There are two main types of keyboards—membrane and mechanical keyboards. Membrane keyboards are the type of keyboards you’d see in an office setting. They’re named after the membrane underneath the keys that register key presses. These tend to be less expensive and generally basic in terms of feel and features, but they’re fine for typical day-to-day office work.
On the other hand, mechanical keyboards use spring-loaded switches underneath each key instead. These switches give more direct tactile feedback when you’re typing, which leads to more accurate keystrokes and a more durable keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are, on average, more expensive as a result.
Most of our keyboard recommendations will be mechanical keyboards. While they are typically more expensive, they provide a big upgrade over a membrane keyboard for a more accurate typing experience. If you’re set on a membrane keyboard, though, don’t worry, as we still have some great recommendations!
Best Keyboard Overall: Razer Pro Type Ultra
If you want a keyboard that can handle both productivity and light gaming, and look great while doing it, you’ll want the Razer Pro Type Ultra. This is a mechanical, gaming-quality keyboard that will look great in any office setting. It also happens to match our favorite computer mouse, as well.
✓ Orange mechanical switches allow for quiet typing✓ Clean design will look good in an office setting✓ Can be used for light gaming, too
✗ Battery life isn’t the best✗ If you’re used to membrane keyboards, it’s still loud
The Razer Pro Type uses Razer’s custom-made orange mechanical switches so that this keyboard will be quieter than the more common red and blue mechanical key switches. If you’re coming from a normal membrane keyboard, these switches will still be louder than what you’re used to. But you’ll get a much smoother typing experience without the loud clacking noises you’ll hear with some of our other keyboard picks.
You can use this keyboard wired or wirelessly, but the major fault with the Razer Pro Type lies with its battery life when in wireless mode. Reviews state that the keyboard’s battery can barely last an eight-hour day’s worth of work.
The battery life can be extended by turning down the LED brightness, but it appears only to help marginally. If you need an exclusively wireless keyboard, though, we have other recommendations for you.
In general, the Pro Type is great for both productivity and casual gaming, and the subtle LED makes the keyboard really shine. With a $160 MSRP, this is about average in terms of mechanical keyboard prices. Just make sure to keep it plugged in!
Best Budget Keyboard: Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
If you just need any keyboard, Logitech makes a simple keyboard and mouse combo that will get the job done. At just $30, the keyboard is surprisingly competent. If you just need a wireless keyboard to type on, the MK270 does the job.
✓ A keyboard and mouse for just $30✓ One Bluetooth dongle works for both devices✓ Decent build for the price
✗ Uses batteries ✗ Serviceable, but doesn’t do anything special✗ Mouse is small
This is a basic membrane keyboard with a few media buttons and a small but great mouse. That’s it!
That’s really it, though. If you want programmable buttons, mechanical switches, or anything for gaming, you’re going to need to spend a bit more money. This set is competent, but that’s all it is. It’ll get you through the workday at the office, but you owe it to yourself to spend a little more if you use your PC for anything else.
Also, unlike most wireless keyboards on this list, you’ll need to provide your own batteries to keep the MK270 powered up. The batteries don’t drain fast, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on picking this one up.
Best Wired Gaming Keyboard: Razer Huntsman V2
Wired keyboards tend to be a popular choice for gaming, as there’s no fussing around with laggy Bluetooth connections or worrying that your input isn’t registering. And when it comes to wired keyboards, none are a better fit for gamers than the Razer Huntsman V2.
✓ 8000Hz polling rate for fast response time✓ Customizable RGB lights✓ Media dial and dedicated keys make it easy to control the action
✗ Might be more than you really need✗ Expensive
From aesthetics to performance, Razer has thought of everything. You’ll find Doubleshot PBT keycaps, an 8000Hz polling rate for lightning-fast response times, and a sound dampening foam that helps improve the acoustics of each keystroke. As for aesthetics, Razer has equipped the Huntsman V2 with more RGB lights than you can count—and their color and performance are entirely customizable.
