Our ever-changing list of favorite keyboards is organized by a variety of different categories, including the best keyboards for gaming , for the office, for tight budgets, and more. Our choices include full-size keyboards, as well as space-saving and ergonomic models. We left no stone unturned and no key uncapped. First, let's look at our favorites by category...
Like a musician’s finely tuned instrument, the right keyboard can elevate your PC experience from run-of-the-mill to something sublime. Sure, any keyboard can handle your basic internet needs and word processing, but as you start to do more, you realize you need more. Keyboards are much more than just buttons on a piece of plastic. Finding the right keyboard means picking the right size, the right set of shortcuts, and the right key switches to make every key press satisfying.
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Razer Pro Type Ultra Best Overall Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It Razer is a brand that’s synonymous with PC gaming, but the company took those fundamentals and applied them to an office keyboard. The Razer Pro Type Ultra, its second office effort, comes complete with faster switches, a much-improved battery, and a padded wrist rest, going above and beyond its predecessor's already impressive feature set. You also get sculpted soft-touch keycaps and hinged feet, but the real stars of the show are the Razer Yellow switches, which have a shallow, linear feel. They still give off that clickety-clack that typists love, but it’s more subtle and subdued. And with a promised 80 million presses as a durability rating on each key, you won’t have to worry about replacing the Razer Pro Type Ultra for a long time. Who It’s For The Pro Type Ultra checks many of the boxes we look for in a productivity keyboard: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, long battery life, and a satisfying, comfortable keystroke. And because it’s from Razer, you can also put the keyboard through its paces with a few rounds of your favorite first-person shooter. The few blemishes include a slightly lofty price and no Mac support, but it’s an all-arounder that earns our top marks and should please just about every type of typist. PROS Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless Controls up to four devices
Controls up to four devices Extremely comfortable for fast typing
Extremely comfortable for fast typing As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets
As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets Bright backlight
Bright backlight Cushioned wrist rest CONS Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board
Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads
Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads Windows only, not macOS Sold By List Price Price Amazon $159.99 $159.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Razer $159.99 $159.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Razer Pro Type Ultra Review
Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Best Budget Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It "Budget" is relative when it comes to mechanical keyboards, but this is our favorite value model of the moment. True to its name, the Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard is the best entry point if you’re interested in getting a mechanical model. At just under $100, it may seem simple, but its premium build quality will turn you into a believer. The tenkeyless board is made up of anodized aluminum and metal, which give it a solid, sturdy body, and the LED-backlit PBT Doubleshot keycaps are thick, with a smooth matte finish. The inside is just as gorgeous as the outside, with either Gatreon Yellow switches or Drop’s own Halo True mechanical switches, which provide comfort as well as a smooth keypress when gaming or typing. Who It's For Pretty much everyone! If you’ve ever been interested in an entry-level mechanical keyboard, look no further than the Drop ENTR, one of the best bargains you can find. PROS Compact design
Compact design Incredible build quality
Incredible build quality Gatreon Yellow switches
Gatreon Yellow switches Detachable USB-C cable CONS No configuration software Sold By List Price Price Amazon $99.00 $99.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Drop $90.00 $79.00 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard Review
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Gaming Keyboard Best Gaming Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It The crème de la crème of gaming keyboards (and especially great for the streamer crowd), the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is an impressive contender. Building on the design of its predecessor, the K95 Platinum XT goes all out, improving the wrist rest and PBT Doubleshot keycaps, while also adding more onboard profiles and Elgato Stream Deck support. The keyboard is feature-rich, with macros, a volume roller, dedicated shortcuts, and more. Plus, the RGB lighting provides that sweet gamer aesthetic that streamers (and their viewers) love. Who It's For The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a gaming keyboard for hardcore gamers and streamers, but even if you’re neither, you can still enjoy this finely crafted board for all your gaming needs. PROS Same great K95 Platinum design and features.
Same great K95 Platinum design and features. Elgato Stream Deck support.
Elgato Stream Deck support. More onboard profiles.
More onboard profiles. New and improved wrist rest.
