked gadgets, and the board speedily swapped between a MacBook and a PC laptop computer in my exams. Constructed-in operate keys like quantity and brightness labored effectively and the Possibility/Begin and Command/Alt combo keys labored appropriately relying on which pc was linked to.

The rotated Alice-split design and raised heart made a distinction in the best way I held my arms as I typed, permitting me to maintain my elbows comfortably away from my ribs and my palms rotated inward as a substitute of forcing them flat. The palm relaxation is springy however agency (albeit not detachable) and the arrow keys and a numeric keypad on the precise aspect put all potential keys inside attain. Sadly, that provides size to that aspect of the board, which forces your mouse farther out. The scissor change keys can really feel mushy if you happen to’re coming from a mechanical board, however they’re responsive sufficient. Logitech presents software for programming the keys, however this mannequin will possible enchantment most to these in search of a plug and play possibility.

For a mechanical Alice keyboard with each wi-fi and wired capabilities, I like to recommend the Periboard 835. The Mac and Home windows-compatible board has a strong construct, low profile switches, RGB lighting, comfy tenting and some further programmable keys.

Professionals

Rotated keys and palm wrest make typing comfy
Wirelessly connects shortly to 3 devides
Hotkeys work with MacOS and Home windows

Cons

Takes up a big footprint
Wrist wrest isn’t detachable

$110 at B&H Photo

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

For those who (expertly) sawed a mechanical keyboard in two, it will seem like the Keychron Q11. You’ll be able to even push the 2 halves again collectively to make it seem like a typical, 75 p.c mechanical board (although when you uncover the expediency of a snack bowl between the halves, I don’t know why you’d try this).

Keychron is broadly revered within the mechanical keyboard world as a result of they make keyboards with a formidable construct high quality that aren’t astronomically costly. Like all Keychron gadgets, you should buy this one assembled or barebones, to which you’ll add your individual keycaps and switches. I examined a completely assembled mannequin with Gateron G Professional Purple linear mechanical switches, which offer smoother motion and a quieter clack than tactile or clicky switches. The keycaps are made out of PBT, a higher-quality polymer than the ABS plastic keys present in cheaper keyboards. The machined aluminum physique feels substantial and there’s no wobble. All of that mixed creates a luxe and sturdy really feel and a satisfying, buttery clack as you sort.

The assembled model comes with keycaps (and a keycap puller) to arrange the board for both Mac or Home windows. A change on the high of the board toggles between the 2 working programs, guaranteeing the operate keys act appropriately. Further keys embrace the 2 customizable knobs on the high corners and 5 macro keys to the left of the board. These and the remainder of the board could be programmed with open supply keyboard firmware QMK and VIA, which most Keychron boards are appropriate with out of the field.

I’ve very primary keyboard wants so I used VIA to provide the precise knob zoom capabilities, make the M1 key open a clipboard supervisor and have the M2 key execute a screenshot. Programming with VIA requires the usage of keycodes and also you’ll must outline macros inside the app to get the knob to do extra superior issues past the pre-selected choices, however the implementation of your new directions is instantaneous (and fairly satisfying).

The one drawbacks are the dearth of tenting and the fairly quick USB-C bridge cable connecting the 2 sides. I discovered I needed just a little extra separation than 9 inches, so I swapped it for an extended twine. However there’s no straightforward repair for the dearth of heart carry.

Professionals

Prime quality construct
Clean and buttery mechanical keys
Totally cut up keys hold your palms at a snug distance aside
Simply toggle between Mac and Home windows programs

Cons

No heart tenting
Quick bridge cable included

$220 at Amazon

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

A rep I spoke with at ZSA warned me in regards to the Voyager, saying the board has an impact “like a mind harm: A second in the past you knew the way to sort, and now you do not.” That’s precisely how I felt after plugging within the impossibly compact accent. For one, the columnar format places keys (notably these on the underside row) in spots you don’t intuitively attain for. Then there’s a thumb cluster the place you’ll discover not simply the house bar, however different vital keys like return. Lastly, the board makes use of layers, giving every key as much as three capabilities.

