For many people, gaming does not come across as a particularly strenuous hobby. For habitual gamers, however, the reality of tendonitis and the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome are very real. If you take a look online at some of the recommendations for avoiding repetitive strain injuries, you will learn that it is typically effective for gamers to use a wrist rest.
But which ones do we choose? If you go with something cheap; more often than not it simply becomes flat and gooey due to repeated use. This is no good if you’re playing games for hours every single day. Luckily, there are plenty of good options out there for those who are willing to look and do a little bit of research.
So, without further ado, here’s the top ten wrist rests for gaming:
3M Keyboard Wrist Rest 18”
This 18” wrist rest from 3M is a decent option for those who want something simple and effective. It uses ergonomic gel with antimicrobial protection, and comes in a black faux-leather style. It should fit in the aesthetics of any battle station, and fits a standard keyboard. The soft cover is quite comfortable and very easy to clean. The reviews are generally favourable, although some people have had issues with the gel filling bursting from inside the cushion.
Glorious Gaming Wrist Pad
Another good option; this time from Glorious Gaming. This one is 17.5×4 inches, and 25mm thick. It goes well with mechanical keyboards, and has stitched edges for long lasting quality. The inside is stuffed with foam, which is more supportive than gel and won’t burst from inside the cushion. Reviews for the product are quite positive.
Kensington Duo Gel Mouse & Keyboard Bundle
This sleek gelatinous rest comes paired with a cushioned mouse pad; perfect for FPS games and others that use both mouse and keyboard. The gel pillow is designed to match the natural curve of the human wrist for maximum comfort. The pad itself is 19” long, which could be a bit long for standard keyboards, but perfect for larger keyboards. Reviews of the product are very positive, although some people note that the mouse pad is a bit finicky.
Bailey Leather Ergonomic Computer Wrist Rest
This is a good option from Bailey that incorporates genuine leather for that luxurious feel. It’s one of the more expensive options on this list but it is easily worth it if you appreciate that genuine leather look and feel. If properly maintained, it will actually become more supple and comfortable as it ages. The padding is extra firm, to help promote healthy wrist position, and the edges are stitched for maximum support.
BRILA Memory Foam Mouse Wrist Rest
This is a great bargain option from BRILA. It works best as a rest from your mouse-hand, but it can easily be used for the keyboard as well. It’s made from medical grade memory foam and top-graded Lycra fabric. It is completely odourless and retains its shape well, even after repeated use. The reviews for the product are favourable, but some people comment that the cushion is a bit thick.
Redragon P023 Wrist Rest
This one is also made of memory foam, and is a bit more compact at 14.35” long. It’s perfect for slimmer gaming keyboards. The memory foam has a soft-to-medium level of firmness, and the memory foam provides excellent support that matches the curve of your wrist. Unlike with gel pads, you don’t run the risk of the gel leaking, either, which is a plus.
HyperX Wrist Rest
This one features “cool gel” memory foam, which helps keep your wrist cool and sweat-free while gaming. It actually contains a combination of supportive gel with a memory foam core, and held together with anti-fray stitching. Customer reviews are very positive, with only a few outliers presenting criticisms.
Aelfox Memory Foam Keyboard & Mouse Rest
This is an ergonomically designed wrist rest specifically for relieving wrist pain in people that already have wrist problems. The price is very fair considering it comes with a mouse rest as well. The construction is of medical grade memory foam with a slip-resistant base. The keyboard pad measures in at 17.32 x 2.76 inches, making it one of the longer wrist rests on this list.
Gimars Memory Foam Set Keyboard Wrist Rest
This wrist rest is well rounded with comfortable memory foam with a soft and breathable exterior. The non-skid rubber base provides plenty of grip for when you’re gaming so that the pads don’t slip around. The exterior cover is double-stuck to prevent tearing or rolling up. The pad comes with a 6.3 x 3.1” mouse wrist rest, as well, adding extra value. The product also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.
VicTsing Upgraded Keyboard Wrist Rest and Mouse Wrist Rest Pad
The last item on the list is this great wrist rest from VicTsing. It’s called “upgraded” because it is larger than their earlier models. The fabric outer coating is water resistant and can help protect against spilled liquids while gaming. The interior is constructed from slow-rebound memory foam for perfectly curved wrist comfort. User reviews for this one are absolutely glowing, and very few people have criticisms of the product.
The Verdict
Repetitive Strain Injury is serious business, and if you want to get something to help protect your nerves and tendons, going with the cheapest option simply isn’t viable. That’s why we highly recommend the Victsing upgraded keyboard wrist rest. It comes with a perfect combination of effectiveness and value. If you want something more gel-oriented rather than memory foam, then the HyperX wrist rest is a good option. Of course, the cheaper entries on this list can be quite effective, but they are not recommended for periods of heavy or extended gaming.
If you have any suggestions or things we may have missed, feel free to fire away in the comment section. As always, it’s important to do your own research on products before buying. Good luck and happy gaming!