Choosing The Best Ergonomic Keyboard

Choosing The Best Ergonomic Keyboard

There’s no telling where we’d be without our computers, whether you use a laptop for work or enjoy a desktop setup at home, but these handy devices come with a few problems if you’re using them regularly.

Ergonomics is the process of ensuring your work surroundings make you comfortable and efficient, and finding the best keyboard for typing that’s going to be ergonomically correct is essential.

Traditional keyboards might get the job done, but they do so with the risk of strain and injury, and that’s why we now turn to ergonomically designed products to help relieve some of that stress. The simple addition of an ergonomic keyboard, when you choose the right one, can have so many benefits to your work and comfort.

Hands on ergonomic keywoard.

With so many great options out there and countless features to consider, many people are turned off from purchasing an ergonomic keyboard because of the sheer complexity of it all.

That’s why we’ve made this helpful buying guide to help you choose the best features for you, how to know you’re buying something quality, and even lead you towards some of our top picks for the best ergonomic keyboard.

Once you have the right ergonomic keyboard working for you, you’ll be amazed at the improvement you feel in your comfort and efficiency while typing. If there’s one simple addition you can make to your office or home that will have huge results, it has be the ergonomic keyboard.

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The Importance Of Choosing The Best Ergonomic Keyboard

Without giving it much thought, you probably don’t realize just how much time we spend sitting at our computers each day, and when you add it up over the years it’s even more surprising. As the area that gets the biggest workout, our keyboards are constantly used as we type, and so we need to ensure we’re using the smartest and healthiest option.

With reports stating that the average American spends about 10 hours a day on screen time, including a mix of computers, phones, and television, using any old computer keyboard just won’t cut it. Although these standard models allow us to type, they do so at the expense of our posture and comfort.

Ergonomic keyboards can have a huge impact on our comfort and productivity, and they’re one simple investment that can have such a great deal of benefits. However, with so many types out there you need to ensure you’re choosing one that’s a perfect match for you and your workspace.

The Aim Of An Ergonomic Keyboard

In order to get the most from your keyboard, you need to ensure you’re choosing one that offers all of the standard benefits. The aim of using an ergonomic keyboard is to improve your efficiency and comfort, so here is what you should look for in a keyboard’s offering:

  • A keyboard that allows you to use different muscles to reach the keys, rather than continuously straining to use the same strokes.
  • A well set out keypad that makes it easy to reach the different letters, numbers, and values so that you can improve the speed and accuracy of your typing.
  • Keys that allow you take a shortcut to reach certain things so that you’re not straining your hand using multiple commands or mouse work in order to get work done.
  • Give you greater support on your arms and wrists, which are two areas commonly overlooked in standard keyboards and the areas which cause injury due to repetitive use.
  • Allows you to use the keyboard in a wireless capacity so that you can operate it from anywhere on your desk or even away from it if you so need to.

Those who haven’t used an ergonomic keyboard before might find it hard to understand the importance of these devices, but after just one use you’ll usually be a convert to their unique style. After just a few uses you’ll be able to get the hang of how they work and where the keys are laid out, and you’ll notice a huge improvement in your typing efficiency and comfort levels.

Features To Look For In An Ergonomic Keyboard

Choosing the best office keyboard based on an ergonomic approach means narrowing down the features until you find one that’s right for you.

These keyboards have all been designed differently, some with a focus on padding and others with a focus on angles, so they’re not all made the same. Here are some things to consider before looking through the ergonomic keyboard review to find your match.

Wireless/Corded

There are two options with ergonomic keyboards in terms of how they’re set up, and you can opt for either a wireless or corded modes.

Wireless Microsoft ergonomic keyboard.

The best wireless ergonomic keyboard will give you greater flexibility to move around, however, they still require battery changes and you will need to keep it fairly close for the sensor to work. Corded have less flexibility but they never require charging or battery changes and generally have a stronger connection.

Padding

The padding on an ergonomic keyboard is usually found under where your wrist will sit, designed to elevate it to a better position and cradle it comfortably as you type. These wrist rests are usually made from foam or rubber and covered in leather, although there are other options too.

Adjustability

A key feature to look for in the best ergonomic keyboard for typing is one that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Whether you want to change the height of the keyboard or adjust the compartments to suit your posture and natural arm position, a good ergonomic keyboard should give you the option to do so.

Shape

The main difference between an ergonomic keyboard and a standard one is the shape, as these have been designed to fit the curve and position of the human body. There are a few different styles including the wave or arc, and some that detach completely into two separate parts.

