Wrist Rests: Why It’s Important to Have One

When it comes to our gaming set-up, we want nothing short of perfection. From choosing the right keyboard, even down to the keycaps and switches, to getting the right gaming PC for your play style. No detail is too small. Today, we’re taking a look at an ergonomic must: the wrist rest.

It may not be the most glamorous addition to your set-up, but it will save you aches and pains – making it the real MVP in our books. So, grab yourself a cuppa and a biscuit as we talk you through the ins and outs of wrist rests. 

What is a Wrist Rest and Why Do I Need One?

First and foremost, a wrist rest is a thickly padded mat upon which you rest your wrists as you type. The name is a bit of a give-away, really. So, why do you need one? The preferred peripheral of gamers are mechanical keyboards. Even when low-profile, mechanical keyboards are relatively tall. In fact, the specially designed keycaps cover the preinstalled switches, making the keyboard up to three times taller than optical or rubber dome keyboards. With your wrist resting on your desk alone, you are sure to put some strain on this joint during all your long gaming sessions. 

This is where a wrist rest comes in. Their thick padding elevates your wrists to be more in-line with the height of your keycaps. You can type more comfortably and potentially with fewer errors – as you’re not reaching out of your way to certain keys. 

The Benefits of Having a Wrist Rest

There are plenty of benefits to adding a wrist rest into your set-up. First of all, you are adjusting the hand angle position. Instead of a more vertical position, your hands will be flatter to the keys. As a result, this reduces wrist and even arm aches. It is a much more natural position for your wrists and hands to be in, and the effect is almost immediate. 

What’s more, there are more long-term effects too. By reducing the aches in the now, you are preventing any lasting damage too. This ensures you can knuckle down for those long gaming sessions with the confidence that your wrists will stay happy.

Size and Materials

As keyboards come in many sizes, so do wrist rests. This is so you can best match your wrist rest to your chosen keyboard. Seems illogical to pair a mini wrist rest with a full-sized keyboard! But if that is what your set-up calls for, then you do you. 

The common sizes available are:

• Full-size: designed to match the largest, 104-key keyboards 
• 87%: designed for TLK keyboards that only omit the numpad 
• 75%: designed for smaller and more compact TKL keyboards 
• Mini: designed for 60% or 65% keyboards 

A wrist rest has three main components: padding, base, and cover. Across the brands, there are some commonly used materials for these. 

• Padding is often soft or memory foam to maximise support.
• The base usually is rubber or rubberised, to prevent slipping. If you have a solid base, there will be rubber feet for grip instead.
• Covers vary a little more, from fabric to leatherette.

Things to Look Out For

What do you need to look out for when selecting your wrist rest. First of all, you need to choose the right size. Matching to your keyboard is one approach, but if you are limited on space then that is something to consider too. Next, you need to get the right height. Wrist rests are all about being comfortable, you don’t want to get one that’s not tall enough or equally one that’s too tall. Compare the given height of the wrist rest to your keyboard to assess the best selection for your needs. 

Finally, the last consideration is entirely personal. Choosing the right material. Whichever cover you opt for; you’ll be getting a wrist rest that has been carefully crafted to provide optimised comfort. However, everyone has different preferences when it comes to “feel”. You might prefer the cool, smooth touch of leatherette. Perhaps you like the bit of texture that comes with fabric. There are no wrong answers, it’s entirely up to you. 

The Best Wrist Rests at Overclockers UK

To go with our extensive collection of gaming keyboards, we stock plenty of wrist rests at Overclockers UK. They come in a tasty mix of sizes, materials, and some even have specialist features like cooling gel! Each has been engineered to provide enhanced comfort and a more ergonomic typing experience. We’ve picked out a few of our faves, but you can explore the full range should none of these fit your vibe.