The best ergonomic keyboards for 2024
Ergonomic keyboards reposition your hands and arms, which can help reduce tension while you work. We tested several models and here are our impressions.
Spending a large part of the day sitting in front of a desk can lead to a series of health problems, even with the incorporation of ergonomic mice and keyboards. To address discomfort caused by improper postures, it is essential to pay attention to the ergonomics of your workstation. Adopting incorrect positions, such as slouching or twisting the body, can be uncomfortable in the long run.
Ergonomic keyboards offer significant solutions. There are different designs, such as split, tilt, or angled keys, which help maintain open shoulders and aligned wrists. Not all ergonomic keyboards work the same for everyone, so a test was conducted with 15 different models, evaluating features such as the “Alice” layout, fully split design, columnar orientations, and thumb key clusters, as well as programmable keys.
The most common design types are “Alice” and split keyboards. An "Alice" keyboard has the two halves of the keys rotated at approximately a 30-degree angle, creating an "A" shape that allows for a more comfortable and natural hand position. On the other hand, split keyboards allow each part to be positioned independently, which can help reduce tension in the arms and facilitate mouse use.
Regarding additional functionalities, there are keyboards with and without a numeric keypad. Models without a numeric keypad allow users to be closer to the mouse, which can be more comfortable, although for those who frequently use numbers, this option may be less practical. Additionally, some boards allow for key reprogramming for greater functionality.
Another feature to consider is the inclination. Some keyboards allow raising the center so that the hands can reach a "greeting" position, while others offer a negative tilt, which can be more comfortable for many people. The choice between a staggered key layout and columnar arrangement is another aspect that may be debated among ergonomics enthusiasts. Orthogonal keyboards lay out the keys in columns, which could make them more accessible, although the transition to this type of keyboard can be complicated for those used to staggered structures.
In terms of customization, many ergonomic keyboards allow for advanced function programming, which can be especially useful for those looking to set up shortcuts or macros. Connection options also vary between models, with common wired and wireless versions, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Finally, the user experience of each keyboard can vary depending on the type of switches and whether or not there is a wrist rest present. In summary, choosing an ergonomic keyboard can improve comfort and posture during long hours of work, but it is essential to consider the different features and designs available to find the option that best suits individual needs.
