Interleaved vs. pillars
This decision seems to be one of the most intense decisions among Ergo enthusiasts. A traditional keyboard has interlaced keys, each line slightly offset to the rows above and below it – so the A key is halfway between Q and W above it. This is the retention of the old-fashioned mechanical typewriter, where each pressure activates the hammer, which smashes ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To keep the hammer as close as possible while still allowing finger pads, the keys interlaced.
Cylindrical or normal keyboards are stacked in ordered columns, usually with nonlinear rows. Supporters claim this makes the key easier to reach. Whether this is correct or not will depend on your finger decisions, but I can say for sure that switching to a columnar layout is hard if you learn to type on an interleaved keyboard. It may take several days, and it may take several weeks to hit the C key instinctively. The N, M and B bonds will not perform much better.
Programmable keys
With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will be used as standard typing input with a PC or MAC, but the use of features and hotkeys may require remapping. It can be as easy as switching on-board switches between Mac and PC layouts, or as easy as replacing keys with downloading software. Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keychains to make changes, such as the Mac’s command and the option keys for PC startup and ALT buttons. These are called Hot-swaplable keys, which means you simply pull the old key away (usually with the provided key puller) and then glue the new key to the new key without soldering.
For some boards, using software remapping or programming keys is a crucial feature. The gaming peripheral has an extra key that you can perform a series of keystrokes by pressing a button, and we cover the best gaming keyboards in a separate guide. A keyboard that works with layers, where one button can perform multiple functions, usually allowing you to change them. Some ERGO keyboards have non-standard layouts, such as thumb clusters near space poles you operate with your thumb. You can also program these programming.
Other considerations
Ergonomic keyboards are available in mechanical, membrane and scissor switch versions. What suits you best is your preferences. I won’t go too deep into the details here, as we have a guide dedicated to the best mechanical boards, but the downside is that membrane and scissor switches are not as mechanical and generally cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are more customizable, provide a more responsive typing experience, and are often more expensive.
You can also choose from wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All other aspects are equal, and wired models are cheap. Competitive gamers who rely on minute-to-second response may prefer the zero lag of wired keyboards. The wired models will never run out of battery life, and there are fewer connection problems. But the wireless keyboard makes your desk less cluttered.
Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm rest that can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where disagreement is: Proponents claim they can help you maintain a neutral posture, while critics say they put pressure on the tendons of their wrists and may exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms should rest, not your wrists, and you may find yourself enjoying being supported or you may find stress uncomfortable.
How we test ergonomic keyboard
All our guides start with extensive research to find out what’s out there and what’s worth testing. We considered brands with a good reputation, we heard some good news from colleagues, and checked out keyboard reviews in forums and other trusted publications. For this guide, I look for keyboards that have ergonomic features such as tents, split keys, palm support, etc. I’m also zeroing on boards that don’t need to be deeply familiar with the vast and detailed world of custom keyboards.
Once I installed the ten boards, I got them and used each board for days to weeks anywhere. I tried remapping and macro software and took into account the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before reaching the draft pick, which I think would be the best for most people out there. A subsequent update on this guide, I continued to get and test new keyboards when I launched them on the market and added and replaced the preferred if necessary. I would also try these models if and when it comes to a promise of Microsoft ergonomic keyboards (such as sculptures) that work with INCASE (such as sculptures).
Other Ergonomic Keyboards We Tested
Naya Created
I haven’t fully tested Naya creating keyboards, but during this year’s CES I could try for a few minutes. This is one of the easier keyboards you can find to customize. Not only is it a completely split mechanical plate with programmable keys, but the thumb cluster is located beneath two modular platforms, each receiving a touchpad, roller, dial, or 3D joystick. These are designed to replace the mouse and other input devices, thus eliminating the travel of the cursor hand. Each half of the keyboard body is bent in two places for precise tents, from a short time I had with Naya, the hinges and the entire boards were built firmly. The Naya Create starts at $500 and then adds any mouse module, but that’s not stopping people from ordering. According to Naya’s website, the first three batches of pre-orders sold out, and the fourth batch will be shipped in July 2025.
Golden Elite Adjustable
I remember wondering if something like the GoldTouch Elite adjustable existed when I first started testing an ergonomic keyboard. As far as I know, there wasn’t at the time, but now the products you can buy are indeed available for purchase. It’s a solid board and the ball joints connecting these two halves feel like they’ll be used in a lot. The lever squeezer at the top of the key allows you to set the boards the way you like, thereby adjusting the vertical tent and angle between the two halves. There is no programming to say, only some function keys can be exchanged, such as printing the screen and home page.
Unfortunately, the tent didn’t work for me. Due to the extra keys on the outer edge, the center edge lifts up the center key, which removes my wrists and forearms from the table instead of letting them rest. Holding them like this causes extra neck and shoulder strain, which is the opposite of the goal. But if you don’t like a tent anyway and want a flat Alice slice board that adjusts, that’s great.
Sports touchpad keyboard
The idea of splitting the touchpad keyboard behind the Kinesis form is very ergonomic: put the trackpad between two and a half and minimize the travel of the mouse hand. The distance between the two places your elbows at a comfortable distance and keeps your wrists almost in line with your forearms. The build is excellent, the low-key mechanical switch feels smooth and just the right amount of debris. The trackpad is responsive, but gestures are only available for Windows computers. Even drag and drop on Mac here won’t work, so I won’t see Apple users get too much use from the board. I also found myself wishing the keys were rotated in slightest – despite their distance, a slight angle would make my wrist completely invisible. Ergonomic, there is no tent or negative tilt, both of which can help more.
Logitech Wavekeys
While this is a very fine and affordable Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech Wavekeys have minimal ergonomics. The key rises slightly in the middle and comes with a comfortable wrist rest, but the layout is the same as any other keyboard, with no key splitting to open your arms or keep your wrists straight.
