Keyboard palm rest: why is it good to use them?

For many, an impractical entry accessory if you like to have few things on the desk, but the truth is that if you find the right palmrest you cannot live without it later. Do you want to know some of its benefits?

Index of contents

What is a wrist rest?

Traditionally, a palm rest is an accessory designed to be located in the lower margin of the keyboard and offer a point of support to the base of our wrists and that they present a posture that is as natural as possible when it comes to writing. Keeping our forearms in a correct position so as not to notice resentment after several hours is not something that we do consciously and for this it is convenient to know what type of wrist rests can be more convenient for us due to their shape, materials, dimensions or thickness.

What are the benefits of using palm rests?

Raising the position of the fulcrum of our hands on the table to a closer surface helps to relax the posture in the shoulders and neck and encourages better blood flow in the arms. However, this also varies according to the form factor of our keyboard, we explain.

Initially, the palm rest is conceived as an article on which we rest our hands to rest, not to be used during writing or playing games. Technically the wrists had to be placed in a neutral, floating position and without making contact with any surface. If you look at your typing right now you can see that you either follow this pattern and your forearm is partially raised on the table or on the contrary is fully supported by it. This second pose creates pressure on the underside of the wrist due to the contrast with the elevation of the keyboard and this is where the palm rest comes into play. Basically we can distinguish two factors when deciding to use them:

• Keyboard elevation: Today the keyboard design is very varied, from extra fine to mechanical with three different height points. Each of them influences the way we work. Usual posture: This is very personal since it depends not only on how the user places their hands on the keyboard, but also on the height of their table and seat. There are people who present their arms slightly open on the table and others who are totally perpendicular to the keyboard.

Poor work habits cause musculoskeletal disorders, muscle overload and generate carpal tunnel syndrome, which is why many users choose the wrist rest to avoid or alleviate these situations. Today most keyboards are very ergonomic and can even offer their own included wrist rest. There are removable and fixed, and also of different heights and materials. If it is not your case and you are thinking of throwing the glove on one, we will see what format may be best for you.

Ergonomics

The form factor of your ideal wrist rest is very dependent on the keyboard you are using. Ideally, the highest point of the palm rest reaches the lowest point of your keyboard, that is, its bottom margin. This is indicated for both slim and mechanical keyboards, so it is recommended to take a look at your model or simply measure with a ruler what elevation it offers. Once this is done, we have two possibilities of use for our palm rest: right next to the keyboard or moved forward.

• Direct elevation: the keyboards that provide removable or integrated wrist rests present it totally attached to it. Its position coincides right at the base of our hands and elevates them directly when writing. Indirect elevation: There are also users who prefer to attract the palm rests towards themselves and that their position coincides parallel to our forearm rather than the wrist. This generates an indirect elevation of the hands on the keyboard.

Both methods are very popular and equally valid, varying the choice of one or the other of the personal preferences of the user and which one he finds most comfortable when typing.

Types and formats

Although it does not seem like the palm rests are not just a keyboard thing. We can also find them for mice and in both categories there are multiple options of shape and formats, let's see the most popular.

Keyboard palm rest

Keyboard wrist rests generally feature a bar-shaped frame with rounded edges and a central elevation. They can also offer details such as magnetized areas to attach to our keyboard or non-slip surface at its base to avoid scrolling on the table. However, they all have in common that they are usually soft to the touch surfaces whatever the type of material chosen.

By default we can find two variants:

1. About 47cm: for 100% keyboards that include the numeric keyboard. Around 35cm: for TKL models without a numeric keypad.

Alternatively it is also possible to find special formats that differ from the previous two. In any case, its width and thickness varies from one manufacturer to another, so the alternatives available on the market are very varied.

Mouse wrist rest

For many users it interferes with their mobility, especially those who dedicate many hours to gaming, but its function remains the same. Certainly a mouse wrist rest may not be the first option if what we do is very fast movements, but luckily we can find two variants to suit all tastes:

1. Integrated in the mat: technically it is a mat that includes on one side a lift and padding, which makes it ideal for gaming. Independent: the most common, can find many different ways to try not to intervene in the movements of mouse tasks.

As you can imagine, this second category of wrist rests is not as popular as those dedicated to the keyboard, although it has loyal users.

Most common materials

It is time to go from the dimensions and form factors and go for the most popular materials and their qualities.

Gel wrist rests

The gel wrist rests consist of a high-density gelatinous filler. They offer moderate flexibility and are slightly heavier than memory foam models. We can find them with a plastic coating or lined with fabric, which is the most common. On its underside it is common to see non-slip rubber depending on the model as well as its thickness and shape.

The gel makes this type of wrist rest a slightly harder model than the memory foam one. Its adaptation to the curve of our hands is less and does not lose density with use, so they can be quite durable.

