The Best Keyboard Trays
With all of our various gadgets and devices, our desks can become cluttered messes with hardly any space left. That's where the advantages of keyboard trays come in. These special trays not only keep your desk organized but they're also an efficient way of clearing up much-needed space. Keyboard trays attach to the underside of the front of your desk, allowing your keyboard to rest below your desk instead of on top of it. Most are retractable, meaning you can push them neatly out of sight when you're done typing. A keyboard tray also gives you the benefit of quickly changing its position to maintain a proper and healthy posture. We searched high and low for the best keyboard trays on the market.
What to Look For
In our search for the very best keyboard trays, we asked ourselves three important questions. Is it easy to install? Does it hold my keyboard securely? And is it spacious enough for a keyboard and more? Our favorite was the one from TechOrbits, because not only is installation a breeze, but its roomy size also fits any sized keyboard and more. However, if you need a keyboard that can truly stand secure, go with the one from Vivo Large. Its extra-large surface can hold plenty of desk objects and holds up to 11 pounds, making for a truly sturdy option. Read on below to find out which keyboard trays stood out to us and why we were so impressed by them.
TechOrbits Keyboard Tray
Just my type
If you’ve ever felt like there wasn’t enough space on your desk to fit everything you need for work, this convenient keyboard tray from TechOrbits might be the perfect solution for you. TechOrbit’s keyboard tray clamps to the front end of your desk and provides a platform for you to rest your keyboard and mouse on. This keyboard tray pulls out and retracts effortlessly, making it easy to keep it out of sight while not in use. TechOrbits only uses the highest quality steel and wood for its keyboard trays, so rest assured that you’re getting a good bang for your buck.
Pros:
- This tray is a substantial 27 inches wide, so you’ll be able to comfortably fit your keyboard, mouse, headphones, or any other device.
- It’s surprisingly easy it is to set up thanks to its quick two-clamp design.
- It comes available in two different colors, so you can choose which color best complements your desk.
Cons:
- The clamps could be a bit wider for thicker desks.
Vivo Large Keyboard Tray
Built to last
Almost everyone with a desk job will struggle with chronic back, neck, or wrist pain at some point because of their work. Luckily, Vivo’s keyboard tray allows you to cater your keyboard position to the place that makes you feel most comfortable. Most desks force people to elevate their wrists above their elbows while typing, creating tension that can lead to chronic muscle pain in the future. With Vivo’s keyboard tray, you can keep type more comfortably with your elbows at a 90-degree angle. The total length of this keyboard tray is 32.5 inches, and it extends out 8.5 inches from the front end of your desk, giving you plenty of room to fit your keyboard and mouse. We highly recommend this keyboard tray to anyone looking to start typing more comfortably today.
Pros:
- It’s designed to stay below the desk’s height to maintain better posture, so your back won’t feel stiff and cramped after working long hours.
- Because it’s an extra-large 32.5 inches long, you can place it on long workstations or conference tables.
- Not only is it sturdy, but it also has its own leg supports that hold up to 11 pounds.
Cons:
- The keyboard tray closes on its own, which might be an inconvenience for some.
Huanuo Keyboard Tray
Customizable comfort
Swivel chairs at the office allow us to move freely at our desks, so why shouldn’t there be a keyboard tray that lets us do the same with our typing? Huanuo’s keyboard tray features a full-motion design that rotates 180 degrees from left to right, providing the freedom to type from whichever angle you need to. This keyboard tray comes in handy during collaborative projects where you might need to share a computer and a keyboard with the person next to you. Instead of moving the entire chair or having someone uncomfortably type over your shoulder, just swivel the keyboard tray over to your partner. What’s more, Huanuo’s keyboard tray features a comfortable wrist rest that keeps your wrists and hands pain-free while typing all day.
Pros:
- The 180-degree rotation frees you up to move around comfortably while you work throughout the day.
- It’s perfect for collaborative projects, as you can easily rotate the keyboard back and forth for everyone to use it.
Cons:
- The tray can be a bit bouncy while typing quickly.
3M Under-Desk Keyboard Tray
Take a load off
One of the most common health problems associated with desk jobs is chronic hand and wrist pain. Thankfully, 3M’s keyboard tray provides an ultra-comfy wrist rest for your hands to sink into while typing. 3M’s wrist rest is made out of a soft gel and covered with leatherette padding. 3M’s impressive keyboard tray can swivel 360 degrees from left to right, making it easier than ever before to share your keyboard with a partner during collaborative projects. Not to mention, this high-quality keyboard tray is made out of exceptionally durable and aesthetically striking wood that prevents the tray from bouncing as you type.
Pros:
- It comes with a padded wrist rest, so you can prevent your wrists from getting sore while you work.
- You can control the 360-degree swivel easily without it swinging loosely on its own.
Cons:
- The instructions could be more detailed for easier setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of getting a keyboard tray?
Keyboard trays can help you in more ways than one. For starters, they can free up a lot of space on your desktop. A keyboard tray allows you to place your keyboard under your desk, freeing up ample desktop space. What’s more, keyboard trays allow you to adjust the position of your keyboard, making it easier for you to type comfortably and avoid chronic muscle pain.
Are keyboard trays universal?
Be sure to check the dimensions of your desk before purchasing a keyboard tray. Some keyboard trays measure in at over 30 inches, which could be too long to fit on smaller office desks.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.