Best Keyboard Tray Reviews 2018

The price of a keyboard tray depends highly on the features it has. The most expensive keyboard tray will of course have a greater number of features that are likely more advanced than those offered on cheaper options. For instance, some keyboard trays might not have a mouse support or lack certain adjustability allowances.

When comparing the prices, it is important to ascertain features of the keyboard such as whether it can support the size and design of the keyboard you already have, and focus on features that you consider useful to your personal work station.

Trays typically range in price from $20 to $300, but avoid cheap keyboard trays, as they might not last as long as ones that cost a little more. If you don’t use your computer station often and want a tray you can use only every once in a while, invest in a good, durable model that’s reasonably-priced. For daily use, go for a higher quality keyboard tray designed to withstand regular use without breaking.

The most important feature of a keyboard tray is adjustability. It should be able to adjust to different angles and different heights. The keyboard tray should be adjustable up, down, and side to side for the most comfortable positions. However, there are many other features you need to consider when choosing the right tray to buy.

Here are the features to look out for in a keyboard tray:

• Adjustability – both in height and in tilt
• A padded wrist rest for comfort
• Left and right-hand support; support for both is the best option
• Sufficient knee clearance upon setup
• Thin but wide enough to accommodate ergonomic keyboard and mouse
• Support use with standing desks or workstations

Size – The dimensions of the keyboard tray are important. This is especially true if you have a big keyboard or use other equipment on your desk as you work. The size of the keyboard tray should allow you to maintain enough movement space behind you. Measure the allowance that you can get on your desk so that you get the size that fits properly. If you do not have a lot of space, consider buying compact designs and sizes that save on space.

Tilt – A good keyboard tray should be adjustable in tilt by at least 15 degrees. A good tilting tray allows the forearm and the wrist to acquire the most neutral position during work. The keyboard tray should be able to maintain the tilt position, ensuring that it doesn’t move when you work, with some trays even providing a locking mechanism to keep it fastened in your favored position.

Material – The material used in the manufacture should be lightweight, allowing to be easily moved, but robust enough to hold whatever weight is placed on the tray, and should not attract dirt. The material should also be molded in such a way that the keyboard does not have sharp edges that can hurt you. The most common materials used are plastic, aluminum, and steel, as they are strong, yet light, and easy to clean.

Color – Most keyboard trays have neutral colors, usually black and grey.

Additional Features – Some keyboard trays have a mouse track both on the left and right-hand sides, or are spacious to allow use of a notebook on the tray, while others have a lock for the tilt positions. Some trays come with a gel pad that protects the wrists, others allow the user to have them in the standing position. For this to be possible, the tray should have an arm that is long enough to reach the position where you can use it standing in a neutral position. No matter what special features are included, remember that a good keyboard tray can also be completely pulled in under the desk when not in use.

A keyboard tray should enable you to be in the most neutral position when working on the computer to take the strain off some parts of the body. It should therefore have a properly adjustable arm that allows the tray to move up and down or left to right, as well as being able to tilt to a certain degree.

To get the tray out of the way when not in use, it should be possible to tuck it under the desk completely so that it is out of sight. A corner wedge and a long arm allow the keyboard tray to be usable on a corner desk without causing strain to the user by bringing the monitor and the keyboard close to each other.

For maintenance, the keyboard tray should be easy to wipe clean using basic cleaning solutions. The joints can be greased slightly if they are not moving freely. Make sure your chosen keyboard tray comes with the required screws and parts for easy installation. Also look for an installation guide for the particular keyboard you purchase for easy setup and use. If you are a DIY enthusiast, installing a keyboard tray is easy and will take you only about 10 minutes.