The market is filled with ergonomic keyboards with varying sizes and sometimes crazy shapes that make you wonder, “Is this truly comfortable?” (they truly are!).
Today, we’ll check what’s in store for the people who want to get rid of wrist pain but don’t want a Numpad.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
What is a keyboard without the number pad called?
Keyboards without the number pad are called tenkeyless keyboards. That’s because from 0 to 9, the count is ten keys, and those are scrapped off such a model.
These keyboards are better for people with little desk space or looking for minimalist peripherals.
Check Ergonomic Keyboard With Touchpad.
What to look for when buying an ergonomic keyboard?
Ergonomic keyboards fall into two categories: those suited for gamers and those suited for typists.
Products in the first category usually have a regular layout with slight differences in build, curvature, and perhaps how close the keys are.
Ergonomic keyboards directed at other professionals will have more creative layouts, as you will see. Some are split, while others aren’t, but they have a different disposition for the keys.
Split keyboards are great because you can adjust the distance of your hands. This feature is excellent for those with broad shoulders or pregnant women.
If you suffer from wrist stress or want to avoid it, a keyboard with wrist rest will make your life easier. Many ergonomic keyboards have wrist rests included, whether detachable or not.
Finally, the switch type makes a difference in how much stress you put in your fingers. While you might feel fine typing long hours on a membrane keyboard, mechanical ones are more comfortable. For writing, the best are the ones with MX Brown switches.
Best ergonomic keyboards without number pad
Kinesis TKO
Last update on 2024-04-05 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
The Kinesis TKO is a popular keyboard among gamers. It’s compact and attractive, but what makes it shine is the optional ergonomic tenting plus the zero-degree slope.
You can choose between Kailh Brown, Red or White switches.
Benefits
The three-button spacebar allows for more comfort when pressing it during your gameplays. It also has nine onboard profiles for macros and a carrying case.
Drawbacks
Configuring and updating the firmware is a bit complicated.
What sets it apart from the competitors
It’s really hard to find a gaming keyboard that combines highly ergonomic design with a tenkeyless layout. So, this keyboard is a treasure.
Evolutions from previous models
The TKO doesn’t have any previous models.
Razer BlackWidow TE Chroma v2 TKL
Last update on 2024-04-05 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
Still, in the gaming keyboard department, the Razer BlackWidow is a great option if you’re looking for an ergonomic yet tenkeyless mechanical keyboard.
Although this one has a compact layout, it still comes with a wrist rest which you can use to maximize your comfort when gaming or typing.
When you buy your BlackWidow, you can choose between the following switches: green (tactile and clicky), orange (tactile and silent), and yellow (linear and silent).
Benefits
The magnetic wrist rest genuinely reduces stress when you spend hours in front of your computer. And if you’re looking for a keyboard with fully programmable keys, this is it.
Drawbacks
While many ergonomic keyboards lean towards a curved design, you won’t find it here.
That might take some of the comfort away for many users, but it’s compensated by the amazing wrist rest and the switches, which are effortless to press.
What sets this product apart from the competitors
This keyboard checks many boxes: it’s comfortable, tenkeyless (easier to carry around), its connectivity allows for lightspeed response, and the keys are fully programmable. If you’re a gamer, it’s hard to want anything else.
Evolution from previous models
BlackWidow is a series of keyboards, each catering to different needs. This specific model was made to be both compact and comfortable.
KINESIS Freestyle2
Last update on 2024-04-05 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
The Kinesis Freestyle 2 is one of those split keyboards you might have already seen around.
It is split to reduce tensions in the user’s arms. Instead of slightly twisting your arms, you can adjust the distance of each keyboard side and work with your arms a bit more straightened.
Benefits
Although it might seem weird at first, you get used to the keyboard in a few days, and you’ll immediately see the difference. For extra comfort, the keyboard also has a wrist rest.
Drawbacks
The main drawback is the weird design.
What sets this product apart from the competitors?
This isn’t the only split keyboard in the market but is one of the most popular because it’s simple enough and has an attractive price tag.
So if you’re looking for a comfortable keyboard that doesn’t go completely crazy in design, this is the one.
Evolutions from previous models
The Kinesis Freestyle 2 is thinner than its previous version, has more tactile ridges, includes media keys and a new Undo button, and changes the position of the Fn key.
Kinesis Advantage2
Last update on 2024-04-05 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
If you’re up for an exotic design, the Kinesis Advantage2 promises to deliver the greatest ergonomic experience with its optimal layout.
For maximum comfort when typing, this keyboard comes with Cherry MX Brown keys, the most silent mechanical switches.
Benefits
Beyond reducing the stress on your fingers and wrist, Advantage2 is a complete keyboard that comes with with macro mapping.
Although it might look like big in some pictures, it’s smaller than traditional full models, leaving more desk space.
Drawbacks
There certainly is a learning curve, which means you will take some time getting used to this bold design. Also, it is expensive, which might feel like a risk.
What sets this product apart from the competitors
This keyboard is the only one with this exact design. So far, no other brand has designed a keyboard with a sunken layout for keys scooped into a concave shape.
Evolutions from previous models
Kinesis deeply improved the quality of keys on Advantage2 and included more memory for onboard mapping.
In addition, the firmware has become easier to upgrade, and Dvorak users are no longer in trouble as Dvorak is now native to the keyboard.
Final thoughts and best pick
There are a lot of good ergonomic keyboards, but not so many tenkeyless models. So we reviewed what we think are the best options if you’re looking for something that combines both features.
If you’re a gamer, we think the Razer BlackWidow we linked is the best option you can get. If you are not, then the Kinesis Freestyle is a great deal.
