The work world has steadily migrated from the office to our homes, and with it comes the increasing prevalence of aches and pains associated with prolonged computer use. Have you ever thought that your average keyboard could be the main culprit?
It’s time to ‘Unleash Comfort and Productivity with the Best Ergonomic Keyboards’, a remedy to your discomforts literally at your fingertips. If you’re looking for a keyboard that will make typing more comfortable and efficient during those long work hours, then an ergonomic keyboard might be just what you need. In this article, we’ll go over the best ergonomic keyboards for home office use and what to look for when choosing the best one for your home office.
What Are Ergonomic Keyboards and Why Do They Matter?
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to promote better posture and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) that can develop over time due to prolonged typing. An ergonomic keyboard might be a good choice if you’re looking for a keyboard that can help you avoid repetitive strain injuries. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter?
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to promote a more natural posture and hand position while typing. They are meant to reduce strain on your muscles, tendons, and joints, which can help prevent pain and discomfort.
But that’s not all – using an ergonomic keyboard can also increase your typing speed and accuracy. And if you spend a lot of time typing, whether, for work or pleasure, an ergonomic keyboard can make a big difference in your comfort level.
Now, let’s get personal. As someone who spends hours typing daily, I can attest to the importance of an ergonomic keyboard. Before I made the switch, I would often experience stiffness and pain in my hands and wrists after a long day of work. But since switching to an ergonomic keyboard, those problems have largely disappeared.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about using a keyboard specifically designed for your comfort. It’s like having a custom-made piece of furniture or clothing – it just feels better.
You know you need an ergonomic keyboard when you start developing a “QWERTY claw”. This term refers to the painful cramping and stiffness that sets into your hand after using a traditional keyboard for prolonged periods. The name originates from the most common keyboard layout, which starts with the keys Q-W-E-R-T-Y on the top left.
The onset of QWERTY claw is not just a red flag indicating that you’re potentially causing harm to your body; it’s also a reminder that you’re not optimizing your performance. When your hands are in pain, it directly affects your typing speed and accuracy. Before long, even simple tasks end up taking minutes more than they should – time that adds up alarmingly over days and weeks.
Furthermore, this condition isn’t limited to discomfort alone; it can be a precursor to more serious conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tendonitis. These ailments can have severe consequences leading to possible surgery and lengthy recovery periods. And don’t forget the impact on personal life – simple pleasures like holding a book or playing guitar could become increasingly difficult as the pain persists or worsens.
Getting an ergonomic keyboard might seem like an unnecessary expense initially but think of it as an investment towards better productivity at work and improved quality of life in general. So, if you notice signs of a ‘QWERTY claw’ (or other ailments), don’t brush them off lightly; consider making the switch to an ergonomic keyboard before it escalates further. Let’s address a few introductory questions about ergonomic keyboards:
- Q: Are ergonomic keyboards more expensive than traditional keyboards?
- A: They can be, but plenty of affordable options exist. It’s worth investing in a good one if you spend a lot of time typing, but you don’t have to break the bank.
- Q: Do ergonomic keyboards take some getting used to?
- A: They can feel slightly different initially, especially if you’ve used a traditional keyboard for a long time. But most people adjust quickly, and the benefits are well worth it.
- Q: Can ergonomic keyboards help with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome?
- A: While ergonomic keyboards aren’t a cure-all for every condition, they can help reduce the risk of developing injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort while typing, consider an ergonomic keyboard a possible solution.
Who Should Buy an Ergonomic Keyboard?
Anyone who spends long hours typing on a computer can use an ergonomic keyboard. This includes office workers, freelancers, students, gamers, and anyone who experiences pain or discomfort while typing. If you experience any of the following symptoms, an ergonomic keyboard might be the solution you need:
- Pain or discomfort in your hands, wrists, or forearms
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers
- Stiffness or soreness in your joints
- Reduced range of motion in your fingers, hands, or wrists
If you experience any of these symptoms, taking action is essential to prevent further damage. Switching to an ergonomic keyboard can be a simple and effective solution.
