There is absolutely something be said for a good keyboard. Having something well-made that looks good to type on can make the time you spend at your computer much more interesting. Whether you’re clocking in and working, browsing your favorite forums, or firing up Steam for a gaming marathon, a satisfying and comfortable interface between you and your computer is a must.
Many great keyboards fail at one specific point: ergonomics. With unoptimized layouts and limited customization, it’s almost as if some keyboards are designed to be tough on your wrists. And if you spend hours every day in an office chair, you’ll need something that’s been optimized not only for an engaging typing experience, but also to prevent those long hours of typing from unnecessarily harming your long-term comfort.
While there are countless options with varying layouts and shapes, all ergonomic keyboards are designed with long-term comfort in mind. By tilting your wrists and spreading your shoulders, these keyboards can reduce tension and potentially prevent or alleviate stress placed on the body while typing.
To complete your new ergonomic keyboard, we have a guide to Best Ergonomic Computer Mice And Best office chairs. And in case you realize that ergonomic peripherals aren’t for you, we also have our more traditional products Best keyboards guide. For other devices, we have recommendations for the Best Computer Speakers And Best Computer Monitors.
What are the different types of ergonomic keyboards?
Although there are countless types of ergonomic keyboards, the most common tend to be angled keyboards and split keyboards. Slanted keyboards, often called “Alice” style keyboards In the mechanical keyboard world (named after the TGR Alice), split the alphanumeric keys down the middle, positioning the two halves at an angle to each other while keeping the modifier keys (backspace, enter, shift, etc.) in their standard positions. The angle varies from keyboard to keyboard, as does the number of keys, but the main constant of an Alice-style keyboard is that although the halves are separated from each other, the keyboard itself is not divided. There is a case in which all keys are preserved.
Alternatively, a standard split keyboard does the opposite: A standard split keyboard will keep all keys in their standard position (with no new angles) and will cut the entire keyboard in half, creating two separate halves that can be moved independently of each other. Some of these keyboards will connect the two halves with a cable, while others will connect them wirelessly. This usually allows the two halves to be tilted, moving away from each other, or using only one half (usually for gaming).
Apart from all this, there is also ortholinear keyboards. On a traditional keyboard, the keys are offset instead of aligned in a perfect grid. But with an ortholinear keyboard, the keys are aligned along this grid. While this may be harder to type at first, it theoretically allows your fingers to move more naturally, straight up and down to reach other keys instead of moving at an angle. There are ergonomic, split ortholinear keyboards, as well as keyboards that use non-standard scaling, like the Naya Create.
What are the advantages of an ergonomic keyboard?
The biggest advantage of an ergonomic keyboard is in its name: it is more comfortable and more ergonomic to type on. Although this benefit can be felt by anyone, it is especially important for people who spend several hours a day in front of a computer: the repetitive movements and fixed typing position can put unnecessary strain on the body due to the unnatural position required.
This is especially noticeable with the angle of the shoulders and wrists. When typing on a standard keyboard, your wrists should be placed directly in front of your torso at an angle, which puts pressure on your wrists and hands. Instead of forcing your wrists to sit at an awkward angle, an ergonomic design will place the two halves of the keyboard at an angle, allowing your wrists to sit more naturally.
What are the advantages of a split keyboard?
If you don’t care about the angle at which an ergonomic keyboard allows you to type, or want to optimize further, a split keyboard might be the solution. When typing on a one-piece keyboard, even at an angle, you should place both hands in front of your chest, close to each other. This position can put pressure on your shoulders and back when practiced for an extended period of time. A split keyboard aims to solve this problem by allowing you to move the two halves of the keyboard further apart, potentially placing them in front of either shoulder. An added side bonus is the ability to tilt both halves of the keyboard however you see fit.
Is there a significant learning curve?
Although it really depends on each individual, there can be anything from a mild adjustment period to more severe confusion. Personally, I find the transition period between any keyboard with a somewhat standard QWERTY layout to be quite quick, as all the keys are in positions at least fairly close to what I would expect. However, even I struggle with more “strange” layouts like those found on ortholinear keyboards. After years of typing on standard keyboards, what’s familiar naturally becomes more familiar, and what’s unfamiliar can feel really foreign. However, if you’re really passionate about a new layout, I’ve often found that the transition period is well worth the end result of using something you really enjoy. It can be a bit lame, but don’t let that stop you!
