With over 200 keyboards tested, we consider the Logitech MX Keys S the best everyday-use keyboard for most people. While this keyboard may not have the same performance or customization options as some gaming or enthusiast keyboards, it delivers a perfect mix of build quality, ease of use, and excellent typing quality. If you're used to typing on a laptop keyboard, you'll feel right at home since it uses the same kind of scissor switches. Each key has small dish-shaped indents that keep your fingers centered, helping to reduce typos. With its excellent wireless versatility, you can connect using its USB receiver or pair it with up to three devices via Bluetooth. It also has white backlighting that can increase or decrease in brightness according to the lighting conditions around you.
At a mid-range price point, we recommend the Epomaker TH80 Pro. This compact wireless keyboard has plenty going for it, including impressive build quality and a choice between two attractive keycap themes to match your setup. You can also choose between different mechanical switch options to suit your preferences. If you're new to mechanical keyboards, either the Epomaker Flamingo or Epomaker Budergiegar switches are great typing-friendly choices, depending on whether you prefer a perfectly smooth keypress or one with a bit of tactile resistance.
This keyboard is great for everyday browsing and casual gaming. Still, it doesn't have a Numpad like our top pick, the Logitech MX Keys S. This model also has a much taller profile, so use it with a wrist rest for the most comfortable ergonomic experience.
Hands down, the best cheap keyboard we've tested is the Logitech K380. This portable option punches well above its weight with solid build quality and wireless connectivity options. Its affordable price tag makes this board a favorite among students and on-the-go professionals. Its size makes it easy to stow in backpacks and is great for tight working spaces. You can connect it with up to three devices at once, and two AAA batteries provide an advertised battery life of up to 36 months. This keyboard is also compatible with all major operating systems, though a few specialized function keys might not work depending on your system.
As it's a wireless unit, you only need to worry about cables when charging the battery, which lasts anywhere from 25-30 hours with the backlighting brightness set to max. It'll last longer if you don't use the backlighting or dim it. On the note of the backlighting, this keyboard has a very cool "underglow" effect thanks to the LED strip around the frame. As an added plus, the TenKeyLess layout is great for freeing up extra room for your mouse, a coffee, or anything else you want within your arm's reach while you work or game.
While it has everything most people need right out of the box, it's also extremely easy to customize to suit your preferences better. Changing the keycaps or switches is as easy as popping them out and dropping in new ones. Each keyboard even comes with a small toolkit to fully deconstruct your keyboard for cleaning or modding. As a final note, if you like any of the Q-series boards but can't stand the clutter and restriction of a wired-only keyboard, check out the Keychron Q Pro Series, which has a range of size variants available that are extremely similar to the Q-series keyboards but with added Bluetooth connectivity.
Aug 10, 2023: We've verified our current lineup and aren't making any changes with this update, but we've added a special mention of the wireless Keychron Q Pro Series keyboards in our 'Best Enthusiast Keyboard' category.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no keyboard is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
We've tested over 200 keyboards and found the best keyboard for typing for most people is the Keychron Q2, with its high-quality aluminum case and excellent typing experience out of the box. It also has a compact size, which hits a sweet spot between space-saving and utility without feeling cramped. While it lacks a Numpad, it keeps the arrow keys and several important navigational keys, like 'Home' and 'Insert', which may be keys you rely on for your workflow.
The customization isn't just physical, either. This keyboard is fully compatible with VIA software, allowing you to change key assignments, program macros to any key, and customize the RGB backlighting. While we recommend the Q2 here for space-saving purposes, you won't go wrong with any keyboard in the Q-Series. Each board shares the same incredible build quality with high-quality materials. There's a size for everyone, from the full-sized Keychron Q6 to the tiny Keychron Q4 or the TenKeyLess Keychron Q3 in between.
One of the major draws of this keyboard for typists is the emphasis on typing quality and acoustics. There are multiple layers of silicone-dampening material inside the case and what NuPhy calls a GhostBar, a spacebar fitted with polycarbonate and silicone pieces to help dampen the loud hollow sound spacebars often make. You can buy this keyboard in a range of tactile or linear switches and, thanks to the hot-swappable PCB, even add the switches you prefer.
While the build quality and materials don't feel as premium as with our top pick, the Keychron Q2, this keyboard also offers wireless connectivity. While its high profile and weight mean it isn't a super portable option, it's still a great choice if you have a multi-device setup at your desk, as it pairs wirelessly with up to three devices via Bluetooth. Note that this keyboard doesn't have the pictured acrylic wristrest, but you can purchase one separately from Nuphy's website.
Of all the budget keyboards we've tested, the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 takes the crown. This little unit is portable thanks to its compact design and lightweight plastic build. Its small footprint clears up space on your desk for keeping your water bottle, coffee mug, phone, and whatever else you need for your workflow right where you need them. This unit also has excellent wireless versatility. It connects with up to three devices at once using Bluetooth, or you can get a variant that includes a USB receiver, which is great if you tend to work in areas with a lot of Bluetooth noise, like an office or a co-working space. The battery life isn't excellent, but it promises around 10 hours of active use, and you can always continue to use it while it charges with a standard wired connection.
A few other variants of this keyboard are available, like a variant with full RGB backlighting or a hot-swappable variant that allows you to easily swap out the switches, which is particularly impressive given its low price point. Whatever option you spring for, you're guaranteed a solid typing experience without breaking the bank.
You can still find a good unit even if your budget is tight. The best cheap typing keyboard that we've tested is the Logitech K380. This little unit is very popular among students and on-the-go professionals who need a light, portable keyboard to slide into a laptop bag or toss into a backpack. It comes in several colors, including a newly released Blueberry option, so you don't have to limit yourself to the classic grey and black offerings that are the default of cheap units.
This keyboard supports a Bluetooth connection with up to three devices simultaneously, making it great for multi-device setups with tablets, phones, or laptops. Using a hotkey in the function row, you can easily change between paired devices, making the pairing process quite intuitive. However, while the compact size and thin frame are excellent for portability, it can take a little bit to get used to the layout as the keys are smaller than average and can feel cramped. That said, there's enough space between the keys to help you avoid typos, and once you're used to the layout, typing is a breeze.
Operating system and device: All keyboards work with both Windows and Mac computers, but not all of them come with specific layouts for both. Consult the Mac section below for our picks with Mac-specific layouts that omit the Windows key and include an Option key. For any of our picks that lack a Mac layout, you can always swap the key functions in macOS.
The Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard and the Logitech MX Keys S are our favorite Bluetooth keyboards with Windows layouts. If you prefer a mechanical keyboard, we recommend the wireless Epomaker TH80 Pro as well as the wired Keychron V3, Keychron V5, and Keychron V6.
There are few things as polarizing as PC keyboards. There are message boards and subreddits filled to the brim with opinions dissecting every aspect and component, mechanical vs. membrane, different switch mechanisms, and the plastic used in the key caps.
There's good reason for that. You probably spend a lot of time on your keyboard, along with a (hopefully) comfortable mouse. You might as well make those hours as pleasant as possible, especially now that so many of us are working from home. Whether you own a great laptop or a game-ready desktop PC, we've tested dozens of keyboards up and down the price spectrum. These are our top picks for gaming, office work, and everything in between.
If you want to go with a mechanical keyboard, you'll want to pay attention to your switch choices. There are dozens of kinds, and they all feel a little different. Without touching them yourself, it's tough to know which is right for you. Manufacturers like Logitech and Razer use their own proprietary switches, which further complicates things.
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