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Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Wrist Pain) 2023

Are you feeling pain, numbness, or tingling when typing? Indeed, carpal tunnel syndrome, or more commonly known as wrist pain, affects approximately 3 to 6 percent of adults in the general population. If you work behind a computer or laptop often, there is a chance that you suffer from this repetitive strain injury.

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Short on time? These are the top picks for the best ergonomic keyboard for carpal tunnel syndrome:

Most Ergonomically Designed

Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard

  • Superior Ergonomics
  • Cherry MX Keys
  • 3-Year Warranty

Best Overall Ergonomic Keyboard

Logitech Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard

  • Ergonomic Design
  • Pillowed Wrist Rest
  • Wide Compatibility

Best Value for Price Keyboard

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

  • Ergonomic Design
  • FREE Mouse and Pad
  • Super Affordable

Often, the best way to solve this issue is to avoid it in the first place. One simple way to do this is to use the most comfortable ergonomic keyboard, as suggested by experts. In this post, we review the best ergonomic keyboards for carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist pain) to help you find better comfort when typing.

Logitech Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard

Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard

Goldtouch GTU-088 V2 Ergonomic Keyboard

Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand. It is considered a repetitive strain injury. This condition happens because of pressure on your median nerve, which runs the length of your arm, goes through a passage in your wrist called the carpal tunnel, and ends in your hand.

Although the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is not usually known, it can include trauma, repetitive movements, certain diseases, and pregnancy. However, it is well-known that the symptoms of wrist pain are related to compression of the median nerve, which results in pain, numbness, and tingling.

Remember: the most important step to avoid wrist pain is to type in a neutral position. This means your wrists are straight and not bent.

 try the ideal typing position to lessen Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

How to Choose the Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Wrist Pain

Before going into our reviews, it is important to understand what goes into our selection. When it comes to ergonomic keyboards, the most crucial thing is to find one that supports a neutral typing posture. Nonetheless, here are the most important things for choosing the best ergonomic keyboard for wrist pain:

1. Ergonomic Design

Whether you work from home or at the office, proper ergonomics is very important and should not be neglected, especially when typing. Without realizing it, many computer and laptop workers type with bent wrists over prolonged periods of time. This is the most likely cause of wrist pain and hand injuries.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is when your wrists are not aligned.

With that said, looking for a keyboard with an ergonomic design should be the number one priority to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. You can have peace of mind knowing that every keyboard on this list is designed with ergonomics in mind, with the goal of achieving natural hand position and optimal typing comfort.

The distinctive design of an ergonomic keyboard is the split key layout that provides increased comfort to users, especially those with broad shoulders and bigger body sizes. It ensures proper typing posture, natural wrist, and arm positioning, and joint, wrist, and forearm pressure reduction.

You’ll find two types of ergonomic keyboards with split keys: tented or reshaped layout and one set with two separate pieces. The tented layout usually has a higher center, so the keys seem like they’re falling away on both sides of the keyboard. This angled design reduces the need for your wrists to twist too far so that they can lay flat on the keys when typing.

Some manufacturers achieve this tenting by curving the keyboard’s chassis into an arc. Others install folding feet near the edges to prop up the keyboard’s inside edges or middle part.

On the other hand, the best keyboard for carpal tunnel comes in two halves allowing you to achieve the most comfortable position for your wrists. That’s because you can position them as far apart as possible from each other, depending on what is most comfortable for you. This better setup adjustability is the reason many prefer these ergo keyboards.

Meanwhile, some highly suggest the tented layout or curved keyframe because it’s easier to achieve the right split key angle. Thus, the best keyboard for carpal tunnel in terms of split key design will depend on your preference and specific needs. This reason is why our selection of keyboards below is composed of both.

PRO TIP: Equally important in choosing the right keyboard is understanding how to type correctly. To help you type in better comfort, we have created a simple guide on how to type to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome. There is no point in buying an excellent tool without knowing how to use it properly, so be sure to read our how-to guide.

2. Build Quality

Once you have ergonomics checked, it is time to find the right keyboard with high build quality. This simply means that the keyboard is built to last, and will not break down after a month or two. We do not see the point of you investing in an ergonomic keyboard only to have to buy a new one again.

After all, ergonomic keyboards are more expensive than conventional keyboards. Also, you would need to spend more time learning to use or getting used to the keyboard’s layout or design.

To ensure build quality, your best bet is to buy one from a reputable manufacturer. The best ergonomic keyboards for wrist pain are often made by well-known brands. You can have full confidence choosing any keyboard on this list because we have done our part to select only the top-quality keyboards.

