Keyboards, Mice & Trays: The Complete Buying Guide

On this page (11 sections)

1. How do you choose an ergonomic keyboard mouse setup?
2. What are the different types of computer keyboards?
3. Which keyboard type should you choose?
4. What are the different types of computer mice?
5. How should you choose an ergonomic mouse for a computer?
6. Wired or wireless: which connection suits your desk?
7. How do you choose a keyboard tray?
8. Do you need a keyboard wrist rest?
9. How should you set up the keyboard and mouse?
10. Explore keyboards, mice & trays by topic
11. Which ergonomic keyboard mouse setup fits you?

The best ergonomic keyboard mouse setup starts with how your hands actually work through a normal day. You need to think about hand position, typing style and desk height before you look at any single product.

A keyboard that looks ideal in a photo can still feel awkward if it pushes your mouse too far away. A mouse that feels perfect on its own can still cause reaching if the keyboard is too wide for your desk.

Start with the keyboard shape because it sets the width of your whole setup. A familiar full-size layout gives you a number pad and dedicated keys, while a compact layout frees space close to your body.

A split or wave-shaped keyboard changes wrist and forearm position in a different way. That change may suit one person and feel strange to another, so your typing habits should come first.

Your mouse choice matters just as much as the keyboard shape. The wrong size or orientation can make you reach, twist your forearm or grip harder than you need to.

Desk height also changes how a setup feels. A keyboard and mouse that work while seated may sit too high or too low when you stand at a standing desk.

This guide explains the main types of computer keyboards in plain terms. It also covers types of computer mice, so you can compare shapes before you choose.

You will find notes on keyboard tray choices and the details that make a tray work well. A tray can help with height, but it can also create clearance problems if it is mounted poorly.

The guide compares 4 products that cover the main approaches in one place. Those options include familiar layouts, pronounced ergonomic shapes and wireless combinations for different desks.

Use the comparison to understand trade-offs rather than to chase a single perfect model. Look at width, connection, battery needs and hand orientation for each option.

Think about who each type suits in daily use. A full-size layout suits number-pad work, while a split layout suits people who want more control over spacing.

Think about set-up and care as well as comfort. A wireless combo needs receiver care and battery changes, while a wired setup needs cable management.

The aim is a setup that keeps your wrists relaxed without crowding your work surface. That balance depends on your hands, your desk and the tasks you repeat most often.

How do you choose an ergonomic keyboard mouse setup?

Choose an ergonomic keyboard mouse setup by checking keyboard shape, mouse movement, connection method and desk height together. A keyboard that feels good on its own may still leave too little room for the mouse or place your elbows too far from your sides.

Start with your typing needs. A full-size keyboard gives you a number pad and a familiar layout.

A compact keyboard can bring the mouse closer to your body. A split keyboard changes the angle and spacing of the key sections.

Next, look at your mouse hand. A right-handed contoured mouse may feel natural for one user, while a vertical mouse or trackball may better suit another.

The goal is not to choose the most unusual shape. It is to reduce the movements that bother you during normal work.

Finally, match the equipment to your desk. A standing desk may need a tray or surface position that changes with the desk height.

See our best keyboards for standing desks for options suited to that setup.

Your wrists should stay as neutral as possible when you type, and your mouse should sit close enough that your upper arm can remain near your body.

For a setup with separate devices, compare this guide to our split ergonomic keyboard and mouse advice. If you want fewer cables, our guide to an ergonomic keyboard and mouse wired setup explains the trade-offs.

What are the different types of computer keyboards?

The main types of computer keyboards are full-size, compact, split, wave-shaped, mechanical, membrane and low-profile designs. These categories can overlap, so a keyboard may be both wireless and split, or both compact and wave-shaped.

Full-size keyboards

A full-size keyboard includes the familiar letter keys, function row, navigation keys and number pad. It suits spreadsheet work, data entry and anyone who wants a traditional layout.

The trade-off is width. A wide keyboard can push the mouse farther away, especially on a narrow desk.

If your shoulder reaches outward to use the mouse, a smaller layout may fit better.

Compact keyboards

Compact keyboards remove or combine some keys to reduce width. That can make it easier to keep the mouse close to your body.

Check which keys are missing or moved before choosing one. A compact layout can save space, but it may slow you down if you regularly use a number pad or dedicated navigation keys.

Split ergonomic keyboards

Split keyboards change the relationship between the left and right key sections. Some are separated into two physical pieces, while others use a single curved or split frame.

