Creating an ergonomic workspace is essential for comfort and productivity, especially for those who spend long hours at a computer. A key component of this setup is a high-quality keyboard tray, which helps position your keyboard and mouse at the ideal height and angle to reduce strain on your wrists, shoulders, and neck. By freeing up valuable desk space, these trays also contribute to a cleaner, more organized work area.
With numerous models available, selecting the right tray can be challenging. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best options, each offering unique features like adjustable tilt, swivel functions, and integrated storage. Whether you need a simple slide-out drawer or a fully articulating platform, you can find a solution that promotes a healthier posture and a more efficient workflow.
Our Recommended Ergonomic Keyboard Trays
- VIVO Adjustable Computer Keyboard & Mouse Platform Tray
- Kensington SmartFit Ergonomic Slide-Out Keyboard Drawer
- Klearlook Keyboard Tray Under Desk with 360° Rotation
- Zontera Ergonomic Mouse & Keyboard Tray Under Desk
- AX WABER Keyboard Tray Under Desk Pull Out
- HUANUO Large Under Desk Keyboard Tray with Storage Drawer
- VIVO Premium Adjustable Computer Keyboard and Mouse Platform
- Mount-It! Under Desk Computer Keyboard and Mouse Tray
- Keyboard Tray Under Desk， 360° Adjustable Slide Out
- Wali Under Desk Keyboard Tray with Large Mouse Pad
VIVO Adjustable Computer Keyboard & Mouse Platform Tray
The VIVO MOUNT-KB03B is a robust under-desk solution designed for ergonomic comfort. Its patent-pending design installs beneath a standard desk, providing a comfortable typing angle that can help minimize wrist strain. The generous 25-inch by 10-inch tray offers ample room for both a keyboard and a mouse, making it a versatile choice for most setups.
This model features a sliding track that allows the platform to move forward and back smoothly. It is important to note that for installation on height-adjustable desks, a separate spacer bracket (MOUNT-SPACER01) is required to fit over the frame crossbar. With a minimum recommended desktop thickness of 5/8 of an inch, this tray is built for stability and long-term use.
Kensington SmartFit Ergonomic Slide-Out Keyboard Drawer
Kensington’s K60004US keyboard tray is centered on a user-friendly, personalized ergonomic experience. Its SmartFit system uses a color-coded adjustment mechanism, allowing you to quickly set your optimal keyboarding height to match your comfort profile. This takes the guesswork out of achieving a proper typing position.
The extra-wide 24.5-inch tray is designed to accommodate oversized and ergonomically shaped keyboards with ease. You can also fit a wrist rest, mouse, and mouse pad alongside your keyboard on the same surface. Integrated cable management helps keep wires tidy and out of the way, contributing to a clean and efficient workspace.
Klearlook Keyboard Tray Under Desk with 360° Rotation
The Klearlook tray offers exceptional versatility with its 360-degree swivel capability, allowing you to position your keyboard perfectly or store it completely out of the way. While the tray’s height is not adjustable, it features an adjustable tilt angle, enabling users to find a comfortable typing position that can help reduce strain during long sessions.
This model functions as an all-in-one workspace organizer. It includes a convenient storage drawer for small items, a dedicated phone slot, and a built-in headphone hanger. The space-saving C-clamp fixture attaches securely to the desk edge, maximizing your valuable desktop real estate for monitors and other essentials.
Zontera Ergonomic Mouse & Keyboard Tray Under Desk
Zontera’s under-desk tray is built to create a more organized and productive work environment by reducing desk clutter. The tray surface measures 20 by 11.8 inches, providing sufficient space for a keyboard and mouse. It is crucial to measure your desk beforehand, as the total length including the clamps is 25.9 inches for installation.
This tray promotes a healthier posture with its optimized ergonomic typing angles, which can help minimize discomfort in the wrists and shoulders. It extends smoothly up to 7.8 inches from the desk edge, offering a stable platform for both work and gaming. A built-in back baffle prevents your keyboard from sliding off during use.
