The best keyboard trays provide greater levels of stability, flexibility, and comfort to any workspace. Here are 7 of the best ones you can cop for an ergonomic WFH set-up.
After much research, we reckon the best keyboard tray is the Humanscale 900 Standard Keyboard Tray for being an all-in-one package!
If you’ve already got yourself an ergonomic keyboard, mouse, and monitor arm but still feel discomfort – particularly in your arms and wrists – after long hours of typing, then perhaps a keyboard tray is that missing piece you need for a fully ergonomic workspace.
More than just an accessory installed on your desk, a keyboard tray is a versatile piece of equipment made to match your most natural sitting (or standing) position and improve your comfort levels while working.
Just like every other ergonomic gadget, you’ll want to select a keyboard tray that suits your specific needs and office set-up. Below, 7 of the most popular keyboard trays that we believe are worth the hype (and your hard-earned money).
Note
Prices shown in this article were based on the time of writing. To view current prices, click on the various product links.
When talking about complete functionality and luxe aesthetics, the Humanscale Keyboard Tray System wins by a landslide. This posh keyboard tray tops our list as it has every feature necessary for an ergonomically correct set-up, wrapped in a sleek and pretty package.
The keyboard tray can be pushed up or down to match your body’s most neutral and relaxed typing position, and also has a tilt range of 0 to -15 degrees for users to find their most comfortable angle. But perhaps one of its most distinguishing features is its independent clip-on mouse tray, which can be raised, lowered, and swiveled to your liking. This is especially handy since a lot of keyboard trays come in an all-in-one platform, which can make the mouse slide down annoyingly whenever tilted.
This specific Humanscale model comes with a 21 ¾ inch track, which works best for fixed height desks. But for those with sit-stand desks, you can instead get one of Humanscale’s shorter tracks so that the rail won’t coincide with the crossbar under your desk (which is a common feature in most adjustable-height desks). We think Humanscale’s 11-inch option is a safe bet for most desks.
With an impressive 15-year warranty, this keyboard tray is sure to last you for decades to come. It’s a bit of an investment (expect to shell out a couple hundred bucks), but if you’re committed to creating the best workplace set-up possible, then we think it’s worth every penny.
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 19″ x 10 5/8″ |
| Color | Black |
| Tilt range | 0° to -15° |
| Mount Type | Arm |
| Item weight (lbs) | 15 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 15 years |
| Price | $99.99 (see on Amazon) |
If you’re simply looking for a sturdy tray to hold your keyboard in place and allow you to type comfortably throughout the day, consider Fellowes Office Suites Under Desk Keyboard Drawer. Made from durable recycled materials, the keyboard tray is impact-resistant and comes with a ball-bearing design that provides a smooth motion whenever you push or pull the tray forward and back.
Another convenient thing about the Fellowes keyboard drawer is that it comes with a 10-inch rail which makes it compatible with almost any desk with a crossbar design (just as long as your desk is at least 23.5 inches wide). Moreover, it also has a handy keyboard stopper to secure different keyboard sizes in place. While not tiltable, the tray does have 3 height presets for users to choose from. So if you have a fixed height desk that meets all these requirements, then Fellowes’ keyboard drawer will fit right in your workspace.
Though its mouse tray isn’t as customizable as Humanscale’s, it does give you the option to install it on either side depending on left or right-handedness, and can also be stowed neatly underneath the tray when you’re done working. For the right individual, we think that the moderate adjustability is a fair trade-off for a keyboard tray with such an affordable price point (its 3-year warranty is pretty neat too).
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.3″ x 22″ |
| Color | Black/Silver |
| Tilt range | N/A |
| Mount Type | Sliding |
| Item weight (lbs) | 3.9 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 3 years |
| Price | $24.48 (see on Amazon) |
Here’s another affordable option that’s sure to save you a lot of space, especially for those with smaller desks. The VIVO Clamp-On Keyboard Tray is a compact, lightweight, and scratch-resistant keyboard tray that’s able to accommodate most keyboards and mice with a combined weight of up to 11 pounds. With sturdy and adjustable c-clamps, you won’t need to worry about damaging your desk or spending time on a drill installation, since it can easily be mounted to desks up to 1.25 inches thick.
While the tray can be extended up to 9.5 inches from the edge of your desk, it’s important to note that it isn’t height adjustable, which may or may not be a dealbreaker depending on your work set-up. If you have an adjustable chair and a fixed height desk, VIVO’s keyboard tray should work fine for your workspace. But for those who like to sit and stand throughout the day, you will be better off with a fully articulating keyboard tray.
