Spending long hours at a keyboard might feel routine, but for many desk workers, it can quietly take a toll on the wrists. A "wrist rest" is a device designed to support the user's wrists when using a keyboard or a computer mouse.
Gel Wrist Rests For Keyboard Users: What Gel Wrist Rests Are and How They Help
Wrist rests come in a variety of materials and shapes. Many are made out of gel, memory foam, or soft plastic. Some look like small platforms upon which a keyboard sits - lifting it from a desk. Others are shaped like wedges that fit in front of a keyboard.
The purpose of a wrist rest is to help promote good posture at your desk, allowing you to complete tasks more comfortably. When used correctly, a wrist rest provides direct support to the wrists, while palm support gives support to the base of the palms, without placing pressure upon the wrists. Palm supports can help prevent injury by reducing the amount of strain placed on the wrists during extensive periods of typing or mousing.
Typing and mouse use are common causes of wrist injuries among office workers. Performing keying tasks without a wrist rest may increase the angle to which a user's wrists are bent. Over time - repeated strain on the wrists may cause painful injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
A traditional keyboard, for example, may cause you to bend your wrists to reach all the keys. Referencing a study of keyboarding postures and their effect on carpal tunnel syndrome, researchers found that wrist deviations in extension or radial deviation were associated with an increase in carpal tunnel pressure. Another study published in the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association found that the activity of typing independently lifted carpal tunnel pressure.
When and How To Use a Gel Wrist Rest
This doesn't necessarily mean that wrist rests are inherently bad for your wrists. It simply means that you should pay attention to how you're using your wrist rest in relation to your typing posture. Rather than using a wrist rest as a place to prop up your hands while typing - which can cause strain - use it as support between bursts of productivity.
To reduce strain along the wrists and forearms, take frequent micro-breaks. During these breaks - allow your hands and arms to relax completely on the wrist rest. You can also use this time to stand up and stretch.
Remember that a wrist rest should help you maintain good posture. Look for a rest that helps you keep your wrists in a neutral position, neither bent upward nor downward. Avoid using thick, flat wrist rests - such as books or pads - that cause you to incline your wrists upward. Instead, look for a gel or foam rest that conforms to the shape of your wrists.
Best Gel Wrist Rests for Keyboard Users Tested and Compared
While many gel wrist rests are designed to be used with standard keyboards, some are compatible with split keyboards. Before purchasing a gel wrist rest - make sure it's compatible with your computing setup.
The Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest earned very high ranks on our comfort scale, thanks to its angled profile. This wrist rest was designed with split keyboards in mind. The gel inside is densely packed to provide support for your wrists, while the top is covered in a soft, plush surface.
The Tripp Lite Gel Wrist Rest Pad is a versatile option. The gel inside is soft, providing plenty of cushion for your wrists. The wrist rest also features an easy-to-clean polyester top. While the Gel Wrist Rest Pad can be used with split keyboards - we used it with a standard keyboard and found that it provided a comfortable, neutral position for our wrists.
The HyperX Wrist Rest would be a great choice for those living in warmer climates, as it took much longer to heat up than other models tested. The wrist rest has a water-resistant nylon surface that makes cleaning quick and simple. The HyperX is also fairly wide and can be used with larger-than-average keyboards.
We thought the Aurora Z6 Evolution Gel Keyboard Tray Wrist Rest's design was quite unique. Instead of placing your wrists on top of a gel wrist rest, the design allows you to nestle them inside contoured, gel-filled compartments. The gel is soft but supportive - and the fabric covering is smooth and easy to clean. Our main issue with the product is that it only works with keyboards that have very short feet at the base, such as the Logitech K480.
Ergonomic Strategies To Prevent Wrist Pain From Typing
One of the most common injuries among desk workers is wrist pain, which can lead to longer-term issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are some proven strategies to reverse early symptoms before they become worse.
- Ergonomic adjustments - keep wrists neutral and elbows at 90°
- Micro-breaks - pause every 30-60 minutes
- Stretching and strengthening exercises - improve flexibility and tendon resilience
The current evidence suggests that there may be an increased risk for carpal tunnel syndrome for those who use a keyboard for more than 20 hours per week. Using a gel wrist rest - along with taking regular micro-breaks - may help fend off pain.
References
- Ergonomic Wrist Rest earned very - techgearlab.com
- evidence suggests that there may - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Further reading
- https://www.osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/components/keyboards
- https://www.osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/components/wrist-palm-support
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2649727/
- https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/small-and-home-office/best-wrist-rest
Disclaimer
This article is a personal reflection shared for general informational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, insurance, or tax advice. For decisions about your own money, please consult a qualified financial professional.