KLIM Keyboard Wrist Rest - New 2020 Version - High Quality - Prevents Tendonitis - Maximum Comfort - Lifetime Warranty 16.97 EUR KENSINGTON 22701 - Keyboard gel wrist rest two heights 15.30 EUR Fellowes Gel Crystals - Flexible, black texture Pleasant in gel, very easy to clean with just a damp cloth; Non-slip base adaptable to any surface 8.40 EUR

Memory Foam Wrist Rest

Without a doubt, the most widely used model of palm rests. The memory foam is usually presented fixed on a plastic base that may or may not be non- slip. The most common is to find them covered in fabric, but it is also possible to see models made with leather or imitation leather. This type of wrist rest adapts much more to the weight of our hands and is more ergonomic than gel. However, memory foam can lose elasticity over time and become sunken, so it is advisable to monitor the thickness of the padding before deciding to buy one.

ELZO Keyboard Wrist Rest, Ergonomic Wrist Rest Support with Memory Foam for Computer / Notebook / Laptop, Black 12, 99 EUR HyperX HX-WR Wrist Rest - Memory Foam, Black Rubber wrist rest (457 x 88 x 22 mm) Foam viscoelastic with refreshing gel; Stable non-slip grip; Durable design with sturdy stitching without seams 29, 71 EUR BRILA - Set of mouse pad and mouse pad rest, comfortable memory foam gel with massage hole pattern, non-slip, pain relief, easy typing (black) Keyboard Wrist Rest Pad- Exco Grimaces Memory Foam Anti-Slip Black Leather PU Palm Support Grimace Pad Wrist Pad for Laptops 4.Improves hand posture and grimace when typing. EUR 16.99

Plastic wrist rest

We usually don't find them loose, but plastic wrist rests are common on keyboards that come with them. We can find them of different qualities and coatings. Some are covered in non-slip rubber but the common is a type of soft-touch plastic material. They are usually a single piece and are paired to the keyboard using magnetism or a junction point. They tend to be less comfortable in terms of flexibility, offering a higher hardness than their memory foam and gel variants.

Wooden wrist rest

Is there anything more hipster than the wooden keyboard keycaps ? Yes, wooden palm rests. From the entire list it is the hardest and most resistant model. They will not adapt to our weight, but they will not lose shape either. As a drawback are the issues of its rigidity and the possibility of being damaged or scratches that cannot be repaired, in the case of a palm rest that we must transport with some affection. They are very rare and by far the largest budget on the list.

kalibri Mouse and Keyboard Wrist Rest - Grimace Rest for Computer - Hand Support for Notebook PC - Size M in Single Walnut Wood: Each mat visually differs from the others in the grain of the wood. 12.99 EUR Glorious PC Gaming Race Keyboard TKL Wrist Rest - Full size - Wood - Reddish Brown 34.34 EUR WOVELOT Walnut H? Lzerne - Wrist rest for laptop (for 60 Keys) Width: 8 cm.; L: 30 cm.; Wood colour.; Thickness: 1.8 cm.; Material: walnut wood.

Padded fabric wrist rest

A model of wrist rests with a more casual than ergonomic use are those made of stuffed fabric. They are the most flexible and adaptable of all the models previously listed since we can add or remove thickness depending on our needs. Additionally they are the most original but not necessarily the most comfortable type of support.

Kawosh Mouse Keyboard Wrist Rest Otter Wrist Rest Relief Form with Pencil Case 40 cm Function: The soft material is useful to protect the wrist when typing on the keyboard 14, 90 EUR Comfortable keyboard wrist rest Stuffed cat wrist pad for easy white writing and pain relief 27.99 EUR

Floor mats with wrist rests

Even if they are not wrist rests themselves, those who do not want to add another accessory to their desk can simply replace their mat or purchase one for the first time that already includes a lift to rest their wrists in their design. Generally, the filling is usually made with memory foam and can be a great solution for many users, although there is the drawback that when they lose shape or elasticity we will need to replace the whole piece.

ENHANCE Large rton Gaming Mouse Pad with Memory Foam Wrist Support (31.5 x 13.78 x 1 Inch) - Anti-Break Stitching 34.99 EUR Kensington 62401 Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Gel Dock, For Laser and Optical Mouse, Non-slip Mat with Gel, Blue 14.38 EUR Fellowes Gel Crystals - Mouse pad with mouse pad, Blue Nice gel texture, very easy to clean with just a damp cloth; Non-slip base adaptable to any surface 14.99 EUR

Conclusions on the use of wrist rests

Look, personally I was not the type of user that used this type of plugins. A couple of months ago I bought a new keyboard and it had a slightly higher elevation than usual. For this, it included a removable wrist rest and although I did not expect to use it, the truth is that now it is not as comfortable for me to write without it.

For those of you who find your hands in a position forced by the height or inclination of your keyboard or simply spend many hours typing on the keyboard, frankly it is a very good option. There are some brands that include them as accessories to their products and they are available with multiple formats and materials.

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Viscoelastic foam and gel are generally the most popular options since they adapt to our changes in position when writing and increase our feeling of comfort. Furthermore, its lower hardness does not interfere with the blood flow to our hands even if they are supported by the palm rest.

The decision according to the materials, format and height of the elevation must always be made according to our keyboard in use and it is very important to ensure that it is the correct one following the aforementioned principles. And you, do you use wrist rests? Do you prefer any special material? Leave us a comment!