Get gel if you want it to keep its shape.

Gel holds its shape better over years than memory foam, which tends to flatten permanently under constant pressure.

Memory foam wrist rests feel great at first – soft, cradling, all that. But with daily use, the foam compresses where your wrist sits and never bounces back. After a year or two, you’re basically resting on a flat pad that’s lost most of its support.

Gel is more resilient. It doesn’t “remember” your wrist’s shape the same way – it just squishes and returns. That said, gel can feel firmer (some people find it cold or too bouncy), and cheap gel pads can eventually leak or develop hard spots. A quality gel rest from a known brand (like Kensington or 3M) will outlast memory foam by years.

Trade-off: initial comfort vs long-term support. Memory foam wins short-term; gel wins the marathon.

If you can, try both in person. Your wrist will tell you which one works better.