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OK, so you’ve decked out your PC setup with everything necessary for the complete gaming experience: a lightning-fast GPU, heaps of RAM, and more pixels on your monitor than fish in the sea. But what good is any of this if your Saturday night gaming marathons keep getting cut short by uncomfortable hands or awkward pain, rendering you unable to press another key?
According to medical professionals, using a keyboard and mouse without wrist support in conjunction with improper typing posture may lead to a myriad of health issues, the most infamous of which being carpal tunnel syndrome.
So follow me, and let’s take deep dive into the 8 best wrist rests of 2021 to determine which is best suited for you, with ergonomics and comfort that’ll have you gaming as much as you want, all while staying healthy.
1. HyperX Wrist Rest
REASONS TO BUY
- Great Design
- Quality Build
- Super Comfortable
- Stays in Place Nicely
- Easy to Clean
- Great Price
REASONS TO AVOID
- None
Our Rating: 9.7/10
Known for their mechanical keyboards, it was only a matter of time before HyperX began manufacturing this companion piece to go along. Outfitted with a beautiful design and unparalled construction, this wrist rest is a perfect accessory to any keyboard.
HyperX’s wrist rest is full-sized and designed for use with a standard mechanical keyboard or any elevated full keyboard. While many full-sized wrist rests extend beyond the length of a keyboard, this one fits snug as a glove, leaving no room for any wasted space.
Take one look at this wrist rest, and you’ll be in love. Its minimalist-inspired black cloth exterior creates no distractions and lets you focus on what matters most. The HyperX logo is etched on top, but very subtly, and is practically invisible in low lighting. Sharp red stitching surrounds the lower edges, but it’s not only for looks; this wrist rest is built to last.
HyperX designed this wrist rest to be used, and used often. The rubber on the bottom prevents any slippage, so neither you or you keyboard have to worry about going anywhere. The stitching on the outside also inhibits the fraying that commonly occurs with other wrist rests. And with its smooth cloth covering, surface cleaning won’t take more than a few seconds.
But to find out what makes this wrist rest truly special, we have to look inwards. HyperX ingeniously combined the comfort of gel and support of foam in the form of a cool gel-infused memory foam interior.
This allows for great support as well as exceptional comfort, as the cool gel expertly dissipates the otherwise annoying hand-heat that tends to get trapped by other wrist rests. I’m sure you’ll find that using this wrist rest is like flipping to the cool side of the pillow, every time.
Though the price is nothing to brag about, this wrist rest is anything but meek. If you are a serious gamer who values quality, comfort, and aesthetics, HyperX has got what you need.
2. Glorious Gaming Wrist Pad/Rest
REASONS TO BUY
- Made to Last
- Great Support
- Exceptional Comfort
- 1 Year no-questions-asked Warranty
- Great Rubber Base
REASONS TO AVOID
- Higher Price
Our Rating: 9.6/10
Made by gamers for gamers, this wrist rest by Glorious Gaming covers all the bases. Equipped with a low-key attitude, Glorious Gaming’s primary goal is to have you gaming distraction-free.
This is a full-sized wrist rest, perfect for use with mechanical keyboards that include a numberpad. It comes available in a slim height option, primarily designed for owners of non-mechanical or shorter mechanical keyboards.
Glorious Gaming clearly cut no corners with this wrist rest, as evidenced by its superb construction. This wrist rest only weighs a mere 7.2 ounces, but don’t that fool you. Though lightweight, the craftsmanship by Glorious is unprecedented.
At its core is the high-quality foam interior, which provides a medium level of firmness. Around the frame you can find the edges reinforced with dual-lock stitching, which means that this wrist rest is built to last; you won’t find any frayed edges here.
Enveloped by a smooth cloth on the exterior, your hands will be able to navigate the keyboard with ease and without irritation. You’ll also find that this material is a breeze to clean, which is important because after buying this wrist rest, you’ll never want to leave your computer.
This wrist rest also allows you to purchase it in a “stealth” style, if large logos aren’t your thing. Underneath you’ll notice an anti-slip ribber base, ensuring that this wrist rest remains stationary and secure, even during the most frantic of matches.
Glorious Gaming‘s products tend to run on the more expensive side given that they are not the largest of companies, and this wrist rest is no exception. But they more than make up for it with their one year no-questions-asked warranty, which promises a replacement free of charge if you encounter any quality issues.
While the price tag may deter some, those looking to support a smaller, gamer-owned company will find themselves drawn to Glorious Gaming’s no-nonsense attitude toward creating quality products for real-world, or virtual-world use.
