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Best Ergonomic Keyboards for 2025: Features and Testing

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If you spend a significant portion of your waking hours behind a desk, simply placing an ergonomic mouse and keyboard on your desk won’t address the underlying issue, which is sitting still for extended periods. After incorporating a few walks and adding some stretches for good measure, the next aspect to consider is your workstation ergonomics. Hunching, twisting, and contorting your body can lead to discomfort over time.

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Ergonomic keyboards can provide relief: these keyboards are designed to split, tilt, and angle the keys in ways that help keep your shoulders and chest more open while aligning your forearms and wrists. However, one ergonomic keyboard may not suit everyone, so I tested 15 different models. I explored various ergonomic features, including fully split and unibody split designs, columnar orientations, thumb clusters, programmable keys, and more. This article shares insights on the benefits of different designs to help you find the best ergonomic keyboard for your needs.

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Table of Contents

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Best Ergonomic Keyboards for 2025

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In this section, we will explore the top ergonomic keyboards available in 2025, highlighting their unique features and benefits.

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What to Look for in an Ergonomic Keyboard

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Alice vs Split

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Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two categories: unibody (or Alice) and split. The unibody design features a single board with the two halves of the keys rotated about 30 degrees apart at the bottom, creating an A-shaped space between the keys. This design helps push your elbows away from your ribs while maintaining a straight line from your forearm to your middle knuckle. Users often report feeling more open along the front side of their bodies when using this layout, which resembles a traditional keyboard, making it easier for most people to adapt compared to a fully split option.

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On the other hand, split keyboards separate the keys into two distinct parts that can be positioned individually. This allows for customizable spacing and angles, enabling users to place their mouse between the halves, which may reduce strain on the wrist and forearm. Personally, I find that pairing a split keyboard with a good ergonomic mouse enhances comfort, particularly when using a vertical mouse.

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Tenkeyless

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Ergonomic keyboards are available with or without number pads. Omitting the number keys on the right side allows for a closer mouse position, minimizing overall reach. However, if your work involves frequent number entry, you may prefer a keyboard with a number pad. Some programmable boards offer layers that temporarily repurpose keys, providing a ten-key option through clever remapping of letter keys.

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Tenting and Negative Tilt

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Tenting raises the middle of the keyboard, positioning your hands closer to a \”handshake\” position. Alice keyboards typically angle upwards towards the center, while split boards often allow for adjustable tenting degrees, from flat to extreme lift.

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Some keyboards feature an optional lift at the back, raising the top keys higher than the space bar. However, this can increase strain for many users. Negative tilt, conversely, slopes the keyboard in the opposite direction, lowering the top number keys while raising the edge with the spacebar. Many Alice and some split keyboards offer this feature, which I found more comfortable when standing, while preferring flat keys when seated.

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Staggered vs Columnar

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This choice is often debated among ergonomic enthusiasts. Conventional keyboards have staggered keys, with each row slightly offset from the rows above and below, a design inherited from vintage typewriters. Columnar or ortholinear keyboards, however, stack keys in orderly columns, often with non-linear rows. Proponents argue that this layout makes keys easier to reach, but transitioning from a staggered to a columnar layout can be challenging for those accustomed to the former.

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Programmable Keys

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Most ergonomic keyboards function as standard typing inputs for PCs or Macs, but using function and hotkeys may require remapping. This can range from an onboard switch to toggle between Mac and PC layouts to downloading software for key customization. Some boards offer hot-swappable keys, allowing users to easily replace keycaps without soldering.

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For certain keyboards, remapping or programming keys is essential. Gaming peripherals often include extra keys that can execute a series of keystrokes with a single button press. Keyboards that support layers allow a single button to perform multiple functions, and some ergonomic designs feature non-standard layouts, such as thumb clusters near the space bar.

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Other Considerations

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Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch versions. The best choice depends on personal preference. While membrane and scissor switches are typically quieter and softer, mechanical switches offer a more responsive typing experience and greater customization, albeit at a higher price point.

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Additionally, users can choose between wired and wireless ergonomic keyboards. Wired models are generally less expensive and preferred by competitive gamers for their zero-lag response. However, wireless keyboards help maintain a clutter-free workspace.

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Some ergonomic keyboards include permanent or removable wrist or palm rests, which can be cushioned or hard. Opinions vary on their effectiveness; while some users find them helpful for maintaining a neutral hand position, others argue they can exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Ideally, palms should rest, not wrists, and individual preferences will dictate comfort levels.

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Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
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How We Tested Ergonomic Keyboards

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Our guides begin with extensive research to identify the best products available. We consider reputable brands and keyboard reviews from trusted publications and forums. For this guide, I focused on keyboards with ergonomic features such as tenting, split keys, and palm support, while ensuring they were user-friendly.

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After selecting ten boards, I used each one for several days to weeks, testing remapping and macros software while evaluating comfort, design, price, and durability. This ongoing process allows for updates to the guide as new keyboards enter the market. If and when Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, like the Sculpt, become available again, I will test those models as well.

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Other Ergonomic Keyboards We Tested

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Naya Create

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While I didn’t fully test the Naya Create keyboard, I had the opportunity to try it briefly during CES this year. This customizable, fully split mechanical board features programmable keys and thumb clusters positioned below modular platforms that can accommodate a touchpad, trackball, dial, or 3D joystick. This design aims to reduce cursor hand travel. The Naya Create starts at $500, and despite its price, pre-orders have sold out quickly, with the fourth batch expected to ship in July 2025.

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Goldtouch Elite Adjustable

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The Goldtouch Elite Adjustable is a connected yet adjustable split board that allows users to customize both vertical tenting and the angle between the two halves. While it is a solidly built board, I found that the tenting feature did not work for me, as it raised the center keys significantly, causing strain on my wrists and forearms. However, for those who prefer a flat, adjustable Alice-split board, this model performs well.

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Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard

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The Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard integrates a trackpad between the two halves, minimizing mouse hand travel. The build quality is excellent, featuring low-profile mechanical switches. However, the trackpad’s gestures are only compatible with Windows, limiting its usability for Mac users. Additionally, the lack of tenting or negative tilt may hinder ergonomic

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