What a wrist rest is for
A wrist rest is a soft or smooth bar in front of the keyboard, or a pad in front of the mouse, where the hands can rest between bursts of typing. The Health and Safety Executive says to leave space in front of the keyboard to rest the hands and wrists when not keying, and to keep the wrists straight while typing. Its checklist adds that people using thick, raised keyboards, such as most mechanical keyboards, may need a wrist rest, because the keys sit higher than the desk.
What is in the range
- Memory foam rests covered in PU leather or fabric, for the keyboard, the mouse or both. Some are sold as a matching pair.
- Textured silicone rests, soft and wipe clean, including cloud shapes and a clear set.
- Solid wood rests, one in walnut, sized for mechanical keyboards: about 33cm long for a 68-key board and about 36cm for an 87-key board.
- Mouse pads with a built-in rest, where the rest is part of the mat.
- A gaming keyboard rest with a slight tilt to sit level with the keys.
Most have a non-slip base so they stay put.
How to choose a wrist rest
Match the length. A keyboard rest should be about as long as the keyboard: shorter for a 60% or 68-key board, longer for a full-size board with a number pad. The wood rests state the keyboard size they fit.
Match the height. The rest should come up to about the front edge of the keys, so the wrist stays straight rather than bending up. A low, slim keyboard needs a low rest or none; a tall mechanical board needs a taller one.
Soft or firm. Memory foam gives under the hand. Wood and firm silicone do not, and stay cool. Foam under PU wipes clean; fabric is warmer.
Questions people ask about wrist rests
Should I lean on it while typing?
It is mainly for pauses. While typing, the HSE advice is a soft touch and straight wrists. Many people rest the heel of the palm lightly rather than the wrist itself.
Will a wrist rest cure wrist pain?
No product can promise that. If pain in the hand, wrist or arm does not go away, or gets worse, the NHS advice is to see a GP. Our guide to ergonomic mice and keyboards covers the set-up.
Do I need one with a laptop's own keyboard?
Usually not: the palm rest is built in. A wrist rest belongs with a separate keyboard.
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