Keyboard

All ergonomic keyboards come with their own layout of the keys, and this includes a separate numerical pad as well. Some follow the standard keyboard layout with others separated for greater efficiency, so it’s just a matter of being willing to learn how your new one will operate.

Our Top Picks For Best Ergonomic Keyboard

Whether you’re looking for the best keyboard for programming or something to take the strain off those long hours you put in at work, we’ve narrowed down the search to find the best of the bunch. These represent ergonomic keyboards of various budgets and styles, so you can get the perfect one for your computer setup.

Logitech Wireless Wave Combo

For the complete ergonomic package that can do it all, why not consider the Logitech Wave Combo that offers both a keyboard and mouse together. With both of these working for you, you’ll have a completely ergonomic setup that will improve your efficiency and productivity as well as increase your comfort levels while you work.

Logitech is well known in the mobile and computer accessories world for making innovative products, and they’ve delivered exactly that with this keyboard and mouse combination. The Wave Combo is connected with powerful 2.4Ghz wireless connection and can operate for up to 30 feet from your computer, so there’s greater flexibility and where and how you work.

One of the coolest things about the Logitech Wireless Wave Combo is how much battery life it will give you. If you’ve been weighing up whether to go cordless or corded and the only thing stopping you is changing batteries, then this is the device for you.

Logitech Wireless Wave Combo top view.

source: logitech.com

Our Rating

You’ll get three years of battery life out of the one battery and by then your warranty will be up, so you might even want to upgrade the keyboard altogether.

If you’re looking for the best ergonomic keyboard for Mac, this might not be the best option. Although some of the buttons will work, reviewers have stated that it doesn’t give you full functionality so you’re better off finding an ergonomic keyboard that’s been made specifically for Apple computers.

Another slight issue with the design comes due to the fact that the keyboard bows slightly in the middle, and some users have complained of a creaking sound. However, after a few weeks of use, this will go away, and you’ll be left with a virtually perfect ergonomic keyboard. Logitech definitely knows what they’re doing when it comes to tech and this keyboard proves it.


Adesso Tru-Form Ergonomic Keyboard

For the home computer user looking for an ergonomic keyboard that won’t cost a fortune, the Adesso Tru-Form Ergonomic Keyboard ticks all of the boxes. This is a media-focused keyboard that allows you to work more efficiently and productively than ever before, and it does so in a comfortable and supportive design as well.

Because this is a cheaper option don’t expect it to work the same as some that can cost three times the price, however, for what you pay for it you will be seriously impressed.

The only real issue that could cause some annoyance is a backspace key that seems it needs more work than the others to press down. However, once you get used to the motion needed to operate it you won’t have any more problems.

Adesso Tru-Form Keyboard

source: adesso.com

Our Rating

This is a very comfortable keyboard to use, even when compared to more expensive options, and it has padding for under your wrists that will keep them supported.

The keys themselves are separated into four different sections with the letters laid out like a standard keyboard but separated in two. This allows you to type more comfortable with space in between your hands, and type faster than ever before.

Some online reviews claim that after some use the letters began to wear away on this keyboard, but this is one of the things you put up with when you go for a cheaper model. This can take years of use before you notice any rubbing away, though, so don’t let this be the deciding factor in which one you choose.

Overall, the Adesso Tru-Form Ergonomic Keyboard is a sensible choice in a low price range and would make a great pick for the home computer user.


Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard

For the computer user who doesn’t care for the wireless approach, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard is a great pick. There’s no denying that Microsoft knows how to make a computer, and the same goes for their accessories with this being one of their most popular ergonomic keyboard styles.

This keyboard has been designed by Microsoft to give you the most natural and comfortable feeling in your hand, wrist, and forearm. The keyboard is separated into two different areas with a standard layout of the keys, however, this separation is what makes it more comfortable and less stressful on your joints.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 top view.

source: microsoft.com

Our Rating

There are a few areas where this keyboard helps with comfort and the most important is the cushioned palm rest. This means that whatever you’re doing with your computer, whether it’s typing, mouse work, or just rested in a neutral position, you’ll have comfortable padding to rest on and keep your hand in the ideal placement all day.

The palm lift feature is another which makes this such a great choice for an ergonomic keyboard and elevates your hand to the desired level of comfort. You also have access to media keys which allow you to do shortcuts rather than using the mouse, so there are quite a few features packed into the one device.

