4 Most Comfortable Computer Keyboards

With all the beautiful keyboard models out there, it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and neglect comfort. However, keyboards being comfortable should be a priority when choosing a new one, especially if you need a keyboard for your everyday work.  

Let’s explore what features should comfortable keyboards have and take a closer look at some of the best models that focus on this feature. Selected are durable and comfortable models made for heavy use: 

1. Kinesis Advantage Ergonomic Keyboard – Great for Office Jobs
2. HHKB Hybrid Type-S – Amazing Keyboard for Programmers
3. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard – Great for Offices and Students 
4. Das Keyboard 4C TKL  – Model for Mechanical Keyboard Enthusiasts 

Before we go over the models, let’s dive into some of the features that could either make your typing experience more enjoyable or prevent discomfort and health concerns that result from the long-term use of unsuitable keyboards.

What Makes Keyboards Comfortable? 

There isn’t a standard that sets what is comfortable for all people. A keyboard that might be comfortable for you can be impractical or even present a source of discomfort to someone else. Therefore, a keyboard you choose does not have to check every box when it comes to these features, but they can help as a guide to finding the most comfortable keyboards for you. 

Ergonomic Design of Comfortable Keyboards

Ergonomic keyboards are an obvious choice if you want comfort but also avoid common health issues connected to desk jobs – such as repetitive stress injuries (RIS). Designs that aim at preserving your health long-term can be weirdly shaped and take some time to get used to. However, they are the best choice for those who rely on desk jobs for livelihood.  

There are many ergonomically-friendly designs out there, and even regular but still comfortable keyboards can have features that protect your wrist during typing. For a more relaxed and natural position of your hand, choose keyboards that don’t require you to bend your wrists or extend your fingers more than you should. Instead, look for designs that support your wrists and hands. 

Ergonomic designs may include a split keyboard to allow your hand to type without unnatural rotation of your arms. Separated and a bit rotated keys make for a more natural hand position as well.  

Rearranging the Keys 

Some manufacturers will either remove less-used keys or rearrange the frequently used keys in a way it doesn’t result with the stress on your wrists after prolonged typing, i.e. making keyboards comfortable. 

Traditional QWERTY letter order stays the same, but you’ll have to get used to keys such as Home, Shift, or End being in different places.  

Some keyboard companies are also no stranger to removing some keys entirely. That makes the keyboard more compact but also makes you a faster typist.  

Switch Type in the Keyboard 

If you’re into mechanical keyboards, you are familiar with three types of switches: Linear, tactile, and clicky. The main difference is in the keystroke feel and audible feedback. 

Linear is great if you want silent and fast keystrokes for gaming. If you need something great for writing that is not noisy but helps you make fewer mistakes, a tactical switch can make your writing experience enjoyable and thus more comfortable. And some like loud clicky switches since they feel great and offer a unique tactical experience for the user. 

Comfort, therefore, is in the typing feel you enjoy and prefer. It doesn’t have to be limited to strict ergonomic properties of your keyboard. Switches are all about what feels good to you personally – and doesn’t annoy your co-workers.   

Padded Wrist Rest of Comfortable Keyboards

Padded wrist rests are not everyone’s cup of tea and it gets in the way for some. However, they can make your typing experience and keyboards comfortable by reducing the stress of your wrists as you type. That is especially true for keyboards that aren’t made with ergonomics in mind. 

Also, most of them are detachable so if you get the keyboard with the wrist pad and change your mind, you can always remove it afterwards.  

4 Most Comfortable Keyboard Models 

1.      Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard – Great for Office Jobs

Considering that ergonomic keyboards are often synonymous with comfort and long-term health benefits, it’s no wonder Kinesis Advantage is at the top of the list. It is ergonomically adjusted for long typing sessions that don’t damage your wrists. Namely, the entire keyboard is contoured in the wave shape. 

The keys are separated into four split groups and since the keys that are used the most are within the sunken part of the keyboard, your hands are not parallel as you type – meaning the keyboard doesn’t strain your wrists. The differently arranged keyboard does, nevertheless, take some time to get used to.  

The keyboard is available either with Cherry MX brown switches or Cherry MX red switches. Silent red switches are ideal for an office environment and browns with a more tactile feel and audible feedback preferable for home use. 

The keyboard does not feature detachable padded wrist rest, but it has padded palm pads incorporated into the design. 

Pros

• Ergonomic design
• Multiple switches available
• Increases one’s productivity 

Cons

• Expensive 
• Takes some time to get used to 

Thinking about getting an ergonomic mouse that goes with your ergonomic keyboard? Read all about different ergonomic mouse types and their benefits. 

2.      HHKB Hybrid Type-S – Amazing Keyboard for Programmers

Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB) has been perfecting their compact keyboard for years. They are sturdy, durable, high-quality keyboards made with programmers in mind. Also, they are practical, more functional, and portable.

That is also reflected in the design. Namely, the keyboard is smaller in size compared to the traditional keyboard and that makes it more comfortable to use since you don’t have to move your hands as much. This keyboard is significantly reduced in its size due to removed keys. Therefore, it takes some time to adapt to this keyboard before you reach your maximum speed. 

The switches are silent and thus ideal for rapid speed and typing in the office. You don’t get the audible feedback while typing as you would with the tactile switches. Nevertheless, the keys are enjoyable to use and very comfortable and light to the touch.  

The keyboard does not feature a wrist pad. 

Pros

• Build to last
• Smaller, compact model 
• Increased typing speed
• Quiet keyboard 

Cons

• Not for every budget 
• Does not feature certain keys

3.      Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard – Great for Offices and Students

Microsoft is known for its accessible peripherals and their ergonomic keyboard is not exempt of that. The ergonomic keyboard is half the price compared to other brands and customers report that can affect the quality of the product. 

Regardless, the keyboard still has all the ergonomic benefits that make it comfortable. The keyboard is partially split and features the arch that holds your hands in a more relaxed and natural position. 

The keys are not reordered – meaning you won’t have to spend some extra time relearning how to type. However, you will get a separate number pad for the keyboard, which is great for accountants.

This is a dome keyboard that provides you with feedback as you type, making the typing faster, smoother, and with fewer mistakes. 

The keyboard model features the padded palm support to keep your hands in a neutral and more comfortable position. 

Pros

• Budget-friendly keyboard
• Ergonomic design 
• Features palm rest 

Cons

• Palm rest is not detachable
• Low price affects the quality

4.      Das Keyboard 4C TKL  – Model for Mechanical Keyboard Enthusiasts/Gamers 

Das keyboard is the mechanical keyboard great for long hours you spent typing and gaming. Known for long-lasting and high-quality design, Das keyboard is also very comfortable to use. Since this mechanical keyboard is more about the typing feel, it does not have features of the innovative ergonomic designs you already know. 

When it comes to keys, the arrangement is not unusual as it usually is with ergonomic keyboards. Also, the keyboard does not come with the number pad – which makes the keyboard more compact.  

Keystrokes are smooth, tactile, and you receive audible feedback that the key reached the actuation point, i.e. you successfully pressed the key. The keyboard features Cherry MX switches, therefore, ensure that the typing experience is enjoyable. What’s more, that kind of feedback does not grant only comfortable typing but also helps you make fewer mistakes and type faster.  

This model of keyboards does not include wrist pad. 

Pros

• Suitable for desk jobs
• Compact keyboard size 
• High quality and durable 
• Suitable for gamers 

Cons

• No wrist pad 
• Can be loud