As writers, we spend hours on end with our keyboards—we hunch at our desks and type away, not realizing what we are doing to our bodies.
Improper posture and excessive strain on our hands and wrists can lead to long-term health issues. Ergonomic alternatives can help combat the stress of work on our bodies.
In this article, we’ll look at a few options that fit every budget and preference. We’ll also define what makes a keyboard ergonomic and what features to consider.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the best keyboards for writers based on our research and user reviews.
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Best ergonomic keyboards for writers
After thorough research and evaluation, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best keyboards for writers. We based the list on a few factors, but ergonomics will be the primary criterion.
Best overall: Microsoft Sculpt
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business is a popular ergonomic keyboard without a break-the-bank price tag.
It is wireless, so it is convenient regardless of whether you are writing at home or on the go. Its split keyset and tented keyboard design allow you to relax your wrists in a natural position while typing.
Although the keyboard does not feature an adjustable split design, it comes with a separate number pad. The key layout has a natural arc that caters to the shape of your hand. This design is useful to avoid finger strain.
A few cons are that, since it does not feature an adjustable split design, you cannot move each half of the keyboard as far apart or as close together as you would like.
This reduced ability to customize may impact comfort. It also does not feature thumb clusters.
Best budget-friendly option: Fellowes FEL98915 Microban
If you are just starting to explore your ergonomic options or are on a budget, you may be intimidated by some of the prices in the ergonomic market.
The Fellowes FEL98915 Microban is a fixed split design keyboard that provides basic ergonomic benefits at an affordable price.
The keyboard has a tented design and wrist-rest for maximum comfort. It is a quiet keyboard and features various shortcut keys for less strain. It also features antimicrobial protection for a cleaner experience.
This is a great budget-friendly and beginner-friendly option.
Best portable option: Perixx PERIDUO-606 Wireless Mini
Although there are several wireless options, smaller sizes are more convenient to transport. The Perixx PERIDUO-606 Wireless Mini is a highly-rated portable ergonomic keyboard option.
Its slim design and compact features make for a perfect travel buddy. The Perixx PERIDUO-606 Wireless Mini weighs a mere 1.5 pounds. It also features a tilt scroll wheel and foot stand.
It also comes with a silent mouse that is perfect for use in public—you won’t have to worry about disturbing others with the sound of your typing.
This brand offers both wired and wireless options. Also included is an armrest and a movable magnet for height adjustment.
With a fixed split design and tenting options, it is designed to minimize impact and fatigue.
This option is ideally suited to on-the-go authors.
Best option for Mac users: Kinesis Freestyle2
The Kinesis Freestyle2 has an award-winning split design and is a popular ergonomic keyboard choice for Mac users.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and allows you to pair the keyboard with up to three devices. The keys come in the standard Mac layout.
The adjustable split design allows you to adjust the separate key modules by up to 9 inches. This has a major advantage compared to a fixed split design. The ability to move the key modules as far apart or as close together as you would like allows for maximum comfort.
It features custom membrane key switches that require low key press forces. This can help reduce muscle fatigue and strain.
Best high-end option: Kinesis Advantage2
If you are seeking a more high-end keyboard option and are willing to spend more, the Kinesis Advantage2 may be a good fit for you.
This is another keyboard that features a split-key design. It has a concave shape to help prevent wrist strain and stress injuries. The keyboard has a tented design of 20°, and features cushioned palm pads to ensure comfort and natural wrist placement.
The Kinesis Advantage 2 also utilizes thumb clusters—this helps avoid excessive wrist and finger extension.
This high-tech ergonomic option also allows users to customize and remap keys via the built-in SmartSet engine. This option is most useful for programmers but is still a convenient feature.
A few cons are that it is not wireless and it is rather expensive. We do not recommend this if you are just setting out on your exploration of alternative keyboard options.
You can check out our more thorough review of this keyboard here.
Things to consider before buying an ergonomic keyboard for writing
What makes a keyboard ergonomic?
Many writers and other heavy computer users follow the “path of least resistance” when it comes to their work equipment.
