Custom Keyboard Tray & Wrist Rest

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I wanted to raise my keyboard slightly while also adjusting my wrist position, so I decided to make my own keyboard tray and wrist rest.
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[@svalcourt]

Loved this simple build, thanks for bringing us along!

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

I've been eyeing those Grovemade items for years, as well. They do some beautiful work. I have a design in my CNC software to accommodate the full size keyboard with numeric keys, and a trackpad that I'm anxious to try out, I just haven't been able to find/make the time for it. Thanks for sharing your approach, I'll take a look at what I designed and see where I can make some updates.

[@Furion65]

I very much enjoy watching your videos. You have a very good way of relating to people and explaining your projects. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@bill40bates]

Nice. These simple projects are fun to watch and help give ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@rolandgdean]

I recently got a new iMac and ALSO needed to raise and tilt the new TINY keyboard. At 6'4" with hands to match, I HAD to do something and since I USED TO WORK FOR APPLE, I knew buying something from them would not be cheap. So, like you, I made my own simple thing...also from walnut cut-offs. However, I may remake it after seeing your idea using the CNC to pocket out a custom fit like that. VERY cool...as always.

[@CasualXCars]

This was amazing - well done, thank you for sharing!

[@biblio_mama]

Simple and elegant. A great solution.

[@blizatrex]

A great quick useful project.

[@dervorrichtungsbauer]

Great work. Looks really good. Is on my list to built. Thanks a lot👍😁

[@joeygreear7099]

That walnut is stunning!!! Great idea.

[@jimadams6159]

Brilliant project and looked like fun to do.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome job Marc! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@sgsax]

Nice little project! Great way to use a nice scrap. Hope your I70 drive is uneventful today and good luck on the move. I'll be sure to wave as you go by. Thanks for sharing!

[@maurolimaok]

Simple and nice project.

[@WoodenThingsAndStuff]

This reminded me that I, too, LOVE making simple stuff like this way nicer than it needs to be and should do more small projects like this more often.

[@MrMaacin05]

Prime example of: “Why?” “Because I can”

[@anthonym612]

Cool project - I'd add those rubbery stick-on clear 'dot' feet to the bottom so it doesn't slide around.

[@Grove332]

Two little inset magnets on each side so the rest sticks to the rest of the keyboard frame.

[@anthonym612]

@@Grove332 even better!

[@c.a.g.1977]

Looks great, Marc! Continuous grain on the tray and wrist rest would have been nice, but that would have made it harder to make it from a scrap piece of lumber.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

Two hundred or so for a key board holder and you made one from pretty much scrap.🤔yep it does help if you have the tools to make it at home.Thanks for sharing that build it’s always a pleasure to watch your content

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting idea, Marc! Fantastic work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@andrewbrown8148]

Wow, gorgeous figure in those "scraps"~! Great little quickie project. Thanks for showing it~!

[@nealw2204]

nice piece of work

[@redbirdmike1]

Love your Secret Labs chair, I have two of them!

[@araa3533]

Beautifully made 👍 I hope things are alright with your moving plan waiting for good news

[@3600bball]

wow that keyboard drops in perfectly

[@FirstFruitsDesignCo]

The figure in that walnut is awesome!

[@jcarlin]

Just picked up some Osmo Top Oil but that Polyx looks nice! Should I have gotten that instead?

[@inspectr1949]

Fantastic wood selection, have such stashes everywhere that I've accumulated over the years for just the right project but now that I've moving had no choice but to toss them that really pains me.

[@rjgaynor8]

I picked up an ergonomic curved keyboard and web mouse setup years ago. My carpal tunnel stopped getting worse. Having a comfortable keyboard is a requirement if you type a lot.

[@DakGuy05]

Very awesome work as expected. On another note, it would drive me nuts using a keyboard like that, but I'm a drafter by trade and 3D model on the side. Have to have a full keyboard with classic-sized keys lol. Just me I guess

[@hamubice1551]

Not just you, many people hate those keyboards. The design & principle is easy scalable though

[@BenNawrath]

Samesies. I’m a 3D model guy more than drafting, but I still like a full number pad to the side on my keyboard! Soooooo much easier to pop in dimensions and stuff.

[@bmalovic]

Completly agree. This is fixing something that should not be there in the first place. This is NOT a keyboard. Win of the form over function. Horiblle keys, too small distance between them, no numeric... this "thing" shoud not exist.

[@egbluesuede1220]

gorgeous....

[@T_B]

I know you want them as 2 separate pieces, but 2 or 3 brass pins connecting them would look cool! Example: 2 pins, 1/4" deep on the wrist rest and 1/4" deep on the keyboard leaves 1/2" gap. And, a little nearer the center do the same thing but only 1/8" deep to leave a 1/4" gap when "connected". (Think adjustable shelves holes, but horizontal.) Also, they don't have to be glued in...just pushed into the corresponding holes to keep the 2 units from sliding apart from each other.

[@BruceAUlrich]

I kind of want to make this now for mine.

