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Placing your keyboard directly on your office desk might cause some problems you might not be aware of but that can easily be avoided by using a keyboard tray. First of all, since most desktops are too high to comfortably type without straining, under-desk keyboard trays can easily solve the height problem by allowing you to place your keyboard at a lower level and consequently let your muscles relax while working. Secondly, an ergonomic keyboard tray lets you tilt its angle in order to perfectly align your wrists with your typing position regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing.
This means the best keyboard trays greatly reduce the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries while also allowing you to keep a healthy upper body posture while typing.
To help you sort through the huge selection of trays that are out there, we’ve prepared a list of the best keyboards trays currently available:
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Keyboard Trays:
- 3M Under Desk Keyboard Tray: Best Overall
- Defy Desk Clamp On Keyboard Tray: Best Clamp-On Tray
- VIVO Adjustable Computer Keyboard Tray: Lightest Weight
- HUANUO Keyboard Tray: Most Adjustable Under Desk Tray
- FERSGO Under Desk Keyboard Tray: Premium Pick
- ErgoActive Under Desk Keyboard Tray: Best Value
- Mount-It! Keyboard Drawer: 3-Height Levels
- Laboratory 29 Keyboard Tray: Quietest Sliding Tray
- Max Smart Keyboard Tray: Largest Surface
- ErGear Keyboard Tray: Easiest Installation
This buying guide is based on our expert analysis of factors such as tilt, size, adjustability, quality of materials, price for value, customers’ reviews, and more for each item on our list. All the products mentioned in our list can greatly improve your upper body posture while typing.
We hope this guide will help you choose the best keyboard tray for your specific needs, or at the very least provide the information you need to make the right decision in terms of ergonomic trays. Keep reading for more details!
The first item included on our list is the under-desk keyboard tray by 3M, an ergonomic product suited for most desks that is designed to enhance comfort and ergonomics when working on a computer.
The height of the tray can be adjusted from +1.25″ to -4.5″ simply by turning a knob, and it can also be tilted from +15°/-15° to find the most comfortable working position. To further improve your overall comfort and reduce wrist soreness, the tray features a leatherette covered gel wrist rest which is also quite easy to clean.
In addition, it includes a mouse pad with a battery saving design that can be positioned either left or right of the keyboard. In terms of movements, the 25.5 x 12 inches platform swivels 360° left and right, and it’ll completely disappear under the desk when it’s not in use.
Lastly, although the arm of the tray is covered by a lifetime warranty, the platform itself and the gel wrist rest are only backed respectively by a 5-year warranty and a 1-year warranty.
KEY FEATURES:
- +1.25″ to -4.5″ height adjustments
- +15°/-15° tilts
- 360° swivel
- Gel wrist pad
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 25.5 x 12 inches
- Weight: 14.05 lbs
PROS:
- Sturdy and durable tray
- Battery saving mouse pad included
- Completely fits under the desk when not in use
- Lifetime warranty on the arm
CONS:
- The lifetime warranty doesn’t cover the whole product
This ergonomic keyboard tray by Defy Desk allows you to use your mouse and keyboard at a slightly lower level than your computer, effectively reducing back pain and overall body stress.
This clamp-on tray measures 26” x 11”, clamp excluded, giving you enough room to rest your hands comfortably on the wooden tray. Unlike other under desk keyboard trays that require a thickness of 1.5 inches or less, this Defy Desk product doesn’t have a minimum, meaning it can be extended up to 2.4 inches to fit all types of desks.
Moreover, thanks to the stainless-steel side rails the tray won’t shake and will always slide in and out smoothly. In addition, the item includes a keyboard stopper positioned on the far side of the tray to make sure the keyboard won’t accidentally slip off and fall to the ground.
Most customers found the tray to be quite sturdy and easy to assemble, however you should be aware neither the height nor the tilt angle can be adjusted.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stainless-steel side rails
- Keyboard stopper
- No minimum thickness required
- Ergonomic design
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 26 x 11 inches
- Weight: 11.43 lbs
PROS:
- Sturdy tray
- Easy to assemble
- Smoothly slides in and out
- Spacious
CONS:
- The height and the angle can’t be adjusted
The VIVO adjustable keyboard tray is one of the more budget-friendly options on our list, undoubtedly a very interesting price for an ergonomic under desk computer keyboard and mouse tray. This item was developed to enhance posture while typing for long hours and its supportive rubber padding specifically reduces wrist soreness at the end of the workday.
