Let's talk about wrist rests.

[Ciemnika]

My job requires me to spend about 45-50 hours a week computering. And my hobbies require a bit more than that. Having had back surgery several years ago to remove a problem disc, I understand and appreciate just how important it is to take care of the body so stupid, avoidable things like RSI don't set in.

I've been using a Grifiti wrist pad for a while, and I do like it, but it's awfully stiff and starting to get a bit ratty looking. I have an Alsop bean bag type thing (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XZ8MB6) for my mouse, which I also like.

I've tried wooden wrist rests, and I don't like them at all. The combination of the hardness and the texture - especially if there's any sweat - really doesn't work for me. I'm using a HHKB Pro 2 and a Ducky Secret mouse. I have a CST L-Trac on order from MassDrop too.

What kinds of wrist rests / pads do you prefer? I'm interested to try out something else and see if I can get my comfort up any higher. Would love to hear people's opinions on the matter and see what products everyone likes.

[FoxWolf1]

Tried gel, wood, and leather.

Gel: feels OK at first, but a bit too "grabby". Quickly becomes disgusting, then starts to leak gel and becomes doubly disgusting, and useless shortly thereafter.
Wood: too hard, not comfortable.
Leather: by far the best. As with all leather products, quality is important. I use EK's "3-Star" wrist rest, which has held up well after years of use.

[Jpecina]

Currently using a wooden rest that I made myself for my HHKB. The texture of the wood is soft and feels great on my wrists. Since you've already tried the cloth rests your next best bet would be a nice leather. Maybe try that 3 star that Ciemnika is recommending.

[Macsmasher]

I also recommend EK's leather palm rests. I have two. One for my 87Us and one for my HHKB. I've used them for years and they still look new. I've had gel rests, cloth, etc. Can't beat leather.

[rowdy]

I don't use a wrist rest, but I'll just mention that granite wrist rests are also available.

But if you don't like the hardness of wood, you wouldn't like the extra hardness of granite, coupled with its inherent coldness.

[SBJ]

Using a Royal Glam wooden wrist rest TKL sized. Which almost fits my 68%
Got it of a GB on here.

[kekman]

personally don't use wrist rests, tried a friends and whilst it made typing feel a lot lighter and easier to use, ive been without one since forever and havent had any issues.

a combination of frequent wrist stretching and exercises, as well as some more intense grip training and osu has made my wrists somewhat more resilient than normal

[SBJ]

personally don't use wrist rests, tried a friends and whilst it made typing feel a lot lighter and easier to use, ive been without one since forever and havent had any issues.

a combination of frequent wrist stretching and exercises, as well as some more intense grip training and osu has made my wrists somewhat more resilient than normal

I used to chat all day long when I was a youngin' on the internet. Back in the 90's and early 00's.
I've got insanely strong hands, but a pretty weak everything else in my body.
I guess it was always either going to be me getting strong hands or arthritis. 

[rowdy]

Also just to note that a wrist rest is meant for resting the wrists between typing sessions, NOT for resting the wrists while actually typing.

[SBJ]

Also just to note that a wrist rest is meant for resting the wrists between typing sessions, NOT for resting the wrists while actually typing.

I find it quite comfortable to type that way; will anything bad happen?

[Ciemnika]

Also just to note that a wrist rest is meant for resting the wrists between typing sessions, NOT for resting the wrists while actually typing.

I find it quite comfortable to type that way; will anything bad happen?

No. Ideally what you want to do is hold your hands kind of above the board when you type so that your wrists are higher than your hands and fingers. The problem is that we all get lazy when we type a ton and use the computer for hours at a time, so we lay our hands down on the desk and adopt a terrible typing posture. If you're going to lay your hands on something, a wrist rest, which is elevates your hands above the desk, is definitely an improvement over flat on the desk. It's the midpoint on the doing it wrong scale.

[E TwentyNine]

Also just to note that a wrist rest is meant for resting the wrists between typing sessions, NOT for resting the wrists while actually typing.

I find it quite comfortable to type that way; will anything bad happen?

No. Ideally what you want to do is hold your hands kind of above the board when you type so that your wrists are higher than your hands and fingers. The problem is that we all get lazy when we type a ton and use the computer for hours at a time, so we lay our hands down on the desk and adopt a terrible typing posture. If you're going to lay your hands on something, a wrist rest, which is elevates your hands above the desk, is definitely an improvement over flat on the desk. It's the midpoint on the doing it wrong scale.