3. User Experience

User experience is all about the shape and size of the keys, how much force you need to press a key before it registers (this is called actuation force), and how much tactile feedback you get. The combination of the above all contributes to not only how comfortable you feel but to how effective you type as well.

While comfort is a subjective criteria, the best ergonomic keyboard for wrist pain should be easy to press when typing to reduce the strain on your fingers. Experts suggest that high-quality ergonomic keyboards should produce a click about halfway through the stroke. That is an indicator of excellent user experience.

Also, a one-size-fits-all type of keyboard definitely causes strains and pains or, worse, injuries because of the differences in wrist and hand sizes and typing methods. That’s why it’s ideal for getting a keyboard you can adjust at several angles, vertically and horizontally. This way, you can achieve the right comfort level that suits you while your wrists remain in a natural position, whether you’re sitting or standing while typing.

PRO TIP: Whether you opt for a highly adjustable carpal tunnel keyboard or not, for increased comfort and better ergonomics, a keyboard tray will be beneficial to help minimize or prevent wrist extension. If you’re looking for easy-to-install and ergonomic options, read our best under-desk keyboard tray review to find one that perfectly matches your needs and wants.

What About Keyboards Wrist Rests?

At the time of writing, there are still not enough studies to prove that wrist rests significantly reduce or prevent wrist or carpal tunnel pain. However, well-padded and well-designed keyboards wrist rests can help provide sufficient forearm and wrist support for extended periods, ensuring enhanced comfort. Thus, it’s beneficial but optional.

4. Excellent Connectivity

Last but not least, the most comfortable ergonomic keyboard is often the one with excellent connectivity. In other words, the keyboard can easily be plugged in and ready to be used. You wouldn’t want the hassle of installing drivers and applications now, would you? Easy connectivity is a sign of top-quality keyboards.

Moreover, the best ergonomic keyboards are widely compatible with all major operating systems, from Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome. This means that the keyboard can be used by many users, from all around the world. Now that you know the important things to look for, let’s go over our reviews.

Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Wrist Pain) Reviews

1. Logitech Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be relived b padded wrist rests.

Our top pick for the best ergonomic keyboard for carpal tunnel syndrome is the Logitech Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard. It needs no introduction in the office equipment scene as it is one of the most popular keyboards available. Here are the key features of the Logitech Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard:

  • Ergonomic Design – sloping keyboard reduces strain on your wrists and forearms
  • Pillowed Wrist Rest – curved wrist rest offers more support and prevents bending
  • Perfect Stroke Keys – crafted for comfort, precision, and fluidity
  • Wide Compatibility – conveniently connect with a USB receiver or Bluetooth

What we like about this keyboard: Where do we even begin? This keyboard from Logitech has it all. From the quiet keys to the full-size layout, all the way to its wide compatibility for Windows, Linux, and Mac, it is arguably the most complete ergonomic keyboard available in the market today.

We particularly enjoy the curved, split keyframe that keeps your hands, neck, and shoulders relaxed at all times. Its thin frame provides a satisfying and soft typing feel. Moreover, the setup was super easy. In addition to the USB receiver, it can also pair with any laptop using Bluetooth, which is a huge convenience.

Why it is perfect for carpal tunnel syndrome: The overall shape of this keyboard is what makes it phenomenal. The Ergo K860 is ergonomically certified to improve posture and lower muscle strain. Its full-size curved, split keyframe is specifically designed to allow relaxed wrists and improve typing posture.

Moreover, the pillowed wrist rest provides additional support where you need it most. It places your arms just above the keyboard, offering about 54% more wrist support while preventing strain and reducing wrist bending by about 25%. If there is one keyboard to fight wrist pain, this keyboard is it.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be helped by ergonomic keyboards.

Final verdict: If you want the best ergonomic keyboard for carpal tunnel syndrome, go buy the Logitech Ergo K860 Ergonomic Keyboard. It is the quintessential keyboard that ticks all of our boxes and is truly well-made. After all, Logitech is one of the top brands when it comes to mouse and keyboards.

2. Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard

Coming in at a close second is an ergonomic keyboard by Kinesis, designed with a unique shape. It takes ergonomics to the extreme and is guaranteed to prevent wrist pain, all thanks to its unique patented design. These are the key features of the Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard:

  • Ergonomic Design – contoured shape proven to increase comfort and reduce pain
  • Genuine Cherry MX Keys – high-quality keys for unmatched comfort and durability
  • 3-Year Warranty – buy with confidence, knowing that this keyboard is made with the highest standards
  • Wide Compatibility – plug-and-play with major operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome)

What we like about this keyboard: When it comes to computer ergonomics, Kinesis is one of the market leaders in the world and has been creating premium-grade keyboards for several decades. Therefore, we do not doubt the quality and durability of this excellent and unique ergonomic keyboard.

