Ergonomic keyboards help ease the pain caused by long typing sessions. As a result, they command a higher price tag than other keyboards because they also cater to the health niche.
But this is only one of the reasons why ergonomic keyboards are so expensive.
There are plenty of other reasons that are responsible for the higher cost of ergonomic keyboards, including:
- A low production volume
- A higher initial cost of research, design, and production
- A lower demand because ergonomic keyboards are not a priority for users
This article will explore four reasons why ergonomic keyboards are so expensive. We will also explore if ergonomic keyboards are worth it and talk about the three best budget ergonomic keyboards you can buy.
So without further ado, let’s dive in.
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Why Are Ergonomic Keyboards So Expensive?
As mentioned before, there are several reasons why ergonomic keyboards are more expensive than their vintage counterparts.
Here are four reasons why ergonomic keyboards are more costly.
1. High Cost of Production
Regular keyboards have been around for a long time. As a result, manufacturers have had enough time to standardize and perfect their production processes.
Additionally, it’s easier for manufacturers to collaborate during manufacturing because their parts are compatible with each other. This is partly why regular keyboards are cheaper to produce.
On the other hand, ergonomic keyboards have more variations as each brand has its version of an ergonomic keyboard. As a result, it’s nearly impossible for manufacturers to collaborate because their components are not compatible with other manufacturers’ products.
Additionally, ergonomic keyboards are typically built using higher quality materials than regular keyboards.
As a result, ergonomic keyboards are expensive because they cost more to produce. In the end, this extra manufacturing cost also affects the customer.
2. Low Demand
Although ergonomic keyboards continue to gain increasing popularity, they are still not mainstream.
Currently, ergonomic keyboards are mainly used by a select group of users willing to spend a little extra.
Because of this low demand, manufacturers don’t think investing in ergonomic keyboard production is worth it.
As a result, ergonomic keyboards will likely remain expensive until they start being mass-produced to meet a higher demand. Mass production would lower the manufacturing cost and selling price of ergonomic keyboards due to economies of scale.
Also, manufacturers can only make limited sales because of the low demand. So, as a result, they increase the price of their product to make a profit.
3. Health Benefits
Ergonomic keyboards offer users plenty of health benefits and usability. In addition, ergonomic keyboards are said to relieve or ease the symptoms of health issues like:
- Arthritis.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Shoulder, neck, and arm pain.
- Musculoskeletal strain.
As such, manufacturers know that there will always be a certain demand for their products. This is because people with the above conditions will likely go to any length to get some relief.
In a way, ergonomic keyboards are medical tools because they cater to the health niche. This is another reason why ergonomic keyboards are more expensive.
4. High Research Costs
It takes time and money to research and design a useful ergonomic keyboard. Sometimes it can even take years until the product meets expectations.
So manufacturers will often raise the price of their products to recover their initial investment in research.
As a result, the prices of ergonomic keyboards are higher than those of non-ergonomic keyboards that need little to no research investment.
How Much Better Are Ergonomic Keyboards?
To find out how much better ergonomic keyboards are, we need to compare them side-by-side with regular keyboards.
| Category | Regular Keyboards | Ergonomic Keyboards |
| Health | They can cause health problems after long-term use. | Reduce the risk of developing typing-related health problems. |
| Typing Comfort | Less comfortable to use as the keys are not angled to the natural hand and ulnar angles. | More comfortable to use as keys are angled to prevent ulnar deviation. |
| Body Size and Comfort | Too small and uncomfortable for larger people with broader shoulders. | Split ergonomic keyboards are suitable and more comfortable to use for larger people. |
| Productivity | Productivity levels are maintained. | When you begin using an ergonomic keyboard, your productivity will drop. However, after some time, your productivity will return to normal levels. |
| Endurance | Long periods of use will cause strain and pain in the hands, arms, and upper body. | You can use it for long periods with little to no pain or discomfort. |
It’s clear that ergonomic keyboards either surpass or are comparable to regular keyboards in almost every category. So ergonomic keyboards are better than regular keyboards in most cases.
Are Ergonomic Keyboards Actually Worth It?
People who use computers for their work know their hands are their livelihood. So if they hurt their hands, they will be like a singer without a voice – jobless.
That’s why you should avoid using the outdated QWERTY keyboards, which were designed for typewriters instead of human hands.
Now, let’s suppose you continue using your non-ergonomic QWERTY keyboard and suddenly get Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In that case, you will be in trouble as you cannot continue working. You would suddenly lose your income and face hefty medical bills.
Do you still think that ergonomic keyboards are not worth it?
The cost of buying an ergonomic keyboard pales in comparison to the lost income or the medical expenses you will pay if you hurt your hands.
It’s also wise to remember that while you can recover money spent, it’s much harder to regain your health. Once you harm your health, it may never be the same.
An ergonomic keyboard is definitely worth it if you want to avoid a lifetime of pain and arthritis.
At the end of the day, if you are a computer-based professional, you need to take care of your hands. And the best way to do so is by using ergonomic gear like an ergonomic keyboard, ergonomic mouse, or an ergonomic mouse pad.
3 Best Budget Ergonomic Keyboards
By now, you probably want to snag your very own ergonomic keyboard. However, if price is a major concern for you, don’t worry, we got you.
Below, you can find a curated list of ergonomic keyboards that are easy on your wallet and work as well as more expensive ergonomic keyboards.
1. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is a contender for the king of the budget ergonomic keyboards. The keyboard adopts a split design that separates the standard keys from the number pad, catering to the number crunchers amongst its user base.
The keyboard’s main body adopts a manta ray design that looks stylish and adds a little bit of novelty for users.
You can get the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard + Mouse at a reasonable price that is hard to beat.
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2. Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Keyboard
The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Keyboard is one of the most affordable ergonomic keyboards on the market. It comes with full RF wireless + Bluetooth support. Sadly, it does not come with support for wired connectivity.
The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Keyboard is ideal for users looking for an ergonomic keyboard with an easy learning curve.
This is because this ergonomic keyboard’s design is much closer to the traditional design than most ergonomic keyboards.
You can get this wireless ergonomic keyboard at an affordable price point that is hard to believe.
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3. Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave
The Logitech MK550 Wireless Wave keyboard is very similar to the above Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Keyboard. The keyboard features a design that is closer to the traditional QWERTY layout. As a result, it will not have a steep learning curve.
The key highlight of the MK550 is that it has plenty of programmable keys, which makes it highly customizable to suit each user’s taste.
Like the Kensington keyboard, you can get the Logitech MK550 at a similar price point. The advantage of the MK550 over the Kensington is that it comes with a mouse.
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My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.