Buying Guide
The Best Ergonomic Keyboards Under $100, From Split to Curved
We compared eight keyboards under $100 by layout, connection and included rest, to show when a split design is worth the adjustment and when a curved one-piece board is enough.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
9 min read8 products evaluated
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Under $100, the word "ergonomic" covers very different keyboards. A split keyboard separates the two halves of the key area so each hand can angle more naturally; a curved or wave-shaped one-piece keyboard changes the shape of the key rows but keeps your hands in a fixed position. Both are sold under the same label.
The first decision is how much change you want. Split layouts ask more of you at first, since you need to relearn where some keys sit, while one-piece curved boards feel closer to a standard keyboard. After that come connection type, a palm rest and backlighting.
Our comparison is based on published specifications, included accessories and price position, not hands-on testing. Prices shift often at this level, so check the live price before ordering.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Split Keyboard
Perixx PERIBOARD-512B Wired Ergonomic Keyboard - Split Keyboard with Wrist Rest
A wired split keyboard with a padded wrist rest for well under $50.
Best for: First-time buyers who want to try a split layout at a low price.
Our take Check price for Perixx PERIBOARD-512B Wired Ergonomic Keyboard - Split Keyboard with Wrist Rest (opens in a new tab)
Best Gentle Introduction
Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard - Graphite
A wireless wave-shaped one-piece keyboard with a cushioned palm rest.
Best for: Buyers who want a gentler ergonomic shape and a wireless desk.
Our take Check price for Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard - Graphite (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless Split Keyboard
Arteck Split Ergonomic Keyboard with Palm Rest, 2.4G USB Wireless
A split keyboard with a 2.4GHz receiver and a built-in palm rest.
Best for: Buyers who want a split layout and a cable-free desk.
Our take Check price for Arteck Split Ergonomic Keyboard with Palm Rest, 2.4G USB Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Backlit Split Keyboard
Arteck Split Ergonomic Keyboard with Palm Rest, USB Wired Backlit Keyboard
A wired split keyboard with backlit keys and a built-in palm rest.
Best for: Anyone who wants a split keyboard with backlighting for evening work.
Our take Check price for Arteck Split Ergonomic Keyboard with Palm Rest, USB Wired Backlit Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Keyboard and Mouse Set
ProtoArc EKM01 Plus Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard Mouse Combo, Gray Black
A matched wireless ergonomic keyboard and mouse for under $80.
Best for: Buyers replacing both keyboard and mouse on one budget.
Our take Check price for ProtoArc EKM01 Plus Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard Mouse Combo, Gray Black (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Curved Keyboard
X9 Wired Ergonomic Keyboard - Comfortable Typing, Ergonomic Full Size
A full-size wired curved keyboard for about $30.
Best for: Buyers who want a low-risk first step toward an ergonomic shape.
Our take Check price for X9 Wired Ergonomic Keyboard - Comfortable Typing, Ergonomic Full Size (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Pick With Wrist Rest
RECCAZR Ergonomic Keyboard, Wired Computer USB Keyboard with Wrist Rest
A wired curved keyboard with an attached wrist rest for about $30.
Best for: Budget buyers who want a curved keyboard and wrist rest in one purchase.
Our take Check price for RECCAZR Ergonomic Keyboard, Wired Computer USB Keyboard with Wrist Rest (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact Budget Keyboard
Wired RGB Gaming Membrane Keyboard, 100 Percent Mini Creamy LED
A compact wired RGB membrane keyboard; not an ergonomic layout.
Best for: Small desks where a compact footprint matters more than an ergonomic layout.
Our take Check price for Wired RGB Gaming Membrane Keyboard, 100 Percent Mini Creamy LED (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Split Keyboard1 of 8
Perixx PERIBOARD-512B Wired Ergonomic Keyboard - Split Keyboard with Wrist Rest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Perixx PERIBOARD-512B is the straightforward way to try a split layout without spending much: a wired keyboard with a fixed split angle and a padded wrist rest for about $45 at the time of writing.
Best for
- First-time buyers who want to try a split layout at a low price.
Skip if
- You want a cable-free desk; the Arteck 2.4G split keyboard is wireless.
Why we like it
Being wired, it has no batteries or receiver to manage. The split angle is fixed and the listing does not mention tenting, so you cannot fine-tune the geometry.
If you want a wireless split board, the Arteck 2.4G model costs about $10 more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: split, fixed angle
- Connection: wired USB
- Padded wrist rest included
Pros
- Genuine split layout
- Wrist rest included
- No batteries
Cons
- Fixed split angle, no tenting listed
- Warranty length not listed
Best Gentle Introduction2 of 8
Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard - Graphite on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Logitech Wave Keys is the pick for someone who wants a more comfortable shape without relearning a split layout: a one-piece wave-shaped keyboard with an attached cushioned palm rest and wireless connection.