What to Look for When Choosing an Ergonomic Keyboard
When choosing an ergonomic keyboard, there are a few essential factors to consider:
Top Ergonomic Keyboards for Home Office Use
Now that you know what to look for when choosing an ergonomic keyboard, here are some of the top options on the market:
Logitech Ergo K860
The Logitech Ergo K860 features a split keyboard design and a curved, pillowed wrist rest, providing excellent support for your hands and wrists. It also has a long wireless range and is easy to set up. This keyboard is wireless and compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. Here are some features of the Logitech Ergo K860:
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux: You can use the Logitech ERGO K860 with your favorite operating system.
- Wireless range:10 m (33-ft) wireless range This gives you the freedom to move around your workspace without having to worry about your keyboard disconnecting.
- Pillowed Wrist Rest: The curved wrist rest with a memory foam layer provides 54% more wrist support than standard keyboards. This helps to keep your wrists comfortable and aligned throughout the day.
- Ergonomist Approved: The Logitech ERGO K860 is certified by the United States Ergonomics to improve posture and reduce strain on your wrists, forearms, and neck.
- Familiar Features: The Logitech ERGO K860 has all the features you expect from a Logitech keyboard, including a USB receiver and Bluetooth connectivity, customizable Fn keys, quiet keys, a full-size layout, and a CAPS LOCK indicator.
- Easy to set up: Just plug in the USB receiver or connect via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to go.
- Backed by a 3-year warranty: Logitech stands behind the quality of their products.
Overall, the Logitech Ergo K860 is a comfortable and customizable ergonomic keyboard for home office use. With its split keyboard design, pillowed wrist rest, adjustable legs, wireless connectivity, and compatibility with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, this keyboard offers a range of features that can help improve your comfort and productivity while working from home.
Pros
- Long wireless range
- Pillowed wrist rest
- Easy setup
- Compatible with Windows, Mac & Linux
- Ergonomist approved
- Great WarrantyÂ
Cons
- Key labels may wear off
- Expensive
Nulea Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Elevate your work-from-home experience with the Nulea Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard, a masterpiece of comfort, quality, and design. Customers rave about the keyboard’s soft, responsive keys that provide a satisfying tactile experience, making typing a joy. The wide, ergonomic palm pads offer exceptional support, keeping your wrists in a natural position and reducing strain. The keyboard’s overall build quality exudes premium craftsmanship, evident in its sturdy construction and durable materials. Here are some features of the Nulea Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard:
- Work Comfortably, Prevent Pain: Standard keyboards can strain your wrists and arms, leading to discomfort and pain. The Nulea ergonomic wireless keyboard’s split, splayed, and curved design helps you position your body more naturally, reducing fatigue and injury risk.
- Easy Switching, Multitask Effortlessly: Connect the Nulea Bluetooth keyboard to up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly with a single button press. Easily transition from typing an email on your computer to sending a text on your smartphone, changing background music on your laptop, and finishing that email on your PC – all with one tap.
- Personalize Your Workspace, Enhance Your Mood: Choose your preferred brightness and lighting style from 3 brightness levels and 7 color options. Select from blue, green, red, cyan, purple, yellow, or white. Customize your keyboard setting and elevate your desk setup for a personalized touch.
- Uninterrupted Productivity, Stay Charged: Focus entirely on your work without pesky interruptions from low battery notifications. The Nulea Bluetooth keyboard’s larger internal battery (2000mAh) and longer operating time ensure you stay powered up. Recharge easily using the USB-C charging cord when needed.
- Adjustable Tilt Legs, Optimal Hand Positioning: Adjust the wireless keyboard to 3 different tilt levels using the 4 adjustable tilt legs. This design keeps your wrists in a comfortable position, reducing strain and fatigue, regardless of your work posture.
Beyond comfort, the Nulea Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard also stands out for its ease of use and aesthetic appeal. Customers appreciate the intuitive design and seamless connectivity, allowing for effortless setup and operation. The keyboard’s sleek profile and customizable backlighting enhance your workspace with a touch of style and personalization.
Pros
- USB-C quick charging
- Adjustable 7-color backlight
- Adjustable tilt legs
- wireless connectivity
- Very Affordable
Cons
- Some people have found the Nulea uncomfortableÂ
Kinesis Freestyle 2
The Kinesis Freestyle 2 is a testament to comfort, compatibility, and adjustability. Customers applaud the keyboard’s ergonomic design, which promotes natural hand and wrist positions, reducing strain and fatigue. The keys deliver a satisfying tactile click, enhancing typing feedback and precision.