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 20” x 11” |
| Color | Black |
| Tilt range | N/A |
| Mount Type | Clamp |
| Item weight (lbs) | 9.15 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 3 years |
| Price | $49.99 (see on Amazon) |
If you’re looking for a flexible keyboard tray with a mid-range price point, then the Uncaged Ergonomics Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard Tray may be the one for you. It has a fully adjustable height that lets you work while standing or sitting, as well as a locking lever that secures your keyboard in place. With 360 degrees of swivel, you’ll always be able to find a comfortable position no matter what your preferred working position may be. The tiltable keyboard platform is also a big plus for optimizing wrist health and preventing injuries associated with bad posture.
Another thing we love is that it also comes with a tiltable and ambidextrous mouse tray that swivels left and right, and a surprisingly comfortable mouse pad to boot. Though a bit more time consuming to install compared to a clamp mounted tray, it’s fairly easy to connect the panels and attach to your desk. The only con with this tray is its very short 90 day warranty, which may or may not be a turn-off for some.
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 18.5” x 8.75″ |
| Color | Black |
| Tilt range | -15° to +50° |
| Mount Type | Arm |
| Item weight (lbs) | 10.12 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 90 days |
| Price | $89.99 (see on Amazon) |
The Seville Classics airLift Desk Tray is another user-friendly choice that’s not only easy to assemble, but also comes with a handy wire management system for a tidier workstation. Its simple clamp mount can be attached to just about any computer desk between 0.5-1.25 inches thick, with soft pads to protect your desk from damage. The slide-out tray also has durable steel ball-bearings and brackets to ensure an effortless and smooth glide.
One of its unique selling points are the smart guides along the rear of the desk, which keep your mouse and keyboard’s cables neatly sorted and reduce the risk of snags. While it’s not as adjustable as the others on this list, it is more affordable and will surely transform your workspace and improve your daily workflow. Just be sure your desk is at least 37 inches wide to accommodate the tray’s clamps, and you should be good to go.
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 31.5″ x 11″ |
| Color | Black |
| Tilt range | N/A |
| Mount Type | Clamp |
| Item weight (lbs) | 11 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 1 years |
| Price | $50.74 (see on Amazon) |
For those who want the convenience of a clamp mount but require their keyboard tray to be adjustable, then the VIVO Clamp-on Tilting Keyboard Tray should be right up your alley. Just like the VIVO tray mentioned earlier, this model also comes with durable clamps and levers to support your keyboard and mouse. Being a lot bigger than the former, this 25.5 x 9 inch tray can accommodate larger keyboards and mice and has clamps that can fit desks up to 1.6 inches thick.
Aside from being able to raise or lower the tray to suit your current working position, you can also neatly flip the tray under your table for full access to your work desk. Just like VIVO’s other products, this clamp-on tilting tray also comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 25.5” x 9” |
| Color | Black |
| Tilt range | 180° (Flips under the desk) |
| Mount Type | Clamp |
| Item weight (lbs) | 8.98 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 3 years |
| Price | $89.99 (see on Amazon) |
The Mount-It! Under Desk Keyboard Drawer is an excellent pick for those looking for a more spacious keyboard tray – great if you have a full-sized or large keyboard. It’s got a 21-inch wide keyboard platform that sits 11.75 inches deep, and an 8-inch slide-out mouse platform that you can install on either side. You’ll never have to worry about your keyboard falling off too, as this keyboard tray comes with raised edges and ridges to prevent sliding, as well as a stopper to firmly secure your keyboard in place.
While this one isn’t tiltable, you do have three height adjustments to choose from, which should be more than enough if you’ve got a fixed height desk and an ergonomic chair. Plus, it also comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty, which you’ll have to admit is quite impressive for a keyboard tray under $50.
| Specifications | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Size | 21” x 11.75” |
| Color | Black |
| Tilt range | N/A |
| Mount Type | Sliding |
| Item weight (lbs) | 4.21 |
| Warranty on Amazon | 10 years |
| Price | $43.99 (see on Amazon) |
Apart from giving you more access to your desk and a wider range of motion, the benefits of keyboard trays go beyond productivity and may in fact help you prevent injuries and other health problems long term.
As everyone is built differently, having a keyboard tray in your work set-up will enable you to position your keyboard right where it fits your body, as opposed to settling for a position that’s too high or low for your height. This can cause arm and wrist strain that may lead to more serious problems like carpal tunnel and other musculoskeletal disorders when left unchecked.