New and improved wrist rest. PBT doubleshot keycaps. CONS Not an enormous upgrade over the previous K95 Platinum. Sold By List Price Price Amazon $199.99 $155.91 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $199.99 $174.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $199.99 $177.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Gaming Keyboard Review
Razer Ornata V2 Best Budget Gaming Keyboard 3.5 Good Why We Picked It Razer isn’t necessarily known for budget hardware, but the Razer Ornata V2 is as close as you'll get to seeing a solid Razer model for under $100. The Razer Ornata comes with what you’d expect from a gaming keyboard—dedicated media keys, Razer’s signature RGB lighting, and even a wrist rest. Those are all nice, but the snazzy Mecha-membrane key switches steal the show. It’s not a revelation by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s reliable and comes with a reasonable price that more than makes up for its faults. Who It's For If you’re gaming on a budget, snag the Razer Ornata V2 on sale. It’s one of the best gaming keyboard deals available. PROS Dedicated media keys
Dedicated media keys Programmable volume roller
Programmable volume roller Mecha-membrane keys
Mecha-membrane keys Padded wrist rest CONS Not that many new or updated features Sold By List Price Price Amazon $99.99 $59.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Razer $99.99 $99.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Razer Ornata V2 Review
Cherry Stream Wireless Keyboard Best Wireless Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Cherry is best known for its high-quality key switches that many other keyboard makers use. But it’s no surprise that that quality made its way into its line of keyboards. The Cherry Stream Wireless doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. Its low-profile design looks good while still providing a comfortable typing feel, and despite its reliance on AA batteries, it still promises 36 months of battery life. The cherry (pun intended) on top is that the 2.4GHz connection is supported by 128-bit AES encryption, which encrypts and protects your inputs when they're in transit between the board and your PC. Who It's For The Cherry Stream Wireless is a perfect match for those looking for a wireless keyboard that covers their basic word processing needs at an affordable price. Homes and offices alike will find it a fine, cost-effective upgrade from your typical desktop-bundled board. PROS Low-profile design
Low-profile design Comfortable typing feel
Comfortable typing feel Rated 36-month battery life
Rated 36-month battery life 128-bit AES encryption CONS Customization software is barebones
Customization software is barebones Limited Mac support
Limited Mac support Uses AA batteries Sold By List Price Price Amazon $49.99 $45.26 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Cherry Stream Wireless Keyboard Review
Asus ROG Falchion Wireless Gaming Keyboard Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It A wireless and mechanical keyboard, the Asus ROG Falchion is our favorite wireless gaming model for good reason. To start, it’s a compact 65% keyboard with Cherry MX Red key switches. The minimalist design is eye-catching, while the look and feel of the keyboard—from its keycaps to its touch-based volume slider and opaque, plastic case—feel luxurious. And thanks to its impressive battery life, you'll be able to stay in control for longer. Who It's For The Asus ROG Falchion is a great choice for gamers looking to cut the cord and trim the size of their gaming keyboard. It's easy to stash it away and clear desk space when it is not in use, too. PROS Wireless and mechanical
Dongle storage Comes with a cover CONS Cover doesn’t attach to the keyboard
Cover doesn’t attach to the keyboard Armoury Crate offloads some RGB customization to a second app
Armoury Crate offloads some RGB customization to a second app Battery indicator housed in the keyboard's side Sold By List Price Price Amazon $149.99 $115.19 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Asus ROG Falchion Wireless Gaming Keyboard Review
