They don’t have many special features, but they may include room for a mouse. Inexpensive: The most affordable keyboard trays are basic models that are usually made of plastic.
Keyboard trays vary in price based on size, type, material, and special features. You can find keyboard trays with wrist padding made of antimicrobial materials to prevent bacteria and mold growth. Some trays also have palm supports to make using your keyboard even more comfortable. The support is usually padded with foam or gel and is often removable to allow for easier cleaning. Some keyboard trays have support for your wrists to help you keep them straight and comfortable. It’s an excellent option if more than one person works at a desk. Swivel: Other trays have a swivel surface for the mouse, so you can push it out of the way when you don’t need to use it.ĭetachable: Some platforms also have a detachable mouse platform, which allows you to place it at the front, back, or either side to create the setup you prefer. Most keyboard trays have a space for your mouse, making it easier to place your mouse in an ergonomically beneficial position to reduce wrist and hand pain.įixed: Some keyboard trays have a fixed mouse platform that connects to the tray but doesn’t allow you to move the mouse around.
Some models don’t require any tools and use adhesive to attach the tray, while others require attaching clamps or screws to the desk to install rails. If you want to set up your keyboard tray right away, it’s important to consider how difficult it is to assemble. They’re extremely stable and have a slimmer design that allows for plenty of knee clearance, but you’ll pay more for one. However, they can be pretty bulky and difficult to adjust. Laminated wood trays are popular because they match many desks and are usually extremely durable and stable. Plastic trays are the most affordable, but they aren’t the most durable. Material: The platform is usually made of plastic, laminated wood, or metal. You can also find keyboard trays with an ergonomic platform that works well with an ergonomic keyboard. Some trays have an extra-large or wide platform, which is a good option if you want to position your keyboard and mouse side by side. Shape: Most keyboard trays are rectangular to be compatible with most keyboards. Sit-stand keyboard trays can raise the tray to an ergonomic position whether you’re sitting at a desk or using a standing desk. You simply lift the tray to the height you prefer, and it locks in place. Lift-and-lock keyboard trays are much easier to adjust. These trays work well when standing or sitting, but adjusting them generally takes more time and effort than other types of trays. Standard keyboard trays typically have a knob that you turn to adjust both the height and angle. They’re a budget-friendly option and typically more stable than the other types. These pull out from beneath your desk, but they don’t allow for any adjustments. Many keyboard trays allow you to adjust their position in terms of both height and angle, but the mechanism used to make those adjustments varies.ĭouble-arm or drawer keyboard trays are the most basic models. If you use a specialty keyboard that has extra keys or a built-in wrist rest, it’s especially important to measure the keyboard’s dimensions before you start shopping to make sure that any tray you consider is both long and wide enough. Size and fitĪ keyboard tray is useless if it isn’t large enough to hold your keyboard. These are highly adjustable, so they work well with nonstandard desk shapes, standing desks, or other unconventional workstation configurations. Wall-mounted keyboard trays have an arm that attaches the tray to the wall. These keyboard trays don’t offer the most ergonomically sound setup, but if you’re more comfortable reclining while you type, this might be a better fit than an under-desk model.
The tray attaches to the underside of your desk with a rail system, adjustable arm, or clamps.Ĭhair-mounted keyboard trays connect to the arms or central column of your desk chair rather than your desk. Under-desk keyboard trays are the most common type. You can choose from three main types of keyboard tray: under-desk, chair-mounted, and wall-mounted trays. It frees up space on your desktop for other tasks, too. A keyboard tray doesn’t just provide a more ergonomic setup for your computer.