You may want a wireless keyboard because it’s easier to transport and set up. Or you may want one with programmable buttons to fit your workflow perfectly. But you may also want a versatile keyboard that you can use equally well for photo editing, writing, gaming, social media, and internet research. No matter what your needs, ergonomic keyboards are a viable option. Here is everything you need to know about ergonomic keyboards and how to choose the best one for you.
What is an Ergonomic Keyboard?
An ergonomic keyboard is a keyboard designed to adapt to all types of users and workflows. Its main purpose is to provide a healthier experience and improve your posture when working on the computer. Because we spend so much time on the computer, we already experience work-related injuries that affect our neck, shoulders, back, and wrists. Ergonomic keyboards adapt to our body configuration and working style so that we don’t have to work long hours in an uncomfortable position.
For example, an ergonomic keyboard may be split into two pieces, so we don’t keep our shoulders rotated inwards and close together. Or it may provide the optimal wrist inclination to avoid bending or rotating our wrists in uncomfortable positions. They may have different shapes and positions for the keys, so you can reach what you need faster and more efficiently.
Ergonomic keyboards focus on providing comfort and efficiency. But although they are versatile and adjustable, they can’t solve everyone’s problems. Therefore, you need to choose an ergonomic keyboard that matches your workflow and fits your body.
How to Choose an Ergonomic Keyboard
The efficiency of an ergonomic keyboard comes from the way it positions your arms. In this regard, you can choose from three designs: split, tented, and concave.
Split
Split ergonomic keyboards separate the keys into two groups, allowing you to keep your arms almost parallel and avoid rotating your shoulder inward and curbing your back. It’s a design you want regardless of your activity because it’s comfortable and aligned with the natural position of the body. However, if you work at home and don’t care about the keyboard’s size, you can go for a one-piece split keyboard. But if you want a more portable and versatile keyboard, you should choose a two-piece split keyboard.
Tented
Tented ergonomic keyboards are tilted up in the middle so that your forearms and wrists stand in a neutral position. The inclination is adjustable to fit as many body types as possible. Most tented ergonomic keyboards have a split design too. The separation between the two halves is also adjustable on some keyboards.
Concave
Concave ergonomic keyboards have its keys on different levels of depth. It’s optimal for typing and reliefs the pain in wrists and fingers. Similar to tented keyboards, concave keyboards usually have a split design, with two large groups of keys that keep your forearms parallel. But they are one-piece, and you can’t adjust the distance between the two groups of keys.
If you often use combinations of keys (as is the case in photo editing) you may want a keyboard that features thumb clusters. This type of ergonomic keyboard has dedicated groups for general-purpose keys, such as Control, Alt, Shift, Delete, Backspace, and Enter. It may have or not other features, such as a split or concave design.
For those who want a compact keyboard, or need to have the mouse closer to the keyboard, an ergonomic keyboard without the number pad on the right is a great choice. They are called tenkeyless keyboards and are 20% shorter than a regular flat keyboard.You should also consider other features, such as the activation force, connectivity options, system requirements, and price.
Best Ergonomic Keyboards
Based on usage, design, and versatility, we found our best ergonomic keyboards. If you need a new keyboard, here are your best options.
Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Ergonomic Keyboard
This is a one-piece split keyboard with a nice curve and customizable function keys — it checks all the boxes for the best-split keyboard. It features pillowed wrist support and an adjustable palm lift to provide optimal support for your hands. It’s comfortable and versatile. ERGO K860 supports Mac and Windows OS and connects via Bluetooth.
Pros:
- Split and curved design
- Pillowed wrist support
- Wireless
Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave Ergonomic Keyboard
MK550 features a wave-shaped key frame and adjustable height. It connects via a USB unifying receiver with integrated security and has a battery life of up to three years. The keyboard is a great choice for those who want the benefits of an ergonomic keyboard but are attached to the traditional keyboard design. You get a cushioned palm rest but still have the same key arrangement. You can switch between one of the three height options but still have a number pad on the right. MK550 supports only Windows OS.
Pros:
- Traditional design, easy to learn
- Cushioned palm rest
- Wave-shaped key frame
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard for Business, Black
If you need a full-size layout but not all the time, Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is for you. It features a one-piece split design with a separate number pad. The keyboard aims to provide optimal comfort and functionality. Therefore, it keeps the wrists and forearms in a relaxed position, provides cushioned palm rest, and corrects wrist pronation through its domed shape. The separate number pad is there if you need it, without taking space when you don’t need it. Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android OS.
Pros:
- Full-size layout with separate number pad
- Split design
- Domed shape and cushioned palm rest
IOGEAR 2.4GHz Wireless Smart TV Keyboard with Trackball
IOGEAR is slim and compact and features built-in left and right mouse buttons and a scroll wheel for easy navigation. It’s designed for wireless smart TVs but works just as well with your computer. It supports Windows and Mac OS. To prolong the battery life, the keyboard provides an ON/OFF switch. And to make everyone’s life easier, it doesn’t need any setup or software. IOGEAR is plug-and-play.
Pros:
- Built-in mouse buttons and scroll wheel
- Plug-and-play
- Compact, with no number pad on the right
Logitech K350 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboard, Media Access
K350 is a wireless keyboard with an ergonomic wave shape, cushioned palm rest, and curved keys. You can adjust the height and work long hours without any pain. K350 combines the ergonomic design with the familiar layout of standard keyboards to help you start working right away. In addition, it offers a three years battery life, USB unifying receiver, media controls, and programmable F-keys. It supports Windows OS.
Pros:
- Media controls
- Programmable F-keys
- Wave shape, cushioned palm rest, curved keys
Logitech G G915 LIGHTSPEED Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, GL Tactile
Gaming requires special features in a keyboard. G915 aims to provide an exquisite experience thanks to its high-performance LIGHTSPEED wireless, LIGHTSYNC RGB, and mechanical gaming switches. It focuses on connectivity speed and performance but still invests in a thin and durable ergonomic design. G915 has a very long battery life (30 hours of gaming), five customizable G-keys, onboard memory, and dedicated media controls.
Pros:
- Media controls
- Fast connectivity options
- Very long battery life
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is a very good ergonomic keyboard and deserves mention. It’s designed for everyday use and aims to reduce fatigue and improve posture. The keyboard features a one-piece split design, cushioned palm rest, built-in shortcuts, and media controls. It supports Windows OS.
Pros:
- Split design
- Cushioned palm rest
- Media controls
Conclusion
A keyboard may seem the last accessory to think of. However, if you choose the right one, you will be more efficient and productive. Furthermore, an ergonomic keyboard cares about your health and aims to improve your posture, reduce pain, and avoid injuries. And considering how many hours we spend in front of the computer, any little help in that regard is more than welcome. In addition, an ergonomic keyboard comes in handy for work and leisure, for office hours and TV browsing, and for writing emails and posting on social media. So invest in a high-quality product that fits your body type and lifestyle.