NZXT Function Mini TKL Best Tenkeyless Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It The NZXT Mini TKL makes our list because it’s one of the most compact devices we’ve seen in its weight class. Slim and lightweight, the NZXT Mini TKL loses none of the functionality, stuffing 88 keys and a volume roller into its petite frame. Even better, the NZXT is incredibly customizable, with five key switch choices, three chassis colors, five different keycap accents, and even an accent keyboard cable for those who want to forgo a plain black cable entirely. Who It's For Users who want their keyboard their way, in a mini package. The Mini Tenkeyless forgoes the number pad, but leaves everything else intact—and leaves itself open to plenty of customization. PROS Compact and lightweight
Compact and lightweight Lots of customization options
Lots of customization options Gorgeous keys and design including volume roller
Gorgeous keys and design including volume roller Well-designed software CONS No wrist rest
No wrist rest Few RGB presets Sold By List Price Price Amazon $99.99 $99.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our NZXT Function Mini TKL Review
MSI GK71 Sonic Mechanical Keyboard Best Mechanical Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It We're still partial to the Corsair K95, but this remains one of our favorite mechanical keyboards that crosses the gaming/productivity divide. The MSI GK71 Sonic Mechanical Keyboard impressed us with just how feature-rich it is. The striking RGB lighting is made even better thanks to clear keycaps. And the key switches—the super-light, hair-trigger MSI Sonic Red—are excellent, serving speed with a satisfying clack. Plus, the GK71 comes with handy accessories, including a wrist rest and a keycap puller, as well as dedicated media keys and a volume dial. It’s a fantastic package and one that won’t break the bank, either. Who It's For The MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic is an excellent mechanical keyboard best suited for crossover use: both hardcore gaming and normal office work. It'll satisfy on both scores. PROS Impressive RGB lighting
Impressive RGB lighting Quiet operation
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Nifty volume roller Wrist rest and keycap puller included
Wrist rest and keycap puller included Cable routing helps keep cords tidy CONS Wrist rest is not magnetic
Wrist rest is not magnetic No dedicated macro buttons
No dedicated macro buttons No USB passthrough
No USB passthrough Ambient Link LED option is limited to a handful of games Sold By List Price Price Amazon $129.99 $121.20 See It (Opens in a new window) Newegg $129.99 $129.99 See It (Opens in a new window) MSI $129.99 $129.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our MSI GK71 Sonic Mechanical Keyboard Review
Logitech Ergo K860 Best Office Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Whether you’re working at home or commuting back to the office, you’ll likely be typing away on your keyboard all day. But anyone who cares about their health will tell you that typing too much for too long will never end well for your wrist and joints. That's where the Logitech Ergo K860, an ergonomic keyboard perfect for office and productivity-minded folks, comes in. Its unique curve, two-bank split design, and asymmetrical keys provide comfort for your hands, while the wrist rest ensures ample support for your wrists. While it's on the bigger side, and its keys might feel too spread out for some, it’s sure to provide comfort all through your daily nine-to-five grind if you're willing to ride the learning curve. Who It's For The Logitech Ergo K860 is a perfect match for office workers who are looking to upgrade the ergonomics of their bundled general-use keyboard, and experiment with a split design at a relatively low-commitment price. PROS Curved and split ergonomic shape.
Curved and split ergonomic shape. Extra-comfortable wrist rest.
Extra-comfortable wrist rest. Front feet provide negative tilt.
Front feet provide negative tilt. Extended asymmetrical keys make it easier to find your way around.
Extended asymmetrical keys make it easier to find your way around. Logitech Options and Flow software support. CONS Keys feel a little spread out.
Keys feel a little spread out. No backlighting.
