Most of the peripherals and white-collar work tools we use today aren’t exactly the best for ergonomics. Take, for example, the typical keyboard. It’s just a straight rectangular slab that forces the wrist to sometimes bend at a certain angle. Alice layout mechanical keyboards are a better option if you want something more accommodating to your joints.
This type of keyboard has a split at the center and is shaped like a chevron, eliminating the need for wrists to bend so that the hands or fingers can align properly with the keyboard.
Alice mechanical keyboards are quite rare, however, since they tend to be more expensive and the asymmetry can be a turn-off; a lot of folks are used to the regular keyboard’s uniformity.
Still, if you find that your wrists are disagreeing with regular keyboard shapes, you might want to give the following alice layout mechanical keyboards are try.
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Feker Alice Layout Gasket 68-Key
PROS
- Comes with a knob
- Stylish and welcoming layout curvature
- Colorful included keycaps
- Comes with PBT keycaps
- Large battery
- Complete connectivity options
- Mac compatibility
- RGB backlight
- Comes with Gateron Pro Yellow Switches
- Two color and style options
- Comes with lots of foam and padding, no need to mod
- Hotswappable
- South-facing RGB
- Comes with its own key customization software
CONS
- Silicone dampeners conflict with th gasket mounting
- Opaque keycaps make the RGB lighting near-useless
- Poor customization software
- Mac support is terrible (no function keys)
Specs:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth/2.4Ghz/ Type-C
- Mounting Type: Gasket
- Battery Capacity: 8000mAh
- Number of Keys: 68 + knob
It’s one of the most affordable and most popular budget options on Amazon and in the mechanical keyboard community, none other than the Feker Alice. Feker has built up a solid reputation for its entry-level kits and the Feker Alice is its contender in the layout segment.
The battery is massive and there’s no shortage of modern connectivity options, though some reports critique the Bluetooth and the 2.4G dongle for its delay whenever it needs to be awakened from sleep mode.
Beyond that, the gasket mounting is somewhat wasted due to the thick silicone dampener on the bottom layer inside the case. On the flip side, it comes with a knob that accounts for three keys (volume up/down, and mute) so that’s always a plus.
Besides, the layout has a bit of curvature, giving the design a bit more style and friendliness.
Feker Alice Layout Gasket 68-Key
Akko ACR Pro Alice Plus
PROS
- Comes with Akko ASA PBT keycaps
- Comes with Akko Crystal Switches
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Decent Akko key programming software
- Lubed stabilizers
- Supports screw-in stabilizers
- Hotswappable
- RGB lighting
- Comes with lots of foam and padding, no need to mod
- Decent out-of-the-box accoustics
CONS
- No wireless
- Akko keycaps wear down fast despite the PBT advertisement
- Opaque keycaps make the RGB lighting near-useless
Specs:
- Connectivity: Wired
- Mounting Type: Gasket
- Battery Capacity: N/A
- Number of Keys: 68
Akko has made some of the best budget keyboards in the community and they have earned the trust of lower-end enthusiasts. That’s why it wouldn’t be fair to leave out the Akko ACR Pro Alice Plus on this list. It’s Akko’s wired contender in the layout segment.
It comes with its own Akko switches which are known for their lightness and smoothness. Moreover, the Akko software is decent enough especially when compared to the ones from lesser-known brands. There’s also no need to mod this since it comes with sound absorption foams for that creamy or marbly sound right out of the box (depending on the switches and keycaps).
Akko ACR Pro Alice Plus
Hyekit Custom Gaming Keyboard - Alice Layout
PROS
- Stylish translucent case
- Plate has flex cuts for bouncier typing
- QMK/VIA compatible for easy key programming
- Impressive accoustics for the price
- RGB lighting makes the case glow
- Comes with lots of foam and padding, no need to mod extensively
- Hotswappable
- South-facing switch orientation
CONS
- No wireless
- Not ideal for beginners
- Somewhat pricey for a wired-only barebones kit
Specs:
- Connectivity: Wired
- Mounting Type: Gasket
- Battery Capacity: N/A
- Number of Keys: 66
If you want to save a bit of money and customize your own keyboard by purchasing separate keycaps and switches, then this barebones kit from Hyekit is the most ideal option.
It comes in a translucent case, further reinforcing its customizability and modularity. This thing will shine bright like a trophy keyboard thanks to the case, and paired with the right keycaps and switches, it can look even better.
Surprisingly, the plate also comes with flex cuts for a better typing feel and the gasket mount appears legitimate. The only thing left is for you to pair it with the keycaps and switches you like.
Hyekit Custom Gaming Keyboard - Alice Layout
Mistel MD600RGB v3 60% Split Mechanical Keyboard
PROS
- Split design allow for traditional and alice layout
- PBT keycaps
- Comes with Cherry MX Brown Switches
- RGB backlighting
- Built-in memory allows for many custom configurations
- Programmable macro keys and remapping
CONS
- Not hotswappable
- No wireless
- Loud
- Opaque keycaps make the RGB lighting near-useless
- Pricey
Specs:
- Connectivity: Wired
- Mounting Type: Unspecified
- Battery Capacity: N/A
- Number of Keys: 62
If you want the best of both worlds, this split keyboard might just let you have your cake and eat it too. The 60 percent layout might not be for everyone since there are no arrow keys, but the split lets you position it as both an Alice layout and a regular layout so you can see which one your wrists prefer.
It comes with its own PBT keycaps (though with an OEM profile) and Cherry MX Brown Switches which is quite pleasant considering the price of those things. This keyboard is also easier to take to your travels due to the split design, making it more compact.
Mistel MD600RGB v3 60% Split Mechanical Keyboard
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are alice keyboards better for the wrists?
For a lot of people, they ought to reduce the tension since they eliminate the need for wrist bending. -
Why are alice layout mechanical keyboards more expensive?
They're less popular so their cases and components aren't made for mass production as much as the regular layout, meaning they're more expensive to produce per unit.