Since many people spend hours hunched over their computers every day, peripherals with more ergonomic designs have increased in popularity. Ergonomic keyboards can help reduce muscle strain and fatigue, which prevents users from experiencing pain throughout the workday. Although most mechanical keyboards on the market are conventional, ergonomic mechanical keyboards exist if you know where to find them. If you spend hours typing or using your computer keyboard in any way, consider one of these recommended keyboards.
Good to know: looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard instead? We have a list for that, too!
1. Kinesis KB600 Advantage 2
Price: $339
The funky design of the Kinesis Advantage 2 maximizes user comfort and reduces strain. The split keyboard design positions the arms at shoulder width, which helps keep your wrists straight and alleviates strain. In addition, the keys are located inside bowl-like key wells that sit on a 20-degree incline. This helps to reduce finger extension, relax your hand muscles, and relieve the stress on your forearms by positioning your hands more naturally.
Pros
- Cherry MX Brown switches
- Keys are relocated to “thumb clusters,” reducing finger strain and overall fatigue
- Concave key wells allow fingers to rest in a more natural position
- Integrated palm rests
Cons
- Placement of some keys requires an adjustment period
- Expensive
Also helpful: if none of the boards on this list meet your needs, learn how to build a custom mechanical keyboard.
2. ErgoDox EZ
Price: $325+ (final price varies depending on configuration)
The first thing you’ll notice with the ErgoDox EZ is that it is a split keyboard – it has two separate halves connected by a cable. This allows users to position each half independently based on their needs and preferences. All keys also have dual functionality. Tapping a key generates a letter, and holding the key down acts as a modifier. Lastly, the left half functions entirely on its own, which is great for anyone who is serious about PC gaming.
Pros
- Keycaps have the same profile, meaning users can reprogram letter order
- Left half of keyboard can work independently
Cons
- Linear key orientation is off-putting for some
- Not available on Amazon
3. Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
Price: $320+ (final price varies depending on configuration)
Like the ErgoDox EZ, the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard (UHK) is a split keyboard. The two separate halves can be positioned so that the user can keep their chest open and wrists straight. However, the UHK’s biggest claim is its modular thumb cluster design. This lets users manipulate the mouse or reach for keys without moving away from the home row.
Pros
- Modular thumb clusters increase productivity
- Individual key RBG backlighting
- Remappable keys
- Multiple setups for the right side
Cons
- Not available from third-party retailers like Amazon
Good to know: if you need a quiet keyboard for work, you may want to look into a silent mechanical keyboard.
4. Cloud Nine C989
Price: $189
The Cloud Nine C989M is a full-sized keyboard with a number pad for data entry. In addition, the Cloud Nine C989M utilizes the standard offset key layout – users won’t have to adjust to new key positions. The Cloud Nine C989M also uses a true split design, with the two sides connected by a single cable.
Pros
- Full-size keyboard, complete with number pad
- Dedicated multimedia dial
Cons
- Kailh switches can feel different from those used to Cherry or Gateron
- Bulky
5. Keychron Q8
Price: $199
The Keychron Q8 is a 65% Alice keyboard. It features a split key layout designed for balance and a more natural typing position. The Q8 is also one of the few fully hot-swappable ergonomic mechanical keyboards available. The Q8 is compatible with almost all MX-style three-pin and five-pin mechanical switches on the market. Also, its design significantly reduces sound resonance between the upper and lower metal frames for a quieter working environment.
Pros
- Hot-swappable
- Noise-reducing silicon pads
- South-facing RGB LED Lights
- QMK/VIA support
Cons
- No number pad
- Not wireless
Tip: if you purchase a board that is hot-swappable, you should decide which keyswitch type to use before changing them out.
6. EPOMAKER Feker Alice 80
Price: $139
The Feker Alice 80 from EPOMAKER is not an actual split keyboard. However, it still features a split key layout. Its 65% footprint, along with the numerous connection options (including wireless), make this a versatile ergonomic mechanical keyboard that can be used by a variety of users who have limited desk space.
Pros
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired
- Compact 65% size
- Hot-swappable switches
Cons
- Smaller keyboard may not work for all users
7. Mistel BARACCO MD770 RGB
Price: $189
The Mistel BAROCCO MD770 RGB is another ergonomic mechanical keyboard that supports Bluetooth wireless connectivity. However, what makes this keyboard really stand out is the built-in memory. This provides programmable Macros and key remapping.
Pros
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Lightweight
- Low profile design
- Built-in memory to store custom key configurations
Cons
- Built-in battery only 580mAh
Also helpful: Google users can customize keyboard shortcuts for Gmail to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider using an ergonomic keyboard?
Ergonomic keyboards offer a number of benefits over traditional keyboards. The first is reducing the risk of injuries. The act of typing on a keyboard requires a lot of repetitive movement. Ergonomic keyboards are designed to reduce the strain placed on your hands, wrists and arms. This decreases the chance of serious injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, ergonomic keyboards also help you maintain better posture. This alleviates lower back pain in addition to shoulder and neck fatigue.
Overall, ergonomic keyboards are designed for better overall comfort. This translates to better productivity, as typists are able to work more efficiently and for longer periods of time without worry of irritation or more serious, protracted injuries.
What is an Alice keyboard?
An Alice keyboard is a keyboard that is not physically split but utilizes a split key layout. This makes an Alice keyboard less ergonomic, as users cannot position the two halves of the keyboard independently. In addition, you’re limited in your ability to control the tenting or the tilt of your keyboard. However, Alice keyboards do keep your wrists at a more neutral angle to your forearms. This reduces the risk of typing-related wrist injuries and fatigue.
What is the difference between mechanical switch types?
There are several different switches available from many different manufacturers. Confusingly, each manufacturer may adopt a different naming scheme, making it difficult to discern the difference. The critical thing to remember is that the type of switches your keyboard uses will have its unique feel and sound. The most common types are linear, tactile, and clicky.
Ultimately, the question of which switch is the best depends on personal preference. Fortunately, hot-swappable keyboards make it easy to try different switch types to help you determine which is the best for you.
What is a hot-swappable keyboard?
A hot-swappable keyboard lets you switch between compatible keyboard switches without soldering. There are a variety of keyboard switches, the most common being three-pin and five-pin switches. These switches are produced by a number of manufacturers, including Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Razer and Logitech.
Image credit: Unsplash
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