No backlighting. Takes up more space than you think. Sold By List Price Price Logitech $129.99 $129.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Logitech Ergo K860 Review
Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard Best Budget Office Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Clean, thin, and compact, the Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard is an excellent portable option, condensing the tenkeyless design to just 79 keys. Its thin, slim-fit profile draws inspiration from Apple’s Magic Keyboard—including flat, scissor-switch keys, an acquired taste for some—but the keyboard also allows multi-device Bluetooth pairing that lets you quickly switch connections among three devices. Who It's For If you’re looking for a solid, compact wireless keyboard for toting to different sites, or for light typing use with a laptop, monitor, and dock, the stylish Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard should serve you well. PROS Incredibly thin, compact design
Incredibly thin, compact design Multi-connection Bluetooth lets you quickly switch among three devices
Multi-connection Bluetooth lets you quickly switch among three devices Long battery life
Long battery life Fun and practical emoji key CONS Requires four CR2032 batteries
Requires four CR2032 batteries Using a keyboard this flat eventually takes its toll on the fingers Sold By List Price Price Amazon $69.99 $45.50 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard Review
Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard Best Mac Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It Macs might be the first choice for designers and creators looking for processing power and stylish designs, but let's be real: They’re hardly what we’d call affordable, and that goes double for Mac accessories. So if you’re willing to spend Apple Magic Keyboard money, why not spend a bit less on the Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard instead? Choose from three different switch types to find the perfect typing feel for writing essays and emails all day. The quiet keys are perfect for office settings, and the attractive backlight ensures no key press is missed. Some may say the color scheme is a little too dull, but the dark appearance should appeal to those who like their peripherals simple and effective. Who It's For This one is for Apple fans who can't stand Apple's low-profile scissor switches. Sure, it’s missing Apple’s Touch ID, but it more than makes up for that with comfortable key switches and exceptional build quality. It's an easy recommendation and one of the best Mac keyboards you can buy. PROS Full-size and tenkeyless models available
Full-size and tenkeyless models available Excellent, not-too-noisy typing feel
Attractive backlighting Choice of three switch types
Choice of three switch types Handy setup software CONS Dull, dark appearance
Dull, dark appearance Impractical emoji key
Impractical emoji key No wrist rest
No wrist rest No macro programming Sold By List Price Price Amazon $162.99 $162.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Logitech $169.99 $169.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard Review
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Best Ergonomic Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It A stylish package with an array of comprehensive shortcut keys, the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is a surefire way to save your hands and wrists from the stress of the workday, without shelling out for a premium ergonomic design. (Some of those reach into the hundreds of dollars.) It's a top contender for any office worker, especially those who work in Microsoft Office. They will appreciate the additional shortcut keys for various Office apps, as well as the ones for emojis and screenshots. Who It's For If you’ve ever found yourself with worn-out hands or wrists after a long day of typing, do yourself a favor and buy yourself the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard. Your wrists will thank you in the long run. And as mentioned, Office (capital "O") workers will get plenty out of the Microsoft-specific customizations. Beyond that, like the Logitech Ergo mentioned earlier, it's an on-ramp to a curved, split design that isn't a big money commitment, if you're unsure whether this kind of design is right for you. PROS Excellent typing feel
Excellent typing feel Classy design
Classy design Comfortable wrist rest
Steep learning curve could hamper productivity Software does not work with Windows 10 S Mode Sold By List Price Price Amazon $59.99 $39.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $59.99 $40.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Walmart $59.99 $46.03 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Review
Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless Best 60 Percent Keyboard 4.5 Outstanding Why We Picked It Who says a tiny keyboard can’t be esports-ready? The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless may be smaller than your average keyboard, but it comes with tons of customization options. With both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options, gorgeous RGB lighting, and hot-swappable key switches, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini comes equipped to please both casual gamers and pros looking to save desk space. In this model, like others in the 60 percent class, most of a full-size keyboard's functions are still intact, absorbed into other keys on the keyboard and accessed via key combinations. Plus: Create up to 50 profiles in Corsair's iCue software to tweak just about everything for the ideal gaming or typing experience. Who It's For The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is as portable as keyboards come while still providing standard-size keys and many connection options. If you like to bring your own gaming gear with you wherever you go, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a great choice, as long as you're willing to pay a premium for that. PROS Excellent RGB implementation
Hot-swappable key switches Included key cap and key switch puller
