The best ergonomic keyboards, when combined with an ergonomic mouse and monitor, will create the perfect space-saving desktop. Ergonomic designs are also made to be more comfortable than the standard keyboard. These devices position your wrists in a more natural way than straight keyboards, which allows for more comfort. They’re a great option for anyone who spends a significant amount of time each day working with a keyboard and wants to put less stress on their wrists.

No matter your needs or system, the best ergonomic keyboard is out there for you.

Widely recognized as the best ergonomic keyboard on the market, Microsoft’s Sculpt for Windows computers is a standout choice for all-day comfort. The split keyboard design immediately assists in positioning your wrists into a more natural position rather than the straight-on approach favored by most keyboards. The domed design helps maintain positioning throughout the day, keeping your wrists at a more relaxed angle, which helps to eliminates the discomforts that come from other models.

Best Overall

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

  • Low Profile

  • Slick Design

  • Included wrist rest

  • Wrist rest isn’t detachable

  • Only available with membrane switches

Beyond its split design, the natural arc keys mimic the curved shape of your fingertips to create a more natural look and feel, which increases overall comfort and reduces strain on your hands and wrists. Rounding out its ergonomic design is a cushioned palm rest that allows your wrists to relax and form a completely natural feel from your fingertips to your wrists. A separate number pad allows you to choose its position for an ideal comfort level beside the Sculpt keyboard.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Wireless receiver, Bluetooth | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: No

This latest ergonomic workhorse from Logitech has pulled out all the stops. Featuring much of the tech used in their vaunted wireless MX Keys keyboard, the MX Ergo K860 looks set to become the front runner for wireless workplace keyboards. The split layout of this particular keyboard can present a slight learning curve for users who aren’t fluent touch-typists but is easily one of the most comfortable, and sleek keyboards available.

Best for Business

Logitech Ergo K860

  • Excellent ergonomic design

  • Awesome battery life

  • Wrist rest is second to none

  • No backlighting

  • A bit pricey

The keyboard has both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz connectivity for either Windows or Mac OS, and can reportedly operate for up to two years on just a single pair of AAA batteries. The long battery life is certainly a plus, but the lack of backlighting is a bit of a drag.

The K860 features an integrated wrist rest that is among one of the most comfortable we’ve used. While it does provide excellent support and is something of a necessity with ergonomic keyboards, the inability to separate the wrist rest from the keyboard itself could present a problem if it ever wears out, forcing you to buy a new unit altogether.

The price may be a bit steep, but wireless connectivity and extensive battery life make this ergonomic keyboard one of the best wrist-friendly options available.

Beyond its durability, the Surface keyboard excels at protecting your hands and wrists through its keycap geometry, split space bar and a more natural design that works to prevent wrist and hand strain. The expert build quality allows for a smooth typing experience that’s whisper-quiet with excellent stability for use on nearly any surface.

Best Wireless

Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard

  • Clean design

  • Easy connectivity

  • Extensive battery life

  • Membrane keys only

  • Wrist rest isn’t detachable

Designed specifically for Microsoft’s Surface line of computers, this ergonomic keyboard is designed with comfort in mind and is a great choice for finding a natural arc. Powered by Bluetooth 4.0/4.1 and three AAA batteries with a 12-month lifespan, the Surface keyboard is wirelessly compatible up to 32 feet away from your device. When you’re in front of the computer, you’ll find that the double-cushioned palm rest, which is covered in a mix of polyester and polyurethane, is both durable and stain-resistant.

“The Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard is a high-quality Bluetooth keyboard that’s well worth the splurge” — Emily Issacs, Product Tester

The Logitech K350 is a good choice for anyone looking for a basic wireless keyboard that also features an ergonomic design. This keyboard is a single-piece unit, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of time re-learning how to type. Each key features a wave design that flows perfectly to the next, making long-term typing much more comfortable.