With its 5 inches height adjustment, coupled with the full side to side rotations, you’ll be able to find the most comfortable position for you regardless of the height of the desk. The 25″ x 10″ tray is designed to fit most desk types, as long as they are at least 5/8″ thick, and all of the tools needed to assemble the item are included in the package.
Lastly, the VIVO tray is backed with a limited 3-years manufacturer warranty and tech support in case any damage occurs to the product. On a negative note, some customers have noted that the tray can be a bit hard to push in and pull out.
KEY FEATURES:
- 5 inches height adjustment
- Side to side rotations
- Rubber padding
- 3-year warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 25 x 10 inches
- Weight: 11.82 lbs
PROS:
- Great quality
- Tech support available
- Easy to assembly
- All assembly tools included
CONS:
- The tray might be a bit hard to push in and pull out
HUANUO has designed an under-desk keyboard tray with a total of 7.08 inches of possible height adjustments that’ll let you choose your preferred height level to reduce back, arm and wrist pain while typing for long spans of time. To further enhance your comfort, the product features a gel wrist pad where you can rest your wrists and forearms when working.
Thanks to its full motion design, the tray can be swiveled 180° left-to-right or tilted by 6° up and 22° down to find the most comfortable position for you. The tray surface is smooth and measures 25 x 9.8 inches, providing a good amount of space to fit your keyboard and mouse. The installation is quite easy and shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes at most, also, the instructions are included in the package.
On a negative note, you should also know the tray doesn’t move completely back under the desk when you’re not using it, meaning a 2-3 inches portion will still be visible.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- 180° left-to-right swivel
- 7.08 inches of height adjustment
- The angle can be tilted
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 25 x 9.8 inches
- Weight: 11.88 lbs
PROS:
- Gel wrist pad
- Provides a good amount of space
- Easy installation
- Height and tilt angle can be adjusted
CONS:
- The tray doesn’t stow away completely
Although the FERSGO under desk keyboard tray is one of the most expensive options on our list, this ergonomic product does a good job at encouraging a better and healthier working posture, as well as eliminating neck and shoulder pain.
Its adjustable height (up to 5.7 inches) and angle (±15° tilt), along with a 360° swivel, allow you to create your own comfort whenever you’re typing on a computer. You can modify or adjust the height and tilt angle by turning a knob positioned on the side of the arm.
The tray, measuring only 20 x 11 inches, is smaller and more compact compared to other items on this product review, meaning it can be used on smaller desks. In terms of extras, the keyboard tray includes a comfortable wrist rest and an anti-skid mouse pad equipped with an anti-fall mouse guard. However, the mouse tray is a separate one and it stands about an inch lower than the actual keyboard tray without the option of moving it up.
Last but not least, there’s a 5-year satisfaction warranty on the product.
KEY FEATURES:
- Adjustable height and tilt
- 360° swivel
- Ergonomic design
- 5-year warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 20 x 11 inches
- Weight: 9.26 lbs
PROS:
- Easy installation
- Wrist rest
- Anti-skid mouse pad
- Sturdy
- Stows away completely
CONS:
- The mouse pad stands one inch lower than the keyboard tray
This ErgoActive under desk tray features a narrow tray surface which makes it perfect for smaller desks and compact working environments. Regardless of its dimensions, this ergonomic tray still brings your mouse and keyboard down at arm-level to improve your posture and enhance your overall comfort while typing.
The installation can be completed in under ten minutes and doesn’t require any tools or screws since the item’s metal clamps are made to fit most desks as long as they aren’t more than 1.57 inches thick. The 20 x 11.8 inches surface includes a beveled front edge to improve wrist comfort while working, as well as an elevated back rail to prevent items from falling.
When not in use, the tray can be completely stowed away under the desk, making it almost invisible, however, as it often happens with clamp on under desk keyboard trays, the tray height and angle can’t be adjusted.