Our guide to ergonomic keyboard types explains the main designs. A split layout may suit people who want more control over shoulder width and wrist angle, but it can take time to learn.

Wave-shaped keyboards

Wave keyboards use a curved or wavy key arrangement rather than a straight row. This design can make the hand position feel less rigid while keeping the keys in one connected unit.

The Logitech Wave Keys MK670 combines a wave-shaped keyboard with a mouse. Its compact keyboard is designed to bring the mouse closer to the body, and its cushioned palm rest supports the hands during typing.

Mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards use individual switches beneath the keys. Switch type changes the sound, key feel and force needed for each press.

Some mechanical keyboards are designed for speed or gaming rather than relaxed office posture. Look for a shape, height and wrist position that suit your desk before focusing on switch style.

See our best ergonomic mechanical keyboard guide if you want an ergonomic design with mechanical switches.

Membrane keyboards

Membrane keyboards use a shared pressure layer beneath the keys. They are common in office keyboard and mouse combos and can offer a quieter, familiar typing feel.

The Logitech Wave Keys MK670 and ULSOU combo use membrane keyboard designs. That makes them reasonable options if you prefer a connected, office-style keyboard instead of separate mechanical switches.

Which keyboard type should you choose?

Choose a full-size keyboard for number-pad work, a compact keyboard for closer mouse placement, a split keyboard for more control over hand spacing, and a wave keyboard for a gentler change from a traditional layout.

The Logitech MK345 is the most familiar choice in this group. Its full-size QWERTY keyboard has 104 keys, an integrated palm rest and media keys.

It connects through a single included USB-A Nano Receiver, and the combo includes a right-handed mouse.

The Logitech Ergo K860 takes a more pronounced ergonomic approach. Its curved split keyframe, pillowed wrist rest and adjustable palm lift are designed to change wrist and forearm position.

It has a full-size QWERTY layout with 78 buttons and supports Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

The K860 supports Windows, macOS, Linux and Chrome OS. Its tilt legs offer 0, -4 and -7 degree positions, so you can adjust the angle while seated or standing.

For a wireless keyboard without a bundled mouse, compare our guide to the best wireless ergonomic keyboards. If you want a more pronounced split design, see the best split ergonomic keyboards.

What are the different types of computer mice?

The main types of computer mice are standard optical, vertical, trackball, ergonomic contoured and compact travel mice. The right type depends on whether you want to move your whole arm, rotate your forearm less or keep the mouse in one place.

Standard optical mice

An optical mouse uses a sensor to detect movement across a surface. It is the most familiar style and usually works well for general office tasks.

The Logitech MK345 includes a compact right-handed optical mouse with a contoured shape. It is suited to buyers who want a simple keyboard and mouse set with a familiar control style.

Contoured ergonomic mice

A contoured mouse follows the shape of the hand more closely than a flat travel mouse. It can offer a fuller grip, but the ideal shape depends on hand size and whether you use your left or right hand.

The Logitech Wave Keys MK670 includes an ambidextrous full-size Signature M550 L mouse. Its contoured shape and rubber side grip are intended for medium- to large-sized hands.

Vertical mice

A vertical mouse places the hand in a more upright position. Compare Logitech MX Vertical vs Lift if you are choosing between those models.

This can change how your forearm rotates while you work.

A vertical shape is not automatically better for every hand. Check button reach and pointer control, then pair it with a keyboard that does not force your shoulders wide.

Read our guide to a vertical mouse and keyboard setup before combining separate devices.

You can also compare best ergonomic keyboard and vertical mouse combos if you want a matched pairing.

Trackball mice

A trackball mouse stays in place while your fingers or thumb move the ball. It can reduce the need to slide the mouse across the desk.

Trackballs vary by ball location and hand position. A thumb-controlled model may feel familiar to some right-handed users, while a finger-controlled design may suit a different grip.

Our guide to the best trackball ergonomic mouse covers that choice.

For a keyboard and trackball pairing, see how to choose a keyboard and trackball mouse combo.

Wireless mouse combos

A wireless combo can simplify a small desk because one receiver may connect both devices. Check the receiver location before setup.

The ULSOU Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo uses one 2.4 GHz USB receiver for both the keyboard and mouse. The receiver is located on the back of the mouse, and the combo uses a full-size wave keyboard with a wrist rest.

The ULSOU keyboard requires 1 AA battery and the mouse requires 1 AA battery. The batteries are not included.