Best Bluetooth

Logitech K350

  • Long battery life

  • Budget friendly

  • Low learning curve

  • Occasional input lag

The keyboard also features a padded wrist rest and adjustable legs for added comfort. The universal wireless receiver lets you connect mice and even other keyboards without having to use other USB dongles; great for computers where USB ports are at a premium. The Logitech K350 uses two AAA batteries for power and can theoretically run for up to three years before swapping them out. The keyboard features dedicated media keys for streaming music and movies, as well as fully customizable F-keys to help streamline your workflow.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Wireless receiver | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: Yes

Apple computer users should look no further than the Kinesis Freestyle2 blue wireless ergonomic keyboard that comes with a bevy of Apple-specific keyboard shortcuts, including cut, copy, paste and undo. Connecting to your Apple machine via Bluetooth 3.0, a single battery charge on the Kinesis should last around 300 hours or six months (based on two hours per day of typing).

Best for Macs

Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue

  • Extensive compatibility

  • Awesome battery life

  • Dedicated text edit macro keys

  • Membrane keys

  • Split layout isn’t for everyone

You’ll immediately discover that the negative slope design reduces the required extension of your wrist to hit each key. Available with three different channels, the Bluetooth-based functionality allows for a total of three devices to be synced at one time (switching between the devices requires the single press of a key). Additional buttons include a shortcut for hiding (and showing) the dock, advanced controls for multimedia playback and volume.

“The Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue for Mac is an excellent split ergonomic keyboard for the price” — Emily Issacs, Product Tester

Premium comfort at an affordable price, the Fellowes Microban split design keyboard offers more natural comfort without breaking the bank. Part of the Microban family of products, the antimicrobial protection will help keep your keyboard clean while still offering a more natural hand and arm position.

Best Budget

Fellowes Microban Split Design Keyboard

  • Dedicated media playback and function buttons

  • Inexpensive

  • Unconventional layout

  • Wired only

Created with Windows machines in mind, the Fellowes includes seven dedicated media playback keys, as well as one-touch web browser access. The dedicated number pad reduces the need for external hardware and having to look for the numerical numbers at the top of the keyboard. While there’s undoubtedly an adjustment period to any ergonomic keyboard, the immediate benefit of reduced pain and stress combined with Fellowes outstanding wrist support will quickly have you asking why you didn’t switch to an ergonomic keyboard sooner.

Type: Mechanical | Connectivity: USB | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: No

“A neat perk of the Sculpt, in contrast to the Fellowes, is that the Sculpt has a detached numpad and a magnetic riser is also provided.” — Emily Issacs, Product Tester

Considering how thin and sleek it is, the MoKo keyboard’s size alone could likely qualify it as the most portable on this list. But when you factor in that this ergonomic keyboard is foldable, things look even better.

Best for Portability

MoKo Universal Foldable Keyboard

  • Compact, without sacrificing functionality

  • Clever, intuitive design

  • Affordable

  • Dense key placement leads to typing errors

  • Limits typing speed

Weighing only 6.2 ounces and sporting dimensions of 6.2 x 4 inches (with an unbelievable thickness of only half an inch), the tech accessory feels more like a Kindle than a full-sized keyboard when stowed in your bag. It connects via Bluetooth and is laid out into two key sections to support the standard two-hand ergonomic feel.

The 110 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery takes about two hours to charge, but that’ll give you up to 30 days of standby time and 40 hours of continuous type time. The company also promises about a 3 million keystroke lifespan, so this keyboard will be kicking for a while. To round out its collection of neat features, this intuitive gadget automatically powers on and off just by opening and closing it.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: None | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: No | Dedicated Media Controls: No

“The MoKo’s charge time is just under two hours and it can support up to 40 hours of uninterrupted work or 30 days of standby time.” — Emily Issacs, Product Tester

Whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, gaming can take a toll on your wrists and hands. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge keyboard is here to keep you comfortable during all but the most intense gaming sessions. This keyboard has two separate pieces that can be placed in various configurations to feel more natural. The left section of the keyboard can be used on its own as a gamepad to make room for a larger mouse space, microphone, or other equipment you may need. Both halves of the keyboard can be placed up to 20 inches apart for more comfortable typing and to make room for additional peripherals. 

