Spending hours at a pc may be tough in your physique. In case your wrists, shoulders, neck or different areas have began complaining, you would possibly need to get an ergonomic keyboard. The ergonomic design shifts the place of your arms and wrists, which, for some, can relieve stress and pressure. After utilizing a totally cut up keyboard for a variety of months, I really feel an enchancment in my shoulder stress. However cut up boards include a studying curve. Semi-split, or Alice boards, are simpler to get used to whereas nonetheless opening up area between your elbows. Different elements, like tenting and a adverse tilt may handle discomfort. Since there’s no single finest ergonomic keyboard for everybody, this information will provide help to resolve which sort of board would possibly fit your wants.
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 types an A-shaped area between the keys — which has nothing to do with why it’s referred to as an Alice structure, it’s only a completely satisfied coincidence. This delicate tweak pushes your elbows away out of your ribs whereas conserving a straight line out of your forearm to your center knuckle. Utilizing one, I fairly immediately felt extra open alongside the entrance facet of my physique. This structure extra carefully resembles a conventional keyboard, so it must be simpler for most people to get used to than a totally cut up possibility.
Talking of, cut up boards break the keys into two separate components you may place individually. You may put them shoulder distance aside, carry them nearer collectively or angle them as a lot as feels snug. You can even put your mouse between the halves, which can really feel like a neater journey to your cursor hand. Personally, I like with the ability to put my present snack between the 2 components. I’ve additionally discovered that pairing a cut up keyboard with a superb ergonomic mouse has helped me much more.
Tenkeyless
You will discover ergonomic keyboards with and with out quantity pads. Not having these quantity keys on the correct facet permits you to hold your mouse nearer in, minimizing general attain. However should you work with numbers rather a lot, you’ll possible need that pad included. Some programmable boards enable for using layers, which briefly repurpose keys and may give you a ten-key possibility by intelligent remapping of letter keys.
Tenting and adverse tilt
Tenting raises the center of the keyboard up, so your palms transfer nearer to a “handshake” place. Alice keyboards often angle up in direction of the center and at all times to a hard and fast diploma, because the two sides are related. Cut up boards typically allow you to alter the diploma of tenting, going from flat to delicate to excessive raise.
You will have encountered keyboards with an non-obligatory raise in the back of the board, elevating the highest keys greater than the area bar. Each set of palms is completely different, however for most individuals, pulling the backs of the palms in direction of the forearms will increase pressure. Unfavorable tilt has the other impact by sloping within the different route, decreasing the highest quantity keys whereas elevating the sting with the spacebar. Many Alice and a few cut up keyboards supply an non-obligatory adverse tilt. I discovered it was extra snug to allow that characteristic after 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 choice appears to be one of many extra hotly-contested amongst ergo lovers. A standard keyboard has staggered keys, with every row barely offset to the rows above and beneath it — so the A secret’s about midway between the Q and W above it. It is a holdover from classic mechanical typewriters, through which 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 had 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 resolve, however I can say for sure that should you discovered to kind on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar structure is hard. It is going to take days, presumably 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 number of exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a normal typing enter, however using operate and sizzling 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) additional 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 a vital characteristic. Gaming peripherals have additional keys you could set to execute a collection of keystrokes with the push of a single button. Keyboards that work with layers, through which a single button can carry out a number of features, usually help you change what these are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with a number of keys close to the area bar that you simply function together with your thumb. You’ll additionally be capable of program these.
Different concerns
Ergonomic keyboards are available in mechanical, membrane, and scissor change variations. Which works finest for you is, once more, as much as your desire. I received’t get too deep into the particulars right here, as we have now a complete information dedicated 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 often 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 choose 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 may be cushioned or laborious. That is one other space the place opinions diverge: proponents declare they provide help to keep a impartial hand place, whereas detractors say they put stress on the tendons in your wrist and may exacerbate circumstances like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms must be resting, not your wrists, and also you would possibly discover you want having that assist or you might discover the stress uncomfortable.
