Best Ergonomic Keyboards 2024

Best Ergonomic Keyboards 2024

Over time, typing on a traditional keyboard can lead to problems like repetitive strain injury, and in the most extreme cases, can lead to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The best ergonomic keyboards, like our top pick, the HP 960 Ergonomic Keyboard, place your body in a more natural position and can help keep your wrists and hands pain-free so can type for hours.

The best ergonomic keyboards, like the HP 960 Wireless Keyboard, can provide comfort to your working … [+] setup.

Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer

Although there is an adjustment period with any new keyboard design, you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite features. After testing all of our picks, you can game for hours on the Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge. Or, if you’re working off a laptop, you can place our best portable ergonomic keyboard pick, the Moko Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, over your laptop’s to type on the go. Here’s a range of comfortable keyboards that cover all the bases, helping you find the best ergonomic keyboard that matches your daily workflow.

HP

HP 960 Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard

Design: One piece, split keyframe | Key Type: Scissor keys | Wireless: Yes (32.8 foot range) | Size: 15.7 x 9.2 x 1.54 inches (keyboard); 4.6 x 3.4 x 0.5 inches (numpad) | Keyboard layout: Full size

Best for: Writers and workers who type for hours at a computer.

Pros:

  • Supportive wrist rest
  • Numpad is separate from the keyboard for customizability

Cons:

  • No USB-C charging
  • Numpad only lasts six months on batteries

Just launched, the HP 960 Ergonomic Keyboards ticks all of our boxes, earning the best ergonomic keyboard overall moniker. It features a comfortable, padded wrist rest that we found feels supportive throughout the work day. While it has a split keyframe layout, it separated the numeric keypad so you can customize your setup to how you want it. A dongle connects via Bluetooth, and it is certified for up to 12 million keystrokes for the standard keys.

That being said, there are some minor drawbacks. The keyboard itself lasts for up to two years on AA batteries—so no USB-C charging. And, the numeric keypad also lasts up to six months and requires two coin cell batteries. However, these minor drawbacks still make it worthwhile, as the scissor key switches feel responsive and there’s very little switch resistance—a must-have for us—after testing it for a few weeks. Plus, it’s one of the quieter ergonomic keyboards, though you’ll still hear some clacking as you hammer away. It also comes with a dedicated Microsoft Copilot button, too, and 20 programmable keys. Switch between two devices, too, when you need to thanks to two keys in the top right corner.


Amazon

Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Keyboard

Design: One piece, split keyframe | Key type: Asymmetrical keys | Wireless: Yes (33 foot range) | Size: 9.2 x 17.9 x 1.9 inches | Keyboard layout: Full size

Best for: Working professionals who spend a lot of time typing.

Pros:

  • Unique adjustable wrist support
  • One piece, split keyframe design
  • Full size keyboard

Cons:

  • Keyboard is not backlit

The Logitech Ergo K860 is designed for comfort and to provide ergonomic support throughout your workday. This is a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad. It uses a split keyframe layout. It also includes a plush wrist support—adjustable to 0, -4 or -7 degrees for negative tilt support. The keyboard offers both a Bluetooth wireless and a USB wired option. The scooped keys are quiet and are designed to match the shape of your fingertips, so they allow for smooth and accurate typing.

According to Logitech, the design of this keyboard reduces muscle activity by 21% in the upper trapezius muscle—the muscle located in the center of the back. It stabilizes and facilitates shoulder and neck movement. In other words, the keyboard’s design can reduce muscle strain in your fingers, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders and back. When used in wireless more, the keyboard can connect to up to three devices and easily switch between them.


Design: One piece | Key type: Keys with scissor switches | Wireless: Yes | Size: 8.6 x 14.8 x 1.2 inches | Keyboard layout: Full size

Best for: Anyone on a budget who does a lot of typing or data entry at their computer.

Pros:

  • A full-size, ergonomic keyboard
  • Quiet keys for typing

Cons:

  • Some may not enjoy the keys’ resistance
  • Battery-powered

Logitech’s newest keyboard, the Wave Keys, is a well made and nicely designed ergonomic keyboard. While the keyboard itself its split, it uses a single keyframe. The keyboard itself offers a non-adjustable, but optional reverse incline, allowing for more comfortable wrist positioning. This is enhanced by the keyboard’s plush wrist rest, which we found accommodates the natural angle your hands.

Aesthetically, the keyboard uses a lot of plastic. It offers no backlighting and none of the keys are programmable. It’s very much a straight forward keyboard with an ergonomically designed shape and incline. The keyboard is also rather quiet, and you can connect the keyboard via the USB-C dongle or Bluetooth. The keyboard itself is powered using one AAA batteries that lasts for two years.


Amazon

Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge

Switch type: Cherry MX, Brown MX, Blue MX or Silver MX | Size: Tenkeyless | Backlighting: Per-key RGB | Connection: Wired

Best for: Gaming—and typing—in comfort.

Pros:

  • Available with a range of Cherry MX switch options
  • Versatile for added comfort
  • Completely remappable keys

Cons:

  • Steep adjustment curve
  • Cherry MX switches aren’t cutting edge

Most ergonomic keyboards aren’t designed with gaming in mind, which makes the Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge stand out amongst the crowd. The split design offers a range of Cherry MX mechanical switches, and for gamers who need that high-speed responsiveness, it delivers. Since it has an adjustable design, during our testing, we liked that we could reposition both to keep our hands and wrists comfortable. A cable attaches the two halves, leaving a space open to put your favorite wireless gaming mouse in the center for enhanced ergonomics, too.

