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Best Keyboard Trays
We found that many keyboard trays on the market do not offer a good combination of quality and value for money. While there are cheap options available, many do not have the ergonomic benefits of tilt and height adjustment. More expensive options are very impressive but often cost more than the desk they are likely to be installed on. While our list is short, we stand behind our choices. Here are the categories:
Vivo
Best Value
The Vivo Keyboard Tray is our best value choice in ergonomically-focused keyboard trays, and it is among the best options regardless of price. Vivo has taken a proven design and refined it in many ways. Its sturdy construction, large mounting bracket, well-designed hinges, and moving parts, and smart keyboard surface seriously impressed us. Many other keyboard trays, at this price point and above, suffer from poor design, bulky hinges, and worse, wobbling (lateral and vertical).
In addition to design and quality, the Vivo is excellent in ergonomics and range of adjustment. Due to the large height, tilt, and swivel ranges, we think anyone should be able to find their ideal posture relative to their desk. Like many other keyboard tray designs, it also features a sliding action, which allows it to be slid out of view when desired.
Best for Standing Desks
The Uncaged Ergonomics (model: KT1-b) has taken the traditional keyboard tray design and added an excellent feature: a mouse surface that can be adjusted independently from the keyboard. This is especially important to those of us using standing desks. If you’re standing, you’re more likely to want a downward tilt on your keyboard. Many keyboard trays offer significant downward tilting adjustability, but it may be frustrating to have your mouse surface at the same angle, constantly sliding forward. The Uncaged Ergonomics design is great since you can independently adjust them. Keep in mind that this tray does have a bulky hinge. If you’re tall or have long legs, you’re likely to hit your knees when sitting. Of course, there is no issue if you’re standing.
Best Clamp-On Tray
This highly-rated keyboard tray is significantly cheaper than our other top choices, and is easy to install with sturdy C-clamps. It comes in 5 colors (black, black carbon fiber, light wood, vintage, brown, and white), and 2 sizes (25.6" and 20"). It also has an anti-slip base so your keyboard won't move and protective sponge pads on the C-clamps to protect your desk..
Keep in mind that the C-clamps will not attach well to a beveled-edge desk, or if your desk has anything other than a flat surface where the clamp attaches.
Best High-end
3M offers a range of options with their most popular keyboard tray, but we’re talking about the tray that features the Adjustable Platform and Easy Adjust options. This tray features everything you’re looking for in a quality keyboard tray. At just over $200, or double the price of others on this list, it needs to be good, and it is. Like the Uncaged Ergonomics Tray, the 3M tray features an independently adjustable mouse surface, which will make it great for standing and sitting alike. The mouse surface can also be moved to the left side for left-handed users. What is unique about the 3M tray is its horizontal adjustment. With this adjustment, you can move the keyboard and mouse platform from side to side independently. This can aid in finding the ideal keyboard and mouse position, especially for broad-shouldered users or individuals who may want their mouse surface a few inches away from the keyboard tray. The tray also has a great warranty.
Comparison Table
| Tray | Tray Width |
Tray Depth |
Height Range | Price USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo | 25" | 10" | 5" | $89.09 |
| Uncaged Ergonomics |
25.5" | 8.75" | 4.5" | $82.17 |
| Bontec | 26.5" | 11.4" | 0" | $33.99 |
| 3M Easy Adjust | 25.25" | 10" | 5" | $273.60 |
Our Process
When it comes to finding a good keyboard tray, we take into account the following factors.
- Adjustment - Keyboard trays need to have a range of adjustments for both height and angle. We created our list with the expectation that almost anyone should be able to easily adjust the tray. This comes into play especially if you are either tall or short or if you have a long or short torso, as your typing position relative to your desk and monitors will be different.
- Size - Most keyboard trays are designed to enable the use of a full keyboard with a number pad; however, this may compromise the space of your mouse. Depending on how much space you need for mouse movement, you may want to pay attention to the width of the tray.
- Stability - This is a key factor in purchasing a keyboard tray. While typing on a desktop placed keyboard will always offer the most stability, we judged each tray on its stability; especially its lateral (side to side) stability. As you type and use the mouse, you’re applying pressure to different areas of the tray and it can become frustrating if the tray wobbles, gives under normal use, or feels flimsy.
- Mouse Surface Area - Some keyboard trays have very slick surfaces making the use of a mouse without a mousepad not possible.
- Quality and Design - We look at the design and quality of construction in every product we review. A keyboard tray is going to get extensive use and be very visible. You’ll want to buy one that will hold up over the long term and look good.
- Value for Money - There is a spectrum of keyboard tray prices, and the value for money will differ from tray to tray. We’ll point out which option we think is the best value for money.
Why Should I Use a Keyboard Tray?
Keyboard Trays and Avoiding Back, Neck, and Wrist Pain
Many of us spend considerable time behind a desk, and it's easy for bad habits to develop when you're focusing on your work 40 hours or more per week. Make sure to review our guide to proper workplace ergonomics and avoid common mistakes by doing the following, even if you're using a keyboard tray:
- Wrist Position - A keyboard tray allows for a tremendous range of adjustments. As you're setting it up for the first time, ensure that your wrists are inline or 180 degrees from your forearm. A keyboard tray makes it easy to maintain this, but make sure you're avoiding any hard upward angle in your wrist when using a keyboard tray.
- Monitor - Make sure your screen is tilted back 20 degrees and if, for example, you have a 24-inch monitor, make sure you're about 24 inches away from it to prevent squinting and hunching forward. After you install your keyboard tray, you may need to pull your monitor closer to you by 5 or 6 inches.
- Elbow Position - Since you're installing a keyboard tray, make sure to review your elbow position. Unless you're positioning the keyboard at the exact height of your desktop, you will likely need to raise or lower your chair, adjust armrests, and pull your computer forward. Remember that you want your elbows at about a 90-degree angle and avoid having your arms too close to your torso.
- Seating Position - Make sure your back is making contact with the backrest of your chair throughout the length of your spine and readjust constantly. Many of us have the habit of sliding forward out of our chairs, putting tremendous stress on middle and lower back areas.
Ergonomics and Pain Resources
- 17 Things You Can Do to Prevent Back Pain - A great resource for things you can start doing right now to avoid or alleviate your back pain.
- Back Pain and Sciatica Stretches - Back pain expert Dr. Ryan Burke weighs in on back pain and what you can do to treat it.
- How Sitting Causes Back Pain - An analysis of the common issues associated with sitting and especially extending sitting periods.
Keyboard Tray Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions about keyboard trays.
Do keyboard trays work on standing desks?
Yes, keyboard trays work on standing desks. You can attach them to the underside of the desk and pull them towards you when you want to type. You then slide it back when you're done.
Should I use a keyboard tray with an angle?
It's best to use a keyboard tray with an angle to protect your wrists. Keep your wrists at approximately 180 degrees to prevent the muscles of your wrists from getting cramped.
What is the best keyboard tray?
Some things to consider when comparing keyboard trays include, the ability to adjust it in both height and angle, size, stability, mouse surface area, quality, and design that will give you the best value.