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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Keyboard for Most Users
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Razer is a brand that’s synonymous with PC gaming, but the company took those fundamentals and applied them to an office keyboard. The Razer Pro Type Ultra, its second office effort, comes complete with faster switches, a much-improved battery, and a padded wrist rest, going above and beyond its predecessor’s already impressive feature set.
You also get sculpted soft-touch keycaps and hinged feet, but the real stars of the show are the Razer Yellow switches, which have a shallow, linear feel. They still give off that clickety-clack that typists love, but it’s more subtle and subdued. And with a promised 80 million presses as a durability rating on each key, you won’t have to worry about replacing the Razer Pro Type Ultra for a long time.
The Pro Type Ultra checks many of the boxes we look for in a productivity keyboard: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, long battery life, and a satisfying, comfortable keystroke. And because it’s from Razer, you can also put the keyboard through its paces with a few rounds of your favorite first-person shooter. The few blemishes include a slightly lofty price and no Mac support, but it’s an all-arounder that earns our top marks and should please just about every type of typist.
Number of Keys
104
Interface
RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type
Razer Yellow (Low Volume Linear)
Key Backlighting
Single-Color
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Separate)
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Best Wired Office/Productivity Keyboard
Cherry KC 200 MX
Whether you’re working at home or commuting to the office, you’ll likely be typing away on your keyboard all day. But at times, dealing with a keyboard’s many functions can be a pain, adding needless frustration to your day. Enter the Cherry KC 200 MX. This full-size board comes equipped with Cherry’s latest key switch release, the Cherry MX2A. But that’s not all: the board also provides ample comfort when typing, while providing a hardy, satisfying click with every button press. Even nicer is its affordable sub-$100 price.
The Cherry KC 200 MX is a match for office workers who are looking to upgrade to a high-quality, no-nonsense, productivity-focused keyboard. It’s a perfect balance between elite productivity keyboards and enthusiast-grade boards that focus on feel and aesthetics.
Number of Keys
108
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX2A Silent Red
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
None
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
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Best Wireless Office/Productivity Keyboard
Dell KB900 Premier Collaboration Keyboard
The Dell KB9000 Premier Collaboration Keyboard is perfect for office and productivity-minded folks looking for a keyboard that can do it all without a cord. The comfortable, low-profile keyboard features silent keys, a proximity-sensing backlight, and additional functionality designed to work with Zoom. It’s a top-quality wireless control center, whether you’re working at home or commuting to the office.
The Dell KB9000 Premier Collaboration Keyboard is a perfect match for office workers on the go who are looking for a daily driver that can handle hectic days and connect to multiple devices.
Number of Keys
109
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type
Scissor-Switch
Key Backlighting
Single-Color
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Best Budget Office/Productivity Keyboard
Cherry Stream Keyboard
Cherry is best known for its high-quality mechanical key switches that many other keyboard makers use. So it’s no surprise that that quality made its way into its line of keyboards. The Cherry Stream doesn’t reinvent the wheel, nor does it use the company’s fabled mechanical switches, but it doesn’t have to. Its low-profile design looks good while still providing a comfortable typing feel, precise scissor-style key switches, and dedicated keys for convenient shortcuts and media controls. These help it stand up against other productivity keyboards at a fraction of the price. Plus, it’s also available in a good wireless version.
The Cherry Stream Wireless is a perfect match for those looking for a keyboard that covers their basic word processing needs at an affordable price. Homes and offices alike will find it a fine, cost-effective upgrade from your typical desktop-bundled board.
Number of Keys
114
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Cherry SX Scissor
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Dedicated
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
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Best Wired Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
Razer peripherals are a natural fit for gamers who want to go all-in on their favorite games, and the BlackWidow V4 75% might be one of the best Razer has released. Building on the design of its predecessor, the V4 Pro, the 75% ups the ante with a hot-swappable board and the company’s Orange tactile switches, which offer a luxurious typing experience. The keyboard is feature-rich, too, with plenty of onboard profiles, dedicated shortcuts, macros, and more—all stuffed into a compact board. Plus, the RGB lighting provides that sweet gamer aesthetic that streamers (and their viewers) love.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a compact gaming keyboard for hardcore gamers, but even if you’re not one, you can still enjoy this finely crafted board’s deep feature set, excellent typing feel, and appropriate aesthetic.
Number of Keys
81
Interface
USB-C
Key Switch Type
Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Key Switch Gen-3
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Dedicated
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Detachable (Magnetic)
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Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard
The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard may be pricey, but it’s worth the price of admission for all that it does. New Alienware key switches join a sleek, clean design that’s compact enough to fit most desk spaces, defining this gaming keyboard as a master of its class. Plus, hot-swappable key switches and a high polling rate leave a lot of room for both tinkerers and gamers to take full control of their games and their typing feel. The options for 2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity give the keyboard some flexibility, too. This customizable keyboard is sure to be a perfect fit for work and play alike.
The Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard looks, feels, and sounds good. It is an excellent wireless input device for discerning enthusiasts, budding keyboard DIY-ers, and casual gamers alike.
Number of Keys
83
Interface
USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type
Alienware Linear Mechanical Switches
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Best 60% Keyboard
Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless
Who says a tiny keyboard can’t be esports-ready? The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless may be smaller than your average keyboard, but it comes with tons of customization options. With both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options, gorgeous RGB lighting, and hot-swappable key switches, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini comes equipped to please both casual gamers and pros looking to save desk space.
In this model, like others in the 60% class, most of a full-size keyboard’s functions are still intact, absorbed into other keys on the keyboard and accessed via key combinations. Plus: Create up to 50 profiles in Corsair’s iCue software to tweak just about everything for the ideal gaming or typing experience.
The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is as portable as keyboards come while still providing standard-size keys and many connection options. If you like to bring your own gaming gear with you wherever you go, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a great choice, as long as you’re willing to pay a premium for that.
Number of Keys
61
Interface
USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
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Best Mac Keyboard (Non-Apple)
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
Macs might be the first choice for designers and creators looking for processing power and stylish designs, but let’s be real: They’re hardly what we’d call affordable, and that goes for Mac accessories, too. So why not spend a little less on a superior product? The $99 Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard looks the part of any other Apple accessory, and it blows the Apple Magic Keyboard out of the water in terms of feel and functionality. You get satisfying and clicky keys, attractive backlighting, plenty of connectivity options, and—most important—software that’s compatible with macOS, something that’s still not as common as you’d imagine.
This one is for Apple fans who aren’t fans of Apple’s low-profile scissor switches. Sure, it’s missing Apple’s Touch ID, but it makes up for that with comfortable key switches, exceptional build quality, and a compact design. It’s an easy recommendation and one of the best Mac keyboards you can buy.
Number of Keys
84
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type
Low Profile Brown Switches
Key Backlighting
Single-Color
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Best Ergonomic Keyboard
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Ergonomics is an oft-overlooked aspect of keyboard shopping. Poor ergonomics can lead to fatigue and even injury, so why not consider our favorite ergonomic keyboard, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard? Available with Cherry MX switches in three varieties, and featuring per-key customizable RGB lighting, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is still one of our favorite split-keyboards. This keyboard is a pleasure to use whether you’re looking to game or just typing through the workday. Its split design means that the keyboard can operate as one whole keyboard or as two separated working parts, placed up to about 8 inches apart. It takes time to adjust to a split layout, especially if you’re new to one, but once you’re over the hurdle, it’s second to none.
If you’ve ever been interested in keyboard ergonomics, the Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a strong entry point. It excels as a tool that helps alleviate stress and pressure on your forearms, shoulders, and back by letting you angle your appendages optimally relative to your body.
Number of Keys
108
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Dedicated
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
Integrated
Best DIY/Customizable Mechanical Keyboard
Asus ROG Azoth
With a compact design and hot-swappable key switches, the ROG Azoth courts the hardest of hardcore keyboard junkies among us. But it’s Asus’ included starter tool kit for keyboard-switch tweakers that impresses us the most: You can pull key switches, swap them, and crack them open and lubricate them with the help of the bundled tools.
The keyboard itself is luxury defined; you may not want to change a thing about it. Ultra-stable key switches with box stabilizers, plus per-key RGB lighting and an OLED panel, sweeten the deal. The Azoth comes at a hefty price, but considering the quality and ease of customization, it’s a no-brainer for those looking both for top-shelf components and an on-ramp to the growing keyboard-DIY world.
The Asus ROG Azoth is an expensive keyboard, but enthusiasts looking for the best of the best for all their typing needs will love it. Hot-swappable switches are just the start of this excellent customizable model. You’ll get your money’s worth only if you’re an inveterate keyboard tweaker, but it’s a great platform if you’re in that scene, or hoping to break into it.
Number of Keys
81
Interface
USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Key Switch Type
Asus ROG NX Red
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Via integrated screen
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Buying Guide: The Best Keyboards for 2024
Maybe your trusty old keyboard has typed its last letter or trapped its last bagel crumb. Perhaps your gaming ambitions have outstripped the mushy, mediocre typer that came with your PC. Or maybe your aching hands are shouting Hey, cut me some slack here! Whatever the reason, anyone can benefit from a better keyboard.
Before you go shopping, however, it pays to know what makes a keyboard a good fit. Modern models come in a bunch of subtypes, from boards optimized for typing efficiency to sculpted ergonomic designs that cradle your hands and relieve stress on the joints. Let’s dig into the features to look for.
