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What are the best ergonomic keyboards, and what does 'ergonomic' mean?
Ergonomic keyboards are a great addition to any home office or workspace. The unique design helps your arms and hands maintain a comfortable, neutral typing position to reduce muscle strain while you tackle winter classes, work, or gaming.
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Many ergonomic keyboards feature a raised arc design and a semi-split key layout that works to improve your typing posture. Others have a split-body design that allows you to expand space between the keyboard halves in a custom configuration.
Not all ergonomic keyboards are created equal, and what works for your co-worker or friend may not be comfortable or convenient for you. Some models have steep learning curves due to revamped designs that feature thumb-cluster keys or odd layouts designed for speed. Our experts created a list of the best ergonomic keyboards with a breakdown of core features like connectivity and system compatibility to help you find the perfect fit.
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- Wireless
- Multi OS support
- Full size
- Not rechargeable
- No mechanical keys
Tech specs: Connectivity: Bluetooth | Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic | Compatibility: Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Power: 2 AA batteries | Mechanical: No | Size: Full size | 10 Key: Yes
The Logitech Ergo K860 is a near-perfect ergonomic keyboard. Its curved, split keyboard configuration and padded wrist rest help align your arms, wrists, and shoulders for more comfortable long-term typing. The palm lift feature also enables you to angle your wrist rest upwards for neutral arm placement at any position, whether you're sitting or standing.
It's compatible with Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, and Linux computers as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect the keyboard with up to three devices at once, which is perfect for multitasking and making presentations. And you won't have to worry about tangled cables cluttering your workspace.
- Quiet keys
- Spill-proof
- Windows and Mac compatible
- Not backlit
- No mobile or ChromeOS support
Tech specs: Connectivity: Wired USB | Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic | Compatibility: Windows, Mac | Power: USB | Mechanical: No | Size: Full size | 10 Key: Yes
You don't have to spend a fortune to make your workspace more comfortable, and the Kensington Pro Fit ergonomic keyboard is a great option at an even better price. The split, curved configuration and wrist rest help reduce muscle strain, while the chiclet-style keys ensure quick and quiet typing -- a game changer in shared workspaces where loud, clacking keys can be a distraction.
The keyboard is also spill-proof, so there's no need to worry about water, soda, or coffee ruining your new keyboard. The Kensington Pro Fit is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, so you can plug in this keyboard to start working right away.
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- Mechanical switches
- USB passthrough
- Media wheel
- Control software only works with Windows
- Mechanical keys distracting for shared workspaces
Tech specs: Connectivity: Wired USB | Configuration: Split body ergonomic | Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux | Power: USB | Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX Brown/Red/Blue | Size: Full size | 10 Key: Yes
Sometimes you need more control over your ergonomic keyboard: enter the Cloud Nine C989M. This keyboard features a split-body design, so it can separate into two pieces for a custom layout. You can place the halves up to 8 inches apart to suit your natural arm placement. And its lift feet can reach 7 degrees of tenting, which means it can tilt to the right or left rather than forward and backward.
The left-hand side features a media wheel for adjusting volume and dimming keyboard backlighting, while the Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches provide a satisfying typing experience. You can use the keyboard's USB passthrough to connect to other peripherals. And while the plug-and-play functionality works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, the software that allows you to set custom keybindings and RGB lighting schemes only works with Windows.
- Qwerty and Dvorak layouts
- Keymapping
- Macro recording
- Mechanical switches
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
Tech specs: Connectivity: Wired USB | Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic | Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS | Power: USB | Mechanical: Yes, Cherry MX Brown | Size: Full size | 10 Key: No
The Kinesis Advantage 2 has a steep price and learning curve, but it's worth the investment for comfort and convenience, especially for programmers. Each half of the Qwerty keyboard is concave and tented 20 degrees to establish a natural wrist and forearm position. The thumb keys can move tabs, backspace, and enter various peripheral keys to reduce pinky finger strain.
The Kinesis Advantage 2 features Cherry MX Brown switches, Dvorak layout options, and the ability to re-map keys for custom layouts. It's compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome, and Linux operating systems, so you can simply plug in the keyboard and start typing.
