Typing all day got your wrists screaming for mercy?
Ergonomic mechanical keyboards are here to save the day. These split, tented, or curved beauties reduce strain, boost productivity, and make your desk setup look straight out of a sci-fi flick.
We’ve scoured Amazon to find the best ergonomic boards. We’ve got some options for everyone, no matter if you’re a coder hammering out lines in Vim, a gamer grinding in Sea of Thieves, or just someone who wants to type without pain.
So let’s not waste any more time and get into it!
*Keyboard Forge is a participant of affiliate programs and earns from qualified purchases*
Quick Comparison
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a side-by-side look. Peek at the table below to see if any catch your attention, then dive into the full reviews for all the spicy details. Click those links to grab your dream board!
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connectivity | Hot-Swappable | RGB | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Nine C989M | Full-size Split | Kailh Brown, Red, White | Wired (USB-C) | No | Yes | Gamers, Office Workers |
| Perixx PERIBOARD-835 | Alice | Kailh Low-Profile Brown, Red, Blue | Wired/Wireless (BT/2.4GHz) | No | Yes | Hybrid Workers, Travelers |
| Keychron Q11 | 75% Split | Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, Brown | Wired (USB-C) | Yes | Yes | Enthusiasts, Customizers |
| Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB | TKL Split | Cherry MX Brown, Red, Blue, Silver | Wired (USB-C) | No | Yes | Gamers, Programmers |
| KBDcraft Israfel | 50% Ortholinear Split | Kailh N² Low-Profile (Linear/Tactile) | Wired (USB-C) | Yes | Yes | Budget Buyers, Ortho Fans |
Do these layout names have you confused? Check out our guide on keyboard sizes for a full breakdown.
Cloud Nine C989M
- Split keyboard design helps eliminate wrist and shoulder pain while you type. By keeping your hands and arms properly al…
- Built-in tenting and palm support ensures your hands stay comfortable all day. With 7 degrees of angle built into the wr…
- Do you suffer from sore wrists, RSI Symptoms, Carpal Tunnel, or Arthritis? This keyboard can help – It can be separated …
Say hello to the Cloud Nine C989M, a full-size split keyboard that’s like a cozy hug for your wrists.
This beast lets you separate its two halves up to 8 inches, so you can position them just right to keep your shoulders relaxed. It nudges your wrists into a neutral angle with built-in tenting at 7 degrees, perfect for dodging RSI during marathon coding or gaming sessions.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Kailh Switches: Pick Brown for tactile bumps, Red for buttery linear action, or White for a clicky retro kick.
- Multimedia Wheel: Twirl this dial to blast music, zoom through pages, or hop between apps like a pro.
- RGB Lighting: Tweak per-key glow to match your desk’s aesthetic.
- USB Pass-Through: Plug your mouse or headset right in (no awkward reaching behind your PC).
Things to Note:
- No Hot-Swap: You’re locked into your switch choice, so choose those Kailh Browns or Reds carefully if you’re switch snob.
- Big Footprint: The full-size design hogs desk space.
If you juggle spreadsheets by day and FPS games by night, the C989M’s full-size layout (numpad included) and macro keys make it a do-it-all champ. The plush wrist rest keeps you comfy for hours and earns it major love on r/MechanicalKeyboards for blending ergo with serious functionality. Peek at the Cloud Nine C989M on Amazon.
Perixx PERIBOARD-835
- Multi-device spec with wired, wireless 2.4G, and 2 Bluetooth ID setups. An ergonomic Full-size keyboard with a split-key…
- Low Profile Brown Tactile Mechanical Switches: The brown clicky switch is designed for use with good key-press feedback …
- RGB Backlit with customized software or the preset backlit program; Adjustable Tilt Wrist Rest: The integrated palm rest…
The Perixx PERIBOARD-835 rocks an Alice layout that splits the keys at a gentle angle to ease wrist strain. Its low-profile Kailh switches give you a sleek, laptop-like typing feel with the feedback mech nerds live for.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Wired or Wireless: Switch between USB-C, Bluetooth 5.2, or 2.4GHz. Pair it with up to four devices.
- Kailh Low-Profile Switches: Choose Brown for tactile bumps, Red for zippy linear, or Blue for clicky action. These switches reduce finger fatigue with their shorter travel.
- Tenting Support: Adjustable risers give you negative tilt, lifting your wrists slightly higher than your fingers to keep them relaxed.
- Mac/Windows Toggle: A quick switch makes it friendly for both operating systems, perfect for dual-booters or Mac enthusiasts.
Things to Note:
- Non-Hot-Swappable: You’re locked into your switch choice, so pick those Kailh switches carefully.
- Subtle RGB: The per-key RGB lighting is customizable but more subtle. Don’t expect a disco party.