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3. Gimars Wrist Rest
REASONS TO BUY
- Comes with Mouse Wrist Rest
- Exceptional Support For Typing
- Highly Comfortable
- Super Light
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not Suiting for Gamers
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Though it may not look like much, this wrist rest from Gimar is an absolute workhorse. Made for gamers and casual users alike, its ergonomic design is specifically tailored toward relieving typing-related wrist pain.
Gimars designed this wrist rest to be used with a full-sized keyboard, but if you don’t mind wasted space it can be used with any desktop keyboard. Laptop users may want to stay away due to its height. The inclusion of an additional, smaller wrist rest for your mouse makes purchasing this product a no brainier for those who desire comfort for both hands.
The smooth outer covering is designed for comfort first and foremost. The stain-resistant Lycra material guarantees that cleaning won’t become a chore. As usual, the base is made of an anti-slip gel, and Gimars went so far as to add slight sticking especially for keeping it flat. However, the lack of anti-fray stitching brings the durability of the wrist rest into question.
Made with a breathable, soft memory foam, Gimars aims to create a more pleasant computer experience. The mouse wrist rest interior is comprised of gel, which some gamers may find hinders their performance in games that require a lot of mouse movement.
If you’re someone who thrives on customization, Gimars has also added to option to choose between three different colors: black, blue and green. This wrist rest is also light as a feather at only 4.2 ounces, allowing you to easily bring it with you if needed.
Overall, this wrist rest is very good for those that are looking for comfort and pain relief on a budget. It is well suited to those who use a desktop computer for normal tasks, though gamers will likely only see an increase in performance if wrist pain is currently impeding them.
4. SubZERO Gaming Wrist Rest
REASONS TO BUY
- Great Support
- Nice Ergonomic Design
- Quality Build
- Reasonable Price
REASONS TO AVOID
- No Cooling Gel
Our Rating: 9.4/10
SubZERO brings us back to the basics with this uncomplicated, to-the-point wrist rest. If you’re looking for something simultaneously sleek and simple, look no further.
The SubZERO wrist rest is designed for full sized keyboards. The smooth cloth surface is built for comfortable use while also being easy to clean. Like Razer’s, it comes ergonomically built on an incline to maintain proper wrist positioning and remain flush against mechanical keyboards. The interior is made of a high density foam of solid firmness, providing you more than enough support for lengthy use.
Stability is the name of the game, which is why SubZERO has placed a heavy-grip, textured rubber on the base of this wrist rest. And weighing a whopping 10.4 ounces, this wrist rest is an absolute beast. Thankfully anti-fray stitching is back, which means you won’t have to worry about the formation of rough edges or peeling.
The laid-back design of SubZERO’s wrist rest won’t catch anyone’s eye, but that’s not a big concern. The logo is quietly placed in the center, and its subdued, all-black color scheme will match beautifully with any keyboard. This wrist rest is there to do its job, and nothing more.
Compared to its closest analogy, the HyperX wrist rest, SubZERO’s take differs slightly in design and in the fact that it lacks the cooling gel infused foam present in the former. If either of these are important to you, the HyperX is likely a better choice.
If you’re in the market for a rock-solid, no-frills wrist rest that’ll stand the test of time, SubZERO has what you need. Though it’s not exactly in the budget range, this wrist rest is very reasonably priced.
5. Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest
REASONS TO BUY
- Comfortable
- Easy to Clean
- Waterproof
- Quality Build
REASONS TO AVOID
- Higher Price
- Not so Stable
Our Rating: 9.3/10
Razer’s take on a wrist rest is directly in line with the uniqueness that the company is known for. Focusing heavily on constructive innovation, you won’t find any RGB here.
In contrast to the company’s reputation, Razer’s ergonomic wrist rest sports a simple design and a logo that’s easy to miss, allowing it merge seamlessly into any PC setup. It comes with a plush artificial leather exterior, which is the first we’ve encountered so far.
It’s very easy to clean with a regular cloth, with the added bonus of being waterproof. This is all wrapped around a traditional memory foam interior, though you can choose to opt for the cooling memory foam. Razer also offers a separate, stand-alone wrist rest for your mouse.
Razer again separates itself from the crowd with this wrist rest by placing rubber feet on the bottom of the wrist rest instead of making the entire base out of rubber. The cushion is also placed on a slight incline, matching the front edge of the wrist rest directly up to any full-sized keyboard. Razer did choose not to include anti-fray stitching, but the edging and material seem durable enough to hold up for a long time.
While Razer has definitely created something one-of-a-kind, they may have flown to close to the sun. The rubber feet tend to slide around more than wrist rests with a rubber base, which is surprising, given it’s impressive 8.8 ounce profile. In addition, the leatherette gets noticeably dirtier after a similar period of use compared to traditional cloth coverings.
