Technology may have grown leaps and bounds in the past 50 years, but our typing instruments remain virtually untouched. Most keyboards retain unsupportive, flat edges and sharp, jarring corners that look more like medieval torture devices than writing instruments. Luckily, there’s a growing movement of ergonomic keyboards designed to improve upper body posture and eliminate pain.
The best ergonomic keyboards promote hand and wrist health through a combination of innovative layouts and adaptability mechanisms. Together, these may significantly reduce the risk of developing typing-related injuries like carpal tunnel and repetitive stress injury. Ergonomic keyboards are also much more comfortable than standard variants, often incorporating soft cushioning that keeps your palms cozy and ready for action.
To help you start caring for your body the way it cares for you, I’ve cured ten of the most supportive keyboards on the market. If you’re ready to make the investment, let’s check them out and find one suitable for your setup.
How We Evaluated These Ergonomic Keyboards
About three years ago, I went from a standard keyboard to an ergonomic model and never looked back. I’ve been enamored by these devices ever since and want to share my findings with you.
For this guide, I physically tested and/or researched over two dozen of today’s most popular keyboards, comparing my findings with trusted advisors and online reviewers. I used the following criteria to whittle down the competition and uncover the ideal ergonomic keyboards for today’s work and gaming spaces:
1. Quality – As with most products, craftsmanship is key to keyboard performance. That’s why I began by inspecting keyboards for sturdy frames, alongside appropriately-sized ABS or PBT keycaps and switches (preferably mechanical) that are easy to press with good physical and auditory feedback.
2. Supportiveness – Support is the heart and soul of ergonomics, and a healthful keyboard includes a flat or downward-tapering slope that encourages proper posture. Most ergonomic keyboards also have a layout that maintains your wrists diagonally from the F and J touch-typing positions.
3. Comfort – Although palm rests aren’t always essential, many of the top-rated ergonomic keyboards include soft or cushiony sections to place your hands on as you break from typing.
4. Customizability – Ergonomics is about your workflow, and customization is vital to finding a solution that works for you. As such, supportive keyboards should be customizable to meet user needs via keybind programmability and swappable componentry.
5. Design – Although fully split keyboards (detachable at the center) offer more versatility than their fixed-split counterparts, the latter are generally more affordable and supportive enough to keep you pain-free. That’s why our list contains both layouts, all featuring the minimalist aesthetic appreciated in today’s modern office environment.
Make no mistake: many excellent keyboards failed to make this list. While those keyboards have a time and place, the following curation represents the best ergonomics available.
Our 10 Best Ergonomic Keyboards of 2022
- Best Ergonomic Keyboard Overall: Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
- Best Budget Ergonomic Keyboard: Microsoft Ergonomic Desktop
- Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Pain Relief: ErgoDox EZ
- Best Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard: Logitech K860
- Best Fixed-Split Ergonomic Keyboard: Kinesis Advantage2
- Best Fully Split Ergonomic Keyboard: ZSA Moonlander
- Best Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard: Microsoft Sculpt
- Best Ortholinear Keyboard: DROP + OLKB Planck
- Best RGB Ergonomic Keyboard: Cloud Nine C989M
- Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Gaming: Dygma Raise
Best Ergonomic Keyboard Overall: Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
- Price: $219
- Layout: Fully split, tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silver
- Best for: Responsive keys, palm support
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 60 Days
- Shipping: Varies
- Full-split design comes apart for precise placement
- Cherry MX switches come in your choice of clicky, tactile, or linear variants
- Soft, detachable palm rests provide a supportive position for your hands
Check out the Freestyle Edge RGB from Kinesis on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
Kinesis has been a leader in the ergonomic keyboard industry for over 30 years. Although the company boasts a wide range of supportive models, the most accessible (and my personal favorite) is its Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB.
The Freestyle Edge is technically part of Kinesis’ gaming lineup, but the familiar tenkeyless form factor makes it a mainstay of many offices. What separates it from your standard model is the unique 2-part design. You see, the Edge splits apart at the center, leaving you with two individually adjustable pieces that you can angle for personalized support. It also features two separate palm rests for pillowlike cushioning that reduces strain on your hands and wrists.
In my time as an ergonomics writer, I’ve used the Kinesis Freestyle Edge to write countless articles. Every time I swap to a different keyboard, I find myself missing the Edge’s snappy 1ms response time and extraordinary versatility. While you can get the keyboard in various configurations, I recommend the Cherry MX Brown variant for its tactile feedback and quiet actuation. I also recommend Kinesis’ adjustable lift kit, which allows you to adjust the center angle like a drawbridge. Unfortunately, it also bumps up the overall price tag to an exorbitant $250.