Its automatic power-saving function puts the keyboard to sleep after 30 seconds of inactivity and the mouse after 15 minutes.

The Logitech MK345 uses 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity with a range of up to 10 meters. Its keyboard battery life is up to 3 years and its mouse battery life is 18 months, with batteries included.

How should you choose an ergonomic mouse for a computer?

Choose an ergonomic mouse for a computer by checking hand size, hand orientation, pointer movement and button reach. A shape that supports your palm can still be uncomfortable if your fingers must stretch for the buttons.

Measure your hand from the wrist crease to the tip of your middle finger. Then compare that length with the mouse shape and size information available for the model you are considering.

Think about movement as well. If you have plenty of desk space, a standard or contoured optical mouse may be enough.

If you want to reduce desk travel, consider a trackball. If you want a more upright grip, compare vertical models.

Our guide to an ergonomic mouse for computer use covers the main selection points. For a shape-based comparison, see which type of ergonomic mouse fits your hand.

If you already prefer a vertical design, review the best vertical ergonomic mouse options. For a Logitech K860 setup, our guide to the best mice to pair with the Logitech ERGO K860 focuses on matching the keyboard with a separate mouse.

Wired or wireless: which connection suits your desk?

Choose wireless when you want a clear desktop and flexible device placement through the day. Choose wired when you prefer a direct connection and do not want to manage batteries or a receiver.

Wireless models can use Bluetooth, a USB receiver or both connection methods. Bluetooth may help when you move between compatible devices such as a laptop and a tablet.

A USB receiver can be simpler for a fixed desktop because pairing is often quick. You still need to protect the small receiver when traveling or changing computers.

Check where the receiver is stored before you buy a combo. Some receivers sit inside the mouse under the battery cover, while others are attached in the packaging.

The Logitech Ergo K860 supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity for different desks. That dual option can suit a person who uses more than one computer during the week.

The Logitech Wave Keys MK670 supports Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver for connection choice. Its Easy-Switch function can toggle between a PC, tablet and phone during work.

That switching helps when you read on a tablet and type on a desktop in the same session. It also reduces the need to carry a separate keyboard for a second device.

The ULSOU combo uses a 2.4 GHz USB receiver for its keyboard and mouse. Its keyboard and mouse can connect together through the receiver or be used separately at times.

Separate use can help if you want to move only the mouse to another place. It can also make fault finding easier when one device needs a new battery.

Battery care is the main trade-off with wireless equipment in daily use. Long battery life reduces the chore, but you still need spare batteries and a plan for low power warnings.

Wired equipment avoids that chore and keeps working when batteries run flat. The trade-off is cable clutter, less freedom to move the keyboard and a fixed reach from the computer.

Consider roaming with your keyboard for meetings or a standing desk position. Wireless placement lets you angle the keyboard for each position without dragging a cable across the desk.

Consider a fixed office desk with one computer and limited movement. A wired model may be simpler there because you set it once and leave it in place.

Check operating system support before you choose, especially for extra keys and shortcuts. A keyboard may connect well but still need software for custom functions on your system.

For a cable-free setup, compare the best wireless ergonomic keyboard and mouse options. If you use Logitech products, our Logitech ERGO K860 review and guide to using Logitech Wave Keys and Lift together may help with device planning.

How do you choose a keyboard tray?

Choose a keyboard tray by checking usable width, height adjustment, tilt, mounting clearance and mouse support. The tray should let the keyboard sit close enough that your elbows remain near your sides.

Measure the keyboard before buying the tray. A full-size model with an integrated palm rest needs more depth than a compact keyboard.

If you use a separate mouse, check whether the tray has room for it or whether the mouse will stay on the desktop.

An under-desk tray can help when the desktop is too high for comfortable typing. It can also free surface space for monitors, notebooks or other equipment.

The trade-off is clearance. Check the desk frame, drawers, cable paths and legroom before mounting anything.

A tray that sits too low can interfere with your knees, while one that sits too far back can make you reach.

Compare the best under-desk keyboard trays for mounting styles and adjustment features. If you switch between sitting and standing, confirm that the tray moves with the desk or that the tray height remains usable in both positions.

Do you need a keyboard wrist rest?

You may need a keyboard wrist rest if the keyboard height or edge causes pressure during typing. A wrist rest should support the heel of your hands without forcing your wrists sharply upward.

Pressure often builds over long typing sessions rather than in the first few minutes. A rest can help when the front edge of the keyboard digs into the base of your hands.