How we examined
All our guides start with in depth analysis to determine what’s on the market and what’s value testing. We take into account manufacturers with good reputations that we’ve heard good issues about from colleagues and have a look at keyboard critiques in boards and different trusted publications. For this information, I regarded 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 number of days to some 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 finest for the most individuals on the market.
Finest ergonomic keyboards for 2024
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Alice cut up, middle tenting, non-obligatory adverse tilt, wrist relaxation | Host connection: Bluetooth or USB receiver | Change kind: Scissor | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: Sure | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: Logi Choices+ (app)
The Ergo K860 from Logitech carefully resembles a normal keyboard, so there’s not a lot of a studying curve. However delicate modifications just like the Alice structure, tented center and non-obligatory adverse tilt make typing noticeably extra ergonomic. Logitech makes a few of our favourite PC equipment, and the the explanation why are all evident with this keyboard: it connects rapidly and reliably by way of Bluetooth, the construct is strong and feels high-quality and it is moderately priced at $130 (and is usually on sale for round $100).
It’s suitable with newer iterations of Home windows, MacOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS and Linux, although you’ll want software program to assist non-basic key features for the latter two working techniques. There are three switching buttons that swap between beforehand related gadgets, and the board speedily swapped between a MacBook and a PC laptop computer in my checks. 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 related to.
The rotated Alice-split design and raised middle 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 correct facet put all potential keys inside attain. Sadly, that provides size to that facet of the board, which forces your mouse farther out. The scissor change keys can really feel mushy should you’re coming from a mechanical board, however they’re responsive sufficient. Logitech provides software program for programming the keys, however this mannequin will possible enchantment most to these searching for 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, snug tenting and some additional programmable keys.
- Rotated keys and palm wrest make typing snug
- Wirelessly connects rapidly to a few devides
- Hotkeys work with MacOS and Home windows
- Takes up a big footprint
- Wrist wrest will not be detachable
$110 at B&H Photograph
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Absolutely cut up | Host connection: USB-C port | Change kind: Mechanical (tactile or linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Sure | Programing interface: QMK/VIA (browser)
For those who (expertly) sawed a mechanical keyboard in two, it could appear like the Keychron Q11. You may even push the 2 halves again collectively to make it appear like a normal, 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 do this).
Keychron is broadly revered within the mechanical keyboard world as a result of they make high quality keyboards 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 totally assembled mannequin with Gateron G Professional Pink linear mechanical switches, which give smoother motion and a quieter clack than tactile or clicky switches. The keycaps are constituted 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 kind.
The assembled model comes with keycaps (and a keycap puller) to arrange the board for both Mac or Home windows. A change on the prime of the board toggles between the 2 working techniques, guaranteeing the operate keys act appropriately. Further keys embrace the 2 customizable knobs on the prime corners and 5 macro keys to the left of the board. These and the remainder of the board may be programmed with open supply keyboard firmware QMK and VIA, which most Keychron boards are suitable with out of the field.
I’ve very fundamental keyboard wants so I used VIA to offer the correct knob zoom capabilities, make the M1 key open a clipboard supervisor and have the M2 key execute a screenshot. Programming with VIA requires using keycodes and also you’ll have to 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 shortage of tenting and the somewhat 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 wire. However there’s no straightforward repair for the shortage of middle raise.
- Top quality construct
- Easy and buttery mechanical keys
- Absolutely cut up keys hold your palms at a cushty distance aside
- Simply toggle between Mac and Home windows techniques
- No middle tenting
- Quick bridge cable included
$220 at Amazon
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Alice cut up, middle tenting, wrist relaxation | Host connection: USB-A cable | Change kind: Membrane | Hotkey compatibility: Home windows | Ten key: Sure | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: N/A
Perixx makes a variety of ergonomic keyboards and the Periboard 512 provides fundamental options at a low worth. The usual keys will work with a Mac, however the included media keys and performance keys are programmed for Home windows machines. It labored effectively on the PC I examined it with, leaping to the search bar, opening the built-in Mail app and muting the sound after I hit the respective keys. The membrane keys are sturdy with out wobble and the Alice cut up and tenting put your palms in a cushty place. The inflexible wrist relaxation angles down, which makes it simpler to relaxation your palms and never your wrists.
