Key Points
- Our #1 Best Overall Keyboard Wrist Rest is the Gimars Memory Wrist Rest Foam Set.
- The most popular keyboard wrist rest options are gel and memory foam, but each has its pros and cons. We suggest choosing a combination of both if you want the best of both worlds.
- While many of the wrist rests that we’re going to discuss come with mouse pads as well, not every option does. If you’d like a mouse pad, please be sure to choose a set that includes one.
- Keep in mind that the best wrist rest will be easy to clean, durable, and offer maximum comfort based on your wrists and how they sit.
Are you feeling discomfort in your wrists? If so, you might need an ergonomic solution to relieve them. In this case, wrist rests come in handy. They’re available in different sizes, types, and heights, so one user’s ideal wrist rest might not be ideal for another.
You may prefer one made from firm memory foam or one with softer gel. Also, instead of a higher, cushier structure, a compact design might make you feel better.
No matter which option you decide to go with after our review, a proper wrist rest will ensure that you don’t strain your wrists, even if you’re typing or gaming for hours. The best options can also help reduce potential carpal tunnel syndrome and joint pain.
We’ve devoted hours to finding the top wrist rests for comfort, design, airflow, and more. After looking at numerous options, our best keyboard wrist rests in 2023 are as follows:
- Best Overall: Gimars Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Best for Travel: ENHANCE Tenkeyless Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Most Affordable Option: Redragon Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Best for Gamers: Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest
- Best for Warm Climates: HyperX Wrist Rest
- Best Memory Foam: iVeze Keyboard Wrist Rest
#1 Best Overall: Gimars Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Non-skid rubber base
- Easy to clean with a wet wipe
- Memory foam
- Relieves wrist pain
The Gimars Keyboard Wrist Rest is a popular choice and our overall favorite. It offers a strong combination of quality and value and will keep your hands at a comfortable elevation level. The wrist rest is also long at a dimension of 17″ x 3.4″ x 1″ inches, so it will pair well with full-sized keyboards.
The memory foam material returns to normal when you take your hands off the rest. Yet it offers your wrists plenty of comfort and support at the same time.
The wrist rest also has a rough anti-slip gel layer to keep it from sliding. You can also use the included small circular stickers to stick it to your desk or workstation. This keyboard rest comes with a matching mouse wrist rest, too.
It contains the same material, helping you use your mouse comfortably for hours. Both the keyboard wrist rest and mouse rest are basic in design and the set only comes in black, so there is little room for customization if that’s something you’re looking for.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The wrist rest offers soft memory foam. | This rest is very basic in its design. |
| A non-skid base is included with anti-slip stickers. | |
| This comes as a set and includes a mouse wrist rest. |
Check out the Gimars Keyboard Wrist Rest on Amazon.
Best for Travel: ENHANCE Tenkeyless Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Uni-body molded design
- 0.8" thickness to keep hands level
- 12 x 4 x 0.8 inches
- Fray- and tear-resistant
The ENHANCE Tenkeyless Keyboard Wrist Rest is a compact option for those that need to travel often. Measuring 12” x 4” x 0.8” inches, it’s perfect for smaller keyboards, and for stuffing in your carry-on or tote if needed.
It also has strong, thick rubber foam that provides lots of support. The inward curl at both ends is intriguing, helping to accommodate the ENHANCE mouse rest that can lock onto your keyboard.
Even though the foam is less than an inch thick, it may be higher than some compact keyboards. If you don’t want your wrists to slump and hurt, you might need to change your keyboard to fit the height.
Also, the foam in this wrist rest is not covered with a cloth fabric. This can make the foam surface stick to your skin, especially if you sweat or during long periods of typing. Frequent breaks may be needed to avoid frustration, but this can be overlooked for a rest that’s easy to travel with.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with a locking feature if you purchase the mouse wrist rest separately. | The foam surface can stick to your skin. |
| Offers a thick foam base. | |
| The space-saving design is lightweight and easy to use for travel. |
Check out the ENHANCE Tenkeyless Keyboard Wrist Rest on Amazon.
Most Affordable Option: Redragon Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Perfect for 87-key 60% keyboards
- Memory Foam
- 3.19 x 0.87 x 14.35 inches
- Helps maintain proper wrist alignment
The Redragon Keyboard Wrist Rest is a great choice if you’re looking for a wrist rest that offers durability at a low cost. It is one of the most affordable options on our list, but still offers great versatility.
