Looking for a keyboard tray can be quite a daunting task. There are several types available on the market with so many features that the average person can be left quite confused. In this buying guide, we will explore 10 of the best keyboard trays that are lightweight which makes them ideal for several table types, are easy to install which makes it easy for the average Joe to have them setup with speed and are made from high quality materials which means that you do not need to worry about the keyboard falling apart. Which one do we regard to be the best? We will give a comprehensive analysis of each keyboard tray’s features and this will help you make a judgment as to which keyboard tray will best suit your unique needs. In addition, we will include details about which keyboard tray is best for those buying on a tight budget.
Alternatively, just skip to the best keyboard tray on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Best Keyboard Tray Comparison Table
List of the 10 Best Keyboard Trays
1. Mount-It! Ergonomic Under Desk Keyboard Tray
This is a lightweight, ergonomic under desk keyboard tray. This product comes in a silver finish. This makes it able to blend in with most décor designs. It is made from high quality materials to ensure stability and durability. The track and the arm are made from steel to ensure that they do not break or deform due to the weight of the keyboard and the mouse. It can accommodate most keyboard sizes. The tray is 20.5 inches wide and 11 inches deep and this makes it very easy to place virtually any keyboard on this device. It comes with a separate mouse pad. This mouse pad can be installed to either the left or the right side of the keyboard platform. This mouse platform also has an adjustable swivel angle. It has height and tilt angle adjustment features that allows for you to position your elbows and wrists at the optimum height and angle. The tray positions your keyboard and mouse lower and closer to your body. The position adjustment is achieved through the use of a knob which allows for you to adjust the tilt angle through the following: negative, neutral and positive tilt. It also allows for you to adjust the height up to 5.5 inches of the total height adjustment. The keyboard platform allows for you to type comfortably through the use of the gel wrist rest pad. The mouse platform also has a gel wrist rest pad which also helps you to reduce wrist related injuries. The device allows for you to slide it under your desk when not in use. The keyboard tray comes with premium rollers that allow you to slide the tray in and out in a very smooth fashion. This product has a few drawbacks. A few customers found the mouse tray to be a bit too low which they found to be a rather uncomfortable position. In addition, it is not a good choice for MDF tables. Due to all these factors, we have nominated this as the best keyboard tray.
2. Fellowes Office Suites Underdesk Keyboard Drawer
This is a stylish, impact resistant under desk keyboard drawer from the manufacturer, Fellowes. This keyboard tray comes in a stylish black or silver finish and will definitely blend in with your monitor stand as well as your décor. This product is very light and weighs just 3.9 pounds. It is made out of high quality steel and will definitely last for quite a while. In addition, it is made out of 100% recycled materials. This makes it the perfect keyboard for those who care about the environment. This keyboard tray helps you to reduce clutter as it hides away your mouse and keyboard from your workstation, leaving it clean and clear, and also allowing you to use it to place whatever you need to get your work done. This drawer is impact resistant which means that you do not need to worry about it getting damaged. It is very easy to install. All you need to do is to follow the very simple to follow instructions that are present in the instruction manual. It fits standard keyboards. This means that you do not need to worry about your current keyboard not fitting into this beautiful, impact resistant tray.
It has three different height adjustments – (2-1/2, 2-1/8, or 1-3/4 inches below track. This allows for you to choose the best height that suits your workstation and that is most comfortable to you. It has ball bearing glide tracks. These ensure the smooth operation of the drawer and prevent you from having to fight with the tray in order for you to change its position. It comes with a separate mouse platform that allows you to mount your mouse on the left or right side of your keyboard. In addition, the mouse platform sows underneath the keyboard tray to save space when not in use. This product has a few drawbacks. A few customers complained that the usable front to back length is 7 ½ inches. This means that big keyboards may not fit onto the keyboard tray. In addition, the stop bar would cause a few problems with the stability of some keyboards. Due to all of these factors, we nominated this as the best budget keyboard tray.