At simply $70, the 512 isn’t probably the most premium board and you may really feel that within the light-weight design and cheaper-feeling keycaps. However should you’re simply searching for a fundamental Home windows interface with ergonomic options that’ll take a few of the pressure off your work posture, that is a reasonable option to go.
- Cheap
- Alice cut up makes typing extra snug
- Useful sizzling keys
- Construct doesn’t really feel premium
- Hotkeys solely suitable with Home windows
$50 at Amazon
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Absolutely cut up, middle tenting, thumb cluster | Host connection: USB-C port | Change kind: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Sure | Programing interface: Oryx (browser)
A rep I spoke with at ZSA warned me in regards to the Voyager, saying the board has an impact “like a brain injury: A moment ago you knew how to type, and now you don’t.” That’s precisely how I felt after plugging within the impossibly compact accent. For one, the columnar structure 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 area bar, however different vital keys like return. Lastly, the board makes use of layers, giving every key as much as three features.
I truly 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. Nevertheless, now that I’ve the hold of how the Voyager works, it feels magical. Not often do my palms want to depart the house place, but each key I want frequently is well accessible.
Because you don’t have to reorient your fingers if you use arrow keys, hit the mute button or kind with the quantity pad, you’re at all times in the identical place, which may prevent some critical 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 may even initialize layers. The totally cut up and additional compact design allow you to place the 2 boards anyplace they really feel snug and the non-obligatory magnetic legs give it a delicate however efficient middle tenting.
The place some keyboards supply remapping capabilities as a nice-to-have characteristic, nearly all of folks will possible need to use both the browser-based Oryx configurator or Zsa’s Keymapp app to change up what these keys do. It took me a number of tries to get them set in a manner that labored for me, so I acquired fairly conversant in Oryx. It doesn’t require you to lookup keycodes, as a substitute supplying you with an enormous library of searchable instructions. However modifications aren’t carried out routinely — it’s important to flash the keyboard’s firmware by pushing a button on the prime fringe of the system to make the modifications.
Sure system-specific features, just like the Mission Management key on a Mac, have to 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 frequently permits a second operate). I additionally flashed the board as soon as and misplaced all use of the correct facet, however reflashing fastened it.
The Voyager will not be for somebody searching for a fast adjustment to enhance their ergonomics. It’ll take weeks of follow and reprogramming (each the board and your mind) earlier than typing feels fluid once more. I like to recommend conserving a screenshot of your newest Oryx-configured structure in your desktop for reference till you keep 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’d like one thing totally cut up with thumb clusters and a columnar structure however that’s rather less minimal — and wi-fi besides — the Kinesis Benefit 360 is an effective one to take a look at. It appears prefer it comes from an ‘80s-era IBM workplace however is in some way additionally from the long run. The tenting goes from low to intense and the keys curve concavely to fulfill your fingers the place they naturally land. The 360 is per-key programmable, works with layers and has 4 macros keys.
- Absolutely cut up board
- Middle 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 house place
- Tough to relearn ortholinear structure
- Takes time to program and be taught the correct key features
$365 at ZSA
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Absolutely cut up, middle tenting, detachable wrist relaxation | Host connection: USB-A cable | Change kind: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Sure | Programing interface: SmartSet (app)
As I stated in our information 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 cope with the correct facet of a keyboard in any respect, and as a substitute use that area for his or her mouse. The Freestyle Edge from Kinesis is a totally 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 provide you with three peak choices for tenting and can be eliminated fully.
It has 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 occasionally enchantment should you’re searching for a programmable gaming keyboard with a number of ergonomic tips. Simply understand that all of these options add as much as a considerably cumbersome peripheral.
- Absolutely cut up means you may simply use the left half
- Excessive diploma of non-obligatory tenting
- Further programmable shortcut keys
- Considerably cumbersome
- Constructed-in cables aren’t customizable
$199 at Amazon