- Control up to three computers
- Supports Windows, Mac, and Android devices
- 100 hours of use on a full charge
- Caps lock indicator is the same color as the backlights, which can be confusing
Tech specs: Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz | Configuration: Split, curved ergonomic | Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android | Power: Integrated battery | Mechanical: No | Size: Full size | 10 Key: Yes
The ProtoArc EK01 is an excellent choice if you're in the market for a wireless ergonomic keyboard. It's one of the more affordable options on the market, yet it still offers plenty of premium-grade features. The integrated battery gives you up to 100 hours of use on a full charge, which means that you can work 8 hours a day for over 12 days before you need to even think about plugging in.
It connects to your computer with either a 2.4GHz USB dongle or Bluetooth, and you can control up to three computers at once with the multi-device mode. It has support for Windows, Mac, and Android-based devices so you can quickly and easily transfer files between your smartphone and laptop or work on two projects simultaneously.
What is the best ergonomic keyboard?
The best ergonomic keyboard is the Logitech Ergo K860 when analyzing specs like price, keyboard configuration, connectivity, device compatibility, and more.
Ergonomic keyboard | Price | Compatibility | 10 key |
Logitech Ergo K860 | $119 | Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Yes |
Kensington Pro Fit | $40 | Windows, Mac | Yes |
Cloud Nine C989M | $180 | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes |
Kinesis Advantage 2 | $339 | Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS | No |
ProtoArc EK01 | $68 | Windows, Mac, Android | Yes |
Which ergonomic keyboard is right for you?
Buying an ergonomic keyboard is like buying a mattress or a pair of shoes: Everyone's preferences and needs are different. If you can, test out a few models at a brick-and-mortar store or try on your friend or colleague's keyboard to understand your particular needs. If you practice long-term typing like news reporting or product reviews, you'll want a sturdy keyboard with plenty of wrist and forearm support.
If your job requires different keyboard inputs for coding and programming, you may want to spend extra money on a keyboard that allows you to configure the layout on the fly. It should allow you to switch tasks seamlessly and stay comfortable while doing so.
Choose this ergonomic keyboard... | If you want... |
Logitech Ergo K860 | The best overall ergonomic keyboard |
Kensington Pro Fit | A budget-friendly ergonomic keyboard with quiet keys |
Cloud Nine C989M | A split-design ergonomic keyboard |
Kinesis Advantage 2 | To splurge on an excellent ergonomic keyboard |
ProtoArc EK01 | A wireless ergonomic keyboard with backlighting |
How did we choose these ergonomic keyboards?
Aside from price considerations, I analyzed ergonomic keyboards with different configurations and designs. Not all typing jobs are the same, so there isn't a "universal" perfect ergonomic keyboard. Some products on this list have steep learning curves but still offer long-term comfort. Others are budget-friendly and have simpler designs that are best suited for shared home use.
What does "ergonomic" mean?
Ergonomic products are designed to work with your body's natural movement and posture for enhanced comfort. Ergonomic keyboards often have a sloped or split design, intended to suit the natural angle of your wrists and arms while you rest them on the desk to type.
Do ergonomic keyboards actually help?
Studies have not clearly shown that ergonomic keyboards prevent repetitive stress injuries or carpal tunnel. However, they can help relieve discomfort if you already live with an injury or condition. By working with the natural position of your arms and wrists, a sloped, split, or arced keyboard can help reduce muscle strain that causes pain during long days at the office.
What is the correct typing posture?
While typing, even if it's just for a short while, you should sit back fully in your chair. Your hips should be all the way back in the seat, and your back and shoulders should be pressed against the upright back of the chair.
Your arms shouldn't be fully resting on the desk or keyboard, but sort of "floating" just above them -- this may feel weird at first, but it allows your wrists to maintain a natural arc that's more comfortable in the long term.
Are there other ergonomic keyboards worth considering?
There are plenty of ergonomic keyboard options out there. Below is a list of other great choices if you're on the market to buy one for your home or office setup.