An ergonomic keyboard changes the shape of the board, usually with a split or curved key layout, a palm rest or adjustable tilt. This page compares six that Australians can buy on Amazon, from a wired split board to wireless and compact options. Everything below comes from each product listing, so where a listing is silent we say so.
The first choice is wired or wireless, and the second is a full split or a gentler curve. The sections below start with our overall pick, then work through the others by what they do best.
Best overall: Perixx PERIBOARD-512
Best ergonomic keyboard overall: the Perixx PERIBOARD-512, because the listing words a split key and 3D design with an integrated palm rest, and it has by far the most ratings of any board here.
The listing describes a split key and 3D design that matches natural arm and hand positions, an integrated palm rest, tactile keystrokes and seven multimedia hot keys. It uses a plug and play USB connection with a cable of about 183 cm, and lists Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11. It holds 4.3 stars from 8,101 ratings, far more than any other keyboard on this page.
It suits someone who wants to try a split keyboard without a big commitment, at a desk with a computer that has a spare USB port. The honest catch: it is wired only, the listing title says a full US English layout, and the listing warns that it will take a few days or weeks to get familiar with the layout.
Best backlit split: Arteck Ergonomic Split Keyboard
Best backlit split: the Arteck Ergonomic Split Keyboard, because the listing words a split design, a soft cushioned wrist rest and seven backlight colours.
The Arteck is a wired split board with a lot of comfort features. The listing describes a split design that positions wrists and forearms in a natural, relaxed position, a soft cushioned wrist rest and seven LED backlight colours with three brightness levels. The 1.8 m USB wire plugs straight into the computer, and the box includes a welcome guide and a 24 month warranty. It holds 4.4 stars from 1,210 ratings.
It suits people who type in a dim room and want a wired split keyboard with colour options. The honest catch: it costs more than twice the Perixx PERIBOARD-512, and 1,210 ratings is a much smaller count.
Best wireless split: Logitech Ergo K860
Best wireless split: the Logitech Ergo K860, because the listing words a curved split keyframe, a wrist rest and tilt legs, with a USB receiver or Bluetooth.
The listing describes a curved, split keyframe, a curved wrist rest with a memory foam layer, scooped keys and tilt legs, plus quiet keys, a full size layout and a CAPS LOCK indicator. It says the wrist rest offers 54 per cent more wrist support and 25 per cent less wrist bending compared to a standard keyboard without a palm rest. It connects by USB receiver or Bluetooth and works with Windows and Mac. It holds 4.4 stars from 202 ratings.
It suits an office or home desk where you want a wireless split board and plan to use it with Windows or Mac. The honest catch: the listing says it is certified by United States Ergonomics, which is the maker's claim rather than ours, and only 202 ratings are in so far.
Best for device switching: Logitech Wave Keys
Best for device switching: the Logitech Wave Keys, because the listing words support for your wrists and Easy Switch keys that connect up to three multi OS devices.
The listing for the Graphite Wave Keys is short. It describes support for your wrists, Easy Switch keys for up to three multi OS devices, Bluetooth low energy technology and a Logi Bolt USB receiver. It holds 4.3 stars from 859 ratings, shared with the Off White colour.
It suits people who move between a laptop, a tablet and a phone and want one ergonomic keyboard for all of them. The honest catch: the listing does not describe a split keyframe, so it is a gentler change than the Logitech Ergo K860 or the Perixx PERIBOARD-512.
Best full size backlit wireless: ProtoArc EK01 Plus
Best full size backlit wireless: the ProtoArc EK01 Plus, because the listing words a curved split keyframe, three device switching and a USB C rechargeable battery.
The listing describes a full size layout with a curved, split keyframe and scooped keys, soft white LED backlighting with three brightness levels, and Bluetooth plus 2.4G USB connectivity for up to three devices. The 2000mAh battery charges by USB C, the curved wrist rest is described as giving 54 per cent more support, and four adjustable tilt feet set the board to three different angles. It holds 4.3 stars from 493 ratings.
It suits someone who wants a backlit wireless split board for a laptop, tablet and computer. The honest catch: the listing says the keyboard cannot be connected by wire and the keys cannot be programmed, and the backlight turns off after a minute of inactivity.
Best compact split: Perixx PERIBOARD-524B
Best compact split: the Perixx PERIBOARD-524B, because the listing words a compact TKL layout with up to about 61 cm of separation and an adjustable tilt angle.
The PERIBOARD-524B is the only compact board here. The listing describes a compact TKL design with up to about 61 cm of separation between the halves, curved split keys, adjustable tilt, low profile membrane keys with a long travel distance, and built in multimedia shortcuts. It lists Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 and later, and the box holds the keyboard and a manual. It holds 4.0 stars from 153 ratings.
It suits a small desk where a full size split board will not fit, or someone who rarely uses a number pad. The honest catch: it is wired, it has the lowest rating on this page with only 153 ratings, and the listing notes a firmware update made to solve phantom keys and repeating letters.