With a price tag like this, there are definitely better options out there. Those who will get the most enjoyment out of this wrist rest are Razer enthusiasts, or people who especially like peculiar computer accessories.
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6. Bailey by Castle
REASONS TO BUY
- Made from Genuine Leather
- Stays in Place Nicely
- High Quality Build
- Great Support for Typing
- Classy Design
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Not as Comfortable as Others
Our Rating: 9.3/10
Maybe at this point you’re looking for a wrist rest to set you apart from all of your friends. Something classy, sophisticated, expensive. If this sounds like you, then the Bailey by Castle Leather wrist rest is calling your name.
Made from genuine cowhide leather, the Bailey can withstand anything, even your rage-quit; sweat, spills, tears, you name it. Starting out stiff, the leather will soften with time, growing and changing as you do.
This is also the heaviest wrist rest we’ve seen yet by far, weighing in at 17.6 pounds. Combined with a textured rubber base, you can be assured that the Bailey isn’t going anywhere.
The interior of the Bailey is made of a high density padding (1 inch thick), leading to an extra firm feel. It also features heavy duty stitching and a clearly visible logo. And if you’re an environmentalist, you will be pleased to know that this wrist rest is constructed from 93% recycled materials.
While strong, the Bailey is sorely lacking in comfort. The leather is soft, but the cushioning is hard as a rock. If you’re not looking strictly for support, look elsewhere.
The appearance of this wrist rest is like no other. Possessing a matte quality and embossed logo, you aren’t soon to forget it. A finish is applied to each Bailey for protection as well as color. Three different color choices are offered by Castle Leather: nightfall (black), stone (white), and woodland (brown).
The Bailey is noticeably tall, even though it is designed for standard full-size keyboards. Mechanical keyboards will fit well with it, but all others may have to be elevated to ensure a neutral and healthy wrist position.
If money is no object and you’re looking to make a statement, a Bailey by Castle is perfect for you. It likely the most durable wrist rest out there, and something you’d be proud to hand down to your kids.
7. Glorious Gaming Wrist Rest – TKL Size
REASONS TO BUY
- Perfect for TKL Keyboards
- Comfortable
- Quality Build
REASONS TO AVOID
- Shifts Around
- Higher Price
Our Rating: 9.2/10
They say big things come in small packages, and the Glorious Gaming tenkeyless (TKL) wrist rest is no exception. This wrist rest comes complete with the exact same features as the full sized Glorious, but modified to lengthwise to suit keyboards that lack a numberpad.
TKL, or 80% keyboards, are typically favored over full-sized keyboards by users who don’t require a ten-key numberpad, or find it redundant. They also provide a shorter ‘throw’ distance, which is beneficial in games that require quick action and low latency. They also take up less space than a full-sized keyboard, making them suitable to more compact workspace without sacrificing functionality.
Available in the slim height option, this wrist rest is denser than the full-size version, making it that much less likely to shift around while in use. Those with flat, compact, and non-mechanical keyboards should find them well suited to the slim height, which is almost half the thickness of the standard height. If you use your keyboard at an angle or have a tall, compact mechanical keyboard, you may find the slim height to be too short.
Slightly cheaper than the full size, this wrist rest wastes no space and prides function over form. If you use a tenkeyless keyboard, you may find yourself with limited options when it comes to buying wrist rests. Thankfully, Glorious does a glorious job in providing a high-quality product to this user niche.
8. Kensington ErgoSoft Wrist Rest
REASONS TO BUY
- Perfect for Laptops
- Compact and Slim Design
- Highly Comfortable
- Budget Friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not as Quality as Others
- Poor Wrist Support
Our Rating: 9.1/10
So you’ve gotten this far, and you’ve probably noticed a lack of representation for laptop users. If so, the Kensington ErgoSoft wrist rest is here to save the day.
Specifically designed with small keyboards in mind, the ErgoSoft makes sure that it doesn’t waste any space. With a compact, slim profile, you won’t need to make any altercations you your existing workflow. Sadly, it may be too slim for some mechanical keyboards and gaming laptops.
The ErgoSoft’s primary goal is comfort and ease of use. A soft faux leather exterior combined with a cushioned gel interior facilitates an enjoyable typing experience while still providing ample support. The unique contoured shape also yields more padding where your thumbs rest, which is where it matters most.
And as always, the backing is reinforced with non-skid material, though it is of lower quality than the material used in previously mentioned wrist rests. Your laptop may move, but this wrist rest shouldn’t.
In addition, the ErgoSoft can easily be brought with you wherever you may need it: work meetings, an airplane, the dining room table. And at less than half an inch thick, it can easily fit in any bag or backpack.