Best for Gaming

KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge RGB

  • Fully customizable

  • Tenting stands available

  • Windows/Mac/Linux compatible

  • Reports of issues with SmartSet app

  • Reports of damaged units

  • May be uncomfortable for those with larger hands

The keyboard features Cherry MX Blue switches for a clicky, tactile response and durability. Each of the 95 keys can be custom backlit with over 16.8 million color combinations and 10 different effects. They can also be remapped on the fly with Kensis’ SmartSet app, and up to nine different user profiles can be stored in the keyboard’s onboard 4MB memory. This keyboard features plug-and-play functionality for Windows, Mac, and Linux bases systems, so you don’t have to worry about downloading extra drivers or software.

Type: Mechanical | Connectivity: USB | RGB: Per-Key | Tenkeys: Yes | Palm Rest: Yes | Dedicated Media Controls: No

About Our Trusted Experts

David Beren is a tech writer with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. He has written and managed content for tech companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless.

What to Look for in an Ergonomic Keyboard

Usage

Where will you be using this keyboard? Is it mostly for personal use, or will you take it to the office? Do you need an ergonomic keyboard made specifically with gamers in mind? While you can use a keyboard for multiple purposes, you may enjoy customizing which one you buy based on how you’re going to use it the most.

  • Do ergonomic keyboards really help?
  • While there’s no enough evidence available to establish that ergonomic keyboards can prevent RSI, carpal tunnel, or other ailments, they have been shown to reduce strain on the body by allowing for more natural angles and positioning while typing. That said, if you’re experience symptoms like numbness or nerve pain, you should immediately consult your doctor.
  • How does an ergonomic keyboard differ from a regular keyboard?
  • Ergonomic keyboards separate the standard keyboard layout into two halves. Splitting the keys in half roughly around the center of the keyboard allows the designer to tilt each half in a way that encourages a more natural hand and wrist position when addressing the keys, and reduces joint and muscle strain while typing.
  • How can you adjust to using an ergonomic keyboard?
  • If possible, start by using an ergonomic keyboard in much the same way you would a standard keyboard, to give your hands (and brain) time to adapt to the slight differences in key layout. Then, when you’re generally familiar with the new deck, start adjusting the keyboard to best suit your hands and typing style; many ergonomic keyboard will allow you to adjust not only the horizontal tilt of the separate halves, but also the vertical lift. Find the angle and height that are most comfortable for your hands and seated position.

While there’s no enough evidence available to establish that ergonomic keyboards can prevent RSI, carpal tunnel, or other ailments, they have been shown to reduce strain on the body by allowing for more natural angles and positioning while typing. That said, if you’re experience symptoms like numbness or nerve pain, you should immediately consult your doctor.

Ergonomic keyboards separate the standard keyboard layout into two halves. Splitting the keys in half roughly around the center of the keyboard allows the designer to tilt each half in a way that encourages a more natural hand and wrist position when addressing the keys, and reduces joint and muscle strain while typing.

If possible, start by using an ergonomic keyboard in much the same way you would a standard keyboard, to give your hands (and brain) time to adapt to the slight differences in key layout. Then, when you’re generally familiar with the new deck, start adjusting the keyboard to best suit your hands and typing style; many ergonomic keyboard will allow you to adjust not only the horizontal tilt of the separate halves, but also the vertical lift. Find the angle and height that are most comfortable for your hands and seated position.

Mac vs. PC

Do you have a Mac or a PC? While it seems like keyboards should be usable with both, that’s not always the case. You need to make sure whatever keyboard you buy is compatible with your system (this is usually a bigger problem for Macs rather than PCs). Additionally, the two different systems have slightly different keys. While you can often use mapping software to alleviate these issues, you may want to purchase a keyboard that is specifically designed for your type of machine.

Keyboard size

Do you need a full-size keyboard, complete with a number pad? If you’re inputting a lot of numbers, you probably find the number pad vital. But if you’re used to typing on a laptop, it’s likely you barely use it. Do you need a foldable, portable keyboard? Or do you need something with a small footprint but not necessarily portable? You can find ergonomic keyboards in all sizes—just think about what exactly it is you’ll need.