Best for
- Buyers who want a gentler ergonomic shape and a wireless desk.
Skip if
- You specifically want your hands further apart; choose one of the split keyboards.
Why we like it
Because the keys stay in a familiar arrangement, it should take less getting used to than the split boards. Logitech supports multi-device wireless use.
It does less to change hand position than a split keyboard, since your hands cannot be spread apart, and it costs more than the Perixx.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: one-piece wave shape
- Connection: wireless, multi-device
- Cushioned palm rest attached
Pros
- Familiar layout
- Wireless with multi-device support
- From an established brand
Cons
- Hands stay in a fixed position
- Costs more than the split Perixx
Best Wireless Split Keyboard3 of 8
Arteck Split Ergonomic Keyboard with Palm Rest, 2.4G USB Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Arteck 2.4G is the choice for a split layout without the cable: it connects through a USB receiver and includes a built-in cushioned palm rest.
Best for
- Buyers who want a split layout and a cable-free desk.
Skip if
- You would rather avoid batteries; the wired Perixx or Arteck backlit model need none.
Why we like it
Like the Perixx, it uses a fixed split angle with no tenting listed. A 2.4GHz receiver is generally a steadier connection than Bluetooth but occupies a USB port.
It costs about $10 more than the wired Perixx at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: split, fixed angle
- Connection: 2.4GHz USB receiver
- Built-in cushioned palm rest
Pros
- Wireless split layout
- Palm rest included
- Receiver connection rather than Bluetooth pairing
Cons
- Fixed split angle
- Needs a free USB port
- Batteries or charging to manage
Best Backlit Split Keyboard4 of 8
Arteck Split Ergonomic Keyboard with Palm Rest, USB Wired Backlit Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Arteck wired backlit model is the split keyboard to choose if you work in dim light: it adds backlit keys and, being wired, never needs charging for them.
Best for
- Anyone who wants a split keyboard with backlighting for evening work.
Skip if
- Backlighting does not matter to you; the Perixx is cheaper.
Why we like it
It shares the fixed split angle and built-in palm rest of the wireless Arteck and costs about the same at the time of writing.
If you do not need backlighting, the Perixx is a cheaper wired split option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: split, fixed angle
- Connection: wired USB
- Backlit keys
- Built-in cushioned palm rest
Pros
- Backlit keys
- No charging
- Palm rest included
Cons
- Fixed split angle
- Costs more than the Perixx
Best Keyboard and Mouse Set5 of 8
ProtoArc EKM01 Plus Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard Mouse Combo, Gray Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ProtoArc EKM01 Plus is the pick if you want to replace keyboard and mouse together: it pairs a wireless ergonomic keyboard with an ergonomic mouse for about $77 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Buyers replacing both keyboard and mouse on one budget.
Skip if
- You only need a keyboard; the split options cost less.
Why we like it
That is the highest price here, but it covers two devices. The listing does not make clear whether both share a single receiver, so check the current listing if USB ports are scarce.
If you already have a mouse you like, one of the keyboards alone costs less.
Key dimensions & specs
- Includes keyboard and mouse
- Connection: wireless
- Ergonomic design on both devices
Pros
- Two matched devices in one purchase
- Wireless
- Still under $100
Cons
- Highest price here
- Receiver setup not clearly listed
Best Budget Curved Keyboard6 of 8
X9 Wired Ergonomic Keyboard - Comfortable Typing, Ergonomic Full Size on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X9 is the low-cost way to try a curved one-piece keyboard: a full-size, wired board for about $30 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Buyers who want a low-risk first step toward an ergonomic shape.
Skip if
- You want a wrist rest included; the RECCAZR includes one for the same price.
Why we like it
A curved layout needs little adjustment compared with a split board, and there are no batteries to manage. It does less than a split design to change hand position.
The RECCAZR costs about the same and includes an attached wrist rest; the listing for the X9 does not mention one.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: one-piece curved, full-size
- Connection: wired USB
Pros
- Low price
- Familiar full-size layout
- No batteries
Cons
- Not a split design
- No wrist rest listed
Best Budget Pick With Wrist Rest7 of 8
RECCAZR Ergonomic Keyboard, Wired Computer USB Keyboard with Wrist Rest on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The RECCAZR is the X9's direct alternative: a wired curved keyboard at the same price at the time of writing, with an attached wrist rest.
Best for
- Budget buyers who want a curved keyboard and wrist rest in one purchase.
