Anyone who spends hours at a computer each day is likely familiar with the various products available to make typing a more enjoyable, ergonomic experience. However, for people with physical disabilities, dexterity challenges, and/or those who are aging in place, these solutions may be ideal even when using the computer for short periods of time.
One of the best ways to reduce pain and increase productivity while using a computer is to find the right keyboard. Most keyboards are designed for a sleek look and compact space rather than for the way the average body rests comfortably. If you find you need an ergonomic keyboard for carpal tunnel, wrist pain, finger pain, shoulder pain, or arm pain, this article can help.
We’ve pulled together seven customer-favorite keyboards made to improve movement, reduce pain, and bring a newfound ease to your computing experience.
1. Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard
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Reviewed / KINESIS
The Kinesis Freestyle2 for PC features a standard Windows layout with hotkeys, multimedia keys, and more.
The Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard is a favorite among many because of its clever split design. While it may take some getting used to for those who have never used a split keyboard, the adjustment is well worth the effort in the long run. Plus, the membrane keys will reduce the effort in typing with every stroke, making for a great carpal tunnel keyboard.
By separating the keyboard into two halves, the user can keep their arms straight from their shoulder and alleviate a lot of the pain from a typical keyboard’s setup. You can move the halves to whatever width you need them at, letting you customize it to your shoulder width for optimal use. Long term, this will lead to better posture, less pain, and an easier time using the computer.
It’s worth noting that this is a tenkeyless keyboard, meaning it is missing the number pad on the far right that many are used to with a full-sized keyboard. While this improves ergonomics for many because it lets the user center their most used keys, if you use numbers a lot and are expecting that pad to be there, know it will require an additional purchase. This is also true of the wrist rests and palm supports.
2. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
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Reviewed / Microsoft
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard’s natural arc key layout mimics the curved shape of the finger tips.
When it comes to ergonomic keyboards, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is one of the best on the market. Though it isn’t a fully split keyboard like the Freestyle2, it does have a split down the middle to let your wrists rest farther apart.
One of the best qualities of the Sculpt is the shape of the keyboard itself, which is designed to position your wrists and fingers at their optimal angle for comfort. In addition, the included wrist pad keeps you from having fatigue or pain from the angle of your wrists as you type.
Also included with the Sculpt is a separate number pad that can be positioned wherever it is most comfortable for you. This ensures that those who rely on this pad can still use it with ease without sacrificing the angle of their regular typing.
The wireless nature and long battery life of this keyboard allow it to go with you anywhere, and the quiet keys mean you can work in any situation without bothering others. Though the key presses themselves require a bit more effort than some on this list, the rest of the ergonomic functions will make up for this for most users.
3. CharaChorder One
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Reviewed / CharaChorder One
The CharaChorder One features 3-D switches rather than traditional 1-D keyboard switches.
Developed with the goal of typing as fast as we speak, the CharaChorder One is the most unique split keyboard we’ve seen. It’s comprised of two “hand cups” with small joysticks for each fingertip, with a couple extras for the thumb and for punctuation.
Out of the box, the cups are connected by a metal bridge, which stabilizes the entire keyboard and makes it possible to use it on your lap. However, disconnecting the cups will offer more ergonomic options. The joysticks each can move north, south, east, west, diagonally, and 3D (pressing straight down like on a normal keyboard). That being the case, one rarely has to move their fingers off their respective keys, and that makes it possible to type much faster.
But the most amazing part of this tech is the “Chorder” aspect. Much like chords on a piano, you can activate several keys at once, and the CharaChorder’s built-in AI figures out what word you’re trying to type. For example, by twitching several fingers at once, you could hit the a+n+m+l keys simultaneously, but the keyboard would type “animal” with a space afterwards.
You can even program your own chords, e.g., hitting your initials all at once might type your full name or email address. As all the keys are re-mappable, the possibilities here are endless. Some users report speeds of 400-500 words per minute after becoming accustomed to the new methodology.
4. Apple Magic Keyboard
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Reviewed / Apple
The Apple Magic Keyboard’s battery will power your typing for one month or more between charges.
If you have an Apple computer, you’re likely already familiar with the Apple Magic Keyboard. What you may not realize is it’s actually one of the best keyboards to use for those who have trouble pressing the keys to facilitate keyboard navigation.
This ultra-thin, lightweight device can function as a wired or wireless keyboard depending on the user’s preference and needs, so you won’t ever have to pause working if you forget to charge it. Though the keyboard is entirely flat unlike most of the others on this list, this also means there is significantly less effort required to move your wrists across the keyboard and could be appropriate as a lap keyboard.
For those who like the idea of a flat, quiet keyboard with nearly silent keys, the Apple Magic Keyboard is well worth a look.
5. Logitech ERGO K860
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Reviewed / Logitech
The Logitech ERGO K860 keyboard features a curved wrist rest with a memory foam layer that offers typing comfort with 54% more wrist support.
For those seeking a bit of a luxurious feel with their keyboard, the Logitech ERGO K860 is a great option. While it is made entirely of plastic, the finish and overall design is sleek and stylish. It combines some of the best features of split keyboards and shaped keyboards with its curved, ergonomically designed structure.
The extra-large, extra-comfortable wrist rest is one way this keyboard stands apart. It leaves enough room to keep your wrists and palms elevated in a plush surface, and it creates the right angles for pain-free typing. This keyboard may be bulkier than some of its competition, though, so you’ll need to ensure there’s enough room in your workspace before committing to this model.
The keys of this keyboard are remarkably quiet, and with the ability to connect to up to three devices, it’s easy to switch between where you’re working as needed. Since the keys have been moved slightly for maximum ergonomics, it may take some getting used to when first typing on it.
In addition, the media keys may cause irritation to those who use them frequently, as they double with some of the other functions on the keyboard rather than having a designated space.
6. Boogiio Large Print High Contrast Keyboard
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Reviewed / BOOGIIO
The Boogiio Large Print High Contrast Keyboard has a water-resistant function that protects against accidental spills.
Though the Boogiio Large Print High Contrast Keyboard isn’t one of the most ergonomic on this list, its other features make it well worth considering. This keyboard is designed with large print, high contrast letters and numbers to make it easy to see for those who have visual impairment or low vision. It is easy to see all of the most used keys and ideal for those who struggle to distinguish a typical keyboard’s markings.
Because this keyboard is waterproof, it’s also great for those who find spilled drinks to be a recurring problem. While it doesn’t have the customized shape that some of its competition does, the fact that this keyboard is a standard layout is actually a big plus in its own way.
This makes it easy to shop for a key guard to go with the keyboard, increasing your ability to see and type individual letters without hitting adjoining keys.
For those who are aging in place or people with disabilities who need multiple accessibility considerations this keyboard meets several needs in one.
7. Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
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Reviewed / KINESIS
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB features backlighting with 10 customizable effects like wave, spectrum, rebound, pulse, rain, and much more.
Those who want a gaming keyboard are likely to prefer the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB. This sleek keyboard combines the comfort of a split design style with adjustable tented legs to make for an easily customized experience. Its backlit keys are popular with gamers and will help anyone who has poor overhead lighting (or just likes the look of the lit keys).
Though the lack of a number pad might be a negative for some users, the tenkeyless design is ideal for keeping the mouse closest to its ideal positioning for right-handed users. The Cherry MX mechanical keys are a popular choice with gamers for their quick response and offer a softer typing experience than many mechanical keyboards.
However, for a person whose struggles are primarily with their fingers, this probably isn’t the right keyboard.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
