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Wrist Rests: Keyboard and Mouse Rests for Desk Comfort

A wrist rest supports your palm during pauses. Typing with wrists planted on it can actually increase strain.

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Top wrist rests we recommend

Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.

Know before you buy

About Wrist Rests

Wrist rests are meant to support the heel of your palm when you pause, keeping your wrists in a neutral position. While actively typing, many ergonomics guides recommend hovering your hands rather than pressing on the rest.

Height should match your keyboard so your wrists don't bend up or down.

How to choose a wrist rest

Height

Match the rest's height to the front edge of your keyboard.

Length

Choose full-size, TKL or compact length to match your keyboard.

Material

Memory foam is soft. Gel is cool but can be squishy. Wood is firm and durable.

Non-slip base

A rubber base keeps the rest in place.

Use

Rest on your palm, not the wrist crease, and avoid planting your wrists while typing.

Quick buying tips

What matters most in wrist rests

  1. Match the rest's height to the front edge of your keyboard.
  2. Choose full-size, TKL or compact length to match your keyboard.
  3. Memory foam is soft. Gel is cool but can be squishy. Wood is firm and durable.
  4. A rubber base keeps the rest in place.
  5. Rest on your palm, not the wrist crease, and avoid planting your wrists while typing.
Answers

Wrist Rests: common questions

What is the best wrist rest to buy?

One of our strongest picks is the HyperX Wrist Rest (Full Size, Cooling Gel Memory Foam), a standout in our Best Gel Wrist Rests 2026 list. The HyperX Wrist Rests for Keyboard and Mouse is another excellent choice.

How do I choose the right wrist rests?

Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best Gel Wrist Rests 2026, Best Mouse Wrist Rests 2026, Best Wrist Rests for Keyboards 2026.

What should I look for when buying wrist rests?

Match the rest's height to the front edge of your keyboard.

How long does a Fellowes wrist rest last?

With daily professional use, the foam provides adequate support for 12-18 months before visible compression affects comfort. The fabric cover shows grime accumulation after 6-9 months without cleaning, and unlike Kensington's washable covers, it cannot be laundered. For shared office equipment or occasional use, the lifespan is acceptable. For personal daily use, the Kensington's washable cover makes more sense economically.

Is the Fellowes wrist rest good for gaming?

For mouse use during gaming, yes, the foam provides comfortable wrist support during extended sessions. The fabric cover holds up to the repetitive mouse movement better than some gel alternatives that can crack along movement paths.

Is the Kensington wrist rest worth 3x the price of Gimars?

For daily professional use, yes. The Kensington lasts 3-4 years vs 12-18 months for the Gimars, and the washable cover maintains hygiene through that lifespan. On a cost-per-year basis, the Kensington is cheaper. For occasional home use or users who replace wrist rests every year regardless, the Gimars is adequate.

How long does a Kensington wrist rest last?

The foam core maintains support for 3-5 years of daily use. The washable neoprene cover extends the rest's effective life significantly, unwashable fabric covers degrade and accumulate odor within 1-2 years of daily use. The gel layer can develop hairline cracks after 3-4 years of daily use where the wrist consistently contacts the surface, though functionality is not affected.

What size Kensington wrist rest should I get?

For a tenkeyless keyboard, a standard or compact width (12-15 inches) is sufficient. For a full-size keyboard with numpad, choose a full-width option (18-20 inches). Kensington offers both sizes in most models.