10 Best Keyboard Wrist Rests in 2022 (HyperX, Kensington, and More)
Computers are an inescapable part of our daily life, whether for work, gaming, or art. But without the proper equipment, long-term use can put excessive strain on our wrists, leading to soreness, pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. A keyboard wrist rest is an important part of an ergonomic computer setup that can help prevent future wrist injuries and alleviate current aches and pains.
HyperX's Wrist Rest combines memory foam with gel for cushioned support that's cooling against the skin. Plus, its simple design can work with a variety of keyboards. Read on to see the rest of our top 10 keyboard wrist rests and find the right one for you! And if you're not sure how to choose, our buying guide is full of information about sizes, materials, and other things to consider.
Quick List - Top Keyboard Wrist Rests
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How to Choose Keyboard Wrist Rests
As you can see in our list above, there's quite a range of keyboard wrist rests available! When making your decision, you'll want to consider your keyboard's size and shape as well as how the wrist rest's material affects its comfort and durability.
Pick a Wrist Rest That Matches Your Keyboard's Size
For the best support, look for a wrist rest that matches your keyboard's height, width, and slope. This will ensure that your wrists remain at an ideal angle and that you have support regardless of what part of the keyboard you’re using.
Standard keyboards are typically around 18 inches long. Laptop users will likely want to find a wrist rest that’s shorter and slimmer than the standard length. On the other hand, mechanical keyboard users may need one that’s a bit taller.
If you use a 60 percent keyboard, look for a compact wrist rest that works with the keyboard’s shorter length. A wrist rest that’s too long for the keyboard might get in the way of your mouse and mousepad, so it’s best to find one that’s just the right size.
Choose a Comfortable, Supportive Material
Keyboard wrist rests come in a variety of supportive materials. The two most common are foam and gel, but you can also find wooden and bead-filled wrist rests. All of these materials are supportive, so choose whichever one you find the most comfortable!
Foam is More Cushioned
Compared to gel, foam wrist rests are squishier and let your hands sink in more. They tend to absorb body heat and warm up as you use them, which can be uncomfortable for some people. However, they retain their original shape well and will bounce back when not in use.
Gel Has a Cooling Effect
Gel wrist rests provide firmer support than foam. One thing people like about them is that they have a cooling effect due to the gel, so they’re a good option for people who tend to feel hot. You can also find wrist rests containing a combination of foam and gel, giving you the cooling effect of gel with the softness of foam.
Other Materials are Less Common
In addition to foam and gel-filled wrist rests, you can also find some that are filled with microbeads or made of wood. Microbead wrist rests feel like bean bags and are quite flexible and malleable. On the opposite end of the spectrum, wood creates an elevated hard surface and is very durable.
Consider the Exterior Material
In addition to the supportive material inside the wrist rest, you should consider the outer shell too. Most commonly, you’ll see wrist rests covered in a synthetic fabric that’s soft and smooth. They tend to be fairly breathable and can come in a range of colors and prints.
Make sure the fabric is secured tightly around the inner material since excess fabric could bunch up under your hands and create discomfort. You can also find leather or faux leather wrist rests that have a more sophisticated look. They tend to be less breathable than fabric but hold up better to wear and tear.
Some gel wrist rests are covered in clear plastic and look translucent. Plastic is the least breathable material and tends to feel sticky to the touch, which some people don’t like. However, if you don’t sweat easily and prefer some grip between your palms and the rest, plastic might be a good option.
Look for a Non-Slip Bottom
The position of your wrist rest is important, so you want to find one that won’t slide around as you use it. If you’re buying a fabric-covered, wooden, or bead-filled wrist rest, take a look at the bottom to make sure it has some sort of non-slip design.
Most wrist rests have a textured rubbery base or rubber feet for this purpose. If you’re buying a plastic-covered translucent gel wrist rest, you likely won’t need any extra grip since the exterior material is naturally sticky.
Think About Durability and Longevity
If you want your keyboard wrist rest to last a long time, look for one that’s both well constructed and easy to clean. If the wrist rest has a fabric cover, try to find one that’s stitched down around the edges to prevent fraying.
Fabric and foam tend to absorb sweat and odors. While some wrist rests have removable covers, foam is generally not washing-machine friendly.