How to choose an ergonomic keyboard
Split, curved or standard shape
A split keyboard separates the keys into two halves, and the Perixx PERIBOARD-512, Arteck, Logitech Ergo K860, ProtoArc EK01 Plus and PERIBOARD-524B all describe a split layout. The Logitech Wave Keys is described only as wrist supporting. Split boards ask more of you at first, so a gentler shape suits people who do not want the learning curve.
Wired or wireless
Wired boards, the two Perixx and the Arteck, plug in and need no charging. Wireless boards free the desk of a cable and can switch between devices, but the ProtoArc cannot be connected by wire, and the Logitech listings point to a USB receiver or Bluetooth. Choose what fits your desk and your devices.
Palm rest and tilt
A palm rest or wrist rest is built into the Perixx PERIBOARD-512, Arteck, Logitech Ergo K860 and ProtoArc. The K860 and ProtoArc also list tilt legs or feet, and the PERIBOARD-524B lists an adjustable tilt angle. If your board has no rest, a separate one from our wrist rest guide can help.
Full size or compact
The Logitech Ergo K860 and ProtoArc EK01 Plus listings describe a full size layout, and the Perixx PERIBOARD-512 title says a full US English layout. The PERIBOARD-524B is a compact TKL board, which means no number pad, so it leaves more room for your mouse. Count how often you type numbers before you give that pad up.
Backlight and battery
The Arteck has seven backlight colours and the ProtoArc has soft white backlighting, while the others list none. The ProtoArc has a 2000mAh battery charged by USB C, so a wireless board means one more thing to charge. The listing says its backlight switches itself off to save power.
Layout and getting used to it
The PERIBOARD-512 and PERIBOARD-524B listings say US English layout, so check the key labels you expect before buying. Give any split board a few days or weeks, as the Perixx listing says, before you judge it. Pair a wireless board with a mouse from our wireless mouse guide, or see the mechanical keyboard guide if you want that feel.
Read the rating counts
The Perixx PERIBOARD-512 has 8,101 ratings, while the Logitech Ergo K860 has 202 and the PERIBOARD-524B has 153. A thinner count is a less settled score, so weigh the number of ratings as well as the stars.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ergonomic keyboard in Australia?
For most people it is the Perixx PERIBOARD-512. It is a wired natural split keyboard with an integrated palm rest and plug and play USB, and it has far more ratings than any other ergonomic keyboard on this page. If you want wireless, the Logitech Ergo K860 is the split keyboard to look at.
What is the best wired ergonomic keyboard?
The Perixx PERIBOARD-512 is our pick for a wired board, with a cable of about 183 cm and seven multimedia hot keys. The Arteck adds a cushioned wrist rest and seven backlight colours, and the Perixx PERIBOARD-524B is the compact wired option with a tenkeyless layout.
What is the best ergonomic split keyboard?
The Perixx PERIBOARD-512 is the easiest split keyboard to try, with a split key and 3D design. The Arteck, Logitech Ergo K860 and ProtoArc EK01 Plus are the other split boards here, and the PERIBOARD-524B is the compact one. The Logitech Wave Keys is not described as split.
What is the best wireless ergonomic keyboard?
The Logitech Ergo K860 is the best wireless split here, connecting by USB receiver or Bluetooth. The ProtoArc EK01 Plus adds backlighting and a USB C rechargeable battery, and the Logitech Wave Keys switches between up to three devices. All three are wireless, and the others on this page are wired.
What is the best ergonomic keyboard for work?
For an office desk the Logitech Ergo K860 is the one to choose: the listing describes a curved split keyframe, a wrist rest, quiet keys and a full size layout. The Logitech Wave Keys suits people who move between a laptop, tablet and phone, because it switches between up to three devices.
What is the best ergonomic keyboard for gaming?
None of the six keyboards on this page is described as a gaming keyboard, so we do not recommend one for gaming. The Perixx PERIBOARD-524B has tactile switches and a long key travel according to its listing, and our mechanical keyboard guide covers boards built for gaming.
Is there an ergonomic mechanical keyboard on this list?
No. The PERIBOARD-524B listing describes low profile membrane keys, and the Perixx PERIBOARD-512 listing describes tactile keystrokes. None of the six listings describes mechanical switches. If a mechanical feel matters most, the mechanical keyboard guide linked on this page compares those boards.
What is the best ergonomic keyboard and mouse?
This page picks keyboards only, so we do not name a matched pair. The Logitech Ergo K860 and Logitech Wave Keys are wireless and easy to pair with a wireless mouse. Our wireless mouse guide compares mice, and a wrist rest guide covers extra support.
How long does it take to get used to a split keyboard?
The Perixx PERIBOARD-512 listing says the split layout is different from a traditional desktop keyboard and will take you a few days or weeks to get familiar with. Expect the same from the Arteck, Logitech Ergo K860 and ProtoArc, which also split the key layout.