Pros
- Light up your desk with customizable RGB backlighting
- 1ms response time ensures all your strokes register in the blink of an eye
- SmartSet Programming Engine lets you set custom keybinds and macros
Cons
- Ergonomic lift kit costs an extra $29.99
- Center connecting cord adds to desk clutter
Best Budget Ergonomic Keyboard: Microsoft Ergonomic Desktop
- Price: $49.99
- Layout: Fixed-split, full-size
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Membrane Rubber Dome
- Best for: Small budgets
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- $50 price tag includes an ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- Media and shortcut keys provide easy access to standard controls and workplace tools
- Generous palm rest covers the bottom third of the keyboard
Ergonomic keyboards don’t have to cost a fortune. Case in point is the Microsoft Ergonomic Desktop package, which includes a fixed-split 110-key model and matching mouse for under $50. Now, the keyboard isn’t particularly fancy. But it does get the job done with a supportive — if rather bland — fixed-split layout and generous palm rest that spans the entire base.
The Ergonomic Desktop also comes with 15 media and shortcut keys to help you navigate your on-screen workspace with ease. I love how you can start and stop your favorite shows, swap displays, and even search your computer right from the keyboard. The only downside is that the media keys are all tiny and hard to see, positioned way up towards the top of the board. In my opinion, it’s a small tradeoff when you consider overall convenience.
Pros
- Rubber dome switches remain quiet during use
- Sturdy yet lightweight, coming in at just over two pounds
- Provides moderate cushioning for a balance of comfort and proper support
Cons
- Palm rest begins to show wear within weeks of ownership
- Users with small hands find the full-size layout and 20″ width cumbersome, while folks with large hands dislike the small keys
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Pain Relief: ErgoDox EZ
- Price: $354
- Layout: Fully split, tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX, Kailh
- Best for: Pain relief
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Comes with Cherry MX or Kailh switches and Tai-Hao ABS keycaps
- Ortholinear, column-based layout reduces time and distance required for each keypress
- Control every angle with the tilt kit add-on, adjusting the tent up to 20° and frontward slope up to -15°
Check out the EZ from ErgoDox on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
Ergonomic keyboards are known for their bizarre designs, but the ErgoDoz EZ cranks that up to 11. In other words, it’s not the prettiest keyboard around. But its split frame and assortment of adjustable mechanisms do make it one of the best.
Designed by the manufacturers at ZSA, the EZ makes your work experience… well, easy. Instead of a traditional, staggered keyboard design, the EZ incorporates an ortholinear layout where all the keys line up in parallel columns. Although this novel approach takes some time to learn, it reduces your overall finger movement, leading to less work when performing the same tasks. The ErgoDox EZ also includes delightfully responsive Cherry MX or Kailh keys and Tai-Hao ABS keycaps, with hot-swappable sockets should you want to pop in a new variant.
Unfortunately, the ErgoDox EZ does charge you for every upgrade, including ones that I’d deem essential, like the handy Wing Rest and tilt kit. I suggest you set aside an extra $50 to $100 to secure all the upgrades.
Pros
- Adjusts to your typing style, providing a supportive base that eliminates pain
- Hot-swappable switch sockets let you pop in your favorite Cherry MXs or equivalents
- Although $30 extra, the detachable Wing Rest provides excellent, adaptable palm and wrist support
Cons
- Ortholinear QWERTY layout takes time to learn
- Rubbery Wing Rest feels strange and collects dust over time
Best Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard: Logitech K860
- Price: $129.99
- Layout: Fixed-split, full-size
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Switches: Membrane Perfect Stroke
- Best for: Wireless ergonomics
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Convex curve ensures a neutral typing position
- Memory foam and fabric wrist rest pillow your palms and provide downward tilt
- Connects to your Windows or Mac via encrypted Bluetooth or unifying receiver; features a 33-foot range
Check out the K860 from Logitech on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Logitech K860 — aside from the iconic convex curve — is the lovely heathered wrist rest. It’s among the classiest and comfiest I’ve encountered, with a memory foam interior and stain-resistant fabric exterior. Since the palm rest has adjustable feet, you can also use it to lock in an ever-so-slight 5° downward angle for better ergonomics. Speaking of which, Logitech’s Perfect Stroke ergonomic switches feel smooth to the touch and offer just enough spring as you fly across the dimpled ABS keycaps like a paint canvas.
Regarding the K860’s wireless capabilities, you can connect all your devices via Bluetooth or USB receiver. Unlike the similarly-priced Microsoft Sculpt keyboard, you’re not limited to just Mac or PC usage, and most users have no trouble syncing up their tablets and mobile devices. Just be aware that the K860’s battery isn’t rechargeable, and you’ll need to replace them ever so often.