If you think that sweat and odor may be an issue for you, it may be better to choose a different material like gel or microbeads, which aren’t as absorbent. Plastic, leather, faux leather, and wood are also non-absorbent and easy to wipe clean.
Decide if You Need a Wrist Rest for Your Mouse
If you’re often switching between typing and using a mouse, you may also want to invest in a wrist rest for your mouse. There are plenty of two-packs that come with both a keyboard and mouse rest. Some even have a mousepad with a built-in wrist rest.
Buying these items together can help ensure that your wrists get the same amount of support regardless of what computer activity you’re engaged in.
10 Best Keyboard Wrist Rests Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | HyperX Wrist Rest | | A Combination of Foam and Gel for Ultimate Comfort | |
2 | iCasso Keyboard Wrist Rest and Mouse Wrist Rest Pad | | Patterned Wrist Rests for a Stylish Look | |
3 | Kensington Duo Gel Mouse & Keyboard Wrist Rest Bundle | | Non-Slip Gel Wrist Rest With Ventilation | |
4 | Gimars Wrist Support Set | | Memory Foam Provides Soft Support | |
5 | Logitech MX Palm Rest | | A Low-Profile Wrist Rest for Thin Keyboards | |
6 | Glorious Gaming Compact Wooden Wrist Rest | | Sleek Solid Wood for Work or Gaming | |
7 | 3M Gel Wrist Rest for Keyboards｜WR308BH | | Give Your Wrists a Much Needed Break | |
8 | Castle Bailey Tenkeyless | | Firm Support With Long-Lasting Leather | |
9 | Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest Pro | | An Angled Wrist Wrest With Cooling Technology | |
10 | ErgaComfort Ergonomic Keyboard Wrist Rest | | Machine-Washable Rest Filled With Microbeads |
A Combination of Foam and Gel for Ultimate Comfort
This wrist rest from HyperX combines a memory foam core with a cooling gel layer to provide comfort and support for your typing and gaming needs. Stitching along the outer edge means the fabric won't fray, while texturized rubber on the bottom prevents slipping. At 18 inches long, it's ideal for full-sized keyboards.
While the majority of reviewers agreed that this wrist rest is super comfortable, some found that the fabric covering tends to snag, pill, or loosen over time. Still, most reviewers praised how soft and supportive it is. They added that the gel really works, saying the wrist rest feels cool to the touch even after hours of use!
Patterned Wrist Rests for a Stylish Look
Decorate your desk and prevent wrist pain with this set from iCasso. It features a memory foam interior and soft neoprene exterior printed with a range of stylish patterns. The curved ergonomic design of the keyboard rest helps keep your hands level, and the matching mousepad helps support you through all tasks.
A few reviewers warned of a chemical smell, while others said the keyboard rest can move around. On the other hand, the majority of reviewers found both pieces comfortable and soft. They were big fans of the printed patterns, which they described as stylish yet professional.
KensingtonDuo Gel Mouse & Keyboard Wrist Rest Bundle
Non-Slip Gel Wrist Rest With Ventilation
If you prefer the firm support of a gel wrist rest, this one from Kensington is an excellent option. It's molded to fit the natural curve of your wrists and has ventilation channels to prevent sweating and stickiness. Non-skid backing keeps it securely in place, and the soft exterior finish is a breeze to clean.
A couple of reviewers complained that the gel started leaking out. A few others didn't like that the wrist rest gets narrower in the middle. However, most reviewers were pleased with its support and comfort. They said the gel keeps their wrists cool, and it stays securely in place on their desk.
Memory Foam Provides Soft Support
This wrist rest set from Gimars is made from memory foam to provide cushioned support for your wrists. The Lycra exterior is soft, smooth, and easy to wipe clean, and the rubber base helps prevent slipping. The keyboard wrist rest measures 17 inches long, which should fit most computers.
While a few reviewers complained of an unpleasant chemical smell, most reviewers were pleased with how comfortable this set is. They said they noticed a difference in their wrist pain and said the rest helps minimize strain from daily use. A few gamers commented that this wrist rest worked well for their needs too.