A keyboard this feature-packed doesn’t come cheap, so it should be no surprise that the Huntsman V2 is among the most expensive on our list. If you’re an avid gamer, however, the initial investment is more than worth it.
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL
Wired keyboards might be more popular for gaming, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of a wireless setup. If you’re looking to streamline your desk and get rid of clunky cables but can’t sacrifice your gaming prowess, the Logitech G915 TKL should be high on your list of potential purchases.
✓ Two types of wireless connections✓ Sleek, low-profile design✓ Lightspeed technology for 1ms response time
✗ Lacks a keypad
The G915 TKL offers both a USB receiver and Bluetooth capabilities for easy connectivity. Your best bet for gaming is to use the USB receiver, as it’ll make use of Logitech’s Lightspeed technology to offer 1ms response times. Or, if you have multiple computers, you can use the USB receiver to control one device and swap to Bluetooth to control the other.
Logitech gave the G915 TKL a rather striking design, with either a black or white chassis accompanied by individual RGB lights beneath each keycap. The profile of the keyboard is incredibly thin, giving it a sleek, low-profile look that’ll fit nicely with most gaming setups.
This keyboard is also lacking a keypad, which is a pro or con depending on your needs. If you’re an accountant and the keyboard needs to pull double-duty for work, then you might miss the functionality. But if you’re strictly using it for gaming, you’ll likely appreciate its streamlined appearance.
Best Bluetooth Keyboard: Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard
While many of the keyboards on this list are wireless and use Bluetooth to connect, if Bluetooth functionality is your main concern, you probably aren’t interested in the bells and whistles of some of the other categories on our list. Instead, you’ll likely be more happy with something simpler, like the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard.
✓ Seamless Bluetooth connection with both Windows and Mac products✓ Cost-effective, yet still quality✓ Emoji key is handy 😉
✗ Oddly missing Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Page Break buttons✗ Simple in execution compared to some of the other recommendations
This full-sized Bluetooth keyboard can sync with Windows products, Apple products, and mobile devices. Microsoft also boasts a battery life of up to two years with the keyboard, so you don’t need to keep sets of batteries lying around.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is, in essence, a straightforward keyboard, much like Apple’s Magic Keyboard. There is one neat addition, though, with the emoji key.
Emojis have been available in Windows for a while now, but they’re hidden behind a hotkey combo. With the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard, the right Ctrl key is replaced with an emoji key, making it easy to insert them in your posts and documents.
Oddly enough, though, the keyboard is missing the Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause keys. It’s hard to tell why they’re missing, but if you use them a lot, you’ll want to grab another keyboard on this list. But overall, this is a solid, simple keyboard with a long battery life and is easy to set up.
Best Ergonomic Keyboard: Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard
Ergonomic keyboards, much like ergonomic mice, come in a variety of shapes and forms. Generally, if you get yourself a nice wrist rest that elevates your wrists, it’ll do a lot to help prevent injury, but you can also take it one step further and get the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard.
✓ Ergonomic shape reduces wrist strain✓ Dedicated media and emoji keys
✗ Unusual shape makes it take up a lot of desk space✗ Not a gaming keyboard, so it’s only good for productivity
This full-sized, wired keyboard has a split shape, making it so that keys are specifically set to the left and right hands. the shape places the hands in a more natural, somewhat tilted position, reducing strain. The design takes some time to get used to, especially if you’re not used to touch typing, but the adjustment is worth it for your health!
Of course, a keyboard like this is meant for the office and the workday. You can’t really use it for gaming or anything heavier than typical office work. In addition, while the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard has dedicated media and emoji keys to add some functionality, it’s also very big.
The split keyboard design makes it take up more space than even normal full-sized keyboards. If desk space is a premium, you might want to grab our TKL recommendation instead.
But if you have desk space and you want to protect your hands and wrists, the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is a tested and solid choice for your next keyboard.