As a result, they often rely on cheap or poorly designed keyboards that can lead to discomfort with prolonged use.
An ergonomic keyboard can be a fantastic option for those spending a lot of time writing and who want to do so comfortably.
But how do you know what makes a keyboard ergonomic?
Let’s review a few common ergonomic characteristics: split design, thumb clusters, and a tented design.
Split design
Many ergonomic keyboards feature a split design. Here, the board is broken into two halves, with a separate key area for each hand. The two main types of split keyboards are fixed-split and adjustable split.
Fixed-split design
With a fixed-split design, the keys are all still on one connected unit—the keys are in two halves on either side of the keyboard.
Although this is a step up from the traditional keyboard design, it is not customizable for different body types like an adjustable split design.
Adjustable split design
Adjustable split design keyboards come with two fully detachable halves. You can position each of the halves wherever is most comfortable for you. This is convenient to cater to different body proportions. You also usually have the option to adjust the tenting of each half.
Benefits
With a traditional keyboard design, keys are clumped together, forcing your wrists to turn inward when typing.
In this position, wrists are under ulnar deviation. Excessive ulnar deviation can lead to wrist discomfort and pressure on the carpal tunnel [1][2].
Split designs allow wrists to remain neutral—adjustable split design keyboards take this a step further with customization options.
Thumb clusters
The position of frequently-used keys like the “SPACE” and “ENTER” keys is an important design feature to consider.
When confined to the structure of a standard keyboard, these keys require excessive finger movement and wrist turning. Thumb clusters put all of these keys together in an area that you can easily reach with your thumbs.
Benefits
Thumb clusters place the high-frequency keys in a concentrated area closer to the thumbs to take some of the strain off of your fingers.
Some people found the strain associated with normal keyboard layouts lead to their repetitive strain injury or other wrist discomfort.
Tented design
While using a laptop’s built-in keyboard, you lay your hands flat on the keyboard. This can lead to prolonged forearm pronation and stress in the muscles and tissue of your wrist.
Keyboards with tented designs give your keyboard a lateral incline, allowing for your hands to rest in a more comfortable position. It typically elevates your thumb and lets your hand rest in a neutral position.
The degree of tenting differs between keyboard. Some keyboards are adjustable and allow you to choose how much you want to angle your keyboard. Others are fixed and do not allow customization.
Benefits
Benefits of a tented design include improved posture. The tented design allows you to relax your wrists and position your shoulders more comfortably.
It also prevents tiring muscle movements like wrist tilting, thereby helping you work more comfortably.
Check out this video for more info on tenting as a design feature:
What does a writer need?
A writer needs the tools that allow for maximum comfort and productivity. Good typing posture is one of the keys to success, so we want to avoid positions that increase muscle strain.
To find the best keyboard for writing, you must consider various elements such as location, convenience, comfortability, and personal needs.
If you are consistently working from one location, there are plenty of wire-connected options for you. If you travel frequently or like to switch up your writing spot, you may want to opt for a wireless or Bluetooth-compatible option. There are also lightweight, travel-friendly options.
You also want to look for a keyboard that minimizes wrist extension and contortion, helps you avoid extended forearm pronation, and generally feels comfortable.
You should be mindful of customization options, including whether you can adjust the keyboard halves to suit your particular body type.
Regardless of your body type, many writers find ergonomic keyboards are a powerful tool to improve their writing experience.
Wrapping it Up
The right keyboard is a crucial element for every writer, regardless of whether you are just starting out or are publishing your work frequently.
An ergonomic keyboard can increase your comfort and productivity while you work. Writing is a passion that remains rewarding throughout your entire life, so do yourself a favor and focus on your physical health now instead of later.
A keyboard should help prevent you from straining your fingers or wrists, and be comfortable for extensive use.
I hope this article was helpful to you and gives you some options to explore that could help you better enjoy your writing journey.
References
[1] ‘Effect of Wrist Posture on Carpal Tunnel Pressure while Typing’,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2649727/
[2] https://kinesis-ergo.com/split-keyboards/