If you’re going to own an ergonomic keyboard, there are some advantages you get for buying a portable option. Lightweight keyboards are your friend, especially if you move around a lot.
Let’s look at some advantages to owning a portable ergonomic keyboard and explore some keyboards you can check out right away.
Last update on 2024-07-27 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Are Smaller Keyboards More Ergonomic?
A smaller keyboard doesn’t mean better ergonomics.
Most smaller keyboards have fewer keys, and they come without a numpad. Most times, these additional features also make a keyboard ergonomic. Besides that, smaller keyboards lack the V-shape feature apart from a few exceptions.
Read Is Apple Keyboard Ergonomic?
Are Split Keyboards Better?
In general, split keyboards are better than others.
They allow your arms and wrists to assume a natural position and reduce any tension in your carpal tunnels. These keyboards come with a palm rest that offers extra support for your wrist and palms.
Split keyboards give an excellent finger-to-keys experience and easy reach. With some split keyboards, you can also adjust the V-angle for ideal comfort.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Ergonomic Keyboards?
There are a few disadvantages to owning an ergonomic keyboard. Let’s look at them:
Require More workspace
Except for portable ergonomic keyboards, ergonomic keyboard designs take up plenty of desk space. That means you either need a larger desk or a smaller-sized keyboard.
Overpriced
The high price tags of most ergonomic keyboards make them unpopular. For the price of a standard ergonomic keyboard, you’ll find a variety of much better non-ergonomic keyboards. However, there are affordable options in the market.
Not User-Friendly
Unlike standard keyboards, ergonomic keyboards have a learning curve for the average user. Adjusting your keyboard to your preference may take some doing, and not everyone enjoys the process.
Are Ergonomic Keyboards Better?
Yes, ergonomic keyboards are better.
The ergonomic design focuses on improving your typing experience, boosting productivity and reducing strains or injuries.
What To Look For When Buying?
Here’s a quick guide on what to look for:
Connectivity and Compatibility
Most ergonomic keyboards work with all operating systems and offer flexible connectivity options. Look for such a keyboard. Keyboards that connect wirelessly use USB receivers, and those that don’t use a USB cable. Choose one that fits your need/style.
Price
It’s pretty normal for ergonomic keyboards to be pricier than standard keyboards. Expect to spend about $100 on an average ergonomic keyboard. While you’ll find some great bargains with outstanding features, ensure it fits well within your budget.
Read 4 Affordable Ergonomic Keyboards.
Size
For better portability, choose a smaller or lighter keyboard.
Some small-sized keyboards find ways to include extra programmable keys, while others exclude the numeric keypad section.
4 Best Portable Ergonomic Keyboard
iClever BK06 Bluetooth Keyboard
Last update on 2024-07-27 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The iClever BK06 Bluetooth keyboard is a dynamic and foldable keyboard that connects to your iPhone, laptop, Android devices, and PCs via Bluetooth.
At less than $50, you can enjoy the V-shaped keyboard to let your arms take up a natural position to protect you from RSI. Let’s look at other features:
Features
- Rechargeable battery
- Weighs 6.2 oz
- 166-degree design angle
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Anti-skid cover
- Super slim
Benefits
- Very light
- Slim design
- Impressive battery life of 40 hours
- Supercharge
- Ergonomic
- Multi-device Bluetooth connectivity
- Cross compatible
Drawbacks
- Missing numeric keypad
The iClever BK06 Bluetooth keyboard is the first V-shaped foldable keyboard in the iClever family. This keyboard provides great ergonomy and is light to carry compared to most keyboards. More so, it’s very budget-friendly.
Kinesis Freestyle Edge Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-07-26 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge keyboard is a pure split keyset keyboard with great mechanical switches for the best typing performance. It connects via a USB cable and supports most PC OS versions. This ergonomic keyboard gives you an attractive keyboard with RGB lighting and 95 keys, all programmable.
Features
- Ergonomic
- Split Keyset keyboard
- USB cable connectivity
- Weighs 3.0lbs
- Multi-OS support
- RGB backlighting on keys
- Smartset app for Windows and mac
Benefits
- Effective key switches
- Great feel and accuracy
- A 50M keystroke lifespan
- A wide wrist resting pad
- You can set different RGB lighting on each key
- All keys are programmable
Drawbacks
- It takes longer to adjust to it
- Quite expensive
Kinesis Freestyle Edge is a stylish and bright keyboard with great mechanical switches for high-level typists.
The complete split keyset allows you to adjust your shoulder width to let your arms get comfortable. Unlike its predecessors, the availability of RGB lighting makes it look attractive.
Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS Split Keyboard
Last update on 2024-07-27 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The unique Cloud Nine C989 ErgoFS split keyboard offers more than most of its competitors in the market. You can connect it via USB to your laptop.
It offers adjustability and is flexible since you can position the separate split sides the way you like.
Features
- Full keyboard
- Numeric keypad
- Smart wheel
- 2-year warranty
- USB – receiver
- Compatible with Windows 8 or later
- Weighs 4.0lbs
- DC 5V/500mA max
- 115 keys
Benefits
- Low learning curve
- Programmable smart scroll wheel
- Standard keyboard layout
- Multiple switch options
Drawbacks
- Occupies much real estate
- No flexible tenting
- Lack of specific media keys
The Cloud Nine C989 offers a combined numeric keypad, unlike the Cloud Nine ErgoTKL. Also, it gives you an excellent RGB backlit keyboard to enjoy as a gamer.
Again, the intelligent scroll wheel crowns will sweep you off your feet with programmable features. You can control brightness, switch between apps, scroll and adjust the volume.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business
Last update on 2024-07-27 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Microsoft Sculpt keyboard for business is an excellent portable ergonomic keyboard. Its unique design makes for an easier typing experience. This keyboard also connects wirelessly to your laptop or PC that runs on Windows.
Features
- Connects via USB
- Uses 2 AAA alkaline batteries
- Limited functionality on Windows 7, macOS, and Android
- 107 Keys
Benefits
- Split keyset design
- Padded palm resting area
- Reversible tilt
- Dome-shaped
- Separate numeric pad
- Dedicated media keys
Drawbacks
- It needs a lot of space
- The unpredictable media keys function
- Steep learning curve
This ergonomic keyboard comes with a mouse and a separate number pad that offers you excellent flexibility. Also, it has a dome shape design to allow your fingers to land naturally on the keys without straining.
Which Ergonomic Keyboard Is Best?
The iClever BK06 Bluetooth keyboard is our winner this time. It’s a full keyboard, foldable, and uses a V-shape for better ergonomics. Bluetooth connectivity makes an excellent option with any portable device.
It supports multiple operating systems and weighs the lightest in the portable category.
Also read: 4 Logitech Mice for Office
Final Thoughts
Portable keyboards are excellent, especially for gamers and digital nomads who love to travel or move around with their PCs. If you’re one of them, a smaller ergonomic keyboard is ideal for your lifestyle.