Though the white color may show dirt and grime easier, cleaning is no more complex than wiping it with a damp rag. Mac users may be especially drawn toward the ErgoSoft, as its white color matches well with Apple keyboards.
If you aren’t a gamer you might find using the ErgoSoft more enjoyable than the compact Glorious Wrist Rest. The ErgoSoft is much softer than the Glorious because they are gel and foam, respectively. The Glorious is likely more durable, but if you’re not using it heavily, the ErgoSoft will more that meet your needs. And if you’re on a budget, the price of the ErgoSoft is much lower.
In essence, the ErgoSoft is the wrist rest for you if you use a laptop and consider yourself a casual user who just needs something to get the job done. If you find that you use the computer for more than a few hours at a time and need something with more support, look into the Glorious compact wrist rest.
Which Is Better: Gel or Memory Foam?
Inside of each wrist rest is one of two materials: gel or foam. Each provide the same level of ergonomic correction, but exist for different use scenarios.
If you are someone who is rarely on the computer for more than a couple hours at a time, a gel wrist rest will get the job done. They typically provide more comfort while sacrificing long-term support. If you constantly find yourself engaged in all-night gaming sessions, then a foam wrist rest is for you. Unlike gel, foam is much firmer and is well-suited for long-term, continuous use.
Unfortunately, it lacks an ability to dissipate the heat emitted from your hands, which may lead to discomfort.
But what about memory foam? Unlike traditional foam, memory foam is less firm, and possesses a springy, almost sponge-like quality that imitates the malleability of gel while retaining the support of foam. It is commonly used in place of regular foam in wrist rests, but still suffers from some of the comfort problems that are intrinsic to foam materials.
It is obvious that both materials have their benefits and drawbacks. But what if you find yourself a member of both camps, craving both comfort for checking your email, and support during intense gaming? To remedy this, many companies have started manufacturing wrist rests that have a memory foam core wrapped in a layer of gel, beautifully bringing together the best of both worlds.
Read also: Best Gaming Chairs Under $200
Do Wrist Rests Prevent Carpal Tunnel?
If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you are concerned about or suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Affecting between 4-10 million Americans, this nerve disorder is commonly caused by improper typing posture.
Wrist rests are one way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome; they both reduce muscle activity and position your wrist at a neutral angle to minimize contact stress. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommend the use of wrist rests to prevent undue pressure being put on the fragile tendons under the wrist.
Improper typing posture can exacerbate the symptoms of other joint-related illnesses, such as arthritis, as well as previous injuries. And carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t the only thing to be worried about; bursitis is often overlooked because it occurs in the elbow, but it commonly occurs as a result of prolonged leaning while using a computer, which is another example of poor typing posture.
In order to reap the benefits from using a wrist rest, it must be used properly. Contrary to popular belief, resting your wrists on a wrist rest can actually cause more stress and may lead to, perpetuate, or even worsen carpal tunnel syndrome.
Proper use requires the palms or heels of your hands to be placed on top of the wrist rest, bringing them into an elevated position above it. Make sure that your wrist rest is on the soft side and that your hands and wrist are free to move unencumbered.
Are Wrist Rests Good for Gaming?
In gaming, dexterity is key. Whether that be an accurate key press or a quick mouse movement, gamers must be able to freely move their hands and wrists without impediment. Therefore, it is crucial to use a wrist rest with proper hand placement, not only for your health, but for your score.
However, some may still find that it is difficult to get through an intense gaming session while using a wrist rest; it may be more comfortable, but performance lacks. If you have no current issues with comfort or posture, a wrist rest will not improve your gaming performance.
Some gamers may also exclusively play slower-paced games, a popular example being strategy games. In this case a wrist rest may provide comfort during long periods of play, as your hands tend to remain in one position throughout.
That being said, some also may desire a wrist rest for visual reasons. For a lot of people, the aesthetic of their PC setup is important to them, and they may find that the addition of a wrist rest adds a new, unique dynamic to it.
Should I Use a Wrist Rest?
At this point you’re probably asking yourself, “Should I use a wrist rest?” If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, properly using a wrist rest can likely provide some relief from symptoms in conjunction with discussing and following a treatment plan with your doctor.
It can also subconsciously instill proper wrist posture to make sure that symptoms do not return in the future.
But what if you don’t have carpal tunnel syndrome? One way to help decide whether or not to buy a wrist rest is by evaluating your wrist posture. If you currently type with correct posture, a wrist rest is likely unnecessary unless you desire it purely for comfort.
However, if you use incorrect typing posture, you may be already well on your way to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Being aware of this is half the battle, but correcting this unhealthy behavior is crucial. If you’ve tried this and found yourself slipping back into old habits, it might be time to pick up a wrist rest.
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