I really needed to interrupt testing at one level and plug in one other keyboard as a result of I simply felt too gradual and disconnected like I used to be typing with oven mitts on. Nonetheless, now that I’ve the grasp of how the Voyager works, it feels magical. Not often do my palms want to depart the house place, but each key I would like frequently is definitely accessible.

Because you don’t must reorient your fingers once you use arrow keys, hit the mute button or sort with the quantity pad, you’re all the time in the identical place, which may prevent some severe gathered time. Your thumbs, that are pretty dexterous, are able to doing extra than simply mashing the spacebar; right here, they function the return key, tab button and might even initialize layers. The totally cut up and additional compact design allow you to place the 2 boards anyplace they really feel comfy and the elective magnetic legs give it a delicate however efficient heart tenting.

The place some keyboards supply remapping capabilities as a nice-to-have function, the vast majority of individuals will possible wish to use both the browser-based Oryx configurator or Zsa’s Keymapp app to modify up what these keys do. It took me a number of tries to get them set in a method that labored for me, so I bought fairly accustomed to Oryx. It doesn’t require you to lookup keycodes, as a substitute providing you with an enormous library of searchable instructions. However modifications aren’t carried out robotically — it’s important to flash the keyboard’s firmware by pushing a button on the high fringe of the gadget to make the modifications.

Sure system-specific capabilities, just like the Mission Management key on a Mac, should be programmed utilizing key sequences (on this case, management + down arrow). And infrequently the board will mistake a single faucet for a faucet and maintain (which regularly allows a second operate). I additionally flashed the board as soon as and misplaced all use of the precise aspect, however reflashing mounted it.

The Voyager isn’t for somebody in search of a fast adjustment to enhance their ergonomics. It’ll take weeks of apply and reprogramming (each the board and your mind) earlier than typing feels fluid once more. I like to recommend preserving a screenshot of your newest Oryx-configured format in your desktop for reference till you bear in mind which keys do what. That stated, as soon as issues begin clicking, the Voyager actually does maximize your output whereas minimizing your actions.

If you would like one thing totally cut up with thumb clusters and a columnar format however that’s rather less minimal — and wi-fi besides — the Advantage 360 from Kinesis, makers of the popular Advantage 2 is an effective one to take a look at. It seems prefer it comes from an ‘80s-era IBM workplace however is one way or the other additionally from the longer term. The tenting goes from low to intense and the keys curve concavely to satisfy your fingers the place they naturally land. The 360 is per-key programmable, works with layers and has 4 macros keys.

Professionals

Totally cut up board
Heart tenting for a pure hand place
Thumb cluster lets your thumb do extra work
Compact dimension and intelligent key mapping hold your palms within the residence place

Cons

Troublesome to relearn ortholinear format
Takes time to program and be taught the precise key capabilities

$365 at ZSA

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Ergonomic options: Totally cut up, columnar keys, thumb cluster, wrist relaxation, elective tenting and detrimental tilt (further price) | Host connection: Wired or Bluetooth and USB receiver (wi-fi prices further) | Change sort: Mechanical (tactile, linear or clicky) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac, Home windows, Linux, iOS & Android | Ten key: Programmable | RGB lighting: Sure | Programing interface: Bazecor | Language/format: QWERTY (however programmable to any format)

Just like the Zsa Voyager, The Dygma Defy is one other totally cut up, columnar board with thumb clusters and keys and layers which are per-key programmable. It has just a little extra occurring than the Voyager, with full sized keycaps, built-in wrist rests and twenty extra keys, together with eight keys in every thumb cluster. The programming software program, Bazecor, is tremendous easy to determine, making it straightforward to program shortcuts, macros and layers (once more, sticking a screenshot of your keys format in your desktop will assist as you be taught what you’ve programmed every key to do). The keys are a delight to sort on with springy and responsive mechanical switches. As a complete, the Defy feels effectively designed and the (removable) wrist rests have a just-right consistency.

Optionally, you may add an LED underglow, tenting mechanisms and wi-fi capabilities (Bluetooth and RF) however every add-on will increase the value by $70, $80 and $90, respectively. That introduced the totally kitted-out model I examined to $609. With out these, it’ll run you $369. That’s very shut in worth to the Voyager, which doesn’t have an underglow or wi-fi capabilities. The Voyager does embrace tenting knobs, however the carry is minimal at a couple of half an inch. At its most setting, the Defy’s tenting brings the halves almost vertical.

