6 Best Bamboo Keyboards for Sustainable Computing

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Stephanie Cole
By 
With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is supremely well qualified to write on all aspects of sustainable living. She has already achieved a zero carbon footprint and her goal is to help as many other people as possible do the same. Her other hobbies include music, yoga, swimming and horror movies.
Stephanie Cole
Updated: March 19, 2024

We're all trying to cut down on the amount of plastic we buy in 2024, but did you know that you can also get a plastic-free keyboard and mouse for your Mac, PC, or Android OS device?

Regular keyboards require plastic (made from fossil fuels) to make - and end up as e-waste at the end of their life because they don't biodegrade.

The best bamboo keyboards are made from sustainable materials. They have all the latest features, they look and feel great, last longer, and don't have anywhere near the same environmental impact.

Tempted to switch to a bamboo keyboard? Then let me introduce you to the best options on the market right now...

Top Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse Options of 2024

They Say: Extremely comfortable to use, button perfect, gentle and low noise, natural use, light, quiet.

We Say: This is a well-made, mid-priced bamboo wireless keyboard from a responsive and highly-rated Etsy seller. It feels durable, and I have no doubt it will last a long time.

Both the keyboard and mouse are made from natural bamboo wood. They look bright and elegant, and most importantly, they worked really well with my windows PC.

I especially appreciated the handy multimedia shortcut keys above the numeric keypad, which many conventional keyboards don't have.

WoodObsessed is an Etsy seller based in the US, meaning shipping will be fast, low carbon emissions (which Etsy offset in any case), and also FREE.

We Say: EverwoodGarden offers the opportunity to purchase a nicely made wireless keyboard & mouse combo set.

The keyboard is thinner and more lightweight than the Everythingbamboo set and is better suited for portable use.

The downside of this product is that it ships from China. However, Etsy does offset carbon emissions from delivery and packaging.

Stock is sometimes limited from this seller, so if you notice this keyboard is unavailable, I recommend you scroll down and look at the next one which sells on Amazon where the stock is a bit more reliable.

A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered in case you're not satisfied, for any reason.

They Say: Resistant to sweat and stains, this handmade wireless wood keyboard and mouse set lasts for more than 50 million cycles thanks to the hardy, yet handsome, gloss-coated bamboo.

We Say: The Trio Gato bamboo Bluetooth mini keyboard and mouse set comes with the extra bonus of a wood pen. It is a space-saving 96-key compact keyboard with an inbuilt sleep mode that saves power when you're away.

The mouse and wireless bamboo keyboard both connect to a single USB receiver, which saves you one extra USB port to use for something else.

Unlike some other bamboo-made keyboards, the sweat and stain-resistant keys are well-defined, with easily visible letters and numbers that won't blur, fade or rub off after prolonged use.

These devices are compatible with Windows, Mac PC, Linux, and Android OS devices, making them an excellent choice for both home and office use.

They Say: Hand-carved out of 100% natural bamboo. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

We Say: Although it's only advertised as being Windows compatible, I can confirm that the Impecca custom-carved bamboo keyboard works fine with a Mac as well.

In my opinion, it is the most stylish-looking wooden keyboard I tested, probably due to the darker color. It is a 100% bamboo keyboard like the others, but somehow during the hand-carving process, they've just got it to look really trendy.

The multimedia keys will be useful when you're listening to podcasts or watching videos and want a way to access them quickly.

Both the wooden keyboard and optical mouse are wired and do not require batteries. They have a sturdy feel and are firm and heavy to the touch, giving me the impression that they will last a very long time.

They Say: The out shelf and keycaps are all made of natural bamboo wood. Keystroke and mouse lifetime over 5 million cycles.

We Say: The Omio bamboo wireless keyboard has a single 2.4 GHz USB receiver, an energy multilevel-saving mode, and 7 multimedia keys. It is compatible with MAC OS, Linux, Android, and IOS.

The keyboard has a rustic look and some users have reported that the finish varies between products in the same range, but the lower price and the fact that it is made from natural wood make this acceptable in my opinion.

The other thing to note is that the spacebar is smaller than the standard size you might be used to. Some people are OK with this, while others may find it a problem. In this case, I would suggest you choose another bamboo keyboard from this list instead.

You do get free returns so if you find this is not the right bamboo keyboard for you, you can always swap it for another.

They Say: The best typing sound and feel you ever had:) Each button lasts for 10 million clicks!!!

We Say: This bamboo wooden keyboard and mouse combo is handmade from sustainable bamboo material. It is very well-finished and has a luxurious feel that makes it a pleasure to use.

It's worth pointing out that these are regular keyboards, connected by a physical wire to your USB port. This does mean that you don't need a battery, which helps to further reduce your environmental impact.

However, it also makes your desk a tiny bit messier and doesn't work as well as a portable option. If you need a solution without cables you would need to choose one of the other wireless keyboards I've recommended instead.

Both the mouse and the keyboard are compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows. A user guide is included just in case this is your first day using a computer :) But honestly, you won't need it, just connect up to any Windows device and it's just plug and play.

Benefits of a Bamboo Keyboard

  • Eco-Friendly - Bamboo keyboards are far better for the environment, both in terms of their manufacture and disposal. They reduce plastic production, and when they eventually do reach the end of their lifespan, bamboo is biodegradable, so they do not contribute to the global e-waste problem.
  • Durable - Bamboo-made keyboards can last for many years if properly cared for. Over their lifetime they represent better value for money than cheaper plastic models.
  • Quiet - Bamboo keyboards are naturally quieter than plastic ones. Expect whisper-soft keystrokes instead of hard, annoying clacking sounds.
  • Unique, Cool Look - If your friends or colleagues see you using a bamboo-style keyboard, be prepared for some attention. They always get positive feedback, and sometimes even strangers will stop you to ask where you got it from!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bamboo keyboard eco-friendly?

Yes, a genuine bamboo keyboard is far more eco-friendly than a regular keyboard because it is not made of plastic. That means the casing and keys are biodegradable.

However, beware of products marketed as a "bamboo style keyboard" because they can often be made of plastic that is just colored with a wood effect. Check the materials to make sure you're getting the genuine article.

Is bamboo healthier than plastic?

Yes, bamboo is a sustainable resource and will biodegrade.

Plastic is made from petroleum, and may never biodegrade. It also leaches chemicals into the soil if left in a landfill, and often ends up as plastic waste in our rivers and oceans.

Are old keyboards worth money?

Yes, old keyboards can be worth money - sometimes. If an old keyboard is still usable then you may be able to resell it or at the very least donate it to charity.

However, if it is no longer working then there is little value in the raw materials in a keyboard. Sadly, many discarded plastic keyboards turn into electronic waste.

The Final Word

Bamboo keyboards are not commonly found in stores, but they are readily available online.

The wooden keyboard options I have listed above all offer a long-lasting, eco-friendly alternative to plastic, and they don't really cost that much more.

If you can afford to pay a little extra, you will save money in the long run, and get a more environmentally friendly solution that will certainly be a talking point whenever people see you using it!

Stephanie Cole
Stephanie Cole
With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is supremely well qualified to write on all aspects of sustainable living. She has already achieved a zero carbon footprint and her goal is to help as many other people as possible do the same. Her other hobbies include music, yoga, swimming and horror movies.

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