Are you on the verge of losing trust in your gaming skills because your teammates play better than you? Have you tried everything to improve your gameplay? The fact is that, along with skills and practice, it also depends on the gaming peripherals. A high quality ergonomic gaming keyboard can enhance your gaming performance by far and take you to the top of the leaderboard in no time.
Keyboards are one of the most important components when it comes to gaming. However, long gaming sessions can take a toll on your body and affects your shoulders, neck, back, wrists, and eyes. As you sit and use a keyboard for extended period of time for gaming, you must go for a keyboard that has an ergonomic design. A good quality ergonomic gaming keyboard will solve all these issues and will keep you active and fresh throughout the gaming sessions.
We have done extensive research on the best ergonomic gaming keyboards and jotted down the top picks in this category. So if you’re in the market for the best ergonomic gaming keyboard, check the list below:
Top-Rated Ergonomic Gaming Keyboards:
Our Top Picks for the Best Ergonomic Keyboards
1. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 SE- (Best Overall)
Specs
- Material: ABS plastic case, silver anodized aluminum frame
- Switch: Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switch
- Interface: USB
- Wrist-rest: Yes
- Anti-ghosting: Full N-key rollover
- Media keys: Dedicated
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 SE Review
The Corsair K70 keyboard is quite innovative and is equipped with excellent features for gamers. The keyboard has a sleek design and it features authentic Cherry MX switches along with beautiful backlights. The keyboard is an expensive one but is an excellent and long-lasting investment.
Corsair K70 is the best full sized keyboard with an aluminum chassis that looks and feels sturdy and classy. Apart from the discrete media controls such as the volume wheel, there is UBS pass-through too and a few buttons that control brightness, game mode button locks, and profiles.
The best thing about this keyboard is that you can choose either red, brown, or blue switches. The keyboard also features detachable soft touch wrist-rest for extreme comfort. The keycaps are PBT double shot ones which are very durable. The keyboard features 100% anti-ghosting and full-key rollover.
Pros
- It has a beautiful design
- It is equipped with high quality components
- There are extensive switch options
- It features per key RGB lighting
- The utility software is quite versatile
Cons
- It is expensive
- There are very minimal updates
2. Razer Huntsman- (Best for long gaming sessions)
Specs
- Material: ABS, aluminum
- Switch: Razer Opto-mechanical
- Key rollover: 10-key with anti-ghosting
- Interface: USB 2.0
- Software: Razer Synapse 3
- Keycaps: ABS
Razer Huntsman Review
Razer is a popular tech brand and their Huntsman keyboard created much buzz among the gaming enthusiasts. The Razer Huntsman is equipped with opto-mechanical switches which are faster than the traditional switches.
The key board features RGB customization which allows you to customize the lights using other Razer hardware. The keyboard is made up of aluminum top plate which adds durability and sturdiness to the console. The keyboard features 100 million clicks on each switch and is also compatible with Razer Hypershift. The keyboard is one of the best ergonomic mechanical gaming keyboards on our list that are perfect for continuous gaming.
Pros
- It features Razer Chroma support for RGB backlight
- It features excellent full keyboard design
- There are 100 million clicks on the switches
- The opto-mechanical switches are quite fast
- The switches are perfect and sturdy
- It has an excellent sound quality and construction
Cons
- It might be too noisy for some users
- There are no dedicated media controls
- It features hard-wired cable
3. BlackWidow Lite- (Best Quiet Keyboard)
Specs
- Switches: Razer Orange
- Connection: USB
- Illumination: Yes (one color)
- Macro keys: No
- Media keys: Yes (integrated)
- USB pass-through: No
- Key rollover: 10 KRO
BlackWidow Lite Review
The Razer’s BlackWidow Lite is an affordable mechanical keyboard that features silent key switches. It features Razer’s orange mechanical switches that are too good for gaming because of their tactile feedback. It is in high demand as the best ergonomic keyboard for gamers because of its handy features.
If you’re looking for a quiet keyboard, the BlackWidow Lite is a perfect choice. It is available with a keycap puller which allows you to pull the keycaps out and put or remove the o-rings whenever you want. It is a good choice for people who want a compact and lightweight option for taking along to gaming tournaments.
