Keyboard Trays – How To Find The Right One?

If you happen to work or play at a desk that doesn’t already come with a built in keyboard drawer or you’re looking to maximize desktop space by having your keyboard and mouse in a separate area, you may decide to invest in an under the desk keyboard tray. These either attach to your desk by means of clamps or by drilling and fastening permanently.

Ergonomics plays an important role in preventing fatigue and injury when spending long hours at your desk. For this reason, there are many keyboard trays to select from that you can adjust the settings to your personal preferences.

The type of keyboard tray you will choose will depend on your desk and its dimensions, as well as how you choose to sit, stand and position yourself at your workstation comfortably.

It is important that you find an ergonomic keyboard tray that will accommodate your neutral zone. The idea is to minimize your need for unnecessary movement and reaching for your mouse, keyboard or any other peripherals that you’re trying to access while you’re working at your station. Everything is within reach while in a comfortable seated/standing position.

What makes up a keyboard tray?

The five components of a keyboard tray include:

1. The track. It mounts underneath of your desk and is what you use to attach the mechanism to the desk (adjustable railing or arm). A little work is required involving Drilling and possibly screwing the track into your desk.  *Note: In the case of a sliding drawer style keyboard tray, many times the rails and bracket are all one piece that is attached to the underneath of the desk. (See the selection below)

2. The mechanism. If you choose a keyboard drawer with gliding track, you will have the option of sliding it in and out, but may be limited when it comes to making major height adjustments compared to an arm-like articulating keyboard shelf. These will provide your adjustment for height and tilt for the best possible posture for your size and sitting position.  In many cases you can find trays that will also swing from side to side. Usually, these will come in 2 parts: Half of the mechanism will attach itself to your tracking which is attached to your desk itself. The other end will hold the keyboard platform you choose.

3. The keyboard platform. Depending on your personal preferences like the space you require. Some will choose a larger platform that can hold your keyboard and mouse on one level. Others like to have a compact space for the keyboard with a slide out or attachable mouse tray. Check the dimensions before purchasing to match your present equipment (keyboard & mouse).

4. The Palm rest. Typically, made of foam gel cushioming for absorption and support. Covered in synthetic leather, nylon, or synthetic knit for a smooth and cool surface for resting your wrists on.

5. Mouse platform. Some keyboard trays are laid out in a combo system, with dimensions that meet your typical set up for a keyboard and mouse. Others focus on a separate mouse tray that can clip to the railing or a slide in and out.

5 Benefits Of Having A Keyboard Tray: 

 1. Customizable. Depending on your size and the way you comfortably sit, you can adjust the settings of your keyboard desk tray to match. Even if you share a desk, it is quick and easy to find your sweet spot again.

2. Ergonomic.  Promotes proper typing posture for the shoulders, and arms, and encourages good wrist health, when used with the correct settings. Choosing a keyboard tray with a negative incline can help avoid needless strain and possible carpal tunnel issues.

3. Space Saver. Great for compact workstations. If you have limited space on your desk, it can be a huge advantage to have a keyboard tray that will slide under the desk or easily removed when not being used.

 4. Compatibility.  There are a variety of options when finding a keyboard tray that will best suite your desk as well as your mouse and keyboard, so that you have a place for everything and tuck it away when you want to. In the event that you do not enjoy drilling and fastening, perhaps a clamping style keyboard shelf could be an alternative. 

 5. Sitting or Standing Flexibility.  Finally, you can switch from a sitting or standing position, if you prefer doing a little of both throughout the day. By the push of a bottom, you can seamlessly change your working position.

Important features to look for when choosing the best keyboard tray include:

Height adjustment. Especially when locating the setup specific to your workspace needs, both articulating and keyboard drawer styles can be height adjustable. Note that drawer style platforms on rails have a limited range of height adjustment compared to other models.

Clearance – If you are concerned about having enough room to fit your lap underneath, look for a low profile design that maximizes knee clearance and keeps you comfortable while typing and mousing in the proper posture. You could measure the distance from your lap to the bottom of your desk and compare it to the depth of space required of your computer keyboard tray.

Track length options.  Depending on whether you have a wide desk or narrow desk, you will find multiple track length options for a variety of desks. Make sure to measure the track length so that it is a good distance under the depth measurement of your desk. Otherwise, it could be too long and stick out the front. A very uncomfortable situation.

Ergonomic control: If you plan to get a lot of use out of your keyboard like typing, you’ll want to consider the ergonomic advantages of the various settings that make you more comfortable and help lessen the wear and tear on your muscles and tendons. Having a wider range of motion and using a negative tilt, for example, can be of benefit.

 Mouse tray mounts. When included with the keyboard tray, they will either be a slideout or attach by means of a clamp. In some cases they are reversable for left and right handed people alike.

Metal clamp system the entire tray attaches itself onto your deskstop by tightening the clamps, as a great alternative to having to drill holes in your desk without the need for tools when fastening to your desk.

Made for corner desks. There are a variety of adjustable keyboard trays that are built specifcally to fit on L-shaped computer desks including corner maker keyboard trays with a smaller track that can seamlessly work on difficult angles.