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Most computer keyboards out there have a numeric keypad on the right side. This setup isn’t ideal for left-handed people and other specific segments of the population. Left-handed keyboards are a great solution.
This post will explain when left-handed keyboards are beneficial and what to look for when shopping for a keyboard. Finally, I’ll review the best left-handed keyboards.
Benefits of a Left-Handed Keyboard
People who are left-hand dominant would benefit the most from these keyboards. Unlike standard keyboards, left-handed keyboards have the numeric keypad placed on the left side, making it more accessible to the dominant left hand.
Left-handed keyboards can also benefit right-handed computer users with right shoulder and arm pain. With the numeric keypad on the left side, the mouse is closer to the right side, alleviating an injured right appendage’s overstretching.
Finally, left-handed keyboards are great for those right-handers who do 10-key data entry, mostly numbers. This way, they can keep their right hand on the mouse and use their left to enter the numbers from the left side number pad. It might take some practice to get used to using their left hand to enter the data. After some training, it should be easy.
Ergonomic Innovations In Left-Handed Keyboards
Like your standard right-handed keyboards, left-handed keyboards have ergonomic features that you’ll want to consider when shopping for the perfect left-handed keyboard.
Low Force Keys: These keyboards require less energy to depress and activate their keys. Consider the many keystrokes you make each year. A softer touch button makes a big difference. You won’t have to stab your fingers onto the keys to get them to add words to your screen. So, this type of keyboard is excellent for anyone who types or enters data all day.
Tenting: A keyboard with a tenting feature can help keep your hands and wrists at an optimal level rather than a pronated position like flat keyboards. Tented keyboards can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders or MSD’s as they are known. Tenting is a feature you may want to look for when shopping for a keyboard. If possible, find one that has adjustable tenting so that you can set it in an optimal position for you.
“A” Shaped Layout: This feature positions the keys at a slanted “A” layout, matching your natural forearm angle when typing to reduce ulnar deviation and prevent Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
Mechanical Keys: Most keyboards these days use rubber membranes, which don’t provide tactile feedback. With the keys this way, it’s harder to know how much force you need to get a key to make letters or numbers appear on the screen. However, mechanical keys give a much better tactile feedback by clicking or the resistance to you pushing them. These keys are more robust than those with the rubber membrane, and they also won’t fatigue the person using mechanical keys like with the others.
Separated Keypads: This last option allows you to place your keypad where you want it. It’s also an excellent option for those that share their computer.
Left-hand Keyboard Reviews
Best Flat Keyboards for Left-handers
DSI Left Handed Mechanical Keyboard
This keyboard is one of the best left-handed mechanical keyboards. This keyboard has many ergonomic and productivity benefits. Designed for lefties, it can be a boon for righties as well. Especially if you are in a data entry type job where entering numbers is a daily thing.
The arrow buttons and some of the lesser-used keys moved to the left side of the main keypad. The number pad also sits to the left of the keyboard. With this placement, you are free to place your mouse to the right of the keyboard closer to shoulder width. This move reduces any overreaching you might have with a right-handed keyboard.
Keyboard features:
Mechanical Keys: This keyboard uses linear mechanical keys. An excellent investment for those who type daily and gamers. The keys require little force to press, which makes it easier on your fingers and hands.
Tactile Bumps: The F and J keys have bumps on them so that you can tell without looking that your fingers are in the right position for typing.
Left-Sided Numpad and Arrow Keys: As I said above, the number pad and arrow keys are on the left side of this keyboard, making it easier to place the mouse closer to shoulder width, which reduces overreaching.
The one deterrent to this keyboard is the price. It’s up there as far as cost. There are other keyboards set up similar for less money.
Keyboard Facts:
Measurements: 16in L x 9in W x 2.48in H
Compatible: Windows
Connections: USB and PS/2 adapter
Price: $$
Homelex Left-Handed Left Number Keyboard
This keyboard has the number pad moved to the left side. Unlike the DSI keyboard, the arrow keys and the page up/ page down keys, and other lesser-used keys still sit to the right. The keys are easy to depress, which means any injuries due to keyboard use diminish.