The memory foam interior is a soft-medium firm and can adapt to your positions, whether working or gaming. This has several advantages over gel or silicon, including a perfect wrist fit and pressure point relief that’s tailored to the individual contours of your wrist.
The wrist rest also boasts a water-resistant covering for longevity. The covering is machine washable if it needs a deep cleaning. With dimensions of 3.19″ x 0.87″ x 14.35″ inches, it fits most keyboards. It’s also lightweight at 5.9 ounces and you can use it for travel.
The major con for this keyboard wrist rest is the anti-slip feature, which isn’t the greatest. While the rubber base can keep the mat in place in some cases, reviews online showcase that it still slides if you move your wrists around a bit. Adding anti-slip stickers to the bottom can reduce that issue.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The wrist rest is washable and easy to clean. | The rest is prone to sliding. |
| This is the most affordable option on our list. | |
| Offers a medium-firm memory foam to fit most users’ needs. |
Check out the Redragon Keyboard Wrist Rest on Amazon.
Best for Gamers: Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest
- Made from rubber and memory foam
- Minimizes fatigue
- 17.51 x 3.55 x 1.04 inches
- Anti-slip rubber feet
Like other Razer gaming accessories, the Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest is made for gamers. The company states that it can help relieve pressure on your wrists caused by extended gaming sessions.
The product itself rests in a solid-edge frame. This can offer greater durability and makes the wrist rest waterproof. You can also choose between a full keyboard rest and a mini one, making it easy to customize your space.
This wrist rest is on the more expensive side, especially when compared to other options on this list. You’ll certainly pay the “premium” gamer price tag, but it also comes with rave reviews from gamers themselves. The price tag is easily worth it if you play on your computer for long periods of time.
Even though this rest offers plenty of comfort, the design is simple and has a basic square bar. If you want a wrist rest that can function for gaming and work, you may want to look elsewhere. However, the non-slip rubber feet keep the rest in place, even during serious game sessions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s the best gaming option for those interested in ergonomic features. | It’s more expensive than most options. |
| The design is inclined to enhance comfort. | |
| Includes anti-slip rubber feet for extra stability. | |
| The material is waterproof and easy to clean. |
Check out the Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest on Amazon.
Best for Warm Climates: HyperX Wrist Rest
- Ergonomic design
- Cool gel-infused memory foam
- Comes with an anti-slip base made from natural rubber
- 12.5 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches
The HyperX Wrist Rest is a fantastic option for people who live in warmer areas. Think about when you flip to the cool side of your pillow in the middle of the night, and you’ve got what this wrist rest feels like regularly.
Compared to other wrist rests, it takes longer to heat up, which is perfect for those who sweat or live in hot climates. With a natural rubber underside, this wrist rest is anti-slip and stays in place no matter how much you use it. It also comes in many sizes — including a full-size, compact, tenkeyless, and mini rest.
This wrist rest has a balanced design, with a soft cloth on top. It’s important to note that this cloth is stretchable and can bunch up, which, in turn, can cause folds that tear the covering over time.
The pad is also larger and not angled, so it may cause issues for some users. The HyperX Keyboard Wrist Rest can work for most users, but you may want to get a different one if you need a certain shape.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a cooling gel insert to keep your wrists and hands from overheating. | The loose covering can tear easily. |
| The symmetrical wrist rest keeps your wrists from feeling pain, even after hours of use. | |
| The wrist rest comes in multiple sizes to fit more users. |
Check out the HyperX Wrist Rest on Amazon.
Best Memory Foam: iVeze Keyboard Wrist Rest
- Non-slip, ergonomic, and waterproof
- The reinforced edge prevents deformation and damage
- Filled with high-quality memory foam
- Anti-slip, rubber-based bottom
Who says that comfort means bland and boring? The iVeze Keyboard Wrist Rest set is an affordable, ergonomic, and beautifully designed set. It comes in many styles, including Van Gogh paintings, mint green, light pink, and retro flowers, just to name a few.
Keep in mind that if you eat and drink near your items, light colors can be more susceptible to stains. The memory-foam wrist rest and gel mouse wrist rest are encased in breathable Lycra to keep them cool.
The memory foam also offers shaping and cushioning. When pressure is removed, it returns to its initial position, so it’s durable. The fabric itself is easy to clean and can be tumbled dry on low after washing, without fading the colors or designs.