AX WABER Keyboard Tray Under Desk Pull Out
The AX WABER keyboard tray is an excellent solution for reclaiming your desk space. Its spacious 27.3 by 11-inch platform can hold a keyboard, mouse, and other small accessories below the desktop. Potential buyers should note that the total length from clamp to clamp is 32.5 inches, so verifying your desk’s clearance is an essential step before purchasing.
This model is designed for comfort, offering ergonomic typing angles that help relieve stress on your upper body. The tray slides in and out with ease, extending a maximum of 5.7 inches when in use. It is secured by sturdy, adjustable C-clamps that attach firmly to desks up to 1.9 inches thick without causing damage.
HUANUO Large Under Desk Keyboard Tray with Storage Drawer
HUANUO provides a comprehensive organizing solution with this large keyboard tray that includes a built-in storage drawer. The main platform measures 25.59 by 11.81 inches, offering plenty of room for your keyboard and mouse, while the compact drawer is perfect for storing earbuds, pens, and other small items to keep your main desk clear.
This tray is designed to position your keyboard at an ideal height for ergonomic typing, which can help you avoid the wrist and shoulder strain associated with poor posture. When pushed in, the tray sits 11.3 inches back from the desktop edge, so it is important to ensure you have adequate under-desk clearance for it to function smoothly.
VIVO Premium Adjustable Computer Keyboard and Mouse Platform
The VIVO MOUNT-KB27P-B is a premium option that prioritizes comfort with its plush foam padding on the tray surface. This padding provides maximum comfort during long typing sessions. Like other ergonomic trays, it installs under a standard desk to promote comfortable typing angles and a healthier working posture.
This model offers significant adjustability to help you find the perfect position. It provides full side-to-side rotation and 6.3 inches of height adjustment for a custom fit. The deluxe 26.8 by 11.2-inch tray surface is universally sized to fit most standard keyboards and mice on the market.
Mount-It! Under Desk Computer Keyboard and Mouse Tray
The Mount-It! tray stands out with its full-motion design, giving you complete control over your typing position. You have the ability to tilt, swivel, and raise the keyboard drawer to an angle that is comfortable and easier on your wrists. This high degree of customization is ideal for achieving a truly personalized ergonomic setup.
This keyboard tray includes a gel wrist pad to further enhance comfort and help prevent arm and wrist strain. Using the pad in conjunction with the adjustable height and angle can contribute to reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries. It is constructed from heavy-duty materials, ensuring durability and long-term reliability.
Keyboard Tray Under Desk， 360° Adjustable Slide Out
This large keyboard tray offers a spacious 29.5 by 9.4-inch surface, providing ample room for both your keyboard and mouse. Its generous size helps maintain a comfortable and tidy desk, which can directly improve your work efficiency. As with any under-desk product, verifying compatibility with your desk dimensions is recommended.
The tray is highly versatile, supporting multiple adjustments including height and angle. This allows you to customize the setup to meet your specific needs in various environments, whether for office work, gaming, or home use. By finding the optimal position, you can maintain a correct sitting posture and reduce fatigue.
Wali Under Desk Keyboard Tray with Large Mouse Pad
Wali’s offering combines a functional keyboard tray with an integrated large mouse pad, creating a seamless surface for both typing and navigation. This design ensures your mouse has a smooth, consistent area to glide on, which is a significant advantage for both precision work and gaming. It helps create a unified and organized look under your desk.
The tray is engineered to save valuable desk space by stowing your primary input devices out of the way when not in use. This contributes to a minimalist and efficient workspace. The inclusion of a large, dedicated mouse pad area means you won’t need a separate pad, further reducing clutter on your main desk surface.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Keyboard Trays for Ergonomics
Finding the right keyboard tray can feel like a puzzle, but it’s one worth solving for the sake of your wrists, shoulders, and back. I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing these things, and the best setup is the one you don’t have to think about because it just feels right. The goal is to get your body into a neutral position where your muscles can relax. Let’s break down what you should be looking for.
