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Title: The best ergonomic keyboards for 2025

Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:01:25 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessorie...

If you spend a good portion of your waking hours behind a desk, simply
slapping an ergonomic mouse and keyboard on your desk wonΓÇÖt solve the real
problem, which is sitting still for too long. But after youΓÇÖve peppered in
a few walks and added some stretches for good measure, your workstation
ergonomics is the next thing to consider. Hunching, twisting and contorting
are all likely to lead to discomfort in the long run.

Ergonomic keyboards can help: these boards split, tilt and/or angle the keys
in ways that help keep your shoulders and chest more open and your forearms
and wrists more aligned. One ergonomic board wonΓÇÖt work for everyone, so I
tested out 15 different models. I tried models with a mix of ergonomic
features that include fully split and unibody split or Alice designs, as well
as columnar orientations, thumb clusters, programmable keys and more. I also
shared what IΓÇÖve learned about the benefits of various designs so you can
find the best ergonomic keyboard for you.

Table of contents

Best ergonomic keyboards for 2025

What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard

How we tested ergonomic keyboards

Other ergonomic keyboards we tested

Ergonomic keyboard FAQ

Best ergonomic keyboards for 2025

What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard Alice vs split

Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two categories: unibody (or Alice)
and split. The former is a single board with the two halves of the keys
rotated about 30 degrees apart at the bottom. The separation forms an A-
shaped space between the keys ΓÇö which has nothing to do with why itΓÇÖs
called an Alice layout, itΓÇÖs just a happy coincidence. This subtle tweak
pushes your elbows away from your ribs while keeping a straight line from
your forearm to your middle knuckle. Using one, I pretty instantly felt more
open along the front side of my body. This layout more closely resembles a
traditional keyboard, so it should be easier for most folks to get used to
than a fully split option.

Speaking of, split boards break the keys into two separate parts you can
position individually. You can put them shoulder distance apart, bring them
closer together or angle them as much as feels comfortable. You can also put
your mouse between the halves, which may feel like an easier trip for your
cursor hand and could potentially help with conditions like repetitive strain
injuries (RSI). Personally, I like being able to put my current snack between
the two parts. I've also found that pairing a split keyboard with a good
ergonomic mouse has helped me even more, particularly a vertical mouse.

Tenkeyless

You can find ergonomic keyboards with and without number pads. Not having
those number keys on the right hand side lets you keep your mouse closer in,
minimizing overall reach. But if you work with numbers a lot, youΓÇÖll likely
want that pad included. Some programmable boards allow for the use of layers,
which temporarily repurpose keys and can provide you with a ten-key option
through clever remapping of letter keys.

Tenting and negative tilt

Tenting raises the middle of the keyboard up, so your hands move closer to a
ΓÇ£handshakeΓÇ¥ position. Alice keyboards usually angle up towards the middle
and always to a fixed degree, since the two sides are connected. Split boards
often let you adjust the degree of tenting, going from flat to subtle to
extreme lift.

You may have encountered keyboards with an optional lift at the back of the
board, raising the top keys higher than the space bar. Every set of hands is
different, but for most people, pulling the backs of the hands towards the
forearms increases strain. Negative tilt has the opposite effect by sloping
in the other direction, lowering the top number keys while raising the edge
with the spacebar. Many Alice and some split keyboards offer an optional
negative tilt. I found it was more comfortable to enable that feature when
IΓÇÖm standing, and I preferred to have the keys flat when sat at my desk.

Staggered vs columnar

This decision seems to be one of the more hotly-contested among ergo
enthusiasts. A conventional keyboard has staggered keys, with each row
slightly offset to the rows above and below it ΓÇö so the A key is about
halfway between the Q and W above it. This is a holdover from vintage
mechanical typewriters, in which each press activated a hammer that smashed
ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To fit the hammers as close together
as possible, while still allowing for finger pads, the keys were staggered.

Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, often
with rows that are not linear. Proponents claim this makes the keys easier to
reach. Whether thatΓÇÖs true will be up to your fingers to decide, but I can
say for certain that if you learned to type on a staggered keyboard,
switching to a columnar layout is tough. It will take days, possibly weeks
before you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys donΓÇÖt fare much
better.

Programmable keys

With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as
a standard typing input, but the use of function and hot keys may require
some remapping. It can be as easy as an onboard switch to toggle between Mac
and PC layouts, or as involved as downloading software to change up the keys.
Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keycaps to change, say, the
MacΓÇÖs Command and Option keys to PCΓÇÖs Start and Alt buttons. Those are
what's called hot-swappable keys, meaning you just pull the old key off
(usually with a provided key puller) and stick the new one on, no soldering
required.

For some boards, remapping or programming keys using software is a crucial
feature. Gaming peripherals have extra keys that you can set to execute a
series of keystrokes with the push of a single button, and we cover the best
gaming keyboards in a separate guide. Keyboards that work with layers, in
which a single button can perform several functions, typically allow you to
change what those are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like
thumb clusters with multiple keys near the space bar that you operate with
your thumb. YouΓÇÖll also be able to program those.

Other considerations

Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch
versions. Which works best for you is, again, up to your preference. I
wonΓÇÖt get too deep into the particulars here, as we have an entire guide
devoted to the best mechanical boards, but the short of it is that membrane
and scissor switches are less customizable than mechanical and typically
cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches
are more customizable, offer a more responsive typing experience and are
usually pricier.

YouΓÇÖll also have the option of wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All
other things being equal, wired models are less expensive. Competitive gamers
who rely on split-second responses may prefer the zero-lag of wired
keyboards. Wired models also never run out of battery life and have fewer
connectivity issues. But wireless keyboards keep your desk less cluttered.

Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm
rests, which can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where opinions
diverge: proponents claim they help you maintain a neutral hand position,
while detractors say they put pressure on the tendons in your wrist and can
exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms should be
resting, not your wrists, and you might find you like having that support or
you may find the pressure uncomfortable.

Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget How we tested ergonomic keyboards

All our guides begin with extensive research to figure out whatΓÇÖs out there
and whatΓÇÖs worth testing. We consider brands with good reputations that
weΓÇÖve heard good things about from colleagues and look at keyboard reviews
in forums and other trusted publications. For this guide, I looked for
keyboards with ergonomic features like tenting, split keys, palm support and
so on. I also zeroed in on boards that didnΓÇÖt require a deep amount of
familiarity with the vast and exhaustive world of custom keyboards.

Once I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used each one for anywhere
from a few days to a few weeks. I tried out the remapping and macros software
and considered the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before
arriving at picks I think will work best for the most people out there. For
subsequent updates to this guide, I have continued to acquire and test out
new keyboards as they come on the market, adding and replacing the top picks
as warranted. If and when Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, like the Sculpt,
come back on the market, as a collaboration with Incase has promised, I'll
try those models, too.

Other ergonomic keyboards we tested Naya Create

I didnΓÇÖt get to fully test the Naya Create keyboard, but I was able to try
one out for a few minutes during CES this year. ItΓÇÖs one of the more
customizable keyboards youΓÇÖll find. Not only is it a fully split,
mechanical board with programmable keys, the thumb clusters sit just below
two modular platforms that each accept a touchpad, trackball, dial or a 3D
joystick. These are meant to replace your mouse and other input devices,
eliminating travel for your cursor hand. Each half of the keyboard body bends
in two places to allow for precise tenting and, from my short time with the
Naya, the hinges and the entire board felt solidly built. The Naya Create
starts at $500 before you add on any of the mouse modules, but thatΓÇÖs not
stopping people from ordering. According to NayaΓÇÖs website, the first three
batches of pre-orders sold out and the fourth batch will ship in July 2025.

Goldtouch Elite Adjustable

I remember wondering if something like the Goldtouch Elite Adjustable existed
when I first started testing ergonomic keyboards. It didnΓÇÖt at the time, as
far as I could tell, but now a connected yet adjustable split board is indeed
a product you can buy. ItΓÇÖs a solidly-built board and the ball joint
connecting the two halves feels like it will put up with a lot of use. A
squeeze of the lever at the top of the keys lets you set the board just how
you like, adjusting both the vertical tenting and the angle between the two
halves. ThereΓÇÖs no programming to speak of, just the ability to swap a few
function keys like print screen and home.

Unfortunately, the tenting doesnΓÇÖt work for me. Because of the extra keys
at the outer edges, raising the middle edges upwards lifts the center keys
considerably, which brings my wrists and forearms off the desk instead of
letting them rest. Holding them like that created extra neck and shoulder
strain on my part, which is sort of the opposite of the goal. But if youΓÇÖre
not into tenting anyway and want a flat, Alice-split board with an adjustable
splay, this works quite well.

Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard

The idea behind the Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard is pretty ergonomic:
put the trackpad between the two halves and minimize travel for your mouse
hand. The distance between the two puts your elbows at a comfortable distance
and keeps your wrist nearly in-line with your forearms. The build is
excellent, with low profile mechanical switches that feel smooth and just the
right amount of clacky. The trackpad is responsive, but gestures only work
with Windows computers. Even dragging and dropping doesnΓÇÖt work on a Mac
here, so I donΓÇÖt see Apple users getting much use out of the board. I also
found myself wishing for the slightest rotation of the keys ΓÇö though
theyΓÇÖre a good distance apart, a slight angle would keep my wrists fully
unbent. ThereΓÇÖs no tenting or negative tilt either, both of which could
help a bit more, ergonomically speaking.

Logitech Wavekeys

While it's a perfectly fine and affordable Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech
Wavekeys has minimal ergonomics. The keys rise up slightly in the middle and
there's a comfortable wrist rest attached, but the layout is the same as any
other keyboard, with no splitting of the keys to open up your arms or keep
your wrists straight.

Ergonomic keyboard FAQs What kinds of ergonomic keyboard styles are there?

Most ergonomic keyboards fall into two categories: fully split which
separates the board into two pieces, and unibody split, also known as an
Alice design, which angles the keys outward at the bottom. When the keys are
rotated outward or split into two halves, it allows for a wider spread
between your elbows for a more relaxed typing position. Other ergonomic
features, such as thumb clusters, center tenting and negative tilting are
sometimes added to either type of board.

Which keyboard layout is the most ergonomic?

Since every person is different, thereΓÇÖs no one best ergonomic keyboard
layout. The standard QWERTY layout is what most people are used to. The
Dvorak, Colemak and Workman layouts rearrange the board to put the more
commonly used letters closer to the home-key position. All three are intended
to minimize your finger movements. That may indeed feel more comfortable and
less fatiguing, but people used to the QWERTY layout will likely need to
relearn how to type.

When do I need a split keyboard?

You might feel some relief with a fully split keyboard if you find yourself
tensing up at the shoulders as you type on a standard board. Putting some
distance between your hands may allow your chest to stay more open, which for
some is an easier position to maintain. You may also appreciate being able to
place your mouse or trackpad between the two halves of the board to minimize
the distance your cursor hand needs to travel.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessorie...
130047982.html?src=rss

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