Do I Need a Wired Keyboard, or a Wireless One?
The simplest way to connect a keyboard to your PC is to plug its cable into a USB port. Non-gaming keyboards are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install, so connecting the cable is all the setup you’ll need. Gaming keyboards, by contrast, will typically work as soon as you plug them in, but most come with their own software that lets you adjust features such as onboard RGB lighting and the assignment of macro keys. (More on that in a minute.) Some cheaper gaming models may lack software and handle key backlighting and macros/shortcuts wholly through hardware.
Besides transferring your keystrokes to the computer, a USB connection also powers the keyboard, so there are no batteries to worry about. Some premium gaming models with lots of customizable buttons and lights come with two USB cables, one for power delivery (and/or to feed an extra USB port or ports on the keyboard itself) and one for your data connection. This isn’t usually a problem, since you’ll likely be connecting one of these keyboards to a large gaming desktop with many available USB ports.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)
If you want more freedom and less cable clutter on your desk, however, it’s hard to beat a wireless keyboard. Wireless models transmit data to your PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a small dongle plugged into one of your PC’s USB ports, or a Bluetooth connection with no dongles required. Each has its pros and cons. But if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and gain the flexibility to use your keyboard at a distance—whether it be in your lap at your desk or across the room—wireless is the way to go.
Most wireless keyboards that use USB dongles transmit over the same 2.4GHz wireless frequency used for cordless phones and Wi-Fi routers. The dongle itself is usually a tiny rectangle—small enough to plug in and forget about. Not only is the dongle unobtrusive, but we find that the 2.4GHz signal tends to offer more stable connectivity than Bluetooth. Some manufacturers’ USB dongles can control more than one device, meaning you can use a single adapter (and USB port) for both a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, invariably from the same vendor. (Logitech, for example, refers to this setup as Logitech Unifying technology.)
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Bluetooth connections make sense in certain situations; they don’t monopolize a USB port, and newer versions of Bluetooth are stable, easy to manage, and offer compatibility with additional mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you roughly 30 feet of wireless range, though we find that Bluetooth wireless keyboards tend to have briefer battery life than USB dongle devices. However, new innovations such as hand-proximity sensors boost battery life compared to older Bluetooth products, whose always-on link drained batteries quickly.
(Credit: Eric Grevstad)
Among the few major drawbacks of mainstream wireless keyboards is that few of them feature key backlighting, which hampers one of their most useful roles: playing games, typing emails, or controlling a home theater PC in a dim den or living room. If you do find a wireless model with backlighting, be prepared to change its batteries or recharge it frequently.
What Kind of Keyboard Layout Makes Sense for Me?
Not all keyboards are created equal. In fact, not all keyboards are even laid out the same (and we’re not referring to the standard QWERTY key layout versus the Dvorak arrangement of some early ergonomic models).
Most mainstream and gaming keyboards offer a 10-key numeric keypad at right. Rarely found on laptops smaller than 15.6 inches, keypads are a necessity for anyone who frequently tallies numbers or enters data into a spreadsheet. So-called tenkeyless or TKL models, especially popular in the gaming keyboard segment, slice off the numeric pad in the interest of saving desk space and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. If you want to go even smaller, so-called 60% keyboards eliminate even more extra keys. Check out our 60% keyboard guide for everything you need to know about them.
(Credit: Eric Grevstad)
Smaller distinctions include the placement of the cursor directional arrows and Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys. Additionally, most current keyboards have basic media-control features such as volume, play/pause, and next/previous track keys. These are typically dedicated buttons located above the numeric pad or built into the top row of function (Fn) keys as shared-key shortcuts. Bonus points if a keyboard maker implements the volume control as a dial or roller, as seen on some high-end Corsair, Das Keyboard, and HyperX models.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
If you prefer an unusual keyboard layout or just want to switch up a key or two, you may want to remap your keyboard. Our guide to keyboard remapping on Windows explains how to go about doing that.
To help stave off carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury, many keyboards are available with designs that put your hands into a neutral position as you type. The result is not only greater comfort, but reduced stress to joints and tendons, ultimately helping you avoid painful inflammation and the potential for expensive surgery. Ergonomic features can range from the simple (padded wrist rests) to the elaborate (a key layout sculpted to curve and slope, or a split design).
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
One very important ergonomic feature to look for is the ability to perform angle adjustment. This is usually accomplished by folding or flipping two plastic feet on the back of the keyboard to alter its angle relative to your wrists and forearms. Many keyboards—not only models designed specifically to be ergonomic—have these feet, and research has shown that the traditional uphill tilt is actually not ergonomically ideal. It’s better to experiment with them until your keyboard is flat or even angled slightly away from your wrists. (See our guide to ergonomic keyboards.)
