Best Keyboard Wrist Rest 2023

Do You Need a Keyboard Wrist Rest?

Ultimately a keyboard wrist rest is only worthwhile if it facilitates a correct, neutral typing posture beyond which you can achieve by other, cheaper, means. If you are able to work comfortably for lengthy periods whilst experiencing no discomfort, then a keyboard wrist rest would not only be superfluous, but possibly could be detrimental to your health as it might lead to you adopting a wrist alignment that’s worse for you than your current one.

Even if your current typing posture is causing you issues, the first port of call is to make sure you are doing everything else right before buying anything. Is your chair set up correctly to offer sufficient lumber and neck support? Are the heights of the chair and the arm rests set up as best they can be to reduce the pressure on your wrists, whilst enabling you to look at your computer screen without straining your neck? (Also consider modifying the height of your monitor itself).

As is often the case, the best way to see if a Keyboard Wrist Rest is right for you is to try some out for a day. Even if the ones you test are different models/size/shapes to what suit you, you should be able to get an idea as to whether some sort of wrist rest (just flatter/more angled/raised/lowered) might help you or not.

You may find that an ergonomic keyboard is a better solution for you and your needs, similarly an ergonomic mouse, or perhaps a gaming chair with full posture support. Whilst gaming chairs in particular can be pricey, really you are investing in your future health. I’m a fairly frugal individual, some might say a skinflint, a penny-pincher, or even a miser, but even I’d rather splash out several hundred dollars now than spend many more times this on physiotherapy when I’m older to rescue my ruined back!

Things To Consider

Dimensions & Aesthetics

The size and shape of a keyboard wrist rest determines both how supportive it is and also how it looks on your desk. Differing heights and angles support your wrist differently, and suit different keyboard types, seating postures, and body types. You may also want to get a wrist rest that matches the dimensions of your keyboard. Beyond its size, the colour of the wrist rest and generally how it looks might be of concern to you, if you’ve spent a lot of money on a nice looking computer and desk.

Materials

The two main types of material used to build the cushioned part of keyboard wrist rests are gel or foam (either memory foam or standard). There is often (though not always) a covering of a different material over the top of the cushion, which may or may not be detachable. The materials used to construct the wrist rest typically have a big influence on many of the other considerations listed below. More subjectively, different people like the feel of different materials on their skin.

Grip

Different materials obviously have different levels of grip and some can become slippery when sweaty. Some wrist rests come with anti-slip designs/textures on to prevent this from happening even on easy-wipe materials. Additionally the grip between the wrist rest and the desk must also be considered.

Ease Of Cleaning

Generally foam and fabric wrist rests suffer in this area compared to gel, unless they have covers with easily wipeable materials, or those which can be removed and washed. If you’re cursed with sweatier hands/wrists or are just working in a hot environment then this is something that should be considered.

How Easily It Warms Up

Related to the above, some wrist rests are cooler than others and this is chiefly governed by the material they’re made out of (how breathable it is etc.) foam rests tend to be prone to heating up for example, though there are exceptions to this. The design of the product also factors into cooling: some wrist rests come with ventilation channels and other design features to maximise breathability and cooling when resting against your skin.

Durability

The material and build quality both factor in how long your wrist rest will last before you have to throw it out. If it’s not easily cleanable and suffers from a build up of absorbed sweat and grime then you may end up having to bin your wrist rest earlier than you’d like when it starts to turn sour. Conversely, if you can remove and wash the cover of your wrist rest, this might lead to it wearing out over time with repeated washings.

Additional Mouse Wrist Wrest?

Some Keyboard wrist rests come bundled with mouse wrist rests as well. If you’re looking to pick up both then a matching design or bigger overall saving might sway you to pick up a keyboard wrist rest with a mouse rest included.

How We Choose

In all our “best of” lists we generally try and pick a selection that covers all needs and budgets. Even for a product like keyboard wrist rests, there are many different types and models and variations available on the market for different price points – our job is to do all the digging so you don’t have to.

For each product we list we go through and compare the specifications of each product, look at customer reviews, and test the products ourselves. We list the pros and cons of each product and any points we think are notably about them.

At WePC all of our reviews are completely impartial and independent. As genuine computer and gaming enthusiasts we strive to always recommend the best products for your needs and budgets, not just the product that costs the most!