It is not common to find an ergonomic keyboard made with genuine Cherry MX keys, and this keyboard has them. This is what makes this particular keyboard in a class of its own. Not only does this keyboard provide a satisfying typing feel, but they are also more durable than regular keys as well.

Why it is perfect for carpal tunnel syndrome: There are two things that stand out. Number one is the concave key wells and thumb keys. More simply, this keyboard forces you to use your stronger thumbs rather than your weaker pinkies to access heavily used keys like Space, Backspace, and Enter.

Additionally, it comes with its unique and patented 20-degree tenting and compact design. Tenting elevates the thumb side of the hand to reduce forearm pronation, usually caused by flat keyboards. While this keyboard takes some getting used to, it is the perfect keyboard to fight carpal tunnel syndrome proactively.

Final verdict: If you want to take an extreme approach to fight carpal tunnel syndrome, buy this keyboard. It is arguably one of the most compact and best ergonomic keyboards for wrist pain. The combination of unique shape and high-quality Cherry mechanical switches makes this keyboard a worthwhile investment.

3. Goldtouch GTU-088 V2 Ergonomic Keyboard

Moving on to number three is an ergonomic keyboard from Goldtouch. This is the first split keyboard entry on our best ergonomic keyboard for RSI list. As it turns out, many computer users enjoy using split keyboards daily. Here are the key features of the Goldtouch GTU-088 V2 Ergonomic Keyboard:

  • Ergonomic Design – adjusts from 0-30° on the horizontal and vertical planes to straighten wrists
  • Wide Compatibility – simple plug and play, fully compatible with Mac or PC
  • Soft Key Touch – low activation allows for an efficient typing experience
  • Excellent Adjustability – ultra flexible and fits almost all body types and hand positions

What we like about this keyboard: One word to describe this keyboard is flexible. As the second generation of Goldtouch premier computer keyboards, the V2 is an extremely flexible ergonomic keyboard designed to cater to different hand and body types. You can easily adjust the shape to find the right typing position.

Additionally, the soft key touch and low activation force allow you to quickly and effortlessly glide across the V2 keyboard while you get your work done, providing a comfortable and efficient typing experience all day long. If you type often, think of buying the Goldtouch V2 as an investment for your health.

Why it is perfect for carpal tunnel syndrome: The 0-30° horizontal and vertical adjustment is a game-changer. Vertical tenting can help reduce inward turning of the wrists (pronation), while horizontal adjustment can help straighten your wrists. It means this keyboard fits many body types, not just the average.

If your wrists are in discomfort because of using regular flat keyboards, then the Goldtouch V2 Ergonomic Keyboard should help solve the problem. The simple plug-and-play feature is also a huge plus. After a week or two with this keyboard, you should be able to find the best adjustment and type with no pain.

Final verdict: Thanks to the ball-in lever device, the Goldtouch V2 Keyboard is one of the most flexible and an excellent choice for the best keyboard for RSI. It is the epitome of flexibility. Additionally, it is the perfect keyboard if you plan to use it for different users, as the keyboard changes shape at your will.

4. Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard

For number four, we have another entry from Kinesis. This time, the Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard takes center stage. With extended separation, this split keyboard is designed to allow ultimate freedom for your wrists. These are the key features of the Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard:

  • Ergonomic Design – split design to achieve natural hand, wrist, and forearm positions
  • Complete Freedom – up to 20” of separation to boost comfort and productivity
  • Low-Force Key Switches – custom membrane key switches that reduce finger fatigue
  • Cushioned Palm Support – type better for longer hours with more comfort on your wrists

What we like about this keyboard: Repetitive Stress Injury is not something to take lightly. Therefore, we appreciate what the manufacturer, Kinesis, did to provide the best solutions for its customers. In fact, the design of the Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard is backed by research and testing.

An independent study done by Atlas Injury Preventions Solutions tested the Freestyle2 keyboard’s unique split design on posture, comfort, and overall performance. The result shows about 96% of people prefer the Freestyle2 over conventional keyboards and 79% of them experience less neck discomfort.

Why it is perfect for carpal tunnel syndrome: The award-winning split design is what propels this keyboard to the top. Unlike fixed ergonomic keyboards, the Freestyle2 allows you to rotate and separate the key modules up to 20″ to achieve natural hand positions for your specific body type and preferences.