3. ErgoActive Extra Wide Under Desk Keyboard Tray
This is an ergonomic under desk sliding keyboard tray from the manufacturer, ErgoActive. This keyboard tray, like most others, comes in black and will easily blend with your office’s décor. This keyboard tray is made out of high quality plastic. This means that it will last for quite a long period of time due to this solid construction. It weighs just 6.42 pounds and this means that its weight can easily be supported by most tables that are present in the market. It measures 27.6 by 12.2 inches. This means that you can easily place virtually any keyboard and mouse on this tray and these will fit onto the surface with ease. It comes with a non-slip padded c-clamp. This secures the keyboard tray to the table. This innovative design means that you do not need to use any power tools during the installation of this keyboard tray to your table. This tools-free installation makes it very easy to install and setup this keyboard tray. The process is so easy that the manufacturer claims that it will take you under 5 minutes to setup the keyboard. It has a retractable smooth sliding rail design. This ensures that the desk drawer slides smoothly both forwards and backwards. This allows for you to easily slide the tray under your desk when it is not in use and to pull it out in an instant when you need extra space.
It is ergonomically designed to bring your keyboard and mouse down to a chair arm-rest height to provide enhanced computing comfort. It also helps to promote better posture and optimize your workspace for higher productivity. This product has a few drawbacks. It does not fit a curved desk so if you have one, look elsewhere. In addition, the non-slip pads start to come away from the clamps after using it for a while.
4. Stand Up Desk Store Large Clamp-On Under Desk Keyboard Tray
This is a clamp on under desk keyboard tray from the manufacturer, Stand Up Desk Store. This keyboard tray, like most others, comes in black and will easily blend in with your office’s décor. This keyboard tray is not very heavy and comes with a weight of just 6 pounds. It is made from high quality plastic and will last for quite a while. It is wide enough to accommodate both a keyboard and mouse at 27.5 inches wide and 33 inches wide including clamps. It comes with 3 height settings which are 2.69, 3.44 and 4.19 inches. It is very easy to install. This keyboard tray attaches to the desk through the use of desk clamps. These desk clamps come with thumbscrews.
This means that you do not need any tools at all in order for you to setup the device. It will fit most desktops that are up to 1.5 inches thick. This makes it compatible with a wide variety of desktops that are in the market. It enhances ergonomics by placing your hands at a more comfortable height. This reduces the potential for fatigue and pain. It has steel mounting brackets. These have a sturdy extra thick plastic keyboard shelf. This design allows for your keyboard tray to be durable and stand the test of time. It has easy glide tracks. These tracks ensure the smooth extension and retraction of the keyboard tray. This product has a few drawbacks. It is very big and is very unsuitable for those who are looking for something compact to hold their keyboard. In addition it is not for use with a sit down desk as it will hit your knees. Due to all of these factors, we have nominated this as the best clip on keyboard.
5. EUREKA ERGONOMIC Under desk Fully Adjustable Keyboard Drawers
This is an adjustable gaming keyboard tray from the manufacturer EUREKA ERGONOMIC. This keyboard tray looks pretty stylish and is suitable for gamers. It will not blend in well with a home or office setting. It is able to accommodate keyboards and mice of various sizes. It has a universal fit. The hardware needed for installation is included in the package. This allows for you to install the keyboard tray on a flat flush surface or to use the drop down brackets for desks that come with cross bars. You can also use the drop down brackets to make the adjustable keyboard tray to be even lower. The keyboard tray attaches with self-tapping screws. This makes it able to attach to most desktops that are made of wood, MDF, or any other materials with similar characteristics.
The keyboard tray can rotate left to right, tilt the up or down. It allows for a full 360 degree rotation, an angle adjustment of +/- 15 degrees and it also allows for height adjustment of between 20 and 275mm. You can also choose not to use brackets and use your keyboard tray as an extension to your work surface. This product is made out of high quality materials and will definitely last your for quite a while. It is retractable which makes it very easy for you to push it in when it is not in use. It has an ergonomic arm rest and a stylish looking mouse pad. The manufacturer takes great pride in his product and allows for 30 day returns. This product has a few drawbacks. It cannot be used with plastic, stone, and glass desktops. In addition, it is not suitable for tall people as some customers complained that their knees would hit the keyboard tray.
