Top 10 Best Keyboard Wrist Rests in 2021 (HyperX, Kensington, and More)

Here are the top 10 best keyboard wrist rests for a variety of keyboards, based on customer reviews. There are foam and gel options as well as some other materials that provide unique comfort and support.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Even if you don't currently suffer from wrist pain, getting a wrist rest for your computer is an investment in your long-term health. If you're a gamer or spend your workday in front of a screen, it's even more important!

When choosing a wrist rest, keep ergonomic practices in mind and pick one that matches the size and slope of your keyboard. Whether you want memory foam, gel, or another material is up to personal preference. Whichever you choose, your wrists will surely appreciate it!

Author: Melissa Jong

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