The best ergonomic keyboards will create the perfect space-saving desktop with an ergonomic mouse and monitor. These devices position your wrists more naturally than straight keyboards, allowing for more comfort.
They're an excellent option for anyone who spends significant time working with a keyboard each day and wants to put less stress on their wrists.
Best Overall
Logitech Ergo K860
Excellent ergonomic design
Awesome battery life
Wrist rest is second to none
No backlighting
A bit pricey
The MX Ergo K860 is a front-runner for wireless workplace keyboards, featuring much of the tech used in Logitech's vaunted wireless MX Keys keyboard. The split layout of this particular keyboard can present a slight learning curve for users who need to be fluent touch typists, but it is easily one of the most comfortable and sleek keyboards available.
The keyboard has Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity for either Windows or macOS and can reportedly operate for up to two years on a single pair of AAA batteries. The long battery life is undoubtedly a plus, but the lack of backlighting is a bit of a drag.
The K860 features an integrated wristrest that is among the most comfortable. While it does provide excellent support and is something of a necessity with ergonomic keyboards, the inability to separate the wrist rest from the keyboard itself could present a problem if it ever wears out, forcing you to buy a new unit altogether.
Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Wireless receiver, Bluetooth | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: No
Best Bluetooth
Logitech K350
Long battery life
Budget friendly
Low learning curve
Occasional input lag
The Logitech K350 is a good choice for anyone looking for a basic wireless keyboard with an ergonomic design. This keyboard is a single-piece unit, so you won't have to spend much time re-learning how to type. Each key features a wave design that flows perfectly to the next, making long-term typing much more comfortable.
The keyboard also features a padded wrist rest and adjustable legs for comfort. The universal wireless receiver lets you connect mice and even other keyboards without using other USB dongles; great for computers where USB ports are at a premium.
The Logitech K350 uses two AAA batteries for power and can reportedly run for up to three years before swapping them out. The keyboard features dedicated media keys for streaming music and movies and fully customizable F keys to help streamline your workflow.
Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Wireless receiver | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: Yes
Best for Macs
Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue
Extensive compatibility
Awesome battery life
Dedicated text edit macro keys
Membrane keys
Split layout isn't for everyone
Apple computer users should look at the Kinesis Freestyle2 blue wireless ergonomic keyboard with a bevy of Apple-specific keyboard shortcuts, including cut, copy, paste, and undo. Connecting to your Apple machine via Bluetooth 3.0, a single battery charge on the Kinesis should last around 300 hours or six months (based on two hours per day of typing).
You’ll immediately discover that the negative slope design reduces the required extension of your wrist to hit each key. Available with three different channels, the Bluetooth-based functionality allows for three devices to be synced at one time (switching between the devices requires the single press of a key). Additional buttons include a shortcut for hiding (and showing) the dock and advanced multimedia playback and volume controls.
Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Wireless receiver | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: Yes
Best for Gaming
KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge RGB
Fully customizable
Tenting stands available
Windows/Mac/Linux compatible
Reports of issues with SmartSet app
May be uncomfortable for those with larger hands
Whether you're a professional or hobbyist, gaming can take a toll on your wrists and hands. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge keyboard is here to keep you comfortable during all but the most intense gaming sessions. This keyboard has two separate pieces that can be placed in various configurations to feel more natural. The left section of the keyboard can be used on its own as a gamepad to make room for a larger mouse, microphone, or other equipment you may need. Both halves of the keyboard can be placed up to 20 inches apart for more comfortable typing and to make room for additional peripherals.
The keyboard features Cherry MX Blue switches for a clicky, tactile response and durability. Each of the 95 keys can be custom backlit with over 16.8 million color combinations and ten different effects. They can also be remapped on the fly with the SmartSet app, and up to nine other user profiles can be stored in the keyboard's onboard 4MB memory. This keyboard features plug-and-play functionality for Windows, Mac, and Linux-based systems, so you don't have to worry about downloading extra drivers or software.
Type: Mechanical | Connectivity: USB | RGB: Per-Key | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: No
What to Look For in an Ergonomic Keyboard
Usage
Where will you be using this keyboard? Is it mainly for personal use, or will you take it to the office? Do you need an ergonomic keyboard explicitly made with gamers in mind? While you can use a keyboard for multiple purposes, you may enjoy customizing which one you buy based on how you will use it the most.
Mac vs. PC
Do you have a Mac or a PC? While it seems like keyboards should be usable with both, that’s not always the case. You need to make sure whatever keyboard you buy is compatible with your system (this is usually a bigger problem for Macs rather than PCs). Additionally, the two operating systems have slightly different keys. While you can often use mapping software to alleviate these issues, you may want to purchase a keyboard specifically designed for your type of machine.
Keyboard size
Do you need a full-size keyboard, complete with a number pad? If you’re inputting numbers, you probably find the number pad vital. But if you’re used to typing on a laptop, it’s likely you barely use it. Do you need a foldable, portable keyboard? Or do you need something with a small footprint but not necessarily mobile? You can find ergonomic keyboards in all sizes—think about what you’ll need.