The correct answer is "possibly".  Improper use of wrist rests can contribute to RSI.

Your wrists should be fairly straight when you type and I know I'd need a wrist wrest that was more like a shelf to keep my wrists anywhere near where they are when I'm typing without support.  People misuse wrist rests all the time, and it's better to learn the proper posture than to rely on a crutch.

[Spopepro]

Also just to note that a wrist rest is meant for resting the wrists between typing sessions, NOT for resting the wrists while actually typing.

I find it quite comfortable to type that way; will anything bad happen?

No. Ideally what you want to do is hold your hands kind of above the board when you type so that your wrists are higher than your hands and fingers. The problem is that we all get lazy when we type a ton and use the computer for hours at a time, so we lay our hands down on the desk and adopt a terrible typing posture. If you're going to lay your hands on something, a wrist rest, which is elevates your hands above the desk, is definitely an improvement over flat on the desk. It's the midpoint on the doing it wrong scale.

The correct answer is "possibly".  Improper use of wrist rests can contribute to RSI.

Your wrists should be fairly straight when you type and I know I'd need a wrist wrest that was more like a shelf to keep my wrists anywhere near where they are when I'm typing without support.  People misuse wrist rests all the time, and it's better to learn the proper posture than to rely on a crutch.

Yep. Neutral wrists and a naturally cupped hand is the goal. The last two ergo experts I had evaluations with said no wrist rest, flat keyboard. This is, of course, predicated on having the correct desk height. At my current work (public school district) my desk is way too low, and we can't really spend that kind of money on furniture for administrators to fix it. So I use big wrist rests to get to a neutral position. At home where I put together a standing situation, it's maybe just a half inch too high, and no wrist rest and a bigger slope on the keyboard feels perfect. So it depends.

As for what type of rest... I actually like old hardbound books with the fabric covers. The right amount of give, stability, and skin doesn't stick.

[digi]

I bought this rest about 5 years ago, still looks brand new and feels great - https://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=access,palm_rests&pid=hm_prlb

I also have the Filco TKL leather but after a few years the leather started to crack unlike the 3-Star from EK..

I'm actually in the market for a TKL and will probably get the 3-Star or Noko..

[ndakota79]

I like the Grifiti Wrist Pads.

Fabric feels nice, it's soft enough for me and doesn't stick at the skin. Furthermore I have good experience with the quality. No problems even after years of usage.
They are available for full size, tkl or 60% length, wich is essential for me. They are fairly high and they can easily be cut for the perfect width! 
Stock they are, as many others, too wide for me. I only want to rest my palm on it, not the whole wrist. And I want my keyboard as close to the desks edge as possible.
I just think they're a bit pricey for what they are (at least here in Germany you pay more than 20 Euro).

[MykB77]

I currently still use these from Allsop.  Memory foam with Teflon sliders on the bottom.   It moves with you wrist and mouse.   There is also a newer version that has a channel to take strain off the center part of the wrist.  I believe it is stationary though.



Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[fohat.digs]

I like tall gel wrist rests, and I use big keyboards. I don't understand the lack of love for gel.

This is my 2nd or 3rd one and they have easily lasted at least 5 years each, with whatever polyester/nylon covers and sticky rubber bottoms. I keep my desk clean, and wipe pretty much everything down with alcohol at least once a month. I imagine that if you ate or drank or stayed messy that the fabric cover could get nasty. I have never had one leak.

My ideal would be a medium-firm gel with a thin leather cover, but I doubt those exist.
I would like a leather rest, but all those I have tried seem to be hard thick leather, and I would prefer it soft.

[Screwdriver]

I use a leather wrist rest I bought many years ago at work, but at home I don't use one.

[BucklingSpring]

I really like the 3M Gel Wrist Rest, Black Leatherette, 19 Inch Length (WR310LE)
https://www.amazon.com/s?field-keywords=WR310LE

[Gid]

I would sooner use a row of upright needles than a wrist rest.  At least the needles would enforce proper posture.  A wrist rest encourages the opposite.

I have found that typing "gloves" (or wrist wraps) help.  The kind with support can be thought of as training wheels.  (I have never used them.)  The kind without support keep tendons warm and fluid.  Your body will notice.