Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what an ergonomic keyboard is and what it’s used for? Well, an ergonomic keyboard is one of the channels that lead to a healthy usage of technology. The chief purpose of these keyboards is to keep the wrist and hands in a natural position while typing. Some people face difficulty due to the pain and stress they experience whenever they use a normal keyboard; ergonomic keyboards have been built to serve such people to help overcome this main issue.
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Typing on a regular keyboard is not only difficult, but can also induce excessive stress on your hands, wrists, and fingers. Over time, typing with such a keyboard can lead to carpel tunnel syndrome – tingling and numbness in the arm and hand caused by a strained nerve. Whereas, an ergonomic keyboard can help you type comfortably by alleviating any sort of stress on the hands and wrists.
What is an Ergonomic Keyboard?
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to minimize tension or stress by keeping the limbs, wrists, and palms in a more comfortable posture than a normal keyboard would offer. They ensure that the users don’t need to adjust themselves to fit the keyboard. These keyboards offer tapered or concave keys that are well-spaced as well; this feature helps makes the user’s typing experience far more intuitive and far more efficient.
There are three types of ergonomic keyboards:
Split Keyboard
A split keyboard has an obvious split in the centre, providing two sides that are angled away from each other. It is designed to assist with better hand positioning, wrist comfort, and smooth typing gestures.
Contoured Keyboard
A contoured keyboard has a wave-like shape in the centre with a small edge. Seen from above, it looks like a wavy pavement or a sidewalk.
Angled Keyboard
An angled keyboard has a certain degree of gradient which produces a minor slope from the front of the keyboard to the back. It helps keep your wrists firm and your hands cupped when typing.
Even though each of these keyboards has diverse factors, all of them have a common goal: to increase efficiency, reduce stress, and improve comfort.
Difference between an Ergo Keyboard and a Normal Keyboard
An ergonomic keyboard tends to be more effective against long-term pain as compared to a normal keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard reduces the probability of developing carpal tunnel syndrome by alleviating stress on the wrists and hands; other than that, an ergonomic keyboard’s keys are angled in such a way that they allow you to type comfortably while maintaining a natural hand position that reduces muscle strain and stress.
Benefits of Using an Ergo Keyboard with Built in Mouse
An ergonomic keyboard with a built-in mouse is something that is optimized for ease of use and comfort. The mouse along with the keyboards makes your typing experience better. They are easier to use, comfortable, effective and result in less stress and strain on the wrists and hands. They provide for a more relaxed, fulfilling, and enjoyable experience, and can reduce discomfort, pain, or stress considerably.
5 Best Ergo Keyboard with Built-in Mouse
After conducting extensive research, we have come up with the 5 best ergonomic keyboards with a built-in mouse. Let’s have a look:
Logitech MK550 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
The MK550 wireless ergonomic keyboard is an amazing model by Logitech that uses traditional Logitech’s Curve layout, providing you with a better natural typing experience without any stress on your wrists and hands. Its 18 programmable keys allow you to navigate through your frequently used applications in an instant. The integrated palm rest, along with the three options for leg height, helps you experience lower wrist fatigue and allows you to keep the keyboard at the most comfortable height.
The MK550 comes with a precision laser mouse for detail work and faster navigation. Soft rubber grips and contoured sides keep your hand supported, comfortable, and in control. You will enjoy precise and smooth tracking on virtually any surface. The keyboard and the mouse have a battery life of up to 3 years and 2 years respectively, which practically eliminates the need to change batteries. Both are very energy efficient. The setup is quite simple; all you have to do is plug in the Logitech Unifying receiver and you are done. MK550 requires Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating system to work.
Pros
- The curved design aligns your wrists in a neutral position
- Comfortably supports wrists and hands
- Wave-like key positioning allows fingers to rest more
- Generous battery life
Cons
- Might be hard on the pocket
- The mouse does not feel as ergonomical as the keyboard
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a decent keyboard, then the Logitech MK550 wireless ergonomic keyboard is the perfect choice. Some of you might find it expensive but it’s worth the price if you want to spend your money on an efficient and reliable product.