Regular keyboards often constrict you. This results in tense neck and shoulders. Freestyle2 addresses this issue by allowing you to separate the left and right sections. Not only does this reduce wrist pain, but neck pain as well. Overall, it is one of the best ergonomic keyboards for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Final verdict: Because of the 20” separation, it is easy to see why the Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard is one of the favorites of experts and ergonomists. If you are looking for a supremely durable and high-quality ergonomic keyboard that provides freedom for your wrists, this is the one for you.

5. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard

Last but not least, we cannot talk about keyboards without mentioning Microsoft now, can we? Not only is the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard popular, it is also well-known as the best ergonomic keyboards for small hands as well. These are the key features of the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard:

  • Excellent Ergonomic Design – split keyset design provides a natural typing position
  • Cushioned Palm Rest – comes with a cushioned palm rest that reduces strain
  • Separate Number Pad – provides greater working flexibility when typing
  • Thumb Scoop – helps maintain correct ergonomic posture every time

What we like about this keyboard: From the get-go, kudos to what Microsoft has done to provide exceptional value through this keyboard. What we mean by value is the additional ergonomic mouse and a separate number pad that comes along with the keyboard. Consider this product a steal for its price.

Whenever we try to recommend the best keyboard for wrist pain, we always try to find one with a non-slip cushioned palm rest. Rest assured, the Sculpt has one. Moreover, with a smooth matte finish, the Sculpt keyboard will provide you with a satisfying typing feel that will make your Mondays something to look forward to.

Why it is perfect for carpal tunnel syndrome: The Sculpt is excellent because of two things. Number one is the split keyset design. Without having to deal with the hassle of separating your keyboard, the Sculpt caters to your natural hand position automatically. You will feel relaxed when typing all day long.

Number two, the cushioned palm rest provides support and promotes a neutral wrist position. It is convenient because it is built into the keyboard itself. Think of this keyboard as the one-stop solution to your wrist pain. If you work from home or at the office, you can easily set up this keyboard in no time at all.

Final verdict: If you want to maximize value, then this keyboard is for you. Overall, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard provides the best ergonomic keyboard for carpal tunnel syndrome value for its price. It is a bargain thanks to the additional mouse and a number pad. Amazing value for the price.

Most Affordable Ergonomic Keyboard for Wrist Pain

While we have finished the list of the best ergonomic keyboards for wrist pain, we want to give an honorable mention to one keyboard in particular. You will soon find out why it is a considerable pick but slightly missed the cut due to an important factor. Nevertheless, it is an excellent product.

Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Keyboard

We want to give kudos to the Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Keyboard. It does a good job of making an ergonomic keyboard accessible to everyone. Its insanely low price is a bargain for anyone looking for an entry-level ergonomic keyboard. Put simply, and you do not have to break the bank to buy this keyboard.

Unfortunately, the Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Keyboard is not compatible with Apple and Mac. If you are a Windows user, you can consider this keyboard. With two colors of Black and Grey to choose from, this keyboard will fit almost any office setup easily. We recommend buying the wireless version for convenience.

Final verdict: Think of the Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Keyboard as the more affordable version of the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard. Do not be fooled by its low price, though, as this keyboard comes with enough ergonomic features to get the job done. However, do not buy this keyboard if you use a Mac computer.

PRO TIP: If you are an Apple computer looking for ergonomic keyboard options, then be sure to read our best ergonomic keyboards for Mac reviews. We have gathered the top keyboards that are not only friendly to your wrists but to your Apple computers as well. After all, Apple and Mac users deserve more ergonomic attention.

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Final Verdict

And there you have it, the complete list of the best ergonomic keyboards for carpal tunnel syndrome. Our team had an amazing time researching and testing every keyboard on this list. All of the above keyboards are simply top-notch. With that said, here is the complete recap of our top five list:

The best ergonomic keyboard for carpal tunnel syndrome is the Logitech Ergo K860 Keyboard. It is, bar none, the ultimate choice and the quintessential ergonomic keyboard designed to fight wrist pain. After all, there is a reason why it is a consistent best-seller on Amazon. If you want the best, go buy this keyboard.

If you want the most comfortable ergonomic keyboard for wrist pain, buy the Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard. It is the epitome of comfort and ergonomics. While it does take some getting used to, your hands and wrists may be free of pain thanks to this amazingly ergonomic keyboard.

However, if budget is your concern, then the Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Keyboard is the best value for its price. It does a great job of making an ergonomic keyboard accessible to everyone. In short, you do not have to dig deep into your wallet to own and enjoy the ergonomic features that it offers.

At the end of the day, owning the best ergonomic keyboard for wrist pain is one thing; using them correctly is another. In addition to typing with the right posture, always remember to take breaks in between typing sessions. The best investment to make is not in ergonomic products but in your own health. 🙂

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