Free-Standing Keyboard & Mouse Tray: Sim Cockpit Setup

Quick answer

Place the free-standing tray beside your cockpit at the height and angle where your keyboard and mouse sit naturally, then lock the stand and route cables before your first session. Keep the tray off the cockpit frame so wheel and pedal forces never pass through it.

Step-by-step tray setup

1. Clear and measure the floor zone: Move your rig to its final position, then mark the floor area beside your seat where the stand will sit. Leave enough room to get in and out without kicking the legs. Check that the stand's footprint fits your marked zone before assembly; if it does not, reposition the rig rather than forcing the stand into a walkway.
2. Assemble the stand and set a starting height: Build the tray according to its instructions, then set the platform roughly level with your forearms when your hands rest on the wheel or stick. You will fine-tune later. Do not fully tighten every adjustment knob yet; leave them finger-tight until you have sat in the seat.
3. Sit in your driving or flight position: Buckle into your normal seating position with the wheel or stick where you actually use it. Place the keyboard and mouse on the tray and notice whether you have to reach down, forward, or sideways. If you have to stretch, adjust the tray before continuing; a comfortable reach now prevents shoulder strain later.
4. Adjust height, angle, and side offset: Raise or lower the tray until your forearms are roughly parallel to the floor, then tilt it slightly toward you if your keyboard has a natural slope. Move the stand closer or farther so the mouse sits beside your wheel hand without blocking your view. Make one adjustment at a time and sit back in position after each change; changing several settings at once makes it hard to know what worked.
5. Lock the stand and check stability: Tighten all adjustment points firmly, then press down on the tray edges and try to rock the stand. It should feel solid without wobbling. If the tray rocks, check that all legs sit flat on the floor and that no adjustment collar is still loose.
6. Route and secure cables: Run keyboard and mouse cables along the stand and away from your pedals and seat rails. Leave a small slack loop so the cable does not pull when you move the tray. Tug gently on each cable after routing; if it moves the tray or brushes your leg, re-route it before driving.
7. Run a short test session: Do a few laps or a short flight with the tray in place. Pay attention to whether the keyboard slides, the mouse catches on the tray edge, or your wrist angle changes under braking. Stop and adjust if you notice any movement; a tray that shifts during a session will cost you more time than the initial setup.

Product facts

• Free-Standing Adjustable Keyboard & Mouse Tray for Sim Racing & Flight Sim Cockpits: The Trak Racer Free-Standing Keyboard and Mouse Tray is built from high-strength alloy steel and is designed for sim racing cockpits and flight sim rigs. A steel stand is less likely to flex when you rest your wrists or press keys during a session, so your keyboard stays where you set it.