If you use 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 option when you're using a laptop or tablet as well. The advantages of a physical keyboard over a touchscreen keyboard are obvious, but a standalone keyboard can also edge out a laptop's keyboard, which may make sacrifices in its design to fit within the confines of the chassis. Also, if you're planning on using a laptop stand for a more ergonomic desk setup, a standalone keyboard is a must.
A solid keyboard makes a huge difference in your productivity. If you're trying to work, browse the web, tackle homework, or get creative, it comes down to the power of your computer, the keyboard, and sometimes your mouse. Some keyboards make it easier to type but may take up too much space to be portable. While others may have multiple wireless connectivity options but might not have the high-performance specs of a gaming keyboard. There are a huge array of options on the market, so there is bound to be one to fit your exact needs.
Finding the right keyboard means knowing what you want. Are you looking for something to take on the go? An option to ensure you have the most comfortable work setup? Or even a device that acts as more than just a keyboard? We've selected a variety of options that will perform admirably in different settings, so you can find one that's just right for all your typing needs.
TL;DR - These are the Best Keyboards:
- Keychron K4 V2 Wireless
- Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
- Logitech K780
- Logitech K600 TV
- Keychron K1 V5
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
- Das Keyboard 4C TKL
- Razer Pro Typer
- Raspberry Pi 400
- Keychron K3 V2
1. Keychron K4 V2 Wireless
Best Keyboard
The Keychron K4 was our favorite keyboard, and now it's 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 still get a 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. And, a USB-C wired connection is supported 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 making typing even easier. And, the Delete key has been shifted to sit closer to Backspace, plus there's now a caps lock indicator light. An option is even available 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 get your game on, you won't find a more solid option than the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2. This gaming keyboard is feature-packed and built to last. It provides all your gaming needs, from a 1,000Hz polling rate to anti-ghosting and 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.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 comes packing a ton of Cherry MX key switch options to make it 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. There are even dedicated media keys, giving you more control all in one place, so you can quickly dial in the volume or skip a track without missing a beat in your game. 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
Sometimes you have typing needs of a more mobile variety, and 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. And, you can quickly swap the keyboard's connection between devices with the touch of a button. The built-in stand will come in extra handy if you're pairing it with a phone or tablet, as you can set your device upright as though it’s the display portion of a laptop.
The Logitech K780 features membrane switches for an extra thin design on the majority of the keyboard to help boost its portability. Another essential aspect for use while you’re on the go is battery life, and with only a single pair of AAA batteries, you can expect the keyboard to be ready when you need it for an unheard-of two years.
4. Logitech K600 TV
Best Multi-purpose Keyboard
Are you looking for a keyboard with a little bit of everything all rolled into one? Check out the Logitech K600 TV. This peripheral is meant to work seamlessly with your smart TV, acting as an amped-up remote. A traditional keyboard is combined with a D-pad and trackpad to make content navigation on your TV a whole lot simpler. And, don’t worry, this is also a solid compact option to use with your computer as well. That trackpad can even replace your mouse.
Getting the Logitech K600 TV connected to your TV and other devices is easy. You can connect to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth, pair it with your home entertainment center, or link it to a gaming PC over its USB wireless dongle for a latency-free connection. Plus, jumping between different inputs is simply done by using the F1, F2, and F3 keys. And, you won't have to worry about charging this keyboard up, as it comes with a one-year battery life using just two AAA batteries.
5. Keychron K1 V5
Best Low-Profile Keyboard
You don't need 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. Offering a delightful blend of Gateron Low-Profile Red, Blue, or Brown switches and a sturdy aluminum body, you'll love this ultra-slim option that still totes a classic clicky tactile and quick response.
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 have your choice of simple, white backlighting or full RGB lighting to match the keyboard to your mood and setting. And, it comes with an 87-key layout with several different key quantity options. Swappable keycaps are even included to ensure both Mac and Windows users get the best experience out of this peripheral.
6. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
Best Ergonomic Keyboard
If you're required to do a ton of typing, you should do yourself a big favor and make sure you have an ergonomic keyboard. This ensures 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 to keep you from angling your hands inward, and a curved shape to help with wrist pronation. An onboard palm rest adds additional support and allows for a more neutral wrist position.
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop includes a stand for reverse tilt, so it still works even if you find you'd prefer a higher angle. There's a detached number pad that you can keep next to the keyboard if it's used frequently. But if you deem it unnecessary, you can store it out of the way and reduce the amount you have to move to reach your mouse. And, this keyboard even comes toting its own ergonomic mouse to go with it. Overall, the unusual shape may seem a bit awkward at first, but you’ll be doing your body a favor by typing with a proper posture thanks to this keyboard.
7. Das Keyboard 4C TKL
Best High-End Keyboard
Sometimes you need to spend a little to gain a lot, and that's the case with Das Keyboard's 4C TKL. This option may be a bit pricier than some of our other picks, but it is as capable as it is compact. With a tenkeyless design, you'll have 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 Cherry MX mechanical key switches deliver consistent performance. You even get full n-key rollover. Plus, gold-plated contacts are used to ensure it holds up to over 50 million keystrokes.
The Das Keyboard 4C TKL is exclusively wired and connects to your computer via USB- A. 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, especially in an office environment, you want something that's going to feel good while hopefully not being too obnoxious. A mechanical keyboard often makes that difficult, but Razer's Pro Type keyboard has sorted out this issue by using the company's own Orange mechanical switches for a more subdued typing experience. These keys are highly responsive and require less force to press which contributes to overall the low sound profile of the keyboard.
The Razer Pro Type may feature hushed keys, but that's not all that makes it a great option. It also offers three types of connectivity. For a wired option, you can plug it in using an included USB-C cable, which will keep it charged up too. Otherwise, you can wirelessly connect with a 2.4GHz receiver or over Bluetooth. When using Bluetooth, the Razer Pro Type can pair with up to three devices at the same time, letting you quickly switch between them.
9. Raspberry Pi 400
Best Keyboard PC
Yes, you read that accolade right. A compact keyboard is cool and all, 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. This makes it the perfect option for those after the tidiest desk space possible
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 even has two micro HDMI ports, letting you set up a dual-display workstation. For solid networking, a gigabit ethernet port is on board as well as dual-band Wi-Fi. Plus, you get three USB ports, with one ready to connect to the included mouse. With all that's packed inside, this keyboard somehow manages to be one of the smallest on this list.
10. Keychron K3 V2
Best Compact Keyboard
Even if your lacking space, it doesn't mean you have to 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 a hair over one foot across. And, it's even fairly shallow for a mechanical keyboard still under an inch at its tallest end thanks to its special low-profile Gateron key switches. And, the latest version of this keyboard features two-level adjustable feet, so you'll still be able to get the ultimate typing angle even with the ultra-slim design.
Naturally, with a compact keyboard, you will miss out on some keys, but you're still getting a 75 percent tenkeyless layout. Don't worry, you get all the keys you need to type up a document, and Keychron handily squeezes 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. And, you can make this keyboard your own, too, with multiple backlighting options and a ton of switch choices offering either mechanical or optical actuation. You also get the option for a low latency wired connection via USB-C or Bluetooth for a clutter-free setup.
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