The Logitech Ergo K860 includes a pillowed wrist rest with a memory foam layer for support. Its curved design is part of the keyboard rather than a separate accessory you add later.

An integrated rest keeps the width matched to the keyboard and avoids gaps at the corners. It also moves with the keyboard when you change position at a standing desk.

For a flat keyboard, measure the front edge and choose a rest that matches the keyboard width. A rest that is too short can leave one hand unsupported, while a long one can crowd the mouse.

Avoid using a thick rest to compensate for a keyboard that is already too high. Extra height can bend the wrist upward and create the problem you meant to solve.

A wrist rest is not a replacement for correct desk height in any setup. Adjust the chair, desk or tray first, then use the rest for light support rather than leaning heavily into it.

Leaning heavily into a rest can still strain the wrist during long sessions. Try to keep your hands floating lightly over the keys and let the rest catch occasional contact.

Think about material as well as shape for daily comfort and easy care. Memory foam can feel soft at first, but a cover that wipes clean is easier to keep fresh.

Check how the rest affects mouse placement on a narrow desk. A deep rest can push the mouse farther from the keyboard and encourage a wider reach with the shoulder.

See our guide to the best keyboard wrist rest for separate options. A mouse pad with a wrist rest can also change the height relationship between your keyboard and mouse, so compare the best ergonomic mouse pads with wrist rests before adding one.

How should you set up the keyboard and mouse?

Set up the keyboard and mouse so your elbows stay near your sides and your wrists remain as straight as possible. Place the keyboard directly in front of you, then position the mouse close to its right or left edge.

Keep the most-used keys within easy reach during normal typing. If you use a number pad often, a full-size keyboard may be worth the extra width it adds.

If you rarely use it, a compact keyboard may give your mouse more room. That extra room can reduce the reach that strains your shoulder on a small desk.

Set the keyboard angle carefully before you settle into long work sessions. A steep rear lift can bend the wrists upward and make typing harder over time.

A split or wave keyboard may already have a shape that changes how the keys meet your fingers, so start with a neutral position. Add tilt slowly and watch how your hands respond.

Place the mouse at the same general height as the keyboard for smooth movement. Avoid putting it on a lower shelf or a distant part of the desk unless the movement feels natural and controlled.

When using a standing desk, adjust the keyboard and mouse with the desk height. A comfortable seated position may be too low or high when you stand, so check both positions before saving your preferred desk height.

Explore keyboards, mice & trays by topic

• Best Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse Combos

Use this list as a starting point for comparing shapes, connections and desk fit. Check hand orientation, battery needs and tray clearance before you choose a combo for daily work.

Which ergonomic keyboard mouse setup fits you?

The best choice depends on the trade-off you want to make.

Choose the Logitech MK345 if you want a familiar full-size keyboard, a number pad, media keys and a right-handed mouse in one wireless combo.

Choose the Logitech Ergo K860 if you want a curved split keyboard, pillowed wrist rest, adjustable palm lift and Bluetooth or USB connection.

Choose the Logitech Wave Keys MK670 if you want a wave-shaped keyboard, cushioned palm rest, compact footprint and a bundled mouse for medium- to large-sized hands.

Choose the ULSOU combo if you want a full-size wave keyboard, wrist rest, one 2.4 GHz receiver and automatic power saving, while accepting that its 2 AA batteries are not included.

The right ergonomic keyboard mouse setup is the one that keeps your most-used controls close, fits your desk and supports the way you work. Start with the keyboard shape, then choose the mouse and tray around your actual reach rather than buying each item separately.

Our score for products in this guide weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against the needs of the searcher. Check the exact connection, operating system support and physical fit before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best ergonomic keyboard mouse setup?

The best ergonomic keyboard mouse setup depends on how you type, how you hold your mouse and how much desk space you have. A split or wave keyboard can change wrist and shoulder position, while a vertical, trackball or contoured mouse changes hand movement.

Choose the combination that fits your posture and daily tasks.

Should a keyboard tray be flat or adjustable?

An adjustable keyboard tray is usually more flexible because you can change its height, tilt and distance from your body. A flat tray can work when your desk already places your elbows near 90 degrees.

Check clearance, mounting depth and the tray's usable width before buying.

Are wireless keyboard and mouse combos good for work?

Wireless keyboard and mouse combos can suit work when you want fewer cables and a clear desk. Check the connection method, operating system support, battery type and receiver location.

A wired set may be easier if you want to avoid battery changes or receiver management.