Perixx Periduo 505 Ergonomic Keyboard
Next on the list, we have the Periduo 505 ergonomic keyboard by Perixx. This is a wired 3D split ergonomic keyboard that also includes a high definition optical mouse. The kit is designed specifically to decrease the pressure from your wrist and hands and let you type effortlessly. Its curved and durable design simply separates the keys into right and left groups to prevent your wrist from bending while typing. There is also an additional 4-way tilt scrolling wheel in the centre, along with 12 multimedia hotkeys.
The Periduo 505 is integrated with an adjustable palm extender that helps prevent carpel tunnel syndrome by promoting a neutral wrist position. Along with the slim design, the keyboard has a curved key geometry with a naturally arched shape. The Periduo 505 comes with a vertical wired mouse that has an adjustable 1000/1600 DPI resolution and 5 buttons. The mouse tracks your movements no matter how long you use it for. Its installation is very easy, and you don’t need any additional drivers. This ergonomic keyboard needs Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 in order to function.
Pros
- The split design allows you to place the two halves in a position you find most comfortable
- High quality and solid build
- Wave-like design to make fingers more comfortable
- The vertical mouse lets you work comfortably for long hours
- It’s not that expensive
Cons
- The typing area is quite elevated compared to the palm rest
- It leaves your wrist lower than your hands
Final Verdict
Tired of working all day long with traditional keyboards that lead to discomfort and problems? Try the Perixx Periduo 505 ergonomic keyboard. It is an all-in-one perfect combination of ergonomic keyboard and mouse, which helps increase your total productivity.
Logitech MK710 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Another excellent wireless keyboard and mouse combo by Logitech is the MK710. Productivity and comfort go hand-in-hand with this ergonomic keyboard. Like other keyboards released by this company, this keyboard also features a cushioned palm rest and curved in keys. The softly rounded edges of the keys let your fingers glide from key to key. Due to the comfort these keys provide, you would think they are custom-made to fit your fingers. The MK710 wireless ergonomic keyboard comprises of an LCD dashboard that shows the status of the scroll lock, caps lock, number lock, and the remaining battery – this way, you won’t need to pause while typing.
The contoured precision mouse positions your fingers and hands comfortably and naturally. It features a hyper-fast scroll wheel with minimal friction to help you can fly through web pages and long documents. Both the keyboard and the mouse have a battery life of up to 3 years, thus eliminating the need to replace batteries. The advanced wireless connection of the Logitech unifying receiver connects both the keyboard and the mouse to your laptop with long-range, reliable technology as well as a secure 128-bit AES encryption. The MK710 is easy to set up: all you have to do is plug in the receiver and you’re done. This keyboard requires Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP to function.
Pros
- Cushioned palm rest and in-curve keys let you type with comfort
- LCD dashboard to keep an eye on the battery’s status
- Precision mouse with a hyper-fast scroll wheel
- Reliable battery life
- Advanced wireless technology
Cons
- The imprinted characters fade away after some time
- Keys might get stuck after some time
Final Verdict
If you need an average keyboard but still want reliability and efficiency, then the Logitech MK710 wireless ergonomic keyboard will be perfect for you. This keyboard and mouse combo will help reduce stress on your fingers and wrist so you can work more efficiently.
Adesso WKB-1500GB Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Are you on a tight budget? The Adesso WKB-1500GB wireless ergonomic keyboard is the perfect fit for you. Its integrated 2.4 GHz RF technology allows you to work at a distance of up to 30 ft and at any angle. The ergonomic design of the keyboard along with the gently sloped split key zones encourages your wrists, hands, and forearms to experience maximum comfort for long hours of usage. The keyboard offers 10 built-in hotkeys that give you instant access to your most frequently used media and internet tools. The membrane key switches provide not only a quieter typing experience and a better tactile response, but they can also last for up to five million keystrokes.