Skip if
- You want a split layout; the Perixx costs about $15 more.
Why we like it
If you would otherwise buy a wrist rest separately, that makes it the better value of the two. It is still a one-piece design, so it changes hand position less than a split keyboard.
It has fewer buyer reviews than the other picks here.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: one-piece curved
- Connection: wired USB
- Attached wrist rest
Pros
- Wrist rest included
- Low price
- Plug-and-play
Cons
- Not a split design
- Fewer buyer reviews
Best Compact Budget Keyboard8 of 8
Wired RGB Gaming Membrane Keyboard, 100 Percent Mini Creamy LED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This compact RGB membrane keyboard is the cheapest option here, but it is not an ergonomic keyboard in layout: it has a flat, standard key arrangement rather than a split or curved frame.
Best for
- Small desks where a compact footprint matters more than an ergonomic layout.
Skip if
- You want wrist or hand-position relief; choose a split or curved keyboard.
Why we like it
What it offers is a small footprint, which keeps the mouse closer to the keyboard, plus RGB backlighting and a wired connection.
If wrist angle is your reason for shopping, one of the split or curved keyboards above is the better fit.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: compact, flat
- Connection: wired USB
- RGB backlighting
- Membrane keys
Pros
- Lowest price here
- Compact footprint
- Backlit
Cons
- No split or curved layout
- Not designed for wrist-angle relief
How We Chose These Ergonomic Keyboards Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Layout
- We separated genuinely split keyboards from one-piece curved and flat designs.
- Connection and power
- We recorded wired, 2.4GHz and multi-device wireless connections.
- Included accessories
- We noted palm rests, backlighting and, for the combo, the included mouse.
- Price position
- We compared what each step up in price adds. Prices change often, so we treat them as relative position.
What to Look for in an Ergonomic Keyboard Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Split, curved or flat
A split keyboard lets each hand angle independently; a curved one-piece board changes row shape but keeps your hands together; a flat compact board mainly saves space. Split designs take the most getting used to.
Wired or wireless
Wired boards need no batteries. A 2.4GHz receiver is generally steady but uses a USB port; Bluetooth needs no receiver. If you switch between computers, check for multi-device support.
Palm or wrist rest
The Perixx, Logitech, both Arteck models and the RECCAZR include one. Buying separately adds cost.
Tilt
Some ergonomics guidance favors a flat or slightly downward-sloping keyboard over one propped up on its rear feet. None of the listings here mention negative tilt or tenting.
Backlighting
Useful in dim rooms. The wired Arteck and the compact RGB keyboard include it; on a wired board it has no battery cost.
How to Choose an Ergonomic Keyboard Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A split layout for less | Perixx PERIBOARD-512B | Wired split with wrist rest |
| Split and wireless | Arteck 2.4G split | Receiver connection and palm rest |
| Split and backlit | Arteck wired backlit split | Backlighting with no charging |
| Minimal adjustment | Logitech Wave Keys | Wave shape, familiar layout, wireless |
| Keyboard and mouse together | ProtoArc EKM01 Plus | Matched wireless set |
| Lowest-cost curved board | X9 or RECCAZR | About $30; the RECCAZR adds a wrist rest |
| A compact footprint | Compact RGB membrane keyboard | Small and cheap, not ergonomic in layout |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change frequently; these tiers reflect typical prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| About $23–$30 | Compact RGB, RECCAZR, X9 |
| About $45–$60 | Perixx, Arteck wired backlit, Arteck 2.4G, Logitech Wave Keys |
| About $77 | ProtoArc EKM01 Plus (with mouse) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these prices stay under $100?
They were under $100 at the time of writing, but keyboard prices change often. Check the live price before ordering.
Can I get a genuine split keyboard under $100?
Yes. The Perixx and both Arteck keyboards here are split designs, all well under $100 at the time of writing.
Is build quality lower under $100?
It can be. The listings here say little about materials or warranty, so we would check the current listing for warranty terms and read recent buyer feedback.
How long does it take to adjust to a split keyboard?
It varies from person to person. Expect a slower typing speed at first while you get used to the key positions. Curved one-piece keyboards usually take less adjustment.
Bottom Line
If you want a genuine change in hand position, start with a split keyboard. The Perixx is the low-cost wired option, the Arteck 2.4G removes the cable, and the Arteck backlit model adds lighting. All three have fixed split angles and include a rest.
If you would rather ease in, the Logitech Wave Keys offers a gentler wave shape with wireless convenience, and the X9 and RECCAZR are about $30 curved alternatives. The ProtoArc suits anyone replacing a mouse at the same time; the compact RGB keyboard is only worth it if space, not ergonomics, is the priority.