A keyboard tray is one of the least glamorous sim racing upgrades… and one of the most used.

If you adjust setup screens, change sessions often, stream, or run endurance races, a rig-mounted keyboard stops you from constantly grabbing a desk keyboard (and losing your seating position every time).

What a good keyboard tray should do

  • Be reachable without leaning forward
  • Not hit your knees under braking
  • Not block seat entry/exit
  • Stay stable (no wobble while typing)

Placement: the “sweet spot”

Most drivers like the tray slightly to the side, around elbow height when seated. The goal is a natural reach — not a stretch.

Check these three clearances

  • Knee clearance: full brake pressure without touching the tray.
  • Wheel clearance: hands can still rotate the wheel freely.
  • Entry clearance: you can get in/out without gymnastics.

Keyboard tray options

Cable tips (so it stays tidy)

  • Route the keyboard cable along profile channels or cable sleeves.
  • Leave a small service loop so the tray can adjust without yanking the cable.
  • If you add more devices, plan USB hub placement early.

Small upgrade, big daily benefit: a keyboard tray is one of those things you stop noticing — because it just makes every session smoother.

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