Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
You don’t have to break your bank to buy a good ergonomic keyboard. If you have an eye for deals, you’ll land a pretty decent keyboard.
If you don’t have the time, here are some recommendations below. Before we get to them, let’s look at what you should look for in a keyboard.
What To Look For When Buying?
Here are some factors to consider before buying a keyboard:
Price
If you’re on a budget, price is an essential factor to look at. While you don’t want a cheap ergonomic keyboard, you want to find a keyboard that balances functionality and economy. Keyboards with excellent switches, outstanding designs, and extra hotkeys won’t come cheap.
Purpose
What do you need a new keyboard for? The kind of work your new keyboard will perform is a critical factor in how you choose your next keyboard.
For example, if you’re an ardent gamer, you’ll opt for a gaming keyboard instead of a multipurpose option. If you need one for office work, you’ll find plenty of professional options to choose from.
Keyboard Design
Although manufacturers all want to give you a seamless ergonomic experience, they use different designs to achieve this goal. For this reason, you’ll run into different types of keyboard layouts.
You’ll have the option to choose between curved, split-key, and split keyboards. Pick a design that appeals to you and offers you a satisfying experience.
Switch Types (Keystrokes)
Unless you enjoy a keyboard that feels like a typewriter, get yourself a keyboard with switches that you enjoy using.
If you want a keyboard with soft and sensitive switches, go for that. Most times, gaming keyboards have switches that require some pressure.
Palm Cushions
Palm cushions are a common feature of ergonomic keyboards, especially those built for the workplace. Get a keyboard with plush palm rests for a more comfortable typing experience if you type for long hours.
Size
Most keyboards come with the same number of keys, except those built for portability. Smaller keyboards will have fewer keys or cut out the numeric keypad altogether.
Whatever the case, pick a keyboard that fits your desk or workspace. If you want to carry it around, size and weight will be something to look at.
Hotkeys and Programmable Keys
To make your typing experience better, pick a keyboard that offers more than just alphanumeric keys. Find a keyboard with programmable keys and hotkeys that take away otherwise tasking procedures.
You can program these keys to control power management, launch applications, and control media. The more the hotkeys, the better your experience.
Wired or wireless
Most modern keyboards come in both wired and wireless formats. None is essentially better, but both afford you options based on your needs.
A wired keyboard is ideal if you do not need to move around with your devices. However, you can always find wireless keyboards that allow you free range away from your monitor.
How Much Should You Pay For A Keyboard?
You can pay as much as you want for an ergonomic keyboard. It just depends on your budget and what you want to get out of your device.
Ordinarily, prices are as low as $20 for regular keyboards but quickly rise to over $400.
Many factors will affect the price of the keyboard you want, including brand, purpose, and design, as we’ve discussed above.
The more the comfort a keyboard offers, the pricier it’s going to be. In general, ergonomic keyboards cost more for these reasons. If you’re a gamer, you may have to spend more than just the standard $50 for a proper gaming keyboard.
4 Best Budget Ergonomic Keyboard
Here are some of our best ergonomic keyboard recommendations.
Logitech K350
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
At just under $30, the Logitech K350 Wireless Keyboard is an excellent budget wireless keyboard with plenty of ergonomic features.
It has a gentle contour and a cushioned palm rest to ease any stress on your wrists. It uses the standard Logitech unifying receiver, which means you can attach more accessories to it.
What’s more, it has hotkeys and customizable keys for your media, apps, and more.
Features
- Wireless
- Supports Windows 10/11
- Uses 2-AA battery
- Cushioned palm rest
- Function keys and hotkeys
- Comes with Numpad
- Wave design with a curved layout
Benefits
- Excellent pricing
- It can work on a mac but with limited functionality
- Adjustable height
- Has programmable keys and media control keys
Drawbacks
- Struggles with input lag
Microsoft Sculpt
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
For just under $60, you can grab the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard. It has much to offer, including wireless connectivity and a split layout to give users prolonged comfort.
The Microsoft Sculpt keyboard has a cushioned palm rest and maintains curvy keys for better comfort.
Features
- Wireless connectivity
- Works with both Windows and Mac
- Split keyset with palm rest
- Programmable keys
- Comes with battery included
- Dome-shaped keyboard design
- Separate Numpad
Benefits
- Easy to use
- Excellent pricing
- It comes with a separate numeric keypad
- Lightweight and portable design
- Comes with battery installed
Drawbacks
- Has a steep learning curve
Perixx Periboard-512
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Perixx Periboard-512 offers a split-key and 3-D design that allows natural hand positions while typing.
The keys spread well to let your fingers land on keys with ease. It’s easy to set up, and you will experience a pressureless typing experience with the tactile keystrokes.
At just under $50, you choose between a white or black colored Perixx Periboard-512 keyboard, too.
Features
- 7 multimedia hotkeys
- Wired keyboard
- It comes with a palm cushion
- split-key design
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Benefits
- Compact design
- Fused with numeric keypad
- No lags
- Plug-and-play
Drawback
- Not Portable
- Smaller wrist resting area
Fellowes FEL98915 Microban
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Fellowes FEL98915 starts at about $50, making it an affordable ergonomic keyboard. It has a simple but sturdy design to help you improve your productivity.
It has a curvy key that lets your wrists and arms follow without struggle. It uses a USB cable to connect, with seven extra keys for multimedia and applications control. Also, it gives you a 16-character buffer for superfast typists.
Features
- Antimicrobial to keep the keyboard clean
- 7 hotkeys for media and internet access
- Wired keyboard
- Supports Windows and Mac
Benefits
- No input lag
- Curved keys and wrist resting area
- 7 Extra function keys
Drawbacks
- Unpopular brand
- Not portable
Final Thoughts And Best Pick:
Our best pick is the Logitech K350 wireless keyboard. If you’re stuck on the price, you’ll have to part ways with less than $30 and still end up with an excellent keyboard for all your general functions.
