It’s powerful to present a blanket advice for ergonomics, because the time period most precisely interprets to “what works finest to your physique” — and all our bodies are completely different. However in the event you’ve landed right here, chances are high you’re on the lookout for a keyboard that’s simpler in your shoulders, neck and wrists. Conventional keyboards hold your arms shut collectively and drive you to splay your fingers outward. After some time, that may really feel straining. By shifting the orientation of the keys, ergonomic keyboards can hold your higher physique in a extra impartial place, stopping you from twisting or over-extending your fingers and arms. We’ve damaged down the varied options that make some boards extra body-friendly than others and examined a handful to provide you with the perfect ergonomic keyboards to swimsuit completely different wants and preferences.
What to search for in an ergonomic keyboard
Alice vs break up
Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two classes: Alice and break 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 completely satisfied coincidence. This refined tweak pushes your elbows away out of your ribs whereas protecting 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 format extra intently resembles a standard keyboard, so it needs to be simpler for most folk to get used to than a completely break up possibility.
Talking of, break up boards break the keys into two separate elements you’ll be able to place individually. You’ll be able to put them shoulder distance aside, carry them nearer collectively or angle them as a lot as feels comfy. You may as well put your mouse between the halves, which can really feel like a better journey to your cursor hand. Personally, I like having the ability to put my present snack between the 2 elements.
Tenkeyless
You will discover ergonomic keyboards with and with out quantity pads. Not having these quantity keys on the proper facet helps you to hold your mouse nearer in, minimizing general attain. However in the event you work with numbers so much, you’ll possible need that pad included. Some programmable boards enable for using layers, which quickly repurpose keys and might give you a ten-key possibility by intelligent remapping of letter keys.
Tenting and unfavorable tilt
Tenting raises the center of the keyboard up, so your fingers transfer nearer to a “handshake” place. Alice keyboards often angle up in the 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 regulate the diploma of tenting, going from flat to refined to excessive elevate.
You’ll have encountered keyboards with an non-obligatory elevate in the back of the board, elevating the highest keys greater than the house bar. Each set of fingers is completely different, however for most individuals, pulling the backs of the fingers in the direction of the forearms will increase pressure. Destructive tilt has the other impact by sloping within the different course, reducing the highest quantity keys whereas elevating the sting with the spacebar. Many Alice and a few break up keyboards supply an non-obligatory unfavorable tilt. I discovered it was extra comfy to allow that function 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 typical 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, 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 achieve. Whether or not that’s true might be as much as your fingers to determine, however I can say for sure that in the event you realized to sort on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar format is hard. It is going to 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 just a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as an ordinary typing enter, however using operate and sizzling keys might require some remapping. It may be as simple as an onboard swap to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as concerned as downloading software program to alter up the keys. Some boards even embody (or allow you to purchase) further keycaps to alter, say, the Mac’s Command and Choice keys to PC’s Begin and Alt buttons.
For some boards, remapping or programming keys is an important function. Gaming peripherals have further keys that you would be able to set to execute a sequence 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, sometimes mean you can change what these are. Some ergonomic keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with a number of keys close to the house bar that you just function along with your thumb. You’ll additionally be capable to program these.
Different concerns
Ergonomic keyboards are available mechanical, membrane, and scissor swap variations. Which works finest for you is, once more, as much as your choice. I received’t get too deep into the particulars right here, however the wanting it’s that membrane and scissor switches are much less customizable than mechanical and sometimes 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 inexpensive. Aggressive players who depend on split-second responses might favor 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 will be cushioned or arduous. That is one other space the place opinions diverge: proponents declare they make it easier to preserve a impartial hand place, whereas detractors say they put stress on the tendons in your wrist. Ideally, your palms needs to be resting, not your wrists, and also you may discover you want having that help 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 think about manufacturers with good reputations that we’ve heard good issues about from colleagues and different trusted publications. For this information, I appeared for keyboards with ergonomic options like tenting, break up keys, palm help 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 each for wherever from just a few days to a couple weeks. I attempted out the remapping and macros software program and thought of the consolation, design, value and sturdiness of every mannequin earlier than arriving at picks I believe will work finest for the most individuals on the market.
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Alice break up, middle tenting, non-obligatory unfavorable tilt, wrist relaxation | Host connection: Bluetooth or USB receiver | Change sort: Scissor | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: Sure | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: Logi Choices+ (app)
The Ergo K860 from Logitech intently resembles an ordinary keyboard, so there’s not a lot of a studying curve. However refined modifications just like the Alice format, tented center and non-obligatory unfavorable 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 shortly and reliably by way of Bluetooth, the construct is stable and feels high-quality and it is moderately 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 help non-basic key capabilities for the latter two working programs. There are three switching buttons that swap between beforehand related units, and the board speedily swapped between a MacBook and a PC laptop computer in my assessments. Constructed-in operate keys like quantity and brightness labored properly and the Choice/Begin and Command/Alt combo keys labored accurately relying on which pc was related to.