First up is adjustability. This is the most important feature, hands down. You need a tray that can move up and down, and tilt. A good tilt mechanism lets you angle the keyboard negatively (so the front is slightly higher than the back). This promotes a straighter, more neutral wrist position, which is a game-changer for preventing strain. Some trays also offer a slight positive tilt, but negative is what you’ll use 99% of the time for typing.
Next, consider the mounting style. Where and how will this tray attach? Clamp-mounted trays are super popular because they’re stable and don’t require you to drill into your expensive desk. Just make sure your desk thickness is within the clamp’s range. Grommet-mounted trays attach through the cable management hole in your desk, which is a clean look if you have one. For a more permanent solution, there are bolt-through trays that require drilling but offer maximum stability, especially for heavier keyboards.
Don’t forget about the mouse platform. Some trays have a built-in mouse platform, while others offer it as a separate, attachable piece. I prefer a tray with enough room for both my keyboard and mouse. This lets me keep my mouse at the same height as my keyboard, preventing me from reaching up to the desk surface and creating a shoulder strain. If you’re short on space, a tray with a slide-out mouse platform can be a real space-saver.
Material and build quality matter more than you might think. A flimsy tray that wobbles or flexes when you type is worse than no tray at all. Look for trays made from solid steel or thick, reinforced aluminum. The sliding mechanism should feel smooth and secure, not gritty or loose. A little bit of weight in the tray itself is usually a good sign of durability.
Finally, think about the little extras. Does it have a lip to keep your keyboard from sliding off? Is there built-in cable management to keep things tidy? How much clearance is there for your knees and legs? You don’t want to constantly bump your knees on the mechanism. Taking the time to consider these factors will lead you to one of the best keyboard trays for ergonomics that actually works for your body and your workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal height and position for a keyboard tray?
The ideal position is one where your shoulders are relaxed, your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle or slightly wider, and your wrists are straight, not bent up or down. When you’re sitting up straight, your arms should rest comfortably at your sides. The tray should be low enough that you aren’t shrugging your shoulders to type. A good rule of thumb is that the home row of your keyboard should be at or slightly below your elbow height. The whole point of using one of the best keyboard trays for ergonomics is to achieve this position effortlessly.
Can I use a keyboard tray with a standing desk?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! A keyboard tray is a perfect partner for a standing desk. As you raise or lower your desk, the relationship between your keyboard/mouse and your body stays consistent. Without a tray, you’d have to adjust the entire desk to the perfect typing height, which might not be the perfect reading or screen height. The tray gives you that micro-adjustment level, making your standing desk even more versatile and comfortable throughout the day.
Are there keyboard trays that can handle heavy mechanical keyboards?
Yes, but you need to pay close attention to the tray’s weight capacity and build quality. Many standard trays are designed for lightweight, membrane keyboards. For a heavy mechanical keyboard, look for trays specifically marketed as “heavy-duty” or “for mechanical keyboards.” These will have stronger materials (like thicker gauge steel), more robust sliding mechanisms, and a higher weight limit. Always check the product specifications for the maximum load before you buy.
How difficult is it to install a keyboard tray?
Most clamp-on trays are surprisingly easy to install. You typically just position the clamp under your desk, tighten a few bolts, and attach the tray to the mounting arm. It’s a tool-free or single-wrench job that takes 10-20 minutes. Grommet mounts are also straightforward if your desk has a suitable hole. Bolt-through installations are the most complex, as they require drilling into your desk, which can be intimidating and is permanent. Always read the installation guide for the specific model you choose.
Do I still need a wrist rest if I have an ergonomic keyboard tray?
This is a personal preference, but often, a properly adjusted tray can reduce or eliminate the need for a wrist rest. The key is the negative tilt I mentioned earlier, which encourages you to float your hands over the keyboard rather than planting your wrists on a rest. Wrist rests are best used for brief pauses, not for typing. If you find yourself still wanting support, a soft, squishy rest is better than a hard one, but try to train yourself to use it only during breaks.