There are a few ways you can improve your ergonomics while gaming. One of the simplest solutions is to get a gaming keyboard with a wrist rest. While gaming keyboards are known for implementing as many features as possible, some of them forget about comfort. On this page, I’ll be reviewing and comparing 8 mechanical gaming keyboards with built in wrist rests. Although I have ordered the keyboards, in the end it comes down to your personal preferences!
1. Logitech G513
The G513 is an extremely sleek and thin option from Logitech. This keyboard has a premium memory foam armrest, encased in a soft leatherette sweat-resistant cover. To stay true to the slim design, the keyboard has no additional keys or media keys. The under-key RGB lighting combined with the open-board design gives the G513 a super cool floating key effect.
On top of this, Logitech have clearly put a lot of thought into the memory foam wrist rest. It’s comfortable, sweat proof, and waterproof. It doesn’t actually attach to the keyboard itself, this gives you the freedom to position it how you please. And unlike built-in wrist rests, you can use this other keyboards you own in the future.
Unique to this keyboard is the vast amount of switches to choose from. You have a choice between GX Blues, GX Reds, GX Browns, and Romer-G’s. The Romer-G’s were designed with esports in mind, and are used by multiple pros inside and outside of tournaments. With such a wide range of switches to choose from, the Logitech G513 is suitable for all typing and gaming styles.
The matte black aluminum frame creates a clean inconspicuous design whilst providing a high level of durability. With no G-keys or dedicated media keys, the G513 is the slimmest full-sized keyboard on this list. The G513 is pretty expensive, but if you’re looking for premium comfort above all, then it could be worth the added cost.
Key features:
- Memory foam detached wrist rest
- Relatively compact with no G-keys
- USB port and headphone jack
2. Corsair K95 Platinum
Corsair has a reputation of continually building high-quality gaming peripherals and the K95 Platinum is no exception. The K95 is a mechanical gaming keyboard with 6 extra keys, RGB backlighting, and more importantly, a fully detachable wrist rest. A detachable wrist rest makes the keyboard a lot more portable, as well as easier to keep clean. The wrist rest is also dual-sided giving you two materials to try out.
The choice of switches available for this keyboard are Cherry MX Browns and Cherry MX Speeds. If you are looking to prioritize response time, the MX Speeds act as ultra-fast linear switches. The MX Browns, on the other hand, provide a smooth tactile response. Which you’ll prefer will come down to personal preference.
You have two colors to choose from when buying on Amazon US: Black and Gunmetal Grey. These colors are brushed over an aluminium frame, making the keyboard extremely sturdy and long-lasting. The open board design makes the keyboard easy to clean and provides a cool floating key effect.
My favorite things about the K95 are the 6 additional keys and the fact that you can remove the wrist rest. Extra keys are extremely useful for video editing, MMO gaming, and live streaming. If you value build quality over portability, the K95 Platinum could be the choice for you.
Key features:
- Detachable wrist rest
- 6 additional G-keys
- Dedicated media keys
3. SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
This is the first ‘TKL’ keyboard on the list and is one of the few TKL keyboards with a wrist rest. TKL keyboards have no numpad making them significantly smaller than the standard size. Most people have no use for their numpads, so instead of letting it gather dust, why not remove it!
The Apex Pro is an extremely premium keyboard, built from a thin aluminium alloy frame. It is an extremely open board, having no frame whatsoever. This coupled with the under key RGB lighting makes for an incredibly eye-catching design.
As well as the usual MX Reds, MX Blues, and MX Browns, this keyboard has the option of coming with Omnipoint adjustable switches. These switches can be manually adjusted, allowing the user to customize the travel time by themselves. For example, you could change the switches to be more sensitive for gaming, and less sensitive for typing.
The Apex Pro TKL is also installed with a small OLED display screen. Acting as a control hub for the keyboard, the display lets view your keyboard settings, connect to apps such as Discord and Spotify, and much more. Last but not least, it comes with a magnetic detachable wrist wrest. Using magnets to connect the wrist rest is a simple and practical approach from SteelSeries.
Key features:
- Magnetic wrist rest
- Compact TKL design
- Omnipoint adjustable switches available
4. Cooler Master MK850
The Cooler Master MK850 is a full-sized mechanical keyboard encased in an anodized aluminium frame. Its open design coupled with the RGB backlighting gives a strong illusion of floating keys and an overall futuristic design. The keyboard comes with 5 extra keys on the left, dedicated media keys at the top, and a volume wheel beside them. More importantly, it has a fully detachable cushioned wrist rest.
The MK850 is equipped with the famous Cherry MX Reds. Due to their linear style and low actuation force, MX Reds have become the standard switch for many gaming keyboards. MX Reds act as a medium between the Tactile MX Browns and the linear MX Blacks.
Unique to the MK850 is Cooler Master’s Aimpad technology, giving you the analog powers of your favorite peripherals. Being over $120 as of writing this, the MK850 is definitely on the higher end of the keyboard market. Although it clearly has the features to back the price, whether you want to invest that much into a keyboard is up to you.