Included key cap and key switch puller Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options Compact and lightweight
Compact and lightweight Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app CONS Expensive
Expensive 8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill Sold By List Price Price Amazon $179.99 $159.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless Review
HyperX Alloy Origins 65 Best 65 Percent Keyboard 4.0 Excellent Why We Picked It A keyboard is important to gaming, but not every key is important. So why not trim the fat and save some space? The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 shrinks the gaming keyboard down to its essentials. But while its size has diminished, its function has not. With a lightweight body, gorgeous RGB lighting, and excellent HyperX key switches that feel almost as good as (if not better than) the Cherry key switches we see so often in gaming keyboards, the HyperX Alloy Origins 65 is a worthy pick for gamers looking to cut down on the desk space that their keyboard often eats up. Who It's For If portability or workspace clutter reduction is on your mind, a smaller keyboard is what you need. A 65 percent keyboard ditches the number pad and folds a bunch of functions into other keys, delivering everything a gamer needs in fewer keystrokes. PROS Excellent-feeling HyperX key switches
Included keycap puller Ngenuity app works well for customization CONS No wireless option Sold By List Price Price Amazon $95.97 $95.97 See It (Opens in a new window) Best Buy $99.99 $69.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our HyperX Alloy Origins 65 Review
Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard Best Bluetooth Keyboard 3.5 Good Why We Picked It Mac users may not realize it, but they have many keyboard options besides the Apple Magic Keyboard, although there’s no denying its sleek, eye-catching design. However, visually striking design often comes at a gut-punch price. Satechi has stepped in to provide ample Apple alternatives, like the Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard, a keyboard that captures the magic of Apple’s keyboard at a fraction of the price. And with support for up to four Bluetooth connections, the Satechi Slim X3 jumps from device to device with ease. Who It's For Members of the Apple faithful who don’t mind losing Touch ID will find a near-identical alternative to the exorbitantly priced Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. And with up to four Bluetooth connections, it’s ideal for someone who’ll find themselves jumping among different devices while using the same board. PROS Costs much less than Apple Magic Keyboard
Costs much less than Apple Magic Keyboard Good typing feel
Good typing feel Supports up to four Bluetooth connections CONS Battery life is disappointing
Battery life is disappointing Not very ergonomic
Not very ergonomic Only one color available Sold By List Price Price Amazon $89.99 $89.99 See It (Opens in a new window) Read Our Satechi Slim X3 Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard Review
Buying Guide: The Best Keyboards for 2023
How to Buy a Keyboard
Maybe your trusty old keyboard has typed its last letter or trapped its last bagel crumb. Perhaps your gaming ambitions have outstripped the mushy, mediocre typer that came with your PC. Or maybe your aching hands are shouting Hey, cut me some slack here! Whatever the reason, anyone can benefit from a better keyboard.
Before you go shopping, however, it pays to know what makes a keyboard a good fit. Modern models come in a bunch of subtypes, from boards optimized for typing efficiency to sculpted ergonomic designs that cradle your hands and relieve stress on the joints. Let's dig into the features to look for.
Do I Need a Wired Keyboard, or a Wireless One?
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The simplest way to connect a keyboard to your PC is to plug its cable into a USB port. Non-gaming keyboards are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install, so connecting the cable is all the setup you'll need. Gaming keyboards, by contrast, will typically work as soon as you plug them in, but come with their own software that lets you adjust features such as onboard RGB lighting and the assignment of macro keys. (More on that in a minute.) Some cheaper gaming models may lack software and handle key backlighting and macros/shortcuts wholly through hardware.
Besides transferring your keystrokes to the computer, a USB connection also powers the keyboard, so there are no batteries to worry about. Some premium gaming models with lots of customizable buttons and lights come with two USB cables, one for power delivery (and/or to feed an extra USB port or ports on the keyboard itself) and one for your data connection. This isn't usually a problem, since you'll likely be connecting one of these keyboards to a large gaming desktop with many available USB ports.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)
If you want more freedom and less cable clutter on your desk, however, it's hard to beat a wireless keyboard. Wireless models transmit data to your PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a small dongle plugged into one of your PC's USB ports or a Bluetooth connection with no dongles required. Both have their pros and cons. But if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and gain the flexibility to use your keyboard at a distance—whether it be in your lap at your desk or across the room—wireless is the way to go.
Most wireless keyboards that use USB dongles transmit over the same 2.4GHz wireless frequency used for cordless phones and Wi-Fi routers. The dongle itself is usually a tiny rectangle—small enough to plug in and forget about. Not only is the dongle unobtrusive, but we find that the 2.4GHz signal tends to offer more stable connectivity than Bluetooth. Some manufacturers' USB dongles can control more than one device, meaning you can use a single adapter (and USB port) for both a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, invariably from the same vendor. (Logitech, for example, refers to this setup as Logitech Unifying technology.)
