This reduces strain and the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The idea is that your hands are supported by the generous wristrests while the fingers do the heavy lifting. These generally have a shorter travel and a lighter action, which can improve typing speeds when you get used to the overall feel.Įrgonomic: Ergonomic keyboards combine traditional keys with a specially shaped form that aims to put each key at the most comfortable position and angle for the finger that you should – with good typing habits – use to press it. The keys tend to have more travel (the distance the key moves before a press is registered), although the action (the weight and feel of the keys) can vary enormously from keyboard to keyboard.Ĭhiclet: These use the flatter “Scrabble-tile” keys introduced with Sony Vaio and Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops.

Traditional: These have old-fashioned, typewriter-style keys above a membrane or mechanical switch.

Keyboards break down into four different styles: The best thing you can do is try a range of types and work out which feels best for you, though that’s easier said than done – unless you have a big PC store nearby. It’s the same with modern, laptop-style chiclet keyboards, mechanical keyboards and just about every other type.

Some people love ergonomic keyboards with split layouts, some hate them. READ NEXT: Best wireless mouse How to choose the best keyboard for you What should you look for in a keyboard?įirst of all, there’s no perfect, best keyboard that will work for every user.

Backlit wireless numeric keypad