Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If you’re not interested in wireless ergonomic keyboards, there are plenty of options to pick from.
However, which ones are the best for you? What should you look for when buying one?
We’ll answer these questions below. We’ll also explore their pros and cons and look at four of our best recommendations.
What To Look For When Buying?
Compatibility
Ensure your new ergonomic keyboard is compatible with your PC’s operating system before you buy it. An ergonomic keyboard will often work with your PC, but some keys will require you to program them to work.
Check if your new keyboard comes with software or supports key programming.
Keystrokes and Extra Functions
Get a keyboard that does more than type. Some keyboards in the market today can help you speed up your typing and other activities.
Get one with extra functions, including volume and music control keys. With these keyboards, you can launch applications, add and reduce brightness, turn Wi-Fi on or off and shut down and restart your PC.
Some even come with touchpads that do away with your mouse.
Price
It’s pretty common to find expensive keyboards that offer extensive functionality. You’ll also run into some exciting deals for exceptional keyboards at a reasonable price.
Although a high price doesn’t always guarantee the quality, it’s rare to find an expensive and subpar keyboard. However, some great wired keyboards are pretty pocket-friendly, so look out for those.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of An Ergonomic Keyboard?
Ergonomic keyboards have many benefits, but not without some downsides. Let’s look at some pros and cons.
Pros
Reduced Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injury
Ergonomic keyboard design keeps the user in mind. So, they let you use your natural wrist and arm posture as you type.
Even if you type for long hours, you have a reduced risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Comfort
Ergonomic keyboards are pleasant and comfortable to use. You can rest your forearm and wrists using the correct posture, reducing your risk of physical stress and pain.
Faster Typing Speeds
You’ll type faster once you get used to your ergonomic keyboard. Some keyboards have a learning curve, but they feel natural once you spend a few days using them.
Ease of Use
Ergonomic keyboards focus on providing a seamless experience for you as a user. Most times, they’ll be lightweight, portable, and adjustable.
That way, you can set your keyboard to meet your unique needs. You can also program your keyboard however you like.
That allows you to create unique typing setups, quick shortcuts, and hotkeys that make your work easier.
Cons
Expensive
Ergonomic keyboards are more expensive compared to their standard counterparts. A standard wired ergonomic keyboard will cost you at least $100, a much higher price.
Pricing has made these keyboards quite unpopular. Why? For the price of one, you can get several standard plug-and-play keyboards.
Steep Learning Curve
Ergonomic keyboards aren’t for everyone. Very few PC users can immediately use an ergonomic keyboard.
Besides that, there is no standard design. Each manufacturer explores different design ideas, unlike regular keyboards.
It takes some time to get used to typing on a wired ergonomic keyboard. If you’re brand new to ergonomic keyboards, you’ll have to take some time to get used to yours.
More Workspace Requirements
Some ergonomic keyboards consume more space than regular keyboards. You may have to pass up larger keyboard designs if you have insufficient desk space, even if you love them.
If not, you’ll have to get a bigger desk alongside your ergonomic keyboard.
If you have a standing desk, check Ergonomic Keyboards for Standing Desk.
Incomplete Solution for Injury and Stress
By itself, an ergonomic keyboard isn’t enough to prevent pain, stress, and injury. They do alleviate some pain but don’t eliminate all other risks of extended PC use.
Wired or Wireless: Which is Best?
There isn’t a cut-and-dry answer, except it depends on your needs.
Wired keyboards have their benefits, and so do wireless keyboards. But, it boils down to use and preference.
You’ll most likely opt for a wireless keyboard if you’re a gamer or want to connect the keyboard to your iPad. That way, you maintain your freedom even when performing standard tasks.
A wired keyboard is a valuable option if you’re in a professional setting. If, say, you’re a trader and can’t afford to deal with lags when executing commands on your trades, then you’d do well with a wired keyboard.
4 Best Wired Ergonomic Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard for Business – Wired
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
If you’re looking for a functional ergonomic keyboard for your home and office, look no further than this Microsoft Keyboard. It comes with two programmable keys that allow you to multitask while at work.
Its dome-shaped design and ergonomic palm rest provide all-day comfort for extended use. Besides that, it uses a lightweight but durable construction, which guarantees service for a long time
Features
- Type-A USB Wired keyboard
- Built-in shortcuts for Office 365
- Precise tracking sensor for all desk surfaces
- Two programmable keys
- 1 year limited warranty
- Comes with a mouse
Benefits
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Compatible with Windows 7/ 8.1/10/11
- Comfortable palm rest
- Attractive shape and design
Drawback
- It takes a lot of desk space
X9 Performance Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
A close second after Microsoft is the X9 performance ergonomic keyboard. It adopts a similar split design keyboard with a dome shape and a wrist rest, making it a delight to use.
It outdoes all other keyboards with its five-foot-long Type-A USB cable.
With that length, you have a free range of use, so you won’t need to be next to your PC. It comes with 17 shortcut and media keys that make it easy to control your laptop with just one press.
Features
- 5-ft Type-A USB cable
- Compatible with iOS, Windows, and ChromeOS
- Integrated wrist cushion
- Dome shape with split layout
- LED indicators on caps, number and function lock keys
- 17 media hotkeys
Benefits
- Comfortable wrist cushion
- Split 2-zone keyboard layout for easy hand position
- LED indicators
- 5-ft cable for easy use away from the desk
Drawbacks
- It takes up much desk real estate.
Cloud Nine ErgoFS C989M Ergonomical Mechanical Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Cloud Nine ErgoFS offers a beautiful lit keyboard option and an intelligent spinning wheel.
The keys have an excellent finish and a backlight, excellent for low light and gaming use.
Unlike all the other keyboards above, the C989M has mechanical switches for faster responses. Although you can use it for common purposes, this keyboard is excellent for gaming.
Features
- USB receiver ( USB A Port )
- Cherry MX
- DC 5V/500mA max
- USB pass-through port for your mouse or phone
- Dedicated multimedia dial
- Backlight with custom RGB lighting
Benefits
- Easier to use
- Plug-and-Play
- RGB lighting
- Gaming-grade circuitry
Drawbacks
- Supports Windows PCs only
- Heavier than other wired keyboards
- Expensive
Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard
Last update on 2024-04-12 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The Freestyle2 is a versatile keyboard that you can split and adjust to fit your unique typing setup.
It also comes with adjustable tenting to help you reduce strain on your forearms and shoulders. Besides that, it comes with palm cushions that offer a comfortable rest for your wrists when typing.
Features
- Adjustable tenting
- Split design with separate key modules
- Uses standard Windows hotkeys
- Supports both iOS and Windows
- USB Type-A connector
Benefits
- Lightweight and portable
- Supports two major operating systems
- USB cable is 6 feet long
- Beautiful design
- Comfortable palm cushions
- Compact for small desk spaces
Drawbacks
- More expensive than other keyboards
Final Thoughts And Best Pick:
Our best pick is the Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard for Business. Although it takes up plenty of desk space, it’s ideal for both your home and office setups.
It’s pretty lightweight, so you can carry it around if you need to. You can program the function keys, but it supports all standard shortcuts and hotkeys