Pros
- Two AAA batteries power the K380 for up to two years
- Perfect Stroke switches feature dimpled surfaces and tactile actuation
- Logitech Flow lets you swap between desktop operating systems at the push of a button
Cons
- Comes with non-rechargeable batteries
- Full-size keyboard takes up a lot of space; number pad is not detachable
Best Fixed-Split Ergonomic Keyboard: Kinesis Advantage2
- Price: $349
- Layout: Fixed-split, tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Brown
- Best for: Premium ergonomics
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Return Period: 60 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Large frame provides built-in palm support
- Individually-angled keys ensure proper typing form
- Cherry MX Brown switches actuate at 2mm for a responsive yet tactile experience
Although I recommend the Kinesis Freestyle EDGE RGB over the Kinesis Advantage2, the latter is better-suited for specialty setups and more severe cases of repetitive stress injury (remember, consult a doctor before changing any of your routines). The Advantage2’s giant, box-like design definitely looks atrocious sitting alone on the desktop. But during use, it kind of reminds me of a motorcycle’s handlebars, the two concaves acting as inside-out grips.
The idea is to rest your hands atop the built-in palm rests and reach gently downwards, pressing each individually-angled key from a properly-supported position. For even more ergonomics, you’ll also find conveniently placed thumb clusters with essential keys like Enter and Spacebar — all with quiet yet tactile Cherry MX Brown key switches underneath. The Kinesis Advantage2 may be one of the strangest and most expensive options out there, but it’s the top option for serious ergonomists.
Pros
- 6′ cable extends several feet, working well in big and small office environments
- Unique design forces you to unlearn and stop using destructive typing habits
- SmartSet Programming Engine lets you customize keybinds and shortcuts without software
Cons
- Extremely bulky frame measures a whopping 3″ high
- One of the most expensive options on the market
Best Fully Split Ergonomic Keyboard: ZSA Moonlander
- Price: $365
- Layout: Fully split, tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Box Red
- Best for: Intuitive customization
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Ortholinear layout minimizes finger travel between keys
- Adjustable thumb buttons offer quick, customizable access to common commands
- Use the left-side keypad as a standalone WASD gaming device
Check out the Moonlander from ZSA on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
At first glance, the ZSA Moonlander looks an awful lot like the ErgoDox EZ. That’s no surprise, considering they share a parent company. But before you dismiss the Moonlander as a clone, let me fill you in on a few essential differences.
First is the design. I much prefer the Moonlander’s simpler frame and rounded contours. It’s smaller and easier to move around than the ErgoDox EZ — with a total width of 13.2″ and a weight of 1.75 pounds — and it comes with a pouch for easy transportation. Not only that, but the Moonlander features a new-and-improved thumb cluster section with two fewer buttons and an articulating hinge for enhanced adjustability. The only real sacrifice for the Moonlander’s sleek layout is its lack of tenting mechanisms, meaning it comes with less angle customization than the ErgoDox.
The other thing I want to point out is the USB Type-C port on the left-side keypad. This handy port lets you use the Moonlander as a standalone WASD gaming device. Pretty cool, except it features a sky-high >15ms response time that you may find lacking in more competitive titles.
Pros
- USB Type-C ensures a consistent connection
- LEDs shine underneath keycaps, offering a moonlight-like glow
- Moonlit White or Dark Matter Black color options fit most office and gaming aesthetics
Cons
- High >15ms latency makes it hard to take advantage of singular left-side board
- Looks incomplete without palm rest, with visible screw holes
Best Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard: Microsoft Sculpt
- Price: $80.95
- Layout: Fixed-split, tenkeyless
- Connectivity: Wireless
- Switches: Membrane Scissor
- Best for: Business ergonomics
- Warranty: 3 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- Reverse tilt design slopes forward to ensure proper posture
- Integrated palm rest offers a supportive base at every angle
- Standalone number pad makes for easy ten key entry without unnecessary bulk
The Microsoft Sculpt released way back in 2013, but it continues to rank among the most popular ergonomic keyboards around. Users love the arcing, contoured frame, which features a mild curve resembling a lone butte. While you can’t split the Sculpt in two, the tenkeyless structure maintains a small, easily reachable layout with access to every key.
Microsoft markets the Sculpt as a business-class keyboard, and it comes with several features to complement the modern professional. The most important is the separate tenkeyless keypad for number crunching and the 128-bit AES encryption, which keeps your communications secured in today’s oft-dangerous cyberspace. There is always a price to pay for security, however. In this case, it’s a Bluetooth-free, wireless connection that requires a USB receiver to operate. Since the receiver pairs with your keyboard at the factory for security reasons, you’ll have to scrap the entire unit if anything goes wrong.
