Do You Really Need a Ergonomic Wrist Rest?

Wrist rests are a hotly debated topic in the ergonomic community, often due to two common misconceptions: confusing wrist rests with palm rests, and striving for an overly idealized ergonomic setup that doesn’t match real-world usage. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences between these accessories, explore the benefits of palm rests, and help you decide if you need one for your daily typing routine.

Wrist Rests vs. Palm Rests

Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common confusion: the difference between a wrist rest and a palm rest. A wrist rest is meant to support the wrist, while a palm rest supports the base of your palms, allowing your wrists to hover above. This distinction is crucial because placing pressure directly on your wrists can lead to health issues, whereas a palm rest avoids this kind of pressure.

Take a look at your wrists—you can see visible blood vessels just under the surface. Applying pressure here can compress these blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of discomfort or injury. Research from Dr. David Rempel at UC Berkeley shows that using a wrist rest can double the pressure inside your wrist, making it more likely to exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome, a common issue among keyboard users.

Theoretical Perfection vs. Practical Ergonomics

Many ergonomic experts advise against using wrist rests entirely, emphasizing that your arms should hang naturally by your sides, with your forearms and upper arms forming a 90-degree angle. This is considered the “ideal” posture to minimize strain on your neck, shoulders, and wrists.

However, maintaining this perfect posture for long periods is often impractical. Without any support, most users experience forearm fatigue and muscle strain after just an hour of typing. This discomfort can lead to slouching or leaning forward, causing even more strain and long-term health issues.

A well-designed palm rest can offer a practical solution by supporting your palms, reducing upper-body tension, and helping you maintain a neutral posture. Rather than aiming for a perfect ergonomic setup, it’s more realistic to focus on finding what works best for your daily needs.

Of course, a palm rest isn’t the only way to support your upper body. Using armrests or placing your palms directly on the desk can also be effective. So, how do you decide if you actually need a palm rest?

Do You Need a Palm Rest?

The main ergonomic benefit of a palm rest is its ability to prevent wrist extension—a position where your wrists bend backward, increasing strain on tendons and nerves. Whether you need a palm rest depends largely on your keyboard’s height and design:

Low-Profile Keyboards: If you use a low-profile mechanical keyboard or a membrane keyboard, a palm rest is often unnecessary. The lower height naturally helps keep your wrists in a neutral position. However, desk height can also play a role, so consider adjusting your setup if you’re unsure.

Standard Mechanical Keyboards: For most users with standard-height mechanical keyboards, a palm rest can help keep the wrists in a neutral position, reducing the risk of wrist extension.

Split Keyboards with Tenting: For users of split keyboards with a tenting feature, a palm rest is highly recommended. The raised center of the keyboard can push your wrists into an extended position, making a palm rest essential for maintaining a healthy posture.

While we recommend split keyboards with a tenting design for their ergonomic advantages, we’ll cover the benefits of these designs in more detail in an upcoming blog post.

What Makes a Good Palm Rest?

Choosing the right palm rest is just as important as deciding whether to use one. Here are some tips on what to look for:

Smooth Surface: The surface should be smooth and comfortable, allowing your hands to glide easily without restriction.
Proper Firmness: Avoid overly soft, squishy materials like memory foam. While these may feel comfortable initially, they can cause your hands to sink in, leading to lateral deviation, wrist extension, or increased pressure. A firmer surface provides better support and helps maintain a neutral wrist position.
Height and Angle Matching: Ensure the palm rest matches the height and angle of your keyboard. Misaligned rests can put your wrists at awkward angles, increasing the risk of strain and discomfort.

How to Use a Palm Rest Correctly

Even with the right palm rest, proper usage is key to maximizing its benefits:

Support the Palm, Not the Wrist: Make sure your palm—not your wrist—is resting on the surface. Your wrists should remain elevated and free from pressure.
Keep Hands Mobile: Your hands should glide freely over the surface of the rest while typing. Avoid locking your hands in place, as this can create tension and restrict movement.
Take Breaks and Move Your Wrists: Even with a good palm rest, remember to take regular breaks and move your wrists. Don’t leave your hands resting on the palm rest for long periods when you’re not typing.

Final Thoughts

The takeaway here is simple: a palm rest can be beneficial if chosen wisely and used correctly. Understand the key differences between wrist and palm rests, and avoid overly soft materials that might seem comfortable but can lead to poor posture. Instead of aiming for a “perfect” ergonomic setup, focus on finding practical solutions that fit your daily routine.

If you’re looking for more practical ergonomic tips to enhance your typing experience, stay tuned for our future posts. Remember, the goal is to find what works best for you—not just to follow rigid ergonomic rules.