Best TKL (Tenkeyless) Keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL
Tenkeyless (or TKL) keyboards are named as such because they’re missing the numerical keypad, similar to many laptop keyboards. TKL keyboards have become more popular lately, as many people don’t use the Numpad consistently and appreciate the extra desk space. They’ve become especially popular with gamers, as the extra room is important for mouse movements.
✓ Compact design without sacrificing too many keys✓ Wireless capabilities cut out the wires✓ Thin and great looking✓ Still has media controls
✗ Expensive✗ Charges via Micro USB, not the more common USB-C✗ Might be a little too thin, as there are reports of users breaking it
The Logitech G915 TKL is a gaming quality TKL keyboard that’s one of the best around—in fact, we mentioned it above in our Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard section. The G915 is wireless but offers Lightspeed wireless technology, which is Logitech’s way of saying there is little to no input lag.
You’ll also still get dedicated media and volume buttons, which isn’t common in the more compact keyboard forms. Logitech’s G series also has great-looking LEDs that aren’t too bright, straddling the line between a cool gaming keyboard and one that’s not overdoing it with the lights.
If you’re not sure, you can also check out Review Geek’s review of the G915 and see how the G915 stacks up to your needs.
Best 60% Keyboard: GMMK 60 Percent Compact
If your desk is low on space, a 60% keyboard is the way to go. These tiny beasts offer similar performance to their full-sized counterparts, although they shave off a few pounds by removing their keypad, arrow keys, and F keys. Glorious does an incredible job with its GMMK 60 Percent Compact, and there are few products that can compete with its packed spec sheet.
✓ Modular switch design✓ Built-in kickstand✓ Customizable RGB lights
✗ Meant for gaming, so it might be a bit excessive for daily tasks
One of the coolest features of the GMMK 60% Percent Compact is its modular nature. This lets you quickly swap out mechanical switches without the need for soldering. Instead, you simply use the included tool to pop out switches before plopping new ones in their place.
So, if you’re one of the many folks who enjoy customization but dislike the added hassle that comes with changing switches, consider your search for a keyboard complete.
Everyone else will benefit from preinstalled Gateron Brown Tactical Switches (for tactile feel and quiet performance), customizable RGB lights, a built-in stand, and a 1000Hz polling rate. You’ll also get ABS Doubleshot Injection keycaps for added durability.
The keyboard was built specifically for gaming, but that just means you’ll see incredible performance when using it for any other tasks—although it’s overkill for writing up a lab report or preparing notes for tomorrow’s meeting.
Best Mac Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard
Do you need a keyboard to go with your Mac? You’ll want to get the Magic Keyboard. Apple’s keyboard is, of course, specially made for Mac devices, and it’ll even automatically connect to your Mac device. No fiddling around with Bluetooth settings with this!
✓ Built for Mac users, pairing automatically with devices✓ Build is minimal but still comfortable to type on✓ Nails the Apple look
✗ Expensive for what is essentially a standard keyboard✗ Doesn’t work with Windows✗ Not everyone is a fan of compact keyboard designs
The Magic Keyboard more than just looks like an Apple device, though—it feels great to type on. The minimalist style is a bit misleading because although it’s compact and looks more like a laptop keyboard than a desktop one, it still types wonderfully. If you need a number pad, Apple recently released a full-size Magic Keyboard, too.
This keyboard has a distinct look and feel, but that also means that not everyone will enjoy it. If you’re looking for something for gaming or anything more than casual productivity, the Magic Keyboard won’t make the cut. It only has the minimum keys to make it a full-fledged keyboard, without any media keys or extra features that even our budget pick has.
On top of that, the Magic Keyboard is on the expensive side. Some of our gaming keyboard picks are more expensive, but they also have a lot of extra features—the normal Magic Keyboard is $99 for just, well, a compact keyboard.
Still, though, if you’re a Mac user and you’re not doing any heavy gaming, you’ll find a lot to love in the simplicity of the Magic Keyboard.