6. CARTMAY Under Desk Ergonomic Adjustable Keyboard Tray
This is an adjustable under-desk keyboard from the manufacturer, CARTMAY. This device is available in black and will blend in with your office’s décor. It weighs 17.5 pounds which makes it nice and sturdy. Its platform measures 26.7 x 11.4 and the track length is 18.1 inches. This allows for you to fit in a wide variety of keyboards of different sizes. It comes with 2 brackets that allow it to overcome the limitations that are associated with cross beam based keyboard trays. It is made out of Phenolic Compact Laminate and steel. Phenolic Compact Laminate is a material that helps to support your arms and keep them very comfortable. The steel construction ensures that the keyboards tray stays stable as the steel adds some sturdiness to the keyboard tray.
The keyboard tray allows for you to adjust the angle. You can adjust the angle of the keyboard tray from -15 to +15 degrees. It allows for you to get a lot more working space on your table as you can swivel to the left, or right and free up the rest of your workstation. A lot of customers praised the swivel mechanism present in the device as it is said to operate in a very smooth manner. It comes with instructions that are very easy to follow and the installation process is very easy. Virtually anyone with very basic DIY skills can install this in less than half an hour. It comes with mounting brackets which also help with making the installation process easy to follow. This product has a few drawbacks. A few customers complained about the padding. They claimed that it has a strong smell that is very unpleasant. In addition, some customers complained that the wrist pad would get in the way of the mouse and they found that a bit annoying.
7. Kensington Under-desk Comfort Keyboard Drawer with SmartFit System (K60004US)
This is an under desk keyboard drawer from the manufacturer, Kensington. This keyboard tray is lightweight and weighs a mere 5 pounds. This means that a wide variety of desktops available in the market will be able to support it. It is made out of high quality plastic which will definitely last for a while. In addition, you are guaranteed that you will not have the tray having problems with corrosion or staining due to this plastic construction. It comes with a length of 29.5 inches and a width of 28 inches and this means that it fits virtually all sizes of keyboards and mice including oversize and ergonomically shaped models. It allows for you to adjust the height to one of three settings. These are 2 inches, 2.5 inches and 4 inches. This allows for you to choose the best position for you and this reduces wrist strain. It is TAA compliant which shows that it is a high quality product.
It comes with integrated cable management. This allows for you to hide all the messy cables from your desktop. This allows for you to have a clean and clutter free desktop that promotes productivity. This product does have a few drawbacks. A few customers complained that the tray does not glide in and out smoothly. In addition, some also found the metal brackets to be a bit flimsy.
8. VIVO Adjustable Computer Keyboard & Mouse Platform Tray
This is an under desk keyboard and mouse platform tray. It comes in a black finish and will make your workstation look pretty modern. It is made from solid steel and this ensures stability and sturdiness. It is a 25 x 10 inch tray and fits most keyboards and mice. It also prevents the keyboards and mice from slipping from the surface which means that you are guaranteed of a pleasant work experience. The tray weighs a mere 10 pounds and can support keyboards and mice with a total of 4.4 pounds in weight. It allows for a tilt of +6 to -22 degrees and a rotation of 360 degrees. This means that you can easily customize the position of your keyboard to suit your unique needs. The metal stand is low profile and slides under the desk when not in use. This allows for you to use the table top to keep the papers and removable devices that you need to get your job done.
This keyboard tray allows for you to type comfortably. It has a removable gel wrist pad. This removable 5/8 gel wrist padding that comes with the keyboard tray reduces wrist soreness wile typing and using the mouse. The packaging contains all of the hardware needed to assemble the device. In addition, there is a simple to follow instruction manual. This makes the installation process very easy. The manufacturer shows great pride in his product and offers a 3 year manufacturer warranty. In addition, you get friendly tech support that is there to address any questions or concerns that you may have. This product has a few drawbacks. A few customers complained about the keyboard tray not sliding easily. In addition, they found the wrist pad to be rather uncomfortable.
9. 3M Tool Free Installation Knob Adjust Keyboard Tray
This is a keyboard tray that comes with a tools free installation process. It comes in a black finish. This means that it will easily blend in with your office’s décor. It is made from 70% pre consumer recycled content. This makes it a very attractive options for those who are concerned about the environment. It fits desks between 1 and 1.25 inches thick. It needs 26 x 17.25 inches of space under the surface for it to be properly mounted to the table. It is lightweight and weighs a mere 0.96 ounces. This means that you do not need to worry about your table failing to support this device. It allow for you to customize the position of the tray. This helps to place your keyboard and mouse at the proper level to increase comfort and productivity. You can use the knob to adjust the arm that controls the height and tilt. This allows you to adjust the height and tilt by +15 degrees up to -15 degrees by loosening and tightening a single knob. The tray accommodates a wide variety of keyboards and mice.