Are there any other downsides to these keyboards?
Since these keyboards tend to have more space between keys, they might not be as optimal for gaming. The WASD keys are split at an angle on an ergonomic keyboard, and it will be slightly harder to reach the keys on the right side of an ergonomic keyboard, and with some split keyboards it may even be impossible to press some keys when you’re only using half of them. For this reason, you will likely become more familiar with the key assignment menus of your favorite games. If you’re playing an older title that doesn’t have these kinds of settings, you might be out of luck.
For each of the keyboards on the list, I spend anywhere from a few days to a week testing every aspect of its performance and usability. This includes typing, gaming, multimedia editing, general browsing, and general productivity work with spreadsheets, text documents, and more. I also thoroughly experiment with all software provided, testing to ensure all features work properly and nothing is missing. During this process, I take detailed notes and pay attention to where each keyboard works well, where it struggles, and what types of quirks I encounter during testing.
Once testing is complete, I compare each of the keyboards I tested, looking at important metrics like build quality, typing experience, customizability, and repairability. While these measurements are fairly objective, there are a few subjective ones as well: comfort, size, aesthetics, and layout preferences will ultimately depend on each user. So I try to focus on the intended use case and overall appeal of a keyboard instead of focusing on personal preference.
Ultimately, my decisions are made primarily based on functionality, build quality, and longevity of the keyboard. My goal is that every pick on this list not only starts out good, but stays good for a long time.
Best Ergonomic Alice Style Keyboard
Photography: Henri Robbins
This keyboard features a traditional Alice-style ergonomic layout with joint mounting, great typing sound, and smooth switches from the factory. The layout may be a little unusual at first, but with two “B” keys on each side and two distinct function layers with dedicated keys, it’s easy to get acclimated to this keyboard and fine-tune the layout to your preferences.
Like other Keychron models, the joint mounting system is soft and comfortable without being overdone, and the spherical keys, while a little high, feel natural to use even for extended typing sessions. The plastic case feels sturdy in the hand without being too heavy, and the exposed hex screws on the underside look sleek while making customization (and repairs) easy. Compared with the metal body of the Q series, the V8 has the advantage of having folding feet to adjust the angle of the keyboard. The keycaps are all pretty standard, meaning you can easily find replacement keycaps (just make sure they have a split spacebar included, or choose a set of keycaps with an extra spacebar kit), and the switches are hot-swappable, too. The only real downside is that the layout and lighting cannot be customized wirelessly. Instead, you need to disconnect from 2.4GHz or Bluetooth and connect the keyboard to your device with a USB cable.
Specifications: Switches Linear, Tactile or Clicky Connectivity Wireless (2.4 GHz or Bluetooth), wired In the box USB-A to USB-C cable, 2.4 GHz dongle Operating system keys Windows and Mac Layout Ergonomic 75 percent Add aluminum
Photography: Henri Robbins
While Keychron’s core V-line offerings meet the needs of an average person, there are more expensive options from the brand if you want a slightly more premium typing experience.
Keychron’s Q8 and Q10 are both premium offerings that retain the same ergonomic layout and Alice-style joint mounting system, while replacing the lightweight plastic housing with a heavier, all-metal housing. The result is a denser keyboard and more durable shell, with improvements in sound and typing feel.
While I can’t say that spending twice as much gets a keyboard twice as good (this keyboard falls well into the realm of diminishing returns), it’s a fantastic upgrade that may be worth the extra money if you’re looking for Look for a keyboard that looks and types like a premium product.
Specifications: Switches Linear, Tactile or Clicky Connectivity Wireless (2.4 GHz and Bluetooth), wired In the box USB-A to USB-C cable, 2.4 GHz dongle Operating system keys Windows and Mac Layout Ergonomic 65 percent
Best split keyboard
Photography: Henri Robbins
While it’s easy to gawk at the price of this keyboard (we’ve listed the starting price, but once loaded it’s over $600), it really has everything you could want. Both sides feature independent wireless connectivity, there are options for tactile, clickable, and linear switches, and software and add-ons allow for in-depth customization. Plus, it’s one of the few keyboards on this list that has dedicated ISO support.