Because we spend most of our time on our desks and computers, it’s important to be more aware of our posture especially when typing for hours on end. As obvious as this may sound, many people actually forget simple practices such as straightening the back, opening up the shoulders as well as keeping wrists aligned with one’s elbows.
While it may be tempting to slouch (perhaps out of habit), this can cause unwanted neck, back, and arm problems long term, and should be corrected as soon as possible.
If you’re one who likes to change working positions during the day, an articulating keyboard tray such as the ones from Humanscale and Uncaged Ergonomics can help you keep your wrists in a neutral position even when you lean forward or back on your chair. Additionally, adjusting the angle of your keyboard tray upward and downward will also prevent awkward wrist flexion and muscle fatigue.
If you’ve reached this part of the blog, then you may already have an ideal keyboard tray in mind. Here are a few things you’ll want to double check before investing in one:
When purchasing a keyboard tray, the first and most obvious thing to do would be to measure your keyboard’s size to see if it’s compatible with the keyboard tray you’re looking at. Next, you’ll also want to weigh your keyboard (along with the other accessories you’d like to put on your keyboard tray) to ensure that it can accommodate all your equipment’s weight.
This next one will depend on whether you prefer your mouse to be in the same tray as your keyboard, or if you’d like a fully articulating one that you can raise, lower, or rotate. Those who tend to stick to one position while working may prefer a classic all-in-one tray to hold their keyboard and mouse in place, whereas others who like to sit, stand, and move side to side between tasks may want an independent mouse tray. If you’re considering the latter, it also pays to check if the mouse platform can be installed on either side of the tray (especially if you’re left-handed).
If you’re looking to buy a fully articulating keyboard tray, you’ll want to cross check its compatibility with the work desk you have in your home office. As mentioned earlier, sit-stand desks usually have a crossbar running between the left to right foot of your desk, which can get in the way of longer rails (usually 17” and above). Opting for a shorter length (such as Humanscale’s 11” option) should be adequate for most desks.
Arm and sliding mounts are the most commonly used for keyboard trays, though compatibility will depend on your current desk’s specs. Moreover, if you’re considering one of the two mounts, know that they will take more time to install since they involve permanently affixing the keyboard tray to your desk.
So for users who prefer a tray that can be attached or removed anytime, we recommend opting for a clamp mounted keyboard tray just in case you decide to switch desks in the future.
To ensure that your preferred mount will work for your desk, here are some additional things to know about each type:
Those with large desks with a wide gap between both legs often choose a keyboard tray with an arm mount. Installed underneath the main surface area of your desk, the arm mount is fastened with several screws for optimal stability.
A sliding mount is either installed on the inner sides of a desk’s legs, or on a frame with built-in sliders. Those with smaller desks with a narrow gap between both legs can opt for the former, whereas those with wider desks can go for the latter option (such as Fellowes Office Suites Under Desk Keyboard Drawer or Mount-It!’s Under Desk Keyboard Drawer).
Clamp mounts are the easiest to install and the most versatile of the bunch. As long as the keyboard tray you’re eyeing isn’t wider than your desk and has clamps that can accommodate the thickness of your desk, then you should be good to go.
While we can vouch for all the keyboard trays mentioned in this article, your ideal keyboard tray will ultimately depend on your needs, preferences, and current set-up. Here’s a recap of our top 7 keyboard trays:
Humanscale’s 900 Standard Keyboard Tray is our top pick for its wide range of features and sleek design, but those who are looking for a more budget friendly alternative can opt for Uncaged Ergonomics’ KT1 Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard Tray. As for individuals looking for a non-permanent installation, we recommend getting a clamp-on keyboard tray such as Seville Classics’ Airlift Tray or either of the VIVO clamp-on trays mentioned on this list.
Want more guides on setting up an ergonomic workspace? Stick around and browse our other guides and reviews – our Bitcatcha team are masters of remote work!
Our top pick will have to go to Humanscale’s Keyboard Tray System, but it’s important to note that the ‘best’ keyboard tray is highly subjective and will depend on your personal needs.
Keyboard trays are typically attached underneath or clamped in front of your desk and can be adjusted to match your height and most comfortable working position. It encourages you to keep your arms and wrists in a neutral position and helps prevent injuries from bad posture.
Clamp-on keyboard trays are a great choice for those who want a keyboard tray that’s easy to install and can be transferred from one desk to another if needed. They don’t require any drilling so you won’t have to worry about spending hours on installation or possibly damaging your desk.
Keyboard trays are a good tool to alleviate wrist or arm strain when gaming for long hours. However, gamers must be sure to select a tray that can accommodate the extra keys of a gaming keyboard and have ample space for them to move their mouse around freely.
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