Key features:
- Detachable wrist rest
- Dedicated media keys
- Equipped with Cooler Master’s Aimpad technology
5. Razer Blackwidow Chroma V2
The Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 is the newest model in the chroma series. Compared to the Chroma V1 the changes are minimal, but most notably a detachable wrist rest is now included. It is a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard lined with RGB lighting and 5 extra programmable side keys.
Amazon gives you the option of two switches to choose from, Razer Yellows and Razer Greens. The Greens are a classic example of a tactile mechanical switch, similar to Cherry MX Blues. The Razer Yellows are linear, designed to increase smoothness and response time. Many argue linear switches are better for gaming, but some prefer the feel of a tactile switch, the choice is yours.
The lighting customization options for this keyboard are endless. Per-key backlighting allows you to program the lighting of each individual key. You can create custom lighting presets using the Razer Synapse software, there are also plenty of preset profiles to try out. So if you’re looking for a full-sized gaming keyboard with a wrist rest, the newly improved Blackwidow Chroma is a strong contender to consider.
Key features:
- Detachable wrist rest
- 5 extra side keys
- USB port and headphone jack
6. Cooler Master MK730
The Cooler Master MK730 is the tenkeyless version of the MK850. Apart from the removal of the numpad, there are also some noticeable design differences. Instead of the anodized aluminium seen in the MK850, we see a brushed frame. The programmable keys on the top and side have also been removed to complement the compact design. However, the keyboard still hosts the open-board design as well as the magnetic detachable wrist wrest. I’m a big fan of the magnetic approach.
Unlike the MK850, this keyboard gives you the option to choose from three switches: MX Blues, MX Browns or MX Reds. The Blues give tactile feedback making them great for typing. If you are looking from something linear you could opt for the Browns instead. If you are going to be using the keyboard primarily for gaming purposes, then Reds are the way to go.
The MK730 is significantly cheaper than the MK850 (the full-sized version). So if the lack of numpad isn’t an issue, the MK730 could be a massive bargain to those who were priced out of the MK850.
Key features:
- Magnetic wrist rest
- Compact TKL design
- Three MX switches to choose from
7. Logitech G910 Orion Spark
The Logitech G910 is another full-sized keyboard, however this one sports a more unique closed board design. It has an impressive 9 extra G-keys, a full set of media keys, and a volume wheel. Most people will struggle to find a use for 9 additional keys. However, video editors, streamers, and MMO gamers will find a use for them in no time.
The large integrated wrist rest will put your hands closer to the keys in an ergonomic and natural position. One downside to the wrist rest is the fact that it’s non-removable, a lot of people will consider this a deal-breaker.
There is only one switch type available as of writing this, and that is Logitech’s own Romer-G’s. Romer-G’s deliver a quiet but tactile mechanical typing experience. Although linear switches are more popular for gaming, Logitech claims the Romer-G’s are a top choice for esports professionals. They wanted to create a new style of gaming switches and decided to work with Japanese manufacturer Omron to do so.
Unique to this keyboard is the inclusion of an adjustable phone dock at the top. Placing your phone on the dock and opening the Arx Control app will turn your phone into a mini control hub. You can use the app to view in-game info, system statistics, and on the fly keyboard controls.
The downside to its many features is the size and weight of the keyboard. It’s pretty big and requires more desk space than you might be used to. But if you’re someone who values features and functionality overall, then the G910 is more than equipped for the job.
Key features:
- Ergonomic wrist rest
- 9 extra G-keys
- Dedicated media keys
- Arx Control phone dock
8. HyperX Alloy Elite
The HyperX Alloy Elite is a full-sized mechanical keyboard with a closed board design. This keyboard has no extra keys, although it does have 5 media keys and a volume wheel in the top right corner. The Alloy Elite prides itself on RGB customizability. It has a horizontal light bar at the top that can be fully customized using HyperX’s Ngenuity software. The fully detachable wrist rest is layered with a soft-touch coating, once again, I’m a big fan of wrist rests that can be removed.
Many of HyperX’s peripherals have a focus on competitive gaming, however, this keyboard seems to have more of a broad focus on gaming and multimedia use. The Alloy Elite has onboard volume controls, lighting controls, and dedicated media keys. It is also encased in a steel shell, with more of an emphasis on build quality rather than weight.
You get the standard choice of MX Reds, MX Browns and MX Blues, giving you a nice range of linear and tactile options. Compared to the other full-sized keyboards on this list, the Alloy Elite is quite compact. Overall, the Alloy Elite as a relatively portable gaming keyboard with an emphasis on build quality, RGB lighting, and comfort.
Key features:
- Detachable wrist rest
- Horizontal RGB light bar
- Three MX switches available
Gaming Keyboards With a Wrist Rest
All of the keyboards listed here come with either a permanent or detachable wrist rest. There are plenty of options in regards to price, sizes, features, and switches. It’s important to determine your budget as well as your must-have features. None of these keyboards are necessarily better than each other, but instead, provide different features for different situations. I hope this page has helped you find the right keyboard.
Thanks for reading : – )