This model is definitely at the lower end of the price range, and for that reason I can only really recommend it if you want something with extensive customization and no compromises. You’re paying extra here not just for the metal casing, but also for the care that went into designing every aspect of this keyboard, from the magnetic wrist rests to the deep customization software.
Specifications: Switches Linear, clickable or silent touch Connectivity Wired with optional wireless connection (Bluetooth with dongle) In the box Carrying case, USB-C cables, USB-C to USB-A adapter Operating system keys Windows or blank Layout Share 65 percent Ideal for gaming
Photography: Henri Robbins
Photog rap: Henri Robbins
Photography: Henri Robbins
Photography: Henri Robbins
Of all the split and ergonomic keyboards I’ve tested, the Asus Falcata is the only one to feature Hall effect switches, which really puts it in a league of its own for gaming.
The switches are extremely customizable, with settings to adjust actuation distance, rapid triggering, simultaneous movement in the opposite cardinal direction, and multiple inputs per key. The keyboard also features super-fast 8000Hz polling and several included accessories, such as multiple sets of screw-in feet to adjust the typing angle and tent, removable wrist rests, and extra cables to prevent unnecessary play between the two halves.
My only real complaint with this keyboard is the limited wireless connectivity. While the left side of the keyboard can connect wirelessly to your computer, the right side must be connected to the left side with a physical cable.
Although this is the only Hall effect keyboard on this list, that doesn’t mean it won this spot by default: it’s still a good keyboard, and if it wasn’t, it would have found a place in the “Avoid This” section below.
Specifications: Switches Linear Hall Effect Connectivity Wireless (2.4 GHz), wired In the box USB-A dongle, multiple USB-C to USB-C cables, USB-A to USB-C adapter, 2.4 GHz USB-A dongle, removable palm rests, screw-in feet for height adjustment Operating system keys Windows Layout Share 75 percent
Ideal for work
Photography: Henri Robbins
One of the few low-profile options, the K15 Max is easy to slip into a backpack or bag if you need something portable for work. The layout, slightly larger than other Alice-style keyboards, includes a dedicated function row and a set of remappable macro keys on the left side of the keyboard, allowing for more efficient, productivity-focused use.
The switches on this keyboard still feel great despite their low profile. There are options for linear, tactile, and clicky switches, and the linear switches I tested were smooth and had a reasonably long travel distance compared to some other low-profile switches. The strike sound, while nothing special, is clean and refined, and the stabilizers are properly adjusted and lubricated at the factory, without any ticking or rattling.
Specifications: Switches Clicky, tactile or linear low profile Connectivity Wireless (2.4 GHz or Bluetooth), wired In the box USB-A to USB-C cable, 2.4 GHz dongle Windows and Mac Layout Ergonomic 75 percent
Honorable mentions
Photography: Luke Larsen
Lemokey L0 HE 8K for $160: When you play, you will be happy to know that there is a perfect option for this. Compared to the ROG Falcata, the L0 is half the keyboard for half the price. While it obviously can’t be your only keyboard, due to the limited number of keys, it reduces the horizontal space of a standard keyboard while still featuring a high polling rate, fully adjustable Hall effect switches, and a slightly silly but very fun black and green gamer aesthetic.
Avoid them
Photography: Luke Larsen
Keychron Q11 for $250: Although it’s a perfectly functional split keyboard, I have a hard time justifying the price. Mainly, the typing experience is incredibly disappointing, with a thin, hollow feel and sound. The typing angle of this keyboard seems quite low, with no way to adjust it, and even partial wireless support (with one half connecting wirelessly and the other connecting to the “main” half) is absent, which has become standard on the majority of Keychron’s offerings. It’s not a bad keyboard, but at this price it doesn’t seem comparable to Keychron’s non-split offerings. Beyond the price, this keyboard lacks features that are both practical and ergonomic.
Photography: Luke Larsen
Naya Create for $500+: In theory, I really liked this keyboard. It does a lot of fantastic things in terms of design, has a great concept with the modular mounting system and looks great on your desk. However, the layout presented too long a learning curve for most users, and this learning curve was compounded by the keyboard’s inconsistent at best functionality and underdeveloped software package. Although this keyboard can easily overcome most of its flaws with software and firmware updates, I cannot recommend it in good faith until these updates and changes are actually available.
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