The rotated Alice-split design and raised middle made a distinction in the way in which I held my arms as I typed, permitting me to maintain my elbows comfortably away from my ribs and my palms rotated inward as an alternative of forcing them flat. The palm relaxation is springy however agency (albeit not detachable) and the arrow keys and a numeric keypad on the proper 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 swap keys can really feel mushy in the event you’re coming from a mechanical board, however they’re responsive sufficient. Logitech gives software for programming the keys, however this mannequin will possible enchantment most to these on the lookout 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 stable construct, low profile switches, RGB lighting, comfy tenting and some further programmable keys.
- Rotated keys and palm wrest make typing comfy
- Wirelessly connects shortly to a few devides
- Hotkeys work with MacOS and Home windows
- Takes up a big footprint
- Wrist wrest just isn’t detachable
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Totally break up | Host connection: USB-C port | Change sort: Mechanical (tactile or linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Sure | Programing interface: QMK/VIA (browser)
In case you (expertly) sawed a mechanical keyboard in two, it will appear to be the Keychron Q11. You’ll be able to even push the 2 halves again collectively to make it appear to be an ordinary, 75 % 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 high quality keyboards that aren’t astronomically costly. Like all Keychron units, you should purchase this one assembled or barebones, to which you’ll be able to 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 constituted of PBT, a higher-quality polymer than the ABS plastic keys present in inexpensive 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 swap on the prime of the board toggles between the 2 working programs, guaranteeing the operate keys act appropriately. Additional keys embody 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 will 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 present the proper 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 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 shortage of tenting and the somewhat brief USB-C bridge cable connecting the 2 sides. I discovered I wished somewhat extra separation than 9 inches, so I swapped it for an extended twine. However there’s no simple repair for the shortage of middle elevate.
- Top quality construct
- Easy and buttery mechanical keys
- Totally break up keys hold your fingers at a snug distance aside
- Simply toggle between Mac and Home windows programs
- No middle tenting
- Brief bridge cable included
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Alice break up, middle tenting, wrist relaxation | Host connection: USB-A cable | Change sort: Membrane | Hotkey compatibility: Home windows | Ten key: Sure | RGB lighting: No | Programing interface: N/A
Perixx makes a lot of ergonomic keyboards and the Periboard 512 gives primary options at a low value. The usual keys will work with a Mac, however the included media keys and performance keys are programmed for Home windows machines. It labored properly 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 break up and tenting put your fingers in a snug 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 essentially the most premium board and you’ll really feel that within the light-weight design and cheaper-feeling keycaps. However in the event you’re simply on the lookout for a primary Home windows interface with ergonomic options that’ll take a few of the pressure off your work posture, that is a cheap strategy to go.
- Cheap
- Alice break up makes typing extra comfy
- Useful sizzling keys
- Construct doesn’t really feel premium
- Hotkeys solely appropriate with Home windows
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Totally break up, middle tenting, thumb cluster | Host connection: USB-C port | Change sort: 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 concerning the Voyager, saying the board has an impact “like a mind harm: A second in the past you knew how one can 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 (significantly 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 essential 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 dangle of how the Voyager works, it feels magical. Not often do my fingers 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 at all times in the identical place, which might prevent some severe accrued 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 break up and additional compact design allow you to place the 2 boards wherever they really feel comfy and the non-obligatory magnetic legs give it a refined however efficient middle tenting.
The place some keyboards supply remapping capabilities as a nice-to-have function, nearly all of individuals will possible wish 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 approach that labored for me, so I bought fairly acquainted with Oryx. It doesn’t require you to lookup keycodes, as an alternative supplying you with an enormous library of searchable instructions. However modifications aren’t carried out robotically — it’s a must to flash the keyboard’s firmware by pushing a button on the prime fringe of the system 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 proper facet, however reflashing fastened it.
The Voyager just isn’t for somebody on the lookout for a fast adjustment to enhance their ergonomics. It’ll take weeks of observe and reprogramming (each the board and your mind) earlier than typing feels fluid once more. I like to recommend protecting 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 need one thing totally break up with thumb clusters and a columnar format however that’s rather less minimal — and wi-fi in addition — the Kinesis Advantage 360 is an effective one to take a look at. It seems to be prefer it comes from an ‘80s-era IBM workplace however is one way or the other 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.
- Totally break up board
- Heart tenting for a pure hand place
- Thumb cluster lets your thumb do extra work
- Compact measurement and intelligent key mapping hold your fingers within the house place
- Troublesome to relearn ortholinear format
- Takes time to program and study the proper key capabilities
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Ergonomic options: Totally break up, middle tenting, detachable wrist relaxation | Host connection: USB-A cable | Change sort: Mechanical (tactile, clicky, linear) | Hotkey compatibility: Mac and Home windows | Ten key: No | RGB lighting: Sure | Programing interface: SmartSet (app)
PC players who depend on the WASD keys might recognize not having to cope with the proper facet of a keyboard in any respect, and as an alternative use that house for his or her mouse. The Freestyle Edge from Kinesis is a completely break 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 will be eliminated utterly.
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 will likely enchantment to players on the lookout for a programmable keyboard with just a few ergonomic tips. Simply understand that all of these options add as much as a considerably cumbersome peripheral.
- Totally break up means you’ll be able to simply use the left half
- Excessive diploma of non-obligatory tenting
- Extra programmable shortcut keys
- Considerably cumbersome
- Constructed-in cables should not customizable