The wireless laser mouse that comes with the Adesso WKB-1500GB not only provides comfort, but is also equipped with two internet navigation buttons and a DPI switch for changing resolution (800, 1200, or 1600 DPI). You can work on any surface with improved accuracy, speed, and reliability with its advanced laser sensor technology. The operating system this keyboard supports are Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly
- Excellent RF technology
- Natural ergonomic shape and split key design
- Adjustable DPI switch
- Advanced laser technology
Cons
- Keys are slightly smaller as compared to keys on other keyboards
- Batteries are not reliable
Final Verdict
If you want to switch from your traditional keyboard and try an ergonomic keyboard for the first time, then we would suggest the wireless Adesso WKB-1500GB. This ergonomic keyboard and its laser mouse will surely enhance your typing experience and you will find it worth the investment.
Kodak TruForm 1150 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
The last ergo keyboard we have on this list is the Kodak TruForm 1150 wireless ergonomic keyboard. The best thing about this keyboard is its compact size which helps you save space while working. Its 2.4 GHz wireless technology can work for up to 30 feet. The keyboard has an ergonomic contour design with split keys. The mini layout of the keyboard is made up of 87 keys.
The vertical ergonomic mouse has a DPI switch for changing resolution. The keyboard and mouse combination, along with the help of the integrated palm rest, encourages your fingers, wrists, and hands to stay in a natural position for maximum comfort. The TruForm 1150 requires Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating system to work.
Pros
- It is one of the cheapest ergonomic keyboards with built-in mouse available in the market
- The size is super small, helping you save a lot of space
- Advanced wireless technology
- Adjustable DPI switch
Cons
- The keys start to get stuck after some time
- There is no grip on the mouse
Final Verdict
The Kodak TruForm 1150 ergonomic keyboard is a good option if you’re buying an ergonomic keyboard for the first time – it will help you get a grasp on these types of keyboards.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Ergonomic Keyboard with Built-in Mouse
Choosing the best ergonomic keyboard can be a challenge but, if you know exactly what your needs and requirements are, you can make it very easy for yourself. Some of them have been designed with a focus on angles, while some of them have been made with a focus on padding; hence, it is clear that they’re all not the same. Let’s have a look at some things you need to consider before making a decision:
Shape
Ergonomic keyboards are specifically designed to fit the curve and the posture of the human body. We have already discussed the three main categories of these. Now make sure you select the perfect shape for yourself.
Corded or Wireless
If we talk about the options of how ergonomic keyboards can be set up, there are only two possibilities: you can opt for either a corded or a wireless model. The wireless ergonomic keyboards require battery changes and need to be placed close for the sensor to function, but they will provide you with better flexibility to move around with. Whereas, corded ergonomic keyboards usually have a stronger connection and never need their batteries to be changed or charged, but they lack flexibility.
Adjustability
The key thing to consider when choosing an ergonomic keyboard is how adjustable it is to fit your requirements. Whether you want to adjust the sections to suit your natural arm and body posture or change the height of the keyboard, a good ergonomic keyboard should allow you to do so.
Padding
The chief purpose of ergonomic keyboards is to provide comfort, so their padding is designed to help elevate your wrist to a better position – thus acting as a comfortable support while you are typing. They are usually made of rubber or foam covered in leather; you might find other options as well, but these are the preferred ones.
Keyboard Style
All ergonomic keyboards have their own unique layout of the keys and separate numerical pads. A few of them come with the standard keyboard layout. This decision rests solely on your needs.
Recommendation
Although we have listed five of the best ergonomic keyboards with a built-in mouse that are available in the market, the Logitech MK500 ergonomic keyboard stands out; it is a complete package that helps you increase your productivity. Logitech mostly uses the curved layout for their keyboards, as it has been found to be the most effective. The integrated palm rest supports your wrists and hands, whereas the durable battery increases your work time. Hence, if you are looking for a good keyboard to help you out, you must give the Logitech MK550 ergonomic keyboard a try.
Final Words
Once you start typing on ergonomic keyboards, you will find that you can never go back to the standard keyboards again. Now, you can do your work more efficiently and comfortably. In this article, we have provided you with 5 best ergonomic keyboards with a built-in mouse, along with the features you should consider before purchasing one. We are confident that you can now pick the keyboard that suits your preferences the best. With a worthy investment, you can make typing far more efficient and enjoyable than ever before and can completely change the way you work.
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