Lastly, the item is backed by an 18-months warranty and the price includes a bonus mouse pad.
KEY FEATURES:
- Beveled front edge
- Elevated back rail
- Ergonomic design
- 18-months warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 20 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
PROS:
- Suited for smaller desks
- Mouse pad included
- Stows away completely
- Easy and tool-free installation
- Not as heavy as most products on our list
CONS:
- The height and angle of the tray can’t be adjusted
Another under desk keyboard tray option that offers ample working space is this height-adjustable drawer by Mount-It!. This ergonomic tray allows you to position your keyboard and mouse at a lower level, effectively positioning your wrist and elbows at an angle which will reduce back and shoulder pain.
Moreover, the rounded edges and angles will further enhance your comfort while typing for longer spans of time. To perfectly customize the height of the tray to find the level that best suits your needs, the Mount-It! Drawer allows you to choose between 3 different height presets, meaning you’ll be able to adjust the height up to 1.25 inches. The surface of the tray measures 21 x 11.75 inches plus a sliding mouse tray that can be mounted either on its right or left side.
Lastly, the tray slides smoothly in and out and can be stowed away completely whenever you don’t need it. The only negative side is that the angle the tray rests at can’t be tilted.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- 3 height levels
- Rounded angles and edges
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 21 x 11.75 inches
- Weight: 4.21 lbs
PROS:
- Easy to install
- Ample working surface
- Very light
- Sliding mouse tray
- Stows away completely
CONS:
- The angle can’t be tilted
This sturdy wooden keyboard tray by Laboratory 29 is made to withstand prolonged everyday use and it features an ergonomic design that helps keep your wrists and hands properly aligned to reduce fatigue and promote a healthy posture when sitting and typing.
A comfortable wrist rest is also installed on the tray to support your wrists. With a surface of 27 x 11 inches this is one of the largest keyboard trays on our list, providing you with a lot of space to comfortably move or to free up your desk. The item’s adjustable clamps allow you to easily install the tray on any desk wider than 33 inches, however this also means neither the height nor the tilt angle of the drawer can be modified.
The tray slides in and out effortlessly and quietly thanks to the product’s easy glide stainless-steel tracks, and a keyboard stopper will prevent your keyboard from falling if the tray moves too fast. In terms of warranty, the item includes a 12-month manufacturer 100% money back guarantee.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- Clamp on installation
- Wrist rest
- Easy glide tracks
- 12-months warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 27 x 11 inches
- Weight: 15.07 lbs
PROS:
- Fits most desks
- Very large surface
- Slides effortlessly and quietly
- Keyboard stopper
- Easy to install
CONS:
- The height and the tilt angle can’t be adjusted
This clamp-on keyboard tray by Max Smart can be installed in only a few minutes with no screws required, meaning that in no time you’ll be able to use an ergonomic keyboard drawer to reduce back, arm and wrist fatigue.
Although the height and the tilt angle can’t be modified once the product is installed, this clip-on keyboard tray can still be positioned at your chosen height under your desk on any desktop surface that is up to 1.5 inches thick. If you’re looking for a wide surface, then you should know this item features the largest tray on our list, which measures 27.5 x 12.25 inches and offers plenty of space to free up your desk.
The robust metal clamps keep the tray firmly in place, and the non-skid surface will prevent the keyboard from moving, however, the item still shouldn’t be installed on glass tables or on desks with a slight slope.
Lastly, there’s a beveled edge that lets you rest your wrists more comfortably, and the price includes a bonus mouse pad.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- Beveled edge
- Anti-skid surface
- Clamp-on installation
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 27.5 x 12.25 inches
- Weight: 6.44 lbs
PROS:
- Can be installed on most desks
- Bonus mouse pad included
- Sturdy and durable
- Has a large surface
CONS:
- The height and tilt angle can’t be adjusted
The last item on our list is the ergonomic keyboard tray by ErGear. Although the height and tilt angle can’t be adjusted, this tray helps create a 90° bend in your arm ErGear Keyboard Tray while typing to reduce pressure on your wrists and shoulders and effectively enhance your comfort.
