We don’t sell equipment (but we DO have our favorites..)
One of my favorite go-to ergonomic keyboards – for a very long time – was a very specific curved keyboard with a detached 10-key pad. The shape of it fit so many people, and the detached 10-key pad meant that we could position the mouse much closer to the keyboard. While not everyone needed this particular keyboard, I was always happy to see it on a client’s approved equipment list, just in case. Over the years, I bet I recommended that keyboard several hundred times!
Now – unfortunately – that particular keyboard is no longer in production, which has made the price of it skyrocket; the few that are still available are typically selling for over $300! The good news is that the keyboard design was picked up by another company, but at the time of this article, it’s still not in production. And while we’ve found and tested alternatives, I do run into people from time to time who tell me they’ve paid over $300 for a spare, in case their keyboard ever stops working, and in case new ones aren’t produced in the future. Now that’s some product loyalty!
A favorite piece of ergonomic equipment is a lot like a favorite pair of shoes. Sure, there are countless alternatives available, but that pair that makes you feel really, really comfortable – you hope that brand/model never gets discontinued. And that got me thinking: What’s MY personal favorite piece of ergonomic equipment – not for clients, but for me? Do my coworkers also have a personal favorite? Well, it turns out that yes, we all do! Now, this is not an endorsement of a particular piece of equipment, and we (human beings) are all unique, so what works for each of us might not work just right for you. But – just for fun – here are our HWE ergonomic consultants’ favorites!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Lisa’s Favorite: The Steelcase Leap Chairs
The Leap chair’s extensive adjustability allows you to get a great fit. My favorite features on this chair are the seat slide and 4-way adjustable arm rests. With the seat slide, you won't have to worry about the seat being too short or too long. You can move the seat forward or back to get exactly the right amount of leg support. The arm rests adjust in 4 ways: height, depth, width and tilt. You won't have to worry about them hitting the edge of the desk, being too wide or too high.
There are other great features of this chair, too. The lumbar support is height adjustable and you can dial the tension up or down. The combination of rocking and tension adjustment allows you to get just the right combination of support and motion. I also love that they come in 3 sizes to meet the needs of more people: Leap Petite, Leap and Leap Plus.
The Steelcase Leap chair is available from Amazon here.
Jess’s Favorite: The Logitech Wave Keyboard
The Logitech Wave Keyboard is one of my favorite ergonomic products. Its compact design features a numeric pad but is shorter than most standard keyboards, making it ideal for narrower shoulders like mine. This reduces right arm extension when using a mouse, lowering the risk of shoulder, arm, and wrist discomfort. The waved keys support a neutral wrist position, while the built-in wrist rest helps prevent contact stress. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who feels cramped on compact keyboards but isn’t comfortable with fully split designs. With dual wireless connectivity (Bluetooth or USB), Windows/Mac compatibility, and easy-switch keys for multitasking across devices, it’s both versatile and user-friendly.
Typical price: $59.99
The Logitech Wave Keyboard is available from Amazon here.
Jessica’s Favorite: The Evoluent Vertical Mouse
My favorite piece of ergonomic equipment is the Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4 (VM4RW), wireless. I particularly like how the mouse fits in my hand; the thumb rest shape allows you to grip and maneuver comfortably without stress on the thumb joint. I also like the fact that you are able to grip this mouse without your wrist coming into contact with the work surface for a more ergonomic fit. It comes in two sizes, small and large, left or right handed, as well as wired, wireless with a dongle and Bluetooth.
Typical price: $89.95
The Evoluent Vertical Mouse is available from Amazon here.
My (Heather’s) Favorite: The iClever Folding Keyboard
After testing the iClever Folding Keyboard a few years ago, it quickly became my favorite piece of ergonomic equipment. It’s mainly intended to be a travel keyboard, which is why I originally got it, but it’s so comfortable that I use it as my primary keyboard at my desk, too. It doesn’t have a 10-key pad, so my mouse stays close to my body. And even though it has a very small footprint, it has a blank space in the middle so that the two sides of the keyboard are separated from each other, which puts my wrists into a nice, neutral position. When I need to go somewhere, it folds in half, so it doesn’t take up too much space in my bag. It seldom needs to be charged, connects quickly, and works great with my MacBook. I’ve had the same iClever folding keyboard for several years now; it’s starting to show a little visual wear, but still running strong!
Typical price: $39.99
The iClever Folding Keyboard is available from Amazon here.
So there you have it - our personal favorites! So, do you have a favorite? A piece of ergo equipment or furniture that you just can’t live without?
Or are you thinking – “My whole setup is so uncomfortable! I don’t like anything about it, much less have a ‘favorite’ thing!!” If so, you definitely need to give us a call – we can help you find a setup with furniture and equipment that fits, feels comfortable, and is customized just for you.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll end up having a “favorite” piece of ergo equipment, too!