With a natural rubber bottom, the wrist rests are kept in place and don’t slide around. Each pad is also curved for your wrists to help you maintain the right posture while typing or gaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The wrist rest is made from high-quality memory foam and Lycra. | Light color options stain easily. |
| Sold as a set with a gel mouse wrist rest. | Curve of the wrist rest may not work for larger keyboards. |
| Comes in multiple styles and colors. |
Check out the iVeze Keyboard Wrist Rest on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Keyboard Wrist Rest: Step by Step
Before you choose a new keyboard wrist rest, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Style
- Size
- Stability
- Durability
- Cleaning Ease
Let’s review these in more detail.
Style
First, you’ll want to decide if you’d prefer memory foam or gel for your wrist rest. This will depend on your preference, your climate, and more.
While both options are comfortable, memory foam is better for ergonomic use, whereas gel is better for long-term use and offers a cooler touch.
Size
The dimensions of the wrist rest should also be taken into account. You’ll want a wrist rest that’s big enough for your keyboard, but not too big.
It shouldn’t take up too much desk space and shouldn’t be too low or high to avoid wrist pain. If you have a small keyboard, a compact or mini-sized wrist rest is a great option.
Stability
The stability of your wrist rest will depend on how it grips your desk. While many wrist rests have non-slip patterns and textures that keep them firmly attached to your desk, some slip more than others. Aim for a wrist rest that offers a textured rubber bottom, and if it has anti-slip stickers, even better.
Durability
You will most likely use your wrist rest daily. Because of this, it’s essential to examine the quality and make sure whatever you purchase will offer durability.
Look for a wrist rest that is well-made, has excellent stitching, and is covered with long-lasting fabric. If the wrist rest has a thick cover or is surrounded by wood or rubber, this can also help it last longer.
Cleaning Ease
You’ll want a wrist pad that is simple to clean and sterilize. The best options are silicon- or gel-based wrist rests, because they don’t collect sweat. Also, some foam wrist rests have covers that you can throw into the washer and air-dry or tumble-dry on low.
What to Know Before Buying Keyboard Wrist Rests
Because many keyboards are not constructed to be ergonomic, you may find your hand in uncomfortable positions when typing or gaming. Even short periods of typing or playing games on your keyboard can strain your wrists and upper body.
In severe cases, this can cause carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) or tendonitis, both of which are preventable. This is why a keyboard wrist rest is an important addition to your work or gaming area.
By investing in a wrist rest, you can lessen these aches and pains, and use your computer for longer periods of time when needed. Since there are so many wrist rests on the market today, buying one is simple.
However, picking one will heavily depend on what you need and like. We advise choosing one that is comfortable and can offer proper support for hours on end.
Using Keyboard Wrist Rests: What it’s Like
Wrist strains are a result of using a laptop or keyboard for too long without supporting your wrists or hands. Because your wrist is a highly important joint, it’s especially susceptible to aches and pains. The secret to protecting your wrists is purchasing a wrist rest.
It can offer comfort, a cool touch to avoid your hands from overheating, as well as support to help avoid disorders like tendonitis. To get the best option for you, we recommend choosing a wrist rest based on our recommendations and step-by-step guide.
Summary Table
| Rank | Keyboard Wrist Rest | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Gimars Keyboard Wrist Rest Foam Set | Offers soft memory foam, non-skid base with anti-slip stickers, and it comes as a set with a mouse wrist rest. |
| Best for Travel | ENHANCE TKL Wrist Rest | Comes with a locking feature if you purchase the mouse wrist rest separately. It also offers a thick foam base, space-saving design is lightweight and easy to use for travel. |
| Most Affordable Option | Redragon Keyboard Wrist Rest | Washable and easy to clean, most affordable option on the list. Offers a medium-firm memory foam to fit most users’ needs. |
| Best for Gamers | Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest | Best gaming option for those interested in ergonomic features. Design is inclined to enhance comfort. Includes anti-slip rubber feet for extra stability. Material is waterproof and easy to clean. |
| Best for Warm Climates | HyperX Wrist Rest | Offers a cooling gel insert to keep your wrists and hands from overheating. The symmetrical wrist rest keeps your wrists from feeling pain, even after hours of use. Comes in multiple sizes to fit more users. |
| Best Memory Foam | iVeze Keyboard Wrist Rest Pad Set | Made from high-quality memory foam and Lycra, sold as a set with a gel mouse wrist rest, and comes in multiple styles and colors. |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com.