The sliding system consists of two smooth sliding tracks that allow the tray to be easily and quietly pushed in or pulled out and, when not in use, it stows under the desk almost completely. The tray measures 26.3 x 11.8 inches, which makes it quite useful if you need to clear up your desk, and it can easily be installed through two C-clamps that will keep it anchored firmly in place.
However, before choosing this product you should be aware the tray is not compatible with desks with drawers or rounded edges. Lastly, there’s a keyboard protector on the tray that will prevent the keyboard from falling.
KEY FEATURES:
- Ergonomic design
- Keyboard protector
- C-clamps
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tray dimensions: 26.3 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 10.68 lbs
PROS:
- Easy installation
- Stows away almost completely
- Large surface
- Slides smoothly and quietly
CONS:
- Height and tilt angle are not adjustable
Things to Consider Before Buying an Under Desk Keyboard Tray
What are the main factors to consider when you’re in the process of choosing a keyboard tray to boost your office comfort? Here we’ve answered some frequent questions that might help you spot the perfect product for you.
How many types of keyboard trays are there?
Generally speaking, there are two types available that differ in terms of installation. First we have clamp-on trays, and then we have trays that feature an arm that needs to be installed under the desk.
Should I choose a clamp-on keyboard tray?
Clamp-on keyboard trays are extremely easy to install and don’t require screws or tools. However, often the height and tilt angle of these kinds of trays can’t be adjusted.
Should I choose a tray with an arm?
Keyboard trays that are attached to the desk through an arm allow the users to choose their preferred height level or tilt angle, however the installation requires more time and the use of tools. Sometimes these types of trays can’t be used on glass or marble desks.
Is an adjustable height important?
Having different height levels available is a great pro in a keyboard tray. Being able to adjust the height of the tray allows you to find the most comfortable position for you as well as to change it whenever you desire.
Why should I adjust the tilt angle?
Adjusting the tilt angle can help you enhance your comfort while typing. More specifically, changing the tilt angle can relieve pressure on your wrists and arms.
Should the tray have a wrist rest?
Although a wrist rest isn’t the most important feature these products need to feature, many good ergonomic keyboard trays include a gel pad wrist rest that keeps your wrists comfortable while working on your computer. Other trays can include a beveled edge instead of a wrist rest.
How spacious should the tray be?
The size of the keyboard tray should be selected considering your personal needs and the dimensions of your desk. There are trays made specifically for smaller desks, but if you need a lot of space to free up your desk, then you should probably look for a larger tray.
Is a mouse tray always included?
Although some items we’ve mentioned on our list include a sliding mouse tray that can be attached to the keyboard tray, that is not the norm. However, you might often find a bonus mouse pad included in the price.
The Benefits of an Under Desk Keyboard Tray
Although most of us aren’t used to typing using an under desk keyboard tray, these items can really make the difference when you wish to enhance your comfort while working at a desk. Here is a list of the main benefits of purchasing an under desk keyboard tray:
- Under desk keyboard trays promote a healthy posture
- They help relieve pressure on wrists, arms, and shoulders
- They help avoid unnecessary strain on your muscles
- They offer additional space to free up your desk
- Some trays allow you to adjust the height and tilt angle
- The installation is quite easy
- They can be stowed away completely and disappear when not in use
- Some trays include a keyboard stopper to prevent keyboards from falling
- A sliding mouse tray or a mouse pad might be included
- Some trays come for less than $50
- Clamp on trays often feature soft pads on the clamps to avoid damaging the desk
Should I Buy an Under Desk Keyboard Tray
Typing on a computer for many hours every day can take its toll on your back, shoulders, arms and wrists. Choosing a good ergonomic under desk keyboard tray can not only reduce pressure and stress on your upper body, but it can also help you keep a healthy posture throughout the day. Amazon is full of good options when you’re looking for a keyboard tray to attach under your desk, but in our list we focused on the 10 best solutions currently available.
Generally speaking, a great under desk keyboard tray needs to be ergonomic and possibly let you choose your preferred height level or tilt angle. Many trays we’ve included also feature either a beveled edge or a gel wrist rest to keep your wrists comfortable, and some of them also include a mouse pad or a mouse tray to use alongside the keyboard tray.
After reading this product review we hope you’ll have all the information you need to find the under desk keyboard tray that best suits your needs.
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