The standard platform comes with a wooden construction. This reduces the amount of “bounciness” as you carry out your work. By minimizing this instability, you will increase productivity and reduce injury caused by poor ergonomics. It allows for you to place the mouse to the left or to the right of the keyboard. It comes with damage free command strips that allow you to setup the device quickly and easily without any tools at all. In addition, it has a wrist rest with 3M gel technology that minimizes wrist pain. This product has a few drawbacks. The adhesive tapes are not of good quality. In addition, the keyboard tray is not made for tall people as a few customers complained that their knees would regularly bump into the tray.
10. WorkEZ Keyboard and Mouse Tray Ergonomic Height Adjustable Keyboard Tray
This is an ergonomic keyboard from the manufacturer, Uncaged Ergonomics. This keyboard tray comes in a black or silver finish. This makes it perfect for your home or office as it will easily blend in with your décor. It is made from aluminum. This means that you do not need to worry about this keyboard tray breaking or falling apart. It is made from 100% recycled materials which makes it a perfect choice for those who are concerned about the environment. It is lightweight and comes at a weight of just 3.84 pounds. It is able to accommodate a wide variety of keyboards. It comes with a separate mouse pad. This is a 7 x 7 inch mouse pad that gives your plenty of room to move. It can be connected to both sides and is specially designed to hold mice at the proper height and position. It allows for you to adjust the typing angle. The panel rotates through 180 degrees, letting you type with a neutral or negative wrist angle at any height. It has an adjustable height. You can easily elevate your keyboards from 2-18 inches above your desk. This makes it perfect for typing whilst standing.
It is very easy to setup. All you need to do is to take the device out of the packaging and follow the simple instructions in the manual. You do not need to assemble anything. It is collapsible. This makes it very easy to take it to a new location quickly and easily. This product has a few drawbacks. Since it is lightweight, it may move around your desk. A quick fix would be to add rubber/vinyl bumpers that you can stick on. In addition, the surface of the platform is not very smooth so this means that you may need to buy a custom 7 by 7 inch mouse pad which is rather difficult to find. Due to all of these factors, we have nominated this as the best keyboard tray in the portable keyboard tray category.
Best Keyboard Tray Brands
The best keyboard brands are Mount-It!, Stand Up and EUREKA ERGONOMIC. Mount-It! Is a brand that is well known for producing very high quality computer accessories such as monitors stands, keyboard trays, etc. The device that we reviewed lives up to their high standards. Stand Up is a brand that makes very high quality keyboard trays. Their device that we reviewed is a very high quality keyboard tray that will last for many years. EUREKA ERGONOMIC is a very good brand for gamers. Their keyboard tray that we reviewed is highly popular among gamers and is of high quality.
Best Keyboard Tray
Mount-It! Ergonomic Under Desk Keyboard Tray
This is the best keyboard tray. It is lightweight, comes with a very attractive silver finish that will make your office look modern and it has premium rollers that allow you to slide the tray in and out in a very smooth fashion.
Here are the key features we liked about the keyboard tray:
- Lightweight
- Silver finish
- Separate mouse pad
- Adjustable tilt and height
- Premium rollers
Best Budget Keyboard Tray
Fellowes Office Suites Underdesk Keyboard Drawer
This is a stylish, impact resistant under desk keyboard drawer. This keyboard tray is available in a stylish black or silver finish, is made from 100% recycled materials and it is very easy to install and set up.
Here are the key features we liked about the keyboard tray:
- Easy to install
- High quality materials
- Impact resistant
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- Stowaway mouse platform
How Much Does a Keyboard Trays Cost?
Keyboard trays are not very cheap. They come in the 50 – 150 USD range. Most of the high end keyboard trays come close to the 150 USD mark. These keyboards are made by well-known manufacturers and are made from high quality materials. An example is the 3M Tool Free Installation Knob Adjust Keyboard Tray
The low end and mid-range devices are in the 50-100 USD range. These devices come with swivel mechanisms, a solid construction, but often have problems with their slider which does not glide in and out smoothly due to the use of rather inferior materials. An example is the Kensington Under-desk Comfort Keyboard Drawer with SmartFit System (K60004US).