[@meatwhisperer]

I need to make one of these

[@robertlevine2152]

Very nice project. I was confused when you were applying your finish on what appeared to be a very dusty pad. I thought the idea was to avoid exposing wet finishes to dirt and dust. Bob

[@howycwap]

Don't think it matters too much with this finish because the finish soaks in and you buff it afterwards removing anything that might be stuck

[@barb0za0]

im trying to make a custom tray like this for my keyboard and trackpad- i'm too used to the laptop ergonomics, a flat laptop-like typing/scrolling surface would be perfect for me. do you think a project like this is possible to do with no shop/out of an apartment?

[@gl5480]

Beautiful results! Can I ask what all grit sandpaper you used?

[@markglabinski3016]

Wow!! That looks great! Maybe you should consider woodworking full time.

[@kenf2662]

Put a hole in the bottom to pop out the keyboard, and slots to access the connections.

[@dillbob330]

You know, I find myself so jealous of your skill as a furniture maker, I’ve gained vast knowledge from you and the guild. So it makes me happy that I am at least slightly ahead of you on the CNC. I love your content man.

[@BenNawrath]

Glad to see you leaving the dust shroud on. It’s always bothered me when Tv shows or whatever “remove guards for clarity”. Leave the guard on and show me safety should be a priority! I understand you feed one board thru a saw and end up with 2.

[@kimdavis5522]

Welcome to the 2000's. I made something similar back in 2000 when I was working with AUTOCAD. It was made with figured walnut with thin rubber straps on the bottom to keep it from sliding too much.

[@TheBiggerrich]

Also you can make the doors that you open! 😉

[@mumihp]

Great build. The only thing I would do is, add magnets on the so not connects the wrist and keyboard together, would get annoying if the wrist stand kept moving

[@wakeupcall8188]

Question I'm making a kind of kitchen top but for outside undercover area Im in Europe so temperature is from -20 in winter to +40 in summer Wood is European beech Top is 2.4m x 700mm x 40mm Glue up is from 5-6 peaces various width smalest is 80mm, widest 120mm. So im thinking to put steal squere tubes through the wood with rod inside of tube and tight all that up, but not from edge to edge but from roughly 50mm from live edge to the end of the top. Will that crack, move, bend or cup, is my question Thanks

[@habanjero9974]

Verdict: Dougie not guilty. Too cute. Cool piece. The clean white and a quite figured wood.

[@jeffnelson1661]

What CNC are you using?

[@paramediclee1]

Have you located any property to purchase in Mo?

[@Tokaisho1]

You might want to add some cushioning to the wrist wrest just to help prevent pressure on your carpal tunnel where your wrists are against it for long periods of time typing, nice job otherwise, cool project.

[@TheRedbeardster]

Nice! Don't you plan to create such one from leather?

[@langrock74]

Looks nice, but I think you now ended up with a keyboard that’s flatter than before. Not sure that’s more ergonomic, but whatever feels good to you. I probably just would have elevated the keyboard and used a squishy wrist pad like the one you showed at the beginning.

[@woodwhisperer]

It's not flatter, it's higher and my wrists are also now higher and slightly above the keyboard.

[@joshhendrickson]

​@@woodwhisperer This is indeed more ergonomic! The default angle of the mac keyboard is terrible for ergonomics and encourages bending your hands backward which causes a pinch. It's just all the wrong angle, yours is at least better since it encourages lifting the wrists. Even more ergonomic would be lifting your wrists a little higher than your current result with perhaps a downward slope to the keyboard. But you've got a good "bubble grip" with this setup and your wrists aren't bent which is key, so it should be good enough. Nicely done.

[@fleurdelune5240]

❤️

[@VaracolacidVesci]

This is looking great, but contrary to the name the wrist wrest is not to rest the wrist while typing. it would create tension if you do so. It only helps if ypu hover over it.

[@farmcat3198]

I'd bevel or round those edges just a bit more to ensure that the underside of your wrist doesn't come into contact with them.

[@alanburr1866]

I think the guy you know is helping Matt build a house

[@dirtdart81]

What is with the audio dropping from one mic to another? Great project, came out beautifully!

[@woodwhisperer]

Technical issues. :)

[@dirtdart81]

@@woodwhisperer no worries. Wasn't sure if it was a recording issue or editing or upload. You don't use that tiny keyboard for gaming do you?

[@woodwhisperer]

@@dirtdart81 lol no. That’s a Mac. 😉

[@gregmize01]

👍👍👍👍

[@aaroncashion7570]

I feel like I have seen this before. Nonetheless great content as always.

[@brandonmckibben1164]

Someone get this man a nice mechanical keyboard so he doesn't have to deal with the terrible apple ergonomics and switches that feel like typing on wet cardboard. All apple roasting aside, great video! You've got me considering doing some similar things for my desk.

[@woodwhisperer]

You should see my custom keyboard collection. 😉

[@riba2233]

Don't be afraid to show it :)

[@EllisDesignandTradeCo]

A keyboard built into a desk would be pretty insane. Press a little button and your mouse and keyboard pop up, i better get to making that video before someone else does. And yes, I'm not sure how anyone can stand apple keyboards. Even the Apple IPHONE virtual keyboard irritates me, but the phone runs great for business! I'm using a mechanical Corsair keyboard. Feels like I'm typing on clouds!