The Kinesis Freestyle 2 seamlessly integrates into your work setup, ensuring compatibility with various devices and operating systems. Its versatile design allows for customization to suit your individual preferences. Adjust the tenting angle to optimize forearm alignment and wrist support, or rotate and separate the key modules to achieve a comfortable hand position. Here’s a little more about the Kinesis Freestyle 2:
- Customized Comfort: Achieve Natural Hand Positions: The Freestyle 2’s unique split design allows you to rotate and separate the key modules up to 9 inches, enabling you to adjust the keyboard to perfectly match your body type and preferences. This customization ensures that your hands, wrists, and forearms maintain a natural position while typing, minimizing strain and discomfort.
- Enhanced Forearm Support: Embrace Optimal Typing Posture: The Kinesis Freestyle 2 model comes pre-assembled with the VIP3 tenting accessory, providing a range of tenting options – 5, 10, or 15 degrees. This feature elevates the inner edges of the key modules, further promoting a neutral forearm position and optimal wrist support.
- Seamless Productivity: Standard Windows Layout with Hotkeys: The Freestyle 2 for PC seamlessly integrates into your existing work-from-home setup with its standard Windows layout. Hotkeys for Cut, Copy, Paste, multimedia controls and an embedded numeric 10-key are readily accessible, boosting your productivity without requiring software or special drivers.
- Reduced Finger Fatigue: Low-Force Key Switches for Effortless Typing: The Freestyle 2 employs custom membrane key switches, designed with a low-activation force and tactile feedback. This combination reduces finger fatigue, impact, and strain, making typing a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Effortless Setup-Everything You Need in the Box: The Freestyle 2 package includes everything you need to optimize your work-from-home setup: the keyboard itself with a standard Windows layout, pre-installed VIP3 tenting accessory, and palm supports, adhesive cushioned palm pads, a detachable pivot tether for adjustable splay, and a Quick Start Guide for a hassle-free setup.
The Kinesis Freestyle 2 is a smart choice for work-from-home professionals seeking comfort, compatibility, and adjustability. Its ergonomic design promotes natural hand and wrist positions, reducing strain and fatigue, while its customizable features allow you to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs. The satisfying tactile click of the keys enhances typing feedback and precision, and the keyboard’s compatibility with various devices and operating systems ensures seamless integration into your work setup. Embrace comfort and productivity with the Kinesis Freestyle 2!
Pros
- Award-winning split design
- Adjustable tenting
- Keys have a satisfying “click”
- Low profile & cushioned palm supports
- Compatible with Windows & Mac
Cons
- Customers have complained that the keyboards can annoyingly slide apart
- Expensive
X9 Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard
With its user-focused design, exceptional affordability, and productivity-enhancing benefits, the X9 ergonomic wireless keyboard is the perfect companion for your work-from-home setup. This keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome. Here are some features of the X9 Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard:
- Type Comfortably With a Cushioned Wrist Rest: The integrated cushion provides much-needed support for your hands, keeping them level with the keys for improved comfort and efficiency.
- Split Ergonomic Design for Natural Positioning: Unlike traditional keyboards that force your hands into an unnatural position, the wave keyboard encourages a natural hand posture, reducing strain and fatigue.
- Work Efficiently: The full-sized 110-key layout with 17 shortcuts and a numeric keypad is designed to boost your productivity. With easy access to frequently used functions, you can get more done in less time.
- Extended Battery Life: Our wireless keyboard features a large 600mAh internal battery, the rechargeable wireless keyboard will last months between charges. Charging cable will be included.
- Dependable 2.4G Wireless Connectivity: Clear the cable clutter on your desk and enjoy a clean workspace. The wireless keyboard ergonomic is plug and play and offers a 30ft range through the USB-A RF receiver.
- Backed by a 2-Year Warranty: A little peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.
The X9 ergonomic wireless keyboard has garnered favorable reviews from users who appreciate its smooth, quiet keys, satisfying clack, and natural ergonomic design. The keyboard’s ease of use, excellent price, and overall comfort have also been praised, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and affordable typing experience. While it’s not the best on this list, it is definitely the best for anyone on a tight budget.
Pros
- Extended Battery Life
- Very affordable
- Long-range wireless connectivity
- Integrated wrist cushion
Cons
- Key labels may wear off
- Not at the level of quality of other keyboards in this article
Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2
Despite being last on this list, the V2 is an absolute ergonomic keyboard “contender” designed to elevate your work-from-home experience. It is a split keyboard that allows you to adjust its angle and height. This flexibility allows you to personalize your typing posture, ensuring optimal comfort and minimizing muscle strain. Investing in the V2 is an investment in your well-being and productivity.