Types of Keyboard Trays
Chair Mounted Keyboard Trays
These are keyboard trays that are designed and developed to be attached to your chair. Some are designed to be attached to the arms of the chair, and others are designed to be attached to the main pole of the chair. These are not usually the best type of keyboard trays to buy as the other keyboard tray types offer somewhat superior ergonomics.
Wall Mounted Keyboard Trays
These are the keyboard trays that are mounted to your walls. These keyboard trays use articulated arms that allow you to maneuver the keyboard exactly where you need it. These are suitable for situations in which you have an unconventional desk shape.
Under Desk Keyboard Trays
These are the most popular types of keyboard trays. The tray mounts to the underside of your desk. This is accomplished using rails, an articulated arm, or a clamp. These are suitable for most applications.
Why Do You Need a Keyboard Tray?
Health
It is imperative for you to keep your wrists and your back in good condition. It is very easy to forget about the need to take care of these important parts of our bodies, and we only realize how much care we should have taken when it is too late. Keyboard trays ensure that you sit in the proper position, thus reducing wrist related strain and back aches.
Productivity
Your body works better when you have the right body posture. A keyboard tray that is properly installed will help you stay focused throughout the day with its supportive construction. In addition, since you will have fewer wrist or back related issues, you will be able to easily work throughout the day.
Clutter
Keyboard trays help to reduce clutter on your desk. They help to free up the desktop space taken up by the keyboard and mouse. Some also offer integrated cable management. This allows you to hide all the ugly looking cables from view and keep your desk nice and tidy.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Keyboard Tray
Portability
You need to ask yourself whether the current computer setup you are using is going to stay at that current location for life or whether you would want to move your whole computer setup. If you plan on moving around then go for a portable option. An under desk clamp on keyboard tray will be ideal for you.
Adjustability
Most keyboard trays allow for you to adjust the tilt and rotation to suit your needs. Not all keyboard trays have this feature. Make sure that you choose one which has these features.
Type of Table
There are tables that are designed for you to work while you stand and others are designed for you to work while you sit. You need to make sure that your keyboard can be used with the type of table you have and avoid situations such as buying a keyboard tray that always hits your knees.
Compatibility
You need to have a look at your desk. Check whether it will be able to support the keyboard tray that you want to buy. Make sure that your desk is not too thick, and make sure that if it is a plastic, glass, particle board, or mdf your preferred keyboard tray supports it.
What is a Keyboard Tray?
A keyboard tray is a mechanical device that is used to place computer peripherals, namely, keyboards and mice in a position that is comfortable to the user.
How Do Keyboard Trays Work?
A keyboard tray has a flat surface. The keyboard is placed on this flat surface. It also has a mouse pad that can usually be attached to either the left or right side of the keyboard tray. It is usually attached to the table through an articulating arm. This arm usually allows for one to tilt and rotate the keyboard tray to his or her desired position. The arm is usually attached to the bottom of the table through a few screws. Some keyboard trays allow for you to use C-clamps instead of screws, and these make the keyboard tray highly portable. Keyboard trays are a must-have computer accessory as they reduce repetitive strain injury.
Keyboard Tray FAQs
Does the Keyboard Tray Slide Under the Desk When Not In Use?
In most cases yes! This allows for you to free up your workspace and keep it clean.
Do the Keyboard Trays Wobble When Typing?
In most cases, no. If you do buy very cheap keyboard trays that come at alarmingly low prices then this may be an issue. Stay away from these and you will be safe.
How Thick Does the Desk Have to Be?
Well this depends. It is best to check with the manual as different keyboard trays come with a different weight.
Are the Wrists Removable?
In most cases, yes. You do need to note that they do not usually work properly when you install the same one back after removing it.
Are the Keyboard Trays Returnable?
In most cases, yes. Check before purchasing.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the top 10 best keyboard trays. We have given a thorough analysis of each keyboard tray. We also included a comprehensive guide aimed at equipping you with the skills of identifying the best keyboard tray to suit your unique needs. In addition, we included a list of comprehensive FAQs for your convenience.
Check out the best keyboard tray on Amazon.
