If you're using a desktop computer, you're absolutely going to need a keyboard to do much of anything. And, there's plenty of benefit to having a standalone keyboard when you're using a laptop or tablet as well. The advantages of a physical keyboard over a touchscreen keyboard are numerous, but a standalone keyboard can also edge out laptop keyboards, which may make sacrifices in their design so they can fit within the confines of the laptop.
If you're trying to work, browse the web, tackle homework, or just generally be productive, a good keyboard can make a huge difference in how effective and quick you are. All that said, it will come down to the keyboard you get. Some make it easier to type but could take up too much space to be portable. Others may have multiple wireless connectivity options but might not have the high-performance specs of a gaming keyboard.
Finding the right keyboard means knowing what your needs are. We've selected a variety of options that will perform admirably in different settings, so you can find one that'll be just right for all your typing needs.
TL;DR - These are the best keyboards:
- Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
- Logitech K780
- Corsair K83 Wireless
- Keychron K1 (Version 4)
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
- Das Keyboard 4C TKL
- Razer Pro Type
- Raspberry Pi 400
- Keychron K3
1. Keychron K4 V2 Wireless
Best Keyboard
The Keychron K4 was our favorite keyboard, but guess what – it got a sequel. The Keychron K4 V2 Wireless keeps the spirit of the original K4 alive by leaving most of the essentials unchanged, including the almost unbeatable starting price of just $69. You're still getting a very compact mechanical keyboard with a full number pad, arrow keys, and function keys. Keychron even throws in the keycaps you need to set this up for either Windows or Mac machines. It also still supports wired USB-C connections as well as wireless Bluetooth connections, albeit over Bluetooth 5.1 now. Even the 72-hour battery is intact.What's new on the Keychron K4 V2 Wireless is the color scheme, which is now grayer and less bronze, letting your back-lit keys show off with a bit more contrast against the dark keycaps. The incline of the backplate has also been tweaked for ergonomics. The Delete key has been shifted to sit closer to Backspace, and there's now a caps lock indicator light. There's also the option to get hot-swappable key switches, so you can truly make this keyboard your own.
2. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
Best Gaming Keyboard
When it’s time to game, you can’t get much more solid than the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 (read our review). This gaming keyboard is feature-packed and built to last. You’ll find a ton of Cherry MX key switch options to let you go for the style that best suits your typing and gameplay needs, plus all of the options boast Corsair’s stylish RGB lighting for a little light show on your desk.
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 provides all the gaming features you should expect, from a 1,000Hz polling rate to anti-ghosting an N-Key Rollover. Plus, it includes 8MB of onboard memory to store multiple profiles, so you can take custom key-maps and macros with you on the go. You’ll also get dedicated media buttons and a detachable wrist rest for the premium experience. And, if you like to keep a tidy desk setup, you’ll love the USB pass-through connection built into the keyboard.
3. Logitech K780
Best Travel Keyboard
For typing needs of a more mobile variety, the Logitech K780 is a dependable ally. This compact, wireless keyboard has you covered for a wide variety of devices from laptops and desktops to tablets and smartphones. It supports wireless connectivity over a USB dongle for fast responsiveness and simple pairing, or it can connect to devices using Bluetooth for extra flexibility. If you are pairing it with a phone or tablet, the built-in stand will come in extra handy, letting you set your device upright as though it’s the display portion of a laptop.
The Logitech K780 uses membrane switches for an extra thin design for the majority of the keyboard, helping boost its portability. Another thing that’ll be especially handy while you’re on the go is its battery life. On a single pair of AAA batteries, you can expect the keyboard to be ready when you need it for two years.
4. Corsair K83 Wireless
Best Multi-purpose Keyboard
If you want a keyboard that can do a bit of everything, the Corsair K83 Wireless (read our review) is a true standout. Whether it’s connected over Bluetooth to a mobile device, paired with a home entertainment center, or linked to a gaming PC over its 2.4GHz wireless dongle, the K83 proves a worthy device.Its membrane key switches are pleasingly poppy, making them a joy to type on, and they offer simple backlighting for visibility in dark home theatres. The wireless dongle offers a latency-free connection for serious gaming, and there’s even a joystick and triggers on the right side for those inclined to try them out. The K83 goes even further as a multipurpose device with its inclusion of a trackpad, which makes bringing a mouse optional.