What Kind of Key Switch Should I Get?
One aspect of keyboard design that you’ll often see mentioned in reviews—but about which most folks don’t give a second thought—is the type of switches used for individual keys. You may not care about the specific mechanisms that reside beneath the keys, but you will feel the difference when typing. The three primary types are silicone dome switches, scissor switches, and mechanical switches.
Most budget keyboards, such as those that come bundled with new desktops, use silicone-dome switches. These use two dimpled layers of silicone membrane that form a grid of rubber bubbles or domes as the springback for each key. The springiness of the silicone rubber makes for a soft, mushy feel as you press the keys. This switch type also requires you to “bottom out” with each keystroke, pressing the key to its fullest travel or bottom of the key well to type a letter. Because repeated flexing of the rubber membrane causes it to eventually break down, silicone dome switches lose their springiness and responsiveness over time.
Some newer keyboards mimic the low-profile, chiclet-style keyboards found on full-size laptops and ultraportables. While a few of these use silicone-dome switches, many use scissor switches, which add a mechanical stabilizer to each key for a more uniform feel and an attached plunger under each keycap that allows shorter key travel. As a result, scissor-switch keyboards have a shallow typing feel but are generally more durable than rubber-dome switches alone.
The Elite Choice: Should I Get a Mechanical Keyboard?
Most keyboard enthusiasts, however, won’t have much to say for either of the two above styles. Instead, they’ll be singing the praises of mechanical keyboards.
The switches used in these are more intricate, with a spring-loaded sliding keypost beneath each key. Lots of variations are available (see our guide to choosing among mechanical switches), each tweaked to provide a slightly different feel or sound, but, generally speaking, mechanical switches provide the best tactile feedback, and many emit the “clickety-clack” sound long associated with typing. Their sturdy switch mechanisms and springs are significantly longer-lasting, too. Mechanical switches can also register keystrokes with a much shorter amount of travel, making them ideal for touch typists.
Recommended by Our Editors
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
The downside to mechanical switches? They usually require more vertical space than silicone-dome or scissor switches, which means mechanical keyboards tend to be thicker. You won’t often find them on shallower, low-profile keyboards. That might change now that venerable switch maker Cherry AG has introduced low-profile mechanical switches (so have some of its competitors), but the vast majority of mechanicals are relatively chunky.
In the past, most mainstream mechanical keyboards made use of Cherry MX switches offered in Blue, Red, Black, and Brown varieties. (Each “color” has a slightly different click feel, acoustic aspect, and pressure requirement; see our roundup of the best mechanical keyboards for a lot more detail.) Cherry switches are still extremely popular, but you’ll also see house-brand mechanical switches from leading keyboard makers such as Logitech and Razer, as well as “imitation Cherry” switches using the same color schemes from makers such as Kaihua.
What Should I Look for in a Gaming Keyboard?
While all keyboards offer the necessary QWERTY layout of keys for everyday typing, sometimes typing isn’t your main concern. Gaming keyboards are designed for competitive use and emphasize things office keyboards don’t.
Gaming boards are equipped for maximum specialization and control, optimized for specific styles of gameplay, and built to exacting standards of responsiveness and durability. They also appeal to the gaming aesthetic with designs that impress and intimidate with pulsing backlighting and dramatic RGB color schemes.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Premium gaming models almost exclusively use high-grade mechanical key switches and sculpted keycaps, and offer scads of customizable features such as programmable macro keys, textured WASD keys, and swappable keycaps. Others let you tweak the color and intensity of the backlighting to make finding certain keys faster and personalize the look of your keyboard. Cheaper boards usually have just one color of backlight, but as you move upmarket you find programmable RGB lighting customizable by zone or even by individual key (so-called “per-key RGB”).
Anti-ghosting is an essential feature, allowing a keyboard to register multiple keystrokes hit at the same time—a feat not all standard keyboards can perform. Other extras include USB pass-through ports or audio connections that simplify the process of connecting peripherals or headphones to a desktop PC whose ports may be inconvenient to reach under a desk.
Finally, any gaming keyboard worthy of the name comes with dedicated software and discrete keys for triggering macro commands, letting you save and play back complex strings of commands with a single keypress. The number of macro commands you can save, and the ease with which you can create them, varies from one model to the next; our reviews are handy for summaries of this kind of software. These aren’t the sorts of customization features that everyone will use day to day, but for players who invest time and money into gaming, these keyboards offer a competitive edge. Again, check out our guide to gaming keyboards for more on gaming software.
So, Which Keyboard Should I Buy?
The keyboard market is vast, so start your search with our picks outlined up top of the best keyboards available. In the market for a mouse, too? Check out our top mouse picks, as well as our favorite mice for gaming and our top wireless mouse picks.