Pros
- It features Razer Chroma support for backlight
- It has a superb build quality
- The Hypershift feature allows you to set up macros and remap the keys
- The in-house switches are good for typing and gaming both
- The USB cable is removable
- It is very lightweight and portable
Cons
- There are only a few useful extras
- The white backlight is boring
4. Kinesis KB600 Advantage2 Keyboard- (Best curved design)
Specs
- Switch: Cherry MX Brown
- Interface: USB
- Keyswitch technology: mechanical
- Layout: QWERTY
- Software: Linux, Apple, MacOS, Windows
Kinesis KB600 Advantage2 Keyboard Review
The Kindesis KB600 has a beautiful radical concave design and it keeps your hands in a comfortable position for long. The manufacturer has created this design so that the hands remain in a comfortable position while you’re playing game or typing. The keyboard is equipped with ergonomic Cherry MX Brown switches that are comfortable to use and require lesser energy for activation.
The keyboard also features palm pads and there is a cleaning pad included in the package too. It has a very compact design and is perfect for you if you play for many hours. The keyboard’s 20 degrees tentint reduces the wrist strain. The concave ergonomic keyboard also includes software that allows you to program the macros and layouts. It features thumb clusters which include those keys which are used more frequently as compared to the others.
Pros
- The tented keywells are very handy
- There are integrated palm supports for easy usage
- It has a smaller foot print
- It reduces wrist pain and fatigue
- It has a very ergonomic design
Cons
- It is expensive
5. Microsoft Sculpt- (Best split design)
Specs
- Connectivity: USB
- Design: split
- System: Windows
- Drive space: 150 MB Hard drive
Microsoft Sculpt Review
Most of the ergonomic mechanical gaming keyboards work by positioning your wrists at a comfortable position, and Microsoft Sculpt is just an example of that. The keys on this keyboard are positioned so that your fingers and wrists are positioned comfortably and in a natural way. The keyboard has a three-factor ergonomic design and includes a separate number pad. The Sculpt also easily connects to your PC wirelessly so that you’ve a clutter free space and is thus the best split keyboard on our list.
The keyboard has a domed keyboard design and a natural arc that mimics the shape of the finger tips. The keyboard is designed on advanced ergonomic principles and gives a relaxed and comfortable gaming experience for many hours. It features a natural arc and a reverse tilt design that gives you the correct angle for gaming and typing.
Pros
- It has a cushioned palm rest
- It features sleek modern aesthetics
- It is not too expensive
- There are raised wave like vertical design position fingers
- It aligns the wrist and hand more naturally
Cons
- It lacks Fn Key
- It doesn’t feature a Mac layout
6. Picktek keyboard and mouse combo- (Best for gaming)
Specs
- Interface: USB
- Switch type: non-mechanical
- Normal keys: 104
- Backlit: Yes
- Type: Wired
- Palm rest: Yes
Picktek keyboard and mouse combo Review
This ergonomic keyboard from Picktek is adjustable and extremely comfortable to use. It features mouse buttons and lights that allow you to customize the keyboard according to your preference. The keyboard has a superb design and it is built to give you perfect gaming experience. It is equipped with all the features that a gamer needs for enhancing their gameplay.
The keyboard features vibrant LED rainbow lights that give a beautiful look to the keyboard. Picktek also offers more control over gaming by allowing you to adjust the lights. The keyboard can reach up to 50 million keystrokes and there are 10 multimedia buttons that allow you to perform gaming tasks in a better way. These keys are for re-mapping the arrow keys according to your requirement. The Picktek keyboard is the best gaming keyboard for PC gamers.
Pros
- The key life is twice as compared to traditional keyboards
- It comes with a programmable mouse
- The keyboard lights are adjustable
- It features silent keys
Cons
- The bright lights cause distraction
7. Freestyle Pro Ergonomic keyboard- (Best palm support)
Specs
- Key switches: low-force Cherry Mechanical (MX Brown or MX Quiet Red)
- Onboard memory: 4 MB
- Layout: 10 keyless
- Design: split
- Palm support: Yes
Freestyle Pro Ergonomic keyboard Review
The Freestyle Pro Ergonomic keyboard features a split design and it makes sure that your arms remain in a natural position throughout the time you use it. The keyboard is equipped with cherry MX Brown switches that are very comfortable and require lesser energy for activation. The USB connection also provides a reliable and quick feedback. There is a hotkey bank that features common functions like desktop, copy, and paste.