5. Keychron K1 (Version 4)
Best Low-Profile Keyboard
You don’t have to get a thick, clunky keyboard to get the benefits of mechanical key switches. Low-profile, mechanical switches are available, and the Keychron K1 delivers them with aplomb. The Keychron K1 offers a delightful blend of this low-profile design with Gateron Low-Profile Red, Blue, or Brown switches and an aluminum body.The Keychron K1 also offers flexibility. It can connect over both a USB-C cable or Bluetooth, letting you pair it with just about any device. You also get your choice of simple, white backlighting or full RGB lighting. There’s also a tenkeyless version that shaves a bit off the price and size. Keychron has kept both Mac and Windows users in mind, and includes swappable keycaps for both operating systems.
6. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
Best Ergonomic Keyboard
If you do a ton of typing, you should do yourself a favor and make sure you have an ergonomic keyboard. These can help ensure your hands and wrists are in the proper alignment to avoid getting an RSI. Microsoft’s Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop keyboard delivers on this. It features a split design that can help keep you from angling your hands inward and a curved shape for wrist pronation.If you need a higher angle, Microsoft has included a stand for reverse tilt. It also features a detached number pad. If you use it frequently, you can keep it next to the keyboard, but if you rarely need it, you can keep it out of the way and reduce the amount you have to move to reach your mouse. You’ll be doing your body a favor by typing with a proper posture, even if it does take some time to get used to the slightly unusual shape.
7. Das Keyboard 4C TKL
Best High-End Keyboard
Das Keyboard's 4C TKL is as capable as it is compact. The Das Keyboard 4C TKL offers a tenkeyless design, giving you more room on your desk for a mouse or any other items you may need while you're hard at work or play. An anodized aluminum top panel offers a solid structure to the keyboard, while mechanical key switches deliver consistent performance. The Das Keyboard 4C TKL is available with either Greetech Blue or Brown key switches, which both have a tactile bump. They also use gold-plated contacts to ensure a long lifespan.As an added perk, the keyboard features a USB pass-through connection, letting you use it as a two-port hub, which is perfect for connecting a mouse, wireless headphone dongle, or charging devices over USB. So, whether you're working or gaming, the Das Keyboard 4C TKL has the functionality you need and a premium build, albeit without any fancy backlighting.
8. Razer Pro Type
Best Silent Keyboard
When you're doing a lot of typing, you want something that's going to feel good while hopefully not being too obnoxious to everyone around you, anyone you're on a call with, or even to your own ears. That can be difficult with a mechanical keyboard, but Razer's Pro Type keyboard sorts this issue out by using the company's own Orange mechanical switches for a more subdued typing experience.This keyboard may feature hushed keys, but that's not all that makes it a great option. It features three types of connectivity. You can plug it in using an included USB-C cable, which will also keep it charged up. You can also use it wirelessly with a 2.4GHz wireless receiver or over Bluetooth. Using Bluetooth, the Razer Pro Type can pair with up to three devices at the same time, letting you quickly switch between multiple connected devices.
9. Raspberry Pi 400
Best Keyboard PC
A compact keyboard is cool and all, as it makes for a tidier desk space by not taking up a ton of surface area, but what if the keyboard was the computer? That's just what Raspberry Pi has done with the Raspberry Pi 400. In what looks otherwise like a small, membrane keyboard, Raspberry Pi has packed a fully operating computer. The hint that this keyboard is more than meets the eye is on its back edge, where there's a smorgasbord of ports for connecting other peripherals.The Raspberry Pi 400 runs on a 64-bit Broadcom SoC with four Cortex-A72 processing cores and 4GB of LPDDR4-3200, giving it a little bit of muscle. As long as you're down to run a Linux distro, the Raspberry Pi 400 can be all the computer you need on your desk. It has two micro HDMI ports, letting you set up even a dual-display workstation. There's a gigabit ethernet port as well as dual-band Wi-Fi for solid networking capabilities. There are even three USB ports, with one ready to connect to the included mouse. For all it offers, this still manages to be one of the smallest keyboards on this list.
10. Keychron K3
Best Compact Keyboard
Just because you don't have a lot of room doesn't mean you should miss out on a quality keyboard. Keychron makes a ton of high-value options, and its Keychron K3 takes the company's knack and applies it to an incredibly compact form factor. The Keychron K3 measures just 306mm across, just a hair over one foot. It's even fairly shallow for a mechanical keyboard at just 22mm at its tallest end thanks to its special low-profile key switches.Naturally, with a compact keyboard, you will miss out on some keys, but not too many. You still get all the keys you need to type up a document, and Keychron handily packs in the Home/End/PgUp/PgDn buttons in a column on the right side. It's really just a number pad that you'll miss. Keychron will really let you make this keyboard your own, too, with multiple backlighting options and a ton of switch options with either mechanical or optical actuation. You also get the option for a wired connection for low latency or Bluetooth for a clutter-free setup.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