Plus, while many keyboards offer a backlight, the Freestyle Edge goes the extra mile with a fun, customizable RGB build. You also get a host of media controls, which are intuitive and easy to use. And, of course, the mechanical keys can be programmed.


Amazon

Moko Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

Design: Folding, one piece, split keyframe | Key Type: Scissor mechanism beneath each key | Wireless: Yes | Size: 12.9 x 4 x 0.9 inches (unfolded) | Keyboard layout: Tenkeyless

Best for: Using with an iOS, Android or Windows (but not Windows mobile) smartphone or tablet.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Very thin and compact

Cons:

  • No backlighting
  • No numeric keyboard
  • No cushioned wrist pad

In addition to being extremely portable, the Moko Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard uses a U-shaped surface with a 166-degree design with 104 full-size keys. The built in rechargeable battery lasts for about 60 hours of continuous use, and when folded, it uses magnets to hold the keyboard shut during transport. When folded, it easily fits in a pocket or purse thanks to its compact design (6.2 x 4 x 0.5 inches). It weighs a mere 6.2 ounces.

When unfolded, the ergonomic, tenkeyless design makes typing comfortable, with keys that offer a quick response. This keyboard is particularly useful for giving a tablet more laptop computer-related functionality, especially when used for keyboard-intensive applications, like word processing. It’s also very travel-friendly. What we like is the soft-grip coating which offers the keyboard protection during travel, but keeps the keyboard from slipping around when it’s being used. Our other favorite feature that we’ve used this keyboard for? We’ve placed it over our laptop keys when traveling for a more comfortable typing experience. Its 40-hour battery life also makes it easy to work throughout the week before it needs a recharge, too.


MOST POPULAR

ZSA Technology Labs

Ergodox Moonlander Mark 1

Design: Split keyboard | Key Type: Mechanical switches | Wireless: Yes | Size: 6.7 x 9.8 x 1.1 inches (each half) | Keyboard layout: Customizable

Best for: Using as a featured-packed, ergonomic keyboard for play or work.

Pros:

  • Futuristic design
  • Complete customizability
  • Programmable RGB lighting

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • There’s a learning curve, but tutorial videos to help

Not only does this ergonomic keyboard have a really cool name—Moonlander Mark 1—it has the design, appearance and functionality to back it up and justify its hefty price. The fully mechanical keyboard is equipped with RGB LEDs and can display smart animations across all keys. Because the keyboard is two separate pieces, gamers can use the left side only (in conjunction with a gaming mouse). Another cool feature is the built in audio output, so the keyboard can generate visual and audible feedback as you work. Of course, you can easily turn off or adjust the audio.

Ergodox Moonlander Mark 1 takes the concept of customizability to a new level. You can order the keyboard with printed or blank keys which can then be moved around to create your own non-QWERTY layout. Each keycap is sculpted to provided added comfort and enhance accuracy when typing. Another way you can customize the keyboard when placing your order is you can choose between 10 switch types—and if you’re not sure which one is best for you, the company’s website or customer service team will help you choose. Oh, and you can add a tenting system too, so you can adjust the tilt of the keyboard to your perfect angle.

When not in use, the Moonlander Mark 1 folds up for transport and holds together using magnets. A carrying case is included. Another unique feature is the built in thumb module which can be tilted up or down, based on the size of your hands. There’s also an attachable wrist support module.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted tech team is well-versed in all things digital, having written articles and in the category (a couple of staffers, including Dave Johnson, our deputy editor, have even authored books).

  • The Forbes Vetted tech team has written an extensive library of keyboard stories. In addition to covering the best keyboards, they’ve also covered the best gaming keyboards, the best wireless keyboards and the quietest keyboards.
  • The tech section is overseen by consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs, an industry veteran who has been covering consumer technology for over five years. As a co-writer of this story, she has personally tested every single ergonomic keyboard on this list. When she’s not testing keyboards, she’s writing about the latest launches, including gaming TVs, portable chargers, noise-canceling headphones and more.
  • Former contributor Jason R. Rich, the co-author of this story, is an accomplished writer, journalist, photographer and experienced product tester. Over his career, he has accumulated hours of in-depth product research and has conducted firsthand testing.
  • Every keyboard on this list was personally tested by executive editor Dave Johnson and Rebecca Isaacs. Each tester logged in at least 20 hours with each keyboard to get a better understanding of how it worked over long typing periods.
  • We know tech tends to become quickly outdated. To keep this piece fresh and accurate, it’s regularly updated. Its current iteration was published in June 2024 to include the all-new HP 960 Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard and the Kinesis Gaming Freestyle Edge keyboard.

How We Chose The Best Ergonomic Keyboards

Here at Forbes Vetted, we’re writers and editors, and so we’re spending long hours at our laptops and computers. And to keep our own wrists and hands healthy, we put each of these ergonomic keyboards to the test.

  • We looked at major brands who have created ergonomic keyboards including Microsoft, HP, Logitech and more.
  • From there, we narrowed our list, using our combined research with our own hands-on testing and experience with many of these keyboards.
  • During our testing, we carefully evaluated each keyboard’s design, key layout, ease of use, extra features and more. We also checked to see how it felt after typing for hours on each ergonomic keyboard, noting any areas in our hands and wrists that ached, if any.
  • We also spoke with product experts and industry leaders to help us determine the top ergonomic keyboards that make the cut.

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