One of the keyboard features is that the USB ports are on top instead of the side. That helps keep your mouse from clashing with any USB cords and any other peripherals plugged in.
Keyboard Facts
Measurements: 17.4in L x 6.1in W x 1.0in H
Compatible: Windows
Connections: USB
Price: $$
Best Left-Handed Gaming Keyboard
B945 Light Strike Optical Gaming Keyboard
Like the first two keyboards in this article, this keyboard has an excellent set up for lefties. Gamer lefties will find this keyboard a perfect addition to their computer play.
This keyboard is a tough, well thought out keyboard. Made with weapons-grade anodized aluminum provides a lightweight frame that is smudge and fingerprint resistant. Engineered to withstand over 100 million keystrokes. This bar reinforces each key for more control and a uniform feel.
This B945 ensures your game can continue even when accidents happen because it is engineered with a nanocoating, a water-resistant barrier, and drainage holes. Optical sensors are digital, freeing them from mechanical failure.
Those gamers that stay up late will love that this keyboard is backlit, and the keys are perfect for the quick response required for some computer or online games. You can set up multiple keys for shortcuts, which can make gaming much more comfortable and enjoyable.
This keyboard is the most expensive in our review, but it has features that trump the price. Plus, it’s for lefties. Think about that.
Keyboard Facts
Measurements: 15in L x 5in W x 1.25in H
Compatible: Windows
Connections: USB
Price: $$$
Best Ergonomic Shaped Keyboard for Left-Handers
Ergonomic Left-Handed Keyboard by A4TECH
Compared to the other keyboards, this one is quite a bit less expensive. The number pad is on the keyboard’s left side, and the central part of the keyboard is a patented A-shaped structure. If you look at the image, you can see the keys make an A shape
The Software with this keyboard optimizes its performance, including a multi-functional hot-keys managing tool.
With this keyboard, you’ll place your hands in a more natural position, and you’ll have the convenience of not having to take your hand off your mouse. Perfect for those in data entry or writing daily.
Keyboard Facts
Measurements: 18in L x 8.2in W x 1.8in H
Compatible: Windows and Mac
Connections: USB
Price: $
Best Split Keyboards For Left-Handers
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
The Sculpt ergonomic keyboard by Microsoft has a split key set up. This setup helps you position your wrists and forearm in a natural position. It comes with a cushioned palm rest that allows a neutral wrist position.
The Separate number pad gives you greater flexibility when setting up your workspace. The key layout in a natural arc mimics the curved shape of your fingertips. This keyboard’s point is that it was designed with the natural way you hold your arms, hands, and fingers, which helps you stay in a comfortable, natural way. This design reduces stress and injury due to extended time on the computer typing or doing a job like data entry.
It’s the ideal keyboard to help keep you comfortable and productive all day long.
Keyboard Facts
Measurements: 16in L x 9in W x 2.48in H
Compatible: Windows
Connections: USB
Price: $$
Kinesis Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard
This award-winning split design keyboard allows you to move the separate key modules in any position up to nine inches. There is also a twenty-inch model, as well. The Freestyle 2 helps achieve natural positions for your hands, wrists, and forearms.
The keys are in a standard Windows layout. It still has hotkeys for cut, copy, paste, multimedia, and embedded numeric keys. There are no special drivers or software needed.
The keys themselves are low-force, meaning it takes little pressure to get a response. This style of switch reduces finger fatigue, impact, and strain.
The Freestyle2 was designed to be the most versatile ergonomic keyboard on the market. The way it’s made allows you to set it up in any position comfortable to you. I’m reviewing this model with a nine-inch cable, but another model has a twenty-inch line. Another model of the Freestyle keyboard, the VIP3, can tent from five to fifteen degrees.
Keyboard Facts:
Measurements: 15.94in L x 9.25in W x 1.26in H
Compatible: Windows, Linux
Connections: USB
Price: $$ – $$$
Conclusion
The search for left-handed keyboards was a tough one. There are many out there, but only a few that have any quality. It was exciting to know that you can get left-handed keyboards and that there is a wide selection. The keyboards in this article are the best for left-handed people (in our opinion). I hope that one of these will fit your needs.