A Low-Profile Wrist Rest for Thin Keyboards
At just 0.3 inches tall, Logitech's MX Palm Rest works with thin keyboards. Memory foam provides cushioning, while the exterior surface is stain-resistant and smooth to the touch. The low-profile design is sleek and unobtrusive.
Some reviewers said this wrist rest tends to slide around, while others warned of an uncomfortable ridge around the edge. On the other hand, many found it to be the perfect companion for thin keyboards, including the MX keyboard, Apple keyboards, and more. They reported that their wrists felt less strained after using it, too.
Sleek Solid Wood for Work or Gaming
If you're looking for something a bit different, this wrist rest from Glorious Gaming is made from white ash hardwood rather than gel or foam. It has rubber feet to prevent sliding and a smooth protective coat that resists oils and sweat. It comes in three sizes to fit any keyboard: compact, tenkeyless, and full size.
Some reviewers noted that the surface of this wrist rest shows wear and tear after some use. But for the most part, reviewers loved its look and feel. Even those who were skeptical about wood found it to be super comfortable. And they appreciated that it's solidly made and doesn't slide around.
Give Your Wrists a Much Needed Break
The standard gel wrist rest goes tropical with a beachy design that's both beautiful and calming. The interior is filled with gel to help keep your wrists in a neutral position, and there's a non-skid base to keep it in place. The smooth surface means it's easy to wipe clean. Plus, it comes with a one-year warranty!
A handful of reviewers said their wrist rest began to degrade over time and leak. On the other hand, many reviewers said it's soft and supportive with a nice cooling effect. Many reviewers liked using it for work, both at home and in the office.
Firm Support With Long-Lasting Leather
Castle's Bailey Tenkeyeless wrist rest is made to last, with a cowhide leather exterior that will relax and soften with age and use. The double stitching on the seams improves durability, and a rubberized textured base prevents slippage. Choose from three colors and three sizes to fit your keyboard.
A few reviewers had issues with the texture of the leather, while others said the wrist rest doesn't lie flat. The manufacturer notes that it will flatten as the leather breaks in. Overall, reviewers said this wrist rest is well made and sturdy with good heft. Many liked the firm support it provides.
An Angled Wrist Wrest With Cooling Technology
This wrist rest from Razer works with most standard-sized keyboards and has a slight incline for optimal support. It features a memory foam interior that's infused with gel and wrapped in a heat-transfer fabric. This design will keep you cool through hours of typing or gaming.
A handful of reviewers complained that the fabric covering began to wrinkle. Still, many reviewers found it comfortable and supportive. They were pleased to report that their arms didn't stick to the surface and said that the wrist rest really does stay cool during prolonged use.
Machine-Washable Rest Filled With Microbeads
This wrist rest is like a beanbag for your wrists! It's filled with microbeads that provide cushioned support by conforming to the shape of your wrist. The exterior is a soft microfleece that won't get hot or sticky, and you can throw the whole thing in the washing machine to clean it.
Some reviewers found the amount of stuffing inconsistent, although many were able to get a new one from customer support with more or less stuffing to fit their needs. Overall, reviewers agreed that it's super soft and comfortable and said it provides a good amount of support.
Ergonomic Keyboard Wrist Rest Tips
To get the most out of your wrist rest, it’s important to make sure you’re using it correctly. One common mistake people make is thinking that a wrist rest is meant to rest their wrists on while they type.
Despite the name, this is actually not the case! When typing, your hands and wrists should hover above the keyboard in a straight line with your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
When resting, the fleshy part at the bottom of your palm should sit on the wrist rest, allowing your shoulders and arms to relax between typing. Remember, the goal is to keep your wrists as straight as possible at all times.
More Tools to Set Yourself Up for Success
In order to do your best work, you should feel your best! Make sure you have a comfortable and ergonomic work or gaming space with more of our favorite desk accessories below.
Top 5 Keyboard Wrist Rests
No. 1: HyperX｜Wrist Rest
No. 2: iCasso｜Keyboard Wrist Rest and Mouse Wrist Rest Pad
No. 3: Kensington｜Duo Gel Mouse & Keyboard Wrist Rest Bundle
No. 4: Gimars｜Wrist Support Set
No. 5: Logitech｜MX Palm Rest
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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