Although there is plenty to celebrate, some users have complained about the lettering wearing off after some use, but that seems fairly common in these cheaper keyboards. This aside, you’re getting an extremely affordable ergonomic keyboard that will last for a minimum of three years thanks to the Microsoft warranty, so it’s an investment you can’t pass up.


Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

Known as one of the best ergonomic keyboards ever made, it’s no surprise that the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard makes it as one of our top picks as well. This keyboard ticks all of the boxes in comfort, style, and functionality, all topped off with the quality and reputation that you’d expect from a Microsoft product.

The best thing about this keyboard, and the key factor that makes it a standout is how it comes with a separate keypad for the numeric values. This means you can move it around your desk or hold it in your hand like a calculator, giving you greater efficiency than ever before when typing numbers and doing calculations.

Although this is heralded as a leader in ergonomic keyboards, some of the online reviews claim that the cushioned pad can get a little oily after some use. To keep it looking and feeling its best, you’ll need to ensure you’re regularly cleaning it and wiping it down so that it can continue to serve you well and not get too much of a grimy build up.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard top view.

source: microsoft.com

Our Rating

This keyboard has been designed with a unique shape that makes it so popular, with a domed keyboard that lets your finger type seamlessly and comfortably. The keys are laid out in a natural arc style which means the natural shape of your hands will sit there perfectly and you won’t feel any strain on your wrists at all. In terms of comfort, this is definitely up there among the best of the bunch.

Microsoft has quite a few ergonomic keyboards on offer, and each of them brings something unique to the table, but it appears that this is the most loved of them all. If you’re looking for a simple keyboard that works with the natural form and shape of your hands and fingers, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is the one for you.


Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard

When you want a keyboard a little out of the ordinary and one that can be as flexible as you need, the Kinesis Freestyle 2 Ergonomic Keyboard could be just what you’ve been searching for. This truly unique keyboard is not only separated in two pieces on the keyboard, but it actually has two separate pieces so that you can adjust it exactly to suit your needs.

The Kinesis Freestyle2 is a little more expensive than the other styles, but it certainly makes up for it with comfort and style. Kinesis has been designing keyboards for 25 years and their ergonomic range are some of the best, so people are usually happy to spend a little more just to get the extra benefits.

This keyboard allows for full adjustment which makes it customizable to your needs, giving you a truly special experience every time you type.

Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard.

source: kinesis-ergo.com

Our Rating

One issue that you’ll find with the Kinesis Freestyle2 is that there are no palm wrests or padding attached, and these all come as separate accessories. When you’re spending a bit already on an ergonomic keyboard you don’t want to have to spend more just to get padding, but some are happy to do so if it means they get quality.

You have the option to add gel padding support, lifters for tenting, and even a numeric keyboard, but without these, this is just a simple keyboard that offers a lot of comfort.

Although this isn’t the best keyboard with wrist rest, it does have plenty of other things to offer. The separation of the two sides is about nine inches, so if you’re looking for more then you might want to choose a cordless model.

This amount should be ideal for most users, though, and with everything else that this stylish and comfortable keyboard has to offer it’s likely to be at the top of many computer users’ wish lists.


The Final Verdict

With everything we now know about the importance of ergonomics and how beneficial it can be to us at work and at home, it makes sense to invest in something that can make you work more efficiently and comfortably.

Although you might have had problems in the past sorting through all of the options available for the best ergonomic keyboard, we’re hoping to have helped you narrow down the search today.

After looking at the most popular options, our choice for the best ergonomic keyboard would have to be the Logitech Wireless Wave Combo. Not only do you get a quality wireless ergonomic keyboard here but a mouse too, and it couldn’t be easier to set up and enjoy.

This keyboard allows for flexibility with how you work thanks to its 30-foot reach, which makes it a clear winner for us.

If you’re after a split ergonomic keyboard, the number one pick would have to be the Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard. Although it’s a little on the expensive side, it’s more than worth it, and you’ll notice an instant difference with just how comfortable this machine is.

Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard Review

If you’re willing to spend a little more you can even add some of the compatible accessories, although they’re not important to enjoy the true quality of this keyboard.

Although we are all made differently, a good quality ergonomic keyboard should be the perfect fit for all types of users. These can be adjusted to suit your needs and the second you start typing on them you’ll know that you can never go back to your standard keyboard again.

With one simple investment, you can completely change the way you work and make typing more enjoyable and efficient than ever before.

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