The Defy is a well-made, deluxe board, particularly with the add-ons. It’s in all probability greatest for many who desire a maximalist working setup and want plenty of further choices for programmable keys. I discovered myself at a loss for what to do with all of the keys and had a tricky time preserving all of them straight. Plus my cluttered desk felt prefer it was sacrificing a bit an excessive amount of room to accommodate the 2 sizable halves. For me, the Voyager strikes a greater stability between providing further keys and taking over minimal desk actual property.

Professionals

Premium construct
16 thumb cluster keys
Programming software program is straightforward to make use of

Cons

Costly, particularly with elective options
Excessive studying curve

$369 at Dygma

Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

As I stated in our guide to ergonomic mice, my sporadic, console-only gaming doesn’t make me a gamer. However I’ve a good understanding of what avid gamers would possibly like. PC avid gamers who depend on the WASD keys might respect not having to deal with the precise aspect of a keyboard in any respect, and as a substitute use that house for his or her mouse. The Freestyle Edge from Kinesis is a gaming variation on the model’s authentic Freestyle 2 is a completely cut up mannequin with Cherry MX mechanical switches. The tactile Brown ones in my tester unit had a satisfying click on and a not overly loud clacky noise. The wrist rests are detachable and intelligent folding legs offer you three peak choices for tenting and may also be eliminated utterly.

It’s backlit, with per-key RGB lights and 9 macros buttons that may be programmed with the configuration app or with out it utilizing keyboard instructions. All of this may increasingly enchantment if you happen to’re in search of a programmable gaming keyboard with a couple of ergonomic methods. Simply remember the fact that all of these options add as much as a considerably cumbersome peripheral.

Professionals

Totally cut up means you may simply use the left half
Excessive diploma of elective tenting
Further programmable shortcut keys

Cons

Considerably cumbersome
Constructed-in cables usually are not customizable

$199 at Amazon

Different ergonomic keyboards we examined

Goldtouch Elite Adjustable

I bear in mind questioning if one thing just like the Goldtouch Elite Adjustable existed once I first began testing ergonomic keyboards. It didn’t on the time, so far as I may inform, however now a linked but adjustable cut up board is certainly a product you should buy. It’s a solidly-built board and the ball joint connecting the 2 halves appears like it can put up with a variety of use. A squeeze of the lever on the high of the keys permits you to set the board simply how you want, adjusting each the vertical tenting and the angle between the 2 halves. There’s no programming to talk of, simply the flexibility to swap a couple of operate keys like print display and residential.

Sadly, the tenting doesn’t work for me. Due to the additional keys on the outer edges, elevating the center edges upwards lifts the middle keys significantly, which brings my wrists and forearms off the desk as a substitute of letting them relaxation. Holding them like that created further neck and shoulder pressure on my half, which is form of the other of the aim. However if you happen to’re not into tenting anyway and need a flat, Alice-split board with an adjustable splay, this works fairly effectively.

Kinesis Type Cut up Touchpad Keyboard

The thought behind the Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard is fairly ergonomic: put the trackpad between the 2 halves and reduce journey on your mouse hand. The gap between the 2 places your elbows at a snug distance and retains your wrist almost in-line together with your forearms. The construct is great, with low profile mechanical switches that really feel easy and simply the correct amount of clacky. The trackpad is responsive, however gestures solely work with Home windows computer systems. Even dragging and dropping doesn’t work on a Mac right here, so I don’t see Apple customers getting a lot use out of the board. I additionally discovered myself wishing for the slightest rotation of the keys — although they’re a good way aside, a slight angle would hold my wrists totally unbent. There’s no tenting or detrimental tilt both, each of which may assist a bit extra, ergonomically talking.

Logitech Wavekeys

Whereas it is a completely tremendous and reasonably priced Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech Wavekeys has minimal ergonomics. The keys stand up barely within the center and there is a comfy wrist relaxation connected, however the format is identical as every other keyboard, with no splitting of the keys to open up your arms or hold your wrists straight.

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