The Freestyle keyboard also includes software for programming macros and key mapping. It has a simple layout and has a very effective split key design. The split keyboard has two halves which are connected by a flexible cord. The split design is very useful and reduces shoulder pain. According to users, the split keyboard design also prevents fatigue in wrist and hands. The keyboard is highly customizable and has a user-friendly interface, making it the best ergonomic keyboard for gamers.
Pros
- It has a very ergonomic design
- There are many keybinding options
- It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS
- It is fully on-board programmable
- Lesser force is required to type
- It has a cushioned palm support
Cons
- There is no backlighting
- It has a cheap plastic build
8. Razer Ornata Chroma- (Best backlighting)
Specs
- Switch: Razer mecha-membrane technology
- Programmable: Yes
- Rollover: 10-KRO
- Wrist-rest: Yes
- Backlighting: Yes
Razer Ornata Chroma Review
Razer Ornata is a cool gaming keyboard and is one of the best ergonomic gaming backlit keyboards. The keyboard features a comfortable and durable padded wrist-rest that is connected to the keyboard through magnets. This is a strong connection as compared to notches or tabs that can break easily. The keyboard features ‘mecha-membrane’ which is made up of a soft rubber dome key mechanism.
The keyboard is not as clicky as the ergonomic mechanical gaming keyboards and is quite silent; it’s perfect for you if you’re looking for a less noisy option. The keys have a mid-raise height which is quite comfortable to use. The Chroma RGB backlighting allows you to create an intuitive environment. To record macros or program the Chroma lighting, you must install the software which is a pre-requisite.
Pros
- It features a soft padded wrist-rest
- There are anti-ghosting keys for simultaneous and accurate inputs
- The Chroma RGB backlighting looks great
- The key switches are tactile and precise
- The membrane switch is a handy addition
Cons
- It is not good for gamers with wrist pain
- It isn’t as responsive as the mechanical keyboards
9. KLIM Lighting Gaming Keyboard- (Best warranty)
Specs
- Keyboard type: semi-mechanical
- Wired/wireless: Wired
- Color combinations: 7
- Cable type: braided
- Key type: mechanical membrane keys
- Material: metal
KLIM Lighting Gaming Keyboard Review
The KLIM lighting gaming keyboard is a unique one that features semi-mechanical keys, that is, the keys have a feel of both the membrane and the mechanical keyboards. Its hybrid feature reduces the distraction by reducing the noise of the keys. The KLIM lighting keyboard is compatible with PC, Xbox One, Mac, PS4, and Switch.
The keyboard features seven uniform colors of light and the good thing is that you can switch the color using a single key click. It is made up of metal frame and has anti-scratch feature that makes it more durable than others. The keyboard has a ISO (European) layout and you don’t need to install the software to set up the keyboard.
Pros
- The lighting is beautiful and is adjustable
- The keypress is quite silent and is very comfortable too
- The height of the keys is good
- The keyboard comes with a 5 year warranty
- It gives a quality gaming experience
- The keys are individually lit
- No drivers or software required
Cons
- You can’t turn off the lighting
- No QWERTY layout
10. Velocifire VM02WS Mechanical Keyboard- (Best conventional layout)
Specs
- Key switch: Brown switches
- Backlit: Yes
- Interface: USB type-C
- Design: 104-key
- Keycaps: ABS double shot
- Compatibility: Windows, Linux
Velocifire VM02WS Mechanical Keyboard Review
The Velocifire VM02WS mechanical keyboard is a wireless keyboard with nice backlit keys. It features Cherry Brown mechanical switches that require a low force to press the keys. The key is rated for 50 million strokes that are way too high as compared to any membrane keyboard. The keyboard allows you to type faster and with lesser force.
The key switches are very easy to press and are quiet too. The keyboard is perfect for you if you play games for hours or type too much. The support backlighting of this keyboard is good for users who play in dark. Overall, the keyboard is a perfect conventionally shaped keyboard available on the market.
