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:
- Logitech MX Mechanical
- Corsair K70 RGB Pro
- Logitech K585
- Logitech K600 TV
- Keychron K1 V5
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
- Das Keyboard 4C TKL
- Razer Pro Type Ultra
- Raspberry Pi 400
- Keychron K3 V2
Logitech MX Mechanical
Best Keyboard
Logitech knows how to make a mean keyboard, and our favorite of their lineup is the Logitech MX Mechanical. You get a responsive mechanical keyboard with a full number pad, arrow keys, and function keys, with double labels on certain keys for either a Windows or Mac machine. It totes several different switch options; tactile for quiet typing, clicky for that satisfying response, and linear for a smoother experience. You can really go for whatever you prefer, and whichever you choose, you’ll avoid the mushy feel of a membrane keyboard. The keys are also low profile and feature some classy, smart backlighting making for an ergonomic and comfortable typing experience.
There’s plenty more on offer with the Logitech MX Mechanical. It’s a wireless keyboard, and you can use a tiny 2.4GHz wireless dongle for low latency when on your laptop or PC, and it’ll even control a Logitech cordless mouse, too. An additional low-power Bluetooth connection is perfect for use with a tablet or phone, while three included keys make swapping between three different saved devices a breeze. As for battery life, you can juice it up over a USB-C, and with a full charge, you get 15 days of power when the backlighting is on and ten months with it off. If you're looking for a more compact keyboard, check out the mini version.
Corsair K70 RGB Pro
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 Pro, an upgraded version of the K70 RGB MK.2. This wired gaming keyboard is feature-packed and built to last. You’ll get super low latency and can even set the polling rate to 8,000Hz, so it’s a solid pick for competitive gamers. Beyond that, there’s anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover. Plus, it includes 8MB of onboard memory to store up to 50 profiles, making it possible to take custom keymaps and macros with you on the go.
Corsair’s K70 RGB Pro totes a solid build to house the responsive Cherry MX key switches. And you get four different switch options for the style that best suits your typing and gameplay needs. There’s even per-key RGB lighting to see what you’re doing in the dark — or for a fun little light show on your desk. Dedicated media keys also give you more control, so you can quickly dial in the volume or skip a track without missing a beat in your game. All the while, the durable PBT keycaps easily hold up against all the actions you throw their way.
Logitech K585
Best Travel Keyboard
Sometimes you have typing needs of a more mobile variety, and the Logitech K585 is a dependable ally. This wireless keyboard weighs slightly over a pound and is under an inch at its thickest point, but it manages to squeeze in 12 function keys, a number pad, and a slot to hold your phone at an ideal angle for viewing. So, you’re getting a full-size option in a compact package, though, as expected, those keys are slightly cramped and mushy, which may take some getting used to.
Connectivity is where the Logitech K585 really shines, having the option to plug in the included Logitech Unifying Receiver USB dongle to your device or connect over Bluetooth LE. You can quickly swap the keyboard's connection between two devices with the touch of a button, letting you seamlessly switch from typing on your laptop to your phone and back again. Another essential aspect for on-the-go use is battery life, and though it's not rechargeable, a pair of AAA batteries will have the keyboard ready when you need it for an unheard-of two years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Best Silent Keyboard
When you're doing a lot of typing, especially in an office environment, you want something that feels good while hopefully not being too obnoxious. A mechanical keyboard often makes that difficult, but Razer's Pro Type Ultra wireless keyboard has sorted out this issue by using the company’s own silent mechanical switches along with a special foam for a much lower sound profile. Don’t worry, though, the keys are highly responsive and made to last up to 80 million clicks, so you can enjoy this keyboard for years to come.
The Razer Pro Type Ultra may feature hushed keys, but that's not all that makes it a great option. Firstly, it offers three types of connectivity. For a wired option, you can plug it in using an included USB-C cable, which also keeps it charged up. Otherwise, you can wirelessly connect with a 2.4GHz receiver or over Bluetooth. When using Bluetooth, the keyboard can pair with up to four devices at once, letting you quickly switch between them. And if you’re using the 2.4GHz receiver, the Razer Pro Click Mini mouse can connect to the same dongle. Beyond that, the keys feature backlighting and are entirely programable, while a wrist rest makes for better ergonomics.
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.
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.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