[@robertast.esprit7679]

Loved this but I have a project I'm trying to figure out. I want to build a desk with a keyboard tray built in. Basically it will be a flat desk until I need the tray. Then I move the front of the desk down to keyboard level. My dilemma is what is the hardware that will allow the keyboard tray to drop down and be flat at desk level. Any ideas?

[@Tobsen660]

I really like this but isn't your your hand position kind of the same as before?

[@woodwhisperer]

Nope. Everything is higher now and the wrists are now higher than the keyboard. A relatively small change that makes a big difference.

[@BrianVoelker]

Let me know if you want me to make you a custom mechanical keyboard. We gotta get you something better!

[@richardmiller9154]

So….did you ever take them back to the shop for another coat of finish? 😉

[@WoolfordCraftEndeavours]

Wait a minute! Cremona knows how to text??

[@matonmacs]

Neat, but the one thing this needs: magnets!

[@jayhitek]

@AndrewKleinWW would have put a motorized lift on it to raise and lower it 1/8" at a time. Just saying..

[@compunurse]

Okay, if I had an Apple keyboard, I would happily pay $100 for that.

[@MichaelFemia]

You actually don't want to place load on your wrists while typing- that increases your risk of getting carpal tunnel syndrome from compressing all the fancy stuff in your wrist. Depending on how high your seat/desk are, it could be better to get an under-desk keyboard tray that can tilt at a negative angle so your hands are in a more natural position. And/or find a PT who does in-home ergonomic assessments!

[@rianwhitby3480]

Should have used Odie's...

[@kchingk]

just get a topre keyboard. if youre on the computer for any extent of time. its worth the investment :)

[@michaelthompson5875]

Marc: "I have this keyboard that doesn't tilt and I need a wrist rest. I know...I'll spend an afternoon making a beautiful wooden one." Me:"I need a keyboard that tilts. Oh, here's a keyboard and mouse for $55 on Amazon. Legs that can fold out to give an adjustable tilt. Sold!" And that my friends is why Marc is the Wood Whisperer. And I am a total hack.

[@cardsfanbj]

I would have gotten a better keyboard, but I guess this works, too.

[@woodwhisperer]

That would only fix half the problem. 😁

[@mkdrivingzone]

And Polyx Oil doesn't react to the moisture and oil in skin.

[@warpo007]

Apple... there's your problem...... ok ok. I'll get back in my PC box.

[@emma70707]

Cool build! But from an ergonomics standpoint, you should not be using the wrist rest WHILE you're typing. It's a "rest" for a reason. It can cause issues that may not be a problem for a couple emails a week, but RSI is literally a pain and if you do more than that, please spend the time to read about ideal set ups.

[@TrippLilley]

4:06 so now you’re just going to be sitting at your desk all day with your hands resting on your crotch? KZbin life, amirite?

[@cdodsworth]

ignore the apple keyboard haters, I have the same and it works perfectly though I am not as lucky as you to have such a developed wood shop. Lovely choice of scrap wood and turned out top notch. Got to love the irony of keyboard warriors on the internet moaning about ...well a keyboard :) keep up the good work

[@Bigdog1787]

I don't think I'd like the wrist rest to hard would like a foam material inside leather.

[@WoLpH]

I love the project, but honestly... if you want to go for ergonomics you would do far better getting a better keyboard. Apple stuff looks pretty, but ergonomics is very low on their priority list.

[@krtwood]

Hopefully Apple doesn't decide to change which buttons do what without telling anybody.

[@mmccorm11]

[@stevensmith1246]

Buy a modern thin keyboard so you can build a platform to make it thicker 😂

[@graciouscompetentdwarfrabbit]

Me, an ergonomic mechanical keyboard enthusiast, seeing a magic keyboard: Disgusting. good video tho, don't mind me, I just hate non-mechanical keyboards far too much.

[@attainableapex]

Just buy a good keyboard

[@clearcut6818]

spent 20,000 dollars to save 200 dollars

[@kanedNunable]

its weird how apple the design kings are like the most useless at ergonomics.

[@Jimmyjohnson17768]

Audio is another level of terrible what happened??

[@stevebowen809]

Lovely wood, shame about the utterly useless Apple tech it fits around, Apple kit sucks, your hands are too big for that keyboard.

[@Gal980]

So... You're saying that Apple products are not ergonomic? Really?!! That keyboard is laptop-sized and we should be concerned that they (Apple) sell it with a full blown computer. Get a full blown keyboard from Logitech instead, and design something more useful with the C&C gizmo. I've followed The WW for years now (before KZbin version) and it's the 1st time I am disappointed

[@billsk8]

Perhaps this is a terrible keyboard?

[@davidpretorius2984]

you are aware that that keyboard and mouse are purely decorative?

[@apiorta]

useless, gives you nothing. Buy keyboard with 0 ergonomic, then spend day on doin that?