The PERIBOARD-835 is a dream for anyone wanting a full-size ergonomic keyboard with wireless flexibility. While it’s not the most travel-friendly due to its size, its sleek low-profile design, built-in wrist rest, and multi-device connectivity make it a fantastic choice for comfy typing at your desk or occasional moves between workspaces. Look up the Perixx PERIBOARD-835 on Amazon
Keychron Q11
- With a split layout, the Q11 allows you to position each side where you feel most sensible and ergonomic. You can also u…
- With full QMK and VIA support, you can easily program and remap each key on the keyboard. The open-source firmware means…
- OSA Profile Double-shot PBT Keycaps provide excellent oil resistance, enhance the type feel, and prevent the legends fro…
The Keychron Q11 is your 75% split keyboard soulmate if you geek out over customization. Its jigsaw-like split design and hot-swappable switches let you build your dream typing setup, while the aluminum body screams high-end.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hot-Swappable: Swap in Gateron Oil Kings or NK_ Creams or Boba Black U4Ts or Holy Panda Xs. Go wild!
- QMK/VIA Support: Remap keys or create layers, no coding skills needed.
- Dual Knobs: Two rotary knobs control volume, zoom, or custom functions.
- Gasket-Mounted: A soft, bouncy typing feel that rivals custom boards (learn all about gasket keyboards here).
Things to Note:
- No Tenting: You’ll need a 3D-printed stand for true ergo benefits
- Modding Time Sink: Modding can eat up hours, so brace for a full-on hobby.
Enthusiasts who haunt r/MechanicalKeyboards and dream of the perfect thock will adore this board. Its premium build and modding potential make it a custom keyboard fan’s dream. Jump into the modding life. Scope out the Keychron Q11 on Amazon!
Interested in going down the rabbit hole of custom keyboards? We’ll convince you to on why you should build your own keyboard here.
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
- ERGONOMIC SPLIT DESIGN FOR TYPING AND GAMING: Move the right module out of the way and bring your mouse in close for imp…
- 100% MECHANICAL SWITCHES FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE: Genuine Cherry MX Brown speed mechanical switches (low-force, tactile …
- IMMERSIVE RGB LIGHTING FOR A CUSTOM LOOK: 16.8M color per-key RGB Backlighting with 10 customizable effects like wave, s…
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is a TKL split keyboard that’s all about “ergonomics meet esports.” Its fully split design lets you spread the halves up to 20 inches apart, giving your shoulders some serious breathing room.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Cherry MX Switches: Choose Brown for tactile, Red for linear, or Blue for clicky ASMR vibes. There’s also a limited MX Silver option.
- Programmable Macros: Nine macro keys let you set up complex commands for WoW or Adobe shortcuts via the SmartSet app.
- Adjustable Tenting: The optional lift kit (sold separately) gives you 5, 10, or 15 degrees of tenting.
- Per-Key RGB: Light it up to match your PC case fan RGBs
Things to Note:
- Tenting Kit Extra: You’ll need to grab the lift kit for full ergo perks, which adds to the cost.
Competitive gamers and coders love this board for its speed and strain-free design. The detachable wrist rests and sturdy build make it a staple in ergo forums. The Kinesis Freestyle Edge awaits on Amazon!
KBDcraft Israfel
- Exclusive 50% Ortholinear Layout: Israfel incorporates a fantastic 50% ortho layout. It optimizes input efficiency by al…
- Core56 Low-Profile System: This is a significant design in the overall KBDcraft keyboard structure. The 3-pin low-profil…
- Hinge-Split Design: It allows Israfel to adjust the angle, offering up to 7 different tilt options, enabling users to se…
Want ergonomic goodness without emptying your wallet?
The KBDcraft Israfel is a 50% ortholinear split keyboard that overdelivers for its size. Its LEGO-inspired case and low-profile switches make it a quirky, comfy pick.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ortholinear Layout: Keys align with your fingers’ natural paths, cutting strain like a Planck or Preonic, but with a split design.
- Kailh N² Low-Profile Switches: Linear Depth Charge or tactile Land Mine switches feel smooth and snappy
- Hot-Swappable: Choc V2-compatible sockets let you swap switches, though options are niche.
- Adjustable Hinge: Tilt up to seven angles for custom tenting.
Things to Note:
- Short Cable: The ribbon cable limits split distance.
- Ortho Adjustment: Expect a learning curve if you’re used to staggered keyboards.
Budget buyers and ortho-curious folks will love this board for its affordability and playful design. It’s a community favorite for ergo newbies. Check out the KBDcraft Israfel on Amazon!
Find Your Perfect Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard
These five ergonomic mechanical keyboards on Amazon are your ticket to comfy, clicky typing.
- The Cloud Nine C989M: A full-size beast for number crunchers, gamers, and long-haul typists.
- The Perixx PERIBOARD-835: A portable gem for digital nomads, hybrid workers, and ergo beginners.
- The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB: Shines for competitive gamers, programmers, and multitaskers.
- The Keychron Q11: A modder’s paradise for creative pros and aesthetic chasers.
- The KBDcraft Israfel: A budget ortho star for writers, DIY fans, and bargain hunters.
Each blends ergonomic design with the mechanical goodness.
So, which one’s right for you? Well, we think our suggestions above would suit most people well.
Whichever you pick, these boards will keep your wrists happy and your typing satisfying. So, snap one up and type like a champ!
Share this article with your fellow keyboard nerds, gamers, or coworkers to help them find their perfect wrist-saving board!