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Bluetooth connections make sense in certain situations; they don't monopolize a USB port, and newer versions of Bluetooth are stable, easy to manage, and offer compatibility with additional mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you roughly 30 feet of wireless range, though we find that Bluetooth wireless keyboards tend to have briefer battery life than USB dongle devices. However, new innovations such as hand-proximity sensors boost battery life compared to older Bluetooth products, whose always-on link drained batteries quickly.
(Credit: Eric Grevstad)
Among the few major drawbacks of mainstream wireless keyboards is that few of them feature key backlighting, which hampers one of their most useful roles: controlling a home theater PC in a dim living room. If you do find a wireless model with backlighting, be prepared to change its batteries or recharge it frequently.
What Kind of Keyboard Layout Makes Sense for Me?
Not all keyboards are created equal. In fact, not all keyboards are even laid out the same (and we're not referring to the standard QWERTY key layout versus the Dvorak arrangement of some early ergonomic models).
Most mainstream and gaming keyboards offer a 10-key numeric keypad at right. Rarely found on laptops smaller than 15.6 inches, keypads are a necessity for anyone who frequently tallies numbers or enters data into a spreadsheet. So-called tenkeyless or TKL models, especially popular in the gaming keyboard segment, slice off the numeric pad in the interest of saving desk space and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. If you want to go even smaller, so-called 60 percent keyboards eliminate even more extra keys. Check out our 60 percent keyboard guide for everything you need to know about them.
(Credit: Eric Grevstad)
Smaller distinctions include the placement of the cursor directional arrows and Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys. Additionally, most current keyboards have basic media-control features such as volume, play/pause, and next/previous track keys. These are typically dedicated buttons located above the numeric pad or built into the top row of function (Fn) keys as shared-key shortcuts. Bonus points if a keyboard maker implements the volume control as a dial or roller, as seen on some high-end Corsair, Das Keyboard, and HyperX models.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
If you prefer an unusual keyboard layout or just want to switch up a key or two, you may want to remap your keyboard. Our guide to keyboard remapping on Windows explains how to go about doing that.
To help stave off carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury, many keyboards are available with designs that put your hands into a neutral position as you type. The result is not only greater comfort, but reduced stress to joints and tendons, ultimately helping you avoid painful inflammation and the potential for expensive surgery. Ergonomic features can range from the simple (padded wrist rests) to the elaborate (a key layout sculpted to curve and slope or a split design).
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
One very important ergonomic feature to look for is the ability to perform angle adjustment. This is usually accomplished by folding or flipping two plastic feet on the back of the keyboard to alter its angle relative to your wrists and forearms. Many keyboards—not only models designed specifically to be ergonomic—have these feet, and research has shown(Opens in a new window) that the traditional uphill tilt is actually not ergonomically ideal. It's better to experiment with them until your keyboard is flat or even angled slightly away from your wrists. (See our guide to ergonomic keyboards.)
What Kind of Key Switch Should I Get?
One aspect of keyboard design that you'll often see mentioned in reviews—but about which most folks don't give a second thought—is the type of switches used for individual keys. You may not care about the specific mechanisms that reside beneath the keys, but you will feel the difference when typing. The three primary types are silicone dome switches, scissor switches, and mechanical switches.
Most budget keyboards, such as those that come bundled with new desktops, use silicone-dome switches. These use two dimpled layers of silicone membrane that form a grid of rubber bubbles or domes as the springback for each key. The springiness of the silicone rubber makes for a soft, mushy feel as you press the keys. This switch type also requires you to "bottom out" with each keystroke, pressing the key to its fullest travel or bottom of the key well to type a letter. Because repeated flexing of the rubber membrane causes it to break down, silicone dome switches lose their springiness and responsiveness over time.
Some newer keyboards mimic the low-profile, chiclet-style keyboards found on full-size laptops and ultraportables. While a few of these use silicone-dome switches, many use scissor switches, which add a mechanical stabilizer to each key for a more uniform feel and an attached plunger under each keycap that allows shorter key travel. As a result, scissor-switch keyboards have a shallow typing feel