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Spending too much time working on a keyboard can hurt your wrists, but ergonomic keyboards can offer relief. These twisty keyboards depart from the flat, rectangular models most of us are accustomed to using. Instead of a flat keyboard, a curved, ergonomic keyboard is intended to put your wrists in a more neutral position to reduce muscle strain and stress on your joints. It can take some time to get used to typing on an ergonomic keyboard, but it's well worth the learning curve to reduce the chance of damage to your joints. Make sure your hands get the same kind of care and check out our reviews for the best ergonomic mice of 2023 .
Read on for quick info on the best ergonomic keyboards from our evaluations, followed by aspects to keep in mind as you choose and our full reviews.
Best Ergonomic Keyboards
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Best Overall: Kinesis Freestyle2 with VIP3 Lifters
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Best for Long Typing Sessions: Logitech Ergo K860
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Best Value: Logitech K350
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Best for Business: Microsoft Sculpt
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Best Inexpensive Split Design: Perixx Periboard-512
The Expert:Being a tech journalist—my work has appeared in The Atlantic , The New York Times , and other media outlets—I spend dozens of hours each week typing on my laptop or desktop. I've also turned to ergonomic keyboards as a remedy for the RSI (repetitive strain injury) I developed in my wrists due to excessive typing. (RSI is caused by repetitive motion such as using a mouse, grasping tools, and typing.) I've tried dozens of ergonomic keyboards over the years, often rotating between the different styles and shapes so as not to wear out my wrists. Because not all ergonomic keyboards are the same, it takes me a few hours to get accustomed to using a particular shape for the first time. But once I do, it feels almost the same as using a standard keyboard, and I quickly get back up to my normal typing speed.
How We Selected These Ergonomic Keyboards
I've owned and have tried many ergonomic keyboards over the years. I started using one after I developed repetitive strain injury in my wrists. With this experience, I was able to sift through specifications and user reviews to find the top ergonomic keyboards available. I prioritized comfort, as that's what this category is all about, but I also took into consideration aesthetics, extra features, and price.
Photo by Sascha Brodsky // Our expert keeps his $30 Logitech K350 around as a trusty backup.
Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard with VIP3 Lifters
The Frestyle2 might be the most comfortable keyboard I've ever tried. The highly adjustable shape means that this can be positioned in a way that reduces the strain on your wrists. I loved using the low-force keys, which made typing a breeze. The only problem with this keyboard is that it's not the most attractive model on the market and doesn't offer any lighting, unlike more gaming-oriented competitors.
K350 Ergonomic Keyboard
I've been using the K350 at home for several months as a backup keyboard; it's an all-around great input device for an amazingly low price. The wave design, which Logitech says supports the varied lengths of your fingers, isn't as hard to adjust to as many other keyboards with a split design, especially for anyone who's used to using a standard keyboard.
The K350 has extra keys that can be customized or used for one-press access to things like zoom and volume control. At this price, however, don't expect the premium feel of key presses that you'll find on more expensive models.
Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard
The K860 is my top choice for anyone who writes long documents or spends hours pounding away at the keyboard. This model offers comfort and adjustment with tilt legs that can be set to 0, -4, and -7 degrees. It also has silky-smooth keys and a comfy built-in wrist rest covered in a nonabrasive fabric. This model is compatible with both Macs and PCs and can be hooked up with either a Bluetooth connection or USB cable.
More Logitech Keyboards
Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business
I'm a big fan of Microsoft's hardware designs, and this keyboard doesn't disappoint. Its elegant, futuristic shape will enhance the look of any desk. This keyboard isn't just about aesthetics, though; it's also among the most comfortable keyboards I have tried, with smooth key presses and a shape that keeps my wrists at a neutral angle. A cushioned palm rest provides wrist support, and a domed keyboard shape reduces wrist pronation, claims Microsoft.
The one downside is that the keys don't depress as deeply as other models, which might bother some users. An included separate number pad is a nice bonus if you enter a lot of information into spreadsheets.
Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard
The Advantage2 might be the ugliest keyboard I've ever seen, but after trying it I can also say it could be the most comfortable I've ever tried. The manufacturer says that deep key wells allow your hands and fingers to be placed in a natural, relaxed position. You can also remap the keys to suit your own work style. The keyboard uses premium mechanical switches that produce a satisfying click when you press down.
Periboard-512 Ergonomic Split Keyboard
The Periboard is among the more unusual-looking keyboards on this list, but despite its unconventional shape it's a great choice if you have plenty of room on your desk (it's about 19 inches long and a little over 9 deep). It has an integrated palm rest and laser-printed keys, which Perixx claims will keep the printing from wearing off quickly.
