Split vs Wave Ergonomic Keyboards: Which Shape Should You Get?
"Ergonomic keyboard" covers a few very different shapes. Some come in two pieces, some are one piece with a gap in the middle, and some just have a gentle wave. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
The three main shapes
Fully split
The keyboard comes in two separate halves, usually joined by a cable. You decide how far apart they sit and at what angle. The Kinesis Freestyle2 Blue for Mac lets the halves rotate and spread up to 9 inches apart.
Good for: people who want to set each half exactly where their hands rest, and touch typists.
Trade-off: it takes the most getting used to, and it takes more desk space when spread out.
One-piece split (curved)
The keys are divided into a left and right group with a gap or curve between them, but the frame is one piece. You can't change the width. The Logitech ERGO K860 uses a curved, split keyframe like this.
Good for: people who want a split feel without setting anything up.
Trade-off: the angle and width are fixed by the maker.
Wave
The keys sit in a normal straight layout, but the rows rise and fall in a gentle wave, usually with a palm rest attached. Logitech Wave Keys is a common example.
Good for: a first ergonomic keyboard. It feels close to a regular one, so there's little to relearn.
Trade-off: the halves aren't split, so your hands sit about where they do on a standard keyboard.
Tenting, tilt and palm rests
The shape is only part of it. Three extras change how a keyboard sits:
- Tenting raises the middle edge of each half, like a small tent. The wired Kinesis Freestyle2 for Mac comes with VIP3 lifters for 5, 10 or 15 degrees of tenting.
- Negative tilt lowers the back edge of the keyboard instead of raising it. The ERGO K860 has palm lift legs at 0, -4 and -7 degrees.
- Palm rests give your palms somewhere to sit between keystrokes. Many wave and curved keyboards have one built in; fully split keyboards often sell them separately.
How long does it take to get used to?
It depends on the shape and on how you type:
- Wave: usually little or no adjustment.
- One-piece split: often a few days. Macally's listing for its split keyboard says adapting may take a few days.
- Fully split: can take longer, especially if you reach across the middle with the "wrong" hand for keys like B or Y. Touch typists tend to adjust faster.
Give a new shape a week or two before deciding.
Which should you pick?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want to set the width and angle yourself | Fully split |
| Want split without setup | One-piece split |
| Want the easiest switch from a normal keyboard | Wave |
| Want the keyboard to rise in the middle | A split keyboard with tenting |
A note on comfort claims
Many listings promise less strain or pain. We describe shape, not health results. If you have pain when you type, ask a doctor or physical therapist which setup suits you.
For five ergonomic keyboards compared, including Mac layouts and device switching, see our ergonomic keyboard for Mac comparison.