Pros
- Scissor switches offer a snappy tactile response
- Microsoft stands by its products with a best-in-class 3-year warranty
- AES encryption connects the keyboard to a sole receiver for security and peace of mind
Cons
- Requires a standard USB receiver, meaning it can’t connect to tablets or mobile devices
- No USB dongle replacement available if lost; must purchase another unit
Best Ortholinear Keyboard: DROP + OLKB Planck
- Price: $79
- Layout: 40%
- Connectivity: Wired
- Best for: Minimal finger travel, customization
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: $5
- Hot-swappable Kaihua sockets accommodate any Cherry-style switch
- Aluminum frame feels sturdy and looks luxurious
- Ortholinear layout minimizes travel between each key, reducing strain and speeding up workflows
There are plenty of fancy ergonomic keyboards out there, but sometimes, simpler is better. The Drop + OLKB Planck introduces an ortholinear keyboard layout inside a small, 40% frame with only half the standard number of keys. When the grid-like ortholinear layout combines with such a small form factor, every key is within two units of your fingers at all times (when using standard touch typing, of course). In other words, it minimizes the distance your fingers have to travel while typing, reducing strain while speeding up your workflow.
It’s a neat concept, but it comes with a couple of tradeoffs. First, ortholinear layouts take a short while to learn. Second, essential keys (like the top number row) are hidden under layers and require extra steps to access. Also, I don’t recommend the Planck for newcomers. It’s more for tech enthusiasts, as you’ll have to insert switches and remove keycaps yourself. It’s not difficult, but it’s more time-consuming than plug-and-play.
Pros
- Programmable via QMK; customize layers and keybinds to your heart’s content
- USB-C port provides fast, up-to-date data transmission
- Compact layout takes up little space and travels well
Cons
- Ortholinear layout takes time to learn
- Comes disassembled; must purchase switches and keycaps
Best RGB Ergonomic Keyboard: Cloud Nine C989M
- Price: $189.99
- Layout: Fully split, full-size
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Red
- Best for: Gaming, backlighting
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 45 Days
- Shipping: Free
- RGB backlight comes with 15 different illumination settings
- Split the unit apart to use the left-side keypad for WASD gaming
- Conveniently-placed Smart Control Wheel lets you scroll, jump between programs, and adjust volume on the fly
Check out the C989M from Cloud Nine on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
First, let me say that I have no idea what Cloud Nine was thinking when it added ten left-side programmable keys and a 10–key section to this keyboard. The finished product comes out to a massive 22″ wide, and it won’t fit many standard-size setups. The large design also hampers ergonomics as you have to reach halfway around the desk to access your mouse.
Yet, the Cloud Nine C989M still makes this list thanks to its overall comfort and performance. You’ll love the generously soft and supportive wrist rest as you type away atop the keyboard’s built-in 7° tenting mechanisms. The Cherry MX switches feel wonderfully responsive, and you can choose between Brown, Blue, and Red for a personalized touch. Best of all, the RGB backlighting shines brilliantly, lighting up the keys and innovative Smart Control Wheel for a vibrant, easily legible user experience.
Pros
- 7° tent angle provides proper ergonomic support
- 2ms response time with anti-ghosting and NKRO offers enough speed for business and gaming
- Plug in your mouse or charge your phone with the built-in USB passthrough port
Cons
- Lacks forward or backward tilt options
- Massive 22″ x 10″ dimensions won’t fit many setups
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Gaming: Dygma Raise
- Price: $319
- Layout: Fully-split, 60%
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX, Kailh
- Best for: Gaming
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Return Period: 30 Days
- Shipping: Free
- 60% layout measures 12″ wide when pressed together and offers all the keys you need for competitive gaming
- Programmable thumb keys provide easy access to your common gaming commands
- Sleek leatherette palm rests offer a supportive space for your hands
Check out the Raise from Dygma on the manufacturer’s site to see more features.
The Dygma Raise is a Kickstarter alumnus explicitly geared towards the gaming community. It features a fully-split 60% layout that offers access to essential gaming functions and a handful of thumb keys. Naturally, the entire board is programmable via Dygma’s Bazecor App, and you can bind commands to an impressive ten layers using the built-in firmware.
Although the keyboard boasts an unfortunate upward-tilt from palm rest to back-end, I find the easily-accessible keys and leatherette palm pads to provide more than enough ergonomics. If you need even more, you can always increase the adaptability with Dygma’s adjustable tent kit, though that bumps the price up to a budget-busting $408. Fortunately, Dygma does include some free perks with the base $319 purchase, including a convenient carrying case and an Enhancement Kit for tinkering with the Cherry MX or Kailh key switches.
Pros
- Comes with a travel case and Enhancement Kit for tinkering
- Bazecor App lets you configure keybinds, layers, and backlighting
- Backlighting shines brightly across the entire keyboard
Cons
- Ergonomic tenting kit costs an extra $89
- Unique design takes time to master, especially for use in competitive games
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