Similar to the Fellowes, the Periboard has multimedia keys at the top of the keyboard that provide quick access to seven functions: browse, email, volume (+/-), mute, sleep mode, and search.
Mac Wired Keyboard with Wrist Rest
If you're a Mac user, there aren't many options when it comes to dedicated ergonomic keyboards. Most keyboards that are intended for Windows will work with a Mac, but they have a slightly different layout that might take some time getting used to. The Macally is an exception.
It has all the special Mac keys that devotees of the brand know and love. The wrist rest on the Macally is particularly comfortable, too. However, I found this keyboard to be cheap and flimsy in my tests. And with its uninspiring color scheme, it's also not the best-looking keyboard I've ever seen.
BK06 Ergonomic Keyboard
The BK06 is not the most comfortable or attractive keyboard, but it has the unique advantage of being one of the few foldable ergonomic keyboards that will easily fit into a small bag. The 4-inch by 6.61-inch by 0.4-inch, folded size of this keyboard makes it useful for hooking up to a smartphone if you need to type out long documents.
The manufacturer claims this model is equipped with standard-size keys, but it might take you a little while to get used to this keyboard as it doesn't have the same feel as other keyboards.
What to Look for in an Ergonomic Keyboard
Which Ergonomic Shape Is Best for You?
Ergonomic keyboards come in many shapes, sizes, and configurations. The one that's best for you really comes down to comfort. Some keyboards are domed while others curve upward toward the middle. There are even some that are split into two sections, which allows you to place both halves wherever they're most comfortable for you. If you're not sure which type you prefer, it's worth trying out a few in a retail store or, at the very least, ordering from a reputable website with a good return policy. Hopefully, our recommendations below can help you make an informed decision so you end up with something you love the first time around.
Do You Want Wired or Wireless?
Like most things wireless, the beauty of a wireless keyboard is that it eliminates the tangled mess of wires that can litter your workspace. Likewise, anything wireless requires a charged battery and a reliable wireless connection, which can sometimes be a chore to set up. So while I do appreciate the advantages of wireless keyboards and mice , I've developed an increasing fondness for the simplicity of wired keyboards that connect via a USB cable.
Compatibility
Nearly every ergonomic keyboard will work with Mac and Windows computers. However, some models offer special Mac keys such as the Command key, which is known as the Windows key on computers running Microsoft's operating system. Also, some keyboards' key functions may not work with older operating systems. For the best result, refer to the manufacturer's specifications with regard to compatibility.
Extra Features to Consider
Once you determine the style and shape of the keyboard you want, compare each model's specs to narrow down any extra features you desire in your keyboard. Some ergonomic keyboards have one-touch Internet access or multimedia keys that allow you to do things like quickly change the volume. If a built-in wrist rest is on your must-have list for added comfort, keep in mind that it will take up extra space on your desk.
Hearst Owned
Our Expert, Sascha Brodsky, on His Favorite Ergonomic Keyboard, Who Needs One, and How to Get Used to Using One
Should I consider an ergonomic mouse if I have an ergonomic keyboard?
An ergonomic mouse is an excellent complement to an ergonomic keyboard. If you feel the need for an ergonomic keyboard, then it's likely you are putting enough strain on your joints that reconsidering your choice of the mouse is in order. There is a wide variety of ergonomic mice available, and the Logitech Lift Vertical mouse is my current favorite.
What is the hardest part about getting used to typing on an ergonomic keyboard?
There's no way to avoid the fact that typing on an ergonomic keyboard feels weird if you are used to the regular kind. When you first start out with an ergonomic model, you'll find that all the keys are in a slightly different position. Your wrists are also at a different angle, so everything might feel a bit off.
Also, ergonomic keyboards look unusual, with swooping designs, adjustable wrist rests, and split keypads. It might take a little while for your muscle memory to adjust to typing on an ergonomic keyboard, but once you get over that hump, the payoff can be hours of more comfortable typing.
Who should buy an ergonomic keyboard?
The short answer to this question is anyone. If, like me, you are already experiencing discomfort in your hands and wrists from excessive typing, it's not too late to try and reverse the effects with an ergonomic keyboard. But even if you are happily and comfortably tapping away on a standard keyboard, switching to an ergonomic keyboard now can help prevent injury in the long run.
The small sacrifice you'll pay to get used to using one will be well worth the effort. I've found that ergonomic keyboards allow me to type for hours without discomfort.
Photo by Sascha Brodsky, who finds the Microsoft Surface to be the ideal balance of good looks and great typing comfort.
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