Experience effortless typing with the V2’s soft key touch and low activation force. Glide across the keys with ease, minimizing fatigue and allowing you to focus on the task at hand. The V2 fosters a more natural typing form, reducing stress on your wrists and fingers, and promoting a healthier work environment. Here are some features of the Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2:
- Split keyboard design: The Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2 features a split keyboard design, which allows you to adjust the two halves of the keyboard to suit your individual ergonomic needs. This design can reduce strain on your hands and wrists, allowing you to position your hands more naturally and comfortably.
- Adjustable angles and height: In addition to the split keyboard design, the Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2 also allows you to adjust the keyboard’s angle and size. This customization allows you to find the perfect typing angle for your body, helping to prevent pain and discomfort while typing.
- Cushioned palm rest: The Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2 features a cushioned palm rest, which can help reduce strain on your wrists and provide additional comfort while typing.
- Wired connectivity: This keyboard is wired and connects to your computer via a USB cable. Some users prefer wired keyboards because they provide a more reliable and stable connection than wireless keyboards.
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS: The Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile choice for home office use.
Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a customizable and comfortable ergonomic keyboard for home office use. With its split keyboard design, adjustable angles and height, cushioned palm rest, and wired connectivity, this keyboard offers a range of features that can help improve your comfort and productivity while working from home.
Pros
- Extremely flexible & adjustable
- Perfect for smaller spaces
- Compatible with PC or Mac
- Soft key touch
- Plug & play – no driver or software installation
Cons
- No dedicated numeric keypad
- No wrist support
FAQ
An ergonomic keyboard is designed to reduce strain and discomfort on the hands, wrists, and arms while typing and can help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome. When looking for an ergonomic keyboard, it’s important to consider features like comfort, design, adjustability, and price, as well as popular brands like Microsoft, Logitech, Kinesis, and Ergodox, etc. The best ergonomic keyboard for you will depend on your preferences and needs, including options like a fabric keyboard for a softer touch or a vertical keyboard to maintain a more natural hand position. It’s a good idea to read reviews and try out different options, including fabric and vertical keyboards, to find the one that works best for you. Here are some of the common FAQs when it comes to the best ergonomic keyboard for home office use:
- Q: Why should I use an ergonomic keyboard?
- A: Using an ergonomic keyboard can help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) like carpal tunnel syndrome and reduce discomfort and fatigue while typing. They can also improve typing speed and accuracy.
- Q: What features should I look for in an ergonomic keyboard?
- A: Look for a keyboard with a comfortable, natural design that promotes good posture and reduces strain on the hands and wrists. Consider features like adjustable tilt, customizable key mapping, and a built-in wrist rest.
- Q: What are some popular ergonomic keyboard brands?
- A: Some popular ergonomic keyboard brands include Microsoft, Logitech, Kinesis, and Ergodox.
- Q: How much should I expect to spend on an ergonomic keyboard?
- A: Prices for ergonomic keyboards vary widely, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 or more, depending on the features and quality of the keyboard.
Ergonomic Keyboards: Final Thought
Ergonomic keyboards are an excellent investment for anyone who spends a lot of time typing. They are one of the best ways to prevent possible strains and other injuries and keep you “happily” typing away. These keyboards are designed with user comfort in mind, ensuring a more natural hand and wrist position that can significantly reduce the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries. They can help reduce the risk of RSIs, increase typing speed and accuracy, and improve posture and comfort. Consider factors like design, key feel, wrist support, and compatibility when choosing an ergonomic keyboard. With so many great options, there’s no reason to suffer discomfort and pain while typing. Make the switch today and unleash unparalleled comfort and productivity!
Which Ergonomic Keyboard is Right for Me?
Image | Product Info | Shop |
---|---|---|
Logitech Ergo K860Best Overall
| Check Price | |
Nulea Wireless Ergonomic KeyboardBest Bang for Your Buck
| Check Price | |
Kinesis Freestyle 2Best Split-Style
| Check Price | |
X9 Wireless Ergonomic KeyboardBest for Tight Budget
| Check Price | |
Goldtouch GTU-0088 V2Best for Smaller Spaces
| Check Price |