Pros
- It features noise dampening O-rings
- It is very comfortable
- It has a 104-key wireless design
- It is affordable
- It has a good battery life
- It features a double USB mode
Cons
- It is a bit heavy
Things you MUST KNOW before choosing your Best Ergonomic Gaming Keyboard
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you must choose your keyboard wisely as it will greatly affect your gaming and your comfort level. There are many types of gaming keyboards available but it isn’t necessary that all are comfortable for you. There are chances that the keyboard you have in your mind isn’t right for you because it isn’t that ergonomic. Following factors will help you decide the best ergonomic gaming keyboard for your gaming style:
Keyboard size and layout
The size and layout of the keyboard greatly affects the ergonomics. The size and layout will also determine how much desk space will be used and will also tell you about its functionality.
Following are the three main types of keyboard sizes:
- Standard (with arrow/navigation keys and numpad)
- Tenkeyless (with arrow/navigation keys and no numpad)
- Compact (no arrow/navigation keys and no numpad)
The common layouts of keyboards include ANSI and ISO. The layout depends on the language you use or the country you live in.
Feel
How a keyboard feels is one of the most important factors that will help you in choosing an ergonomic keyboard. When we talk about the mechanical keyboards, the ‘feel’ of a keyboard is determined by its switches. The key switches from different manufacturers have a different feel and thus it is important to discuss the types of switches available:
The rubber dome switches are cheap and have a very soft feel. These switches have a lower life span as compared to other types. Other switch types include scissor switch, buckling spring, ALPS, Topre, and others. Cherry MX switches are the most popular ones and are used most commonly. These are mechanical switches and they offer a solid and comfortable feel. Other popular switches are Kailh, Razer switch, Logitech Romer G, Gateron and others.
Mechanical or Membrane Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are equipped with mechanical switches under each keycap and it sends signal when it is pressed. Membrane keyboards are those where the key is seated on a double layered membrane. When someone presses the key, the two layers are pushed together and then they send the signal for the press to be registered. As far as ergonomics are concerned, both keyboards have their pros and cons.2021
The mechanical keyboards are more responsive and accurate. These are easier to clean and the keycaps are removable. The mechanical keyboards have a longer lifespan too. The membrane keyboards are for you if want a cheaper option and generally more quiet. For gamers, mechanical keyboards are good to go as a more ergonomic option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will an ergonomic gaming keyboard affect me?
An ergonomic keyboard will affect you a lot if you play games for many hours. The keyboard is designed especially to prevent fatigue, bad posture, and other computer related illnesses. An ergonomic keyboard keeps your body in the right position; the hands and wrists sit in a natural way so that you don’t get tired after hours of playing.
Is backlit illumination important in a gaming keyboard?
Backlit illumination is important if you play in dark. Backlit keyboards have especial zones divided so that you immediately catch the glimpse of those areas that you use the most. A red illumination helps you to see the keys easily without any effort.
How do the macro buttons and other customization options help in gaming?
The best ergonomic gaming keyboard will give you an edge when it comes to your gaming performance. These keyboards are equipped with dedicated buttons that allow you to program them so that you could execute in-game micros. There are some complex games such as ‘World of Warcraft’ that require a command to be typed, or use your mouse to click so that macro could be fired off.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve done reading the post, you probably know about the best ergonomic gaming keyboard for you. All the keyboards on this list are designed based on ergonomic principles and are perfect for you if you are looking for a keyboard that could not hurt your hands and wrists.
If you’re more into simple ergonomic gaming keyboards, then Corsair K70 MK.2 is a perfect choice. The keyboard is durable and is lightweight too. The Razer Huntsman and BlackWidow Lite are our hot favorites as they are equipped with handy gaming features and are designed ergonomically too. The Razer Huntsman is the best budget keyboard and is ideal for you if you’re looking for a reasonable option. The Kinesis KB600 has a highly ergonomic design, and can be a perfect addition to your gaming rig if you’ve a good budget.
A good quality ergonomic mechanical gaming keyboard can always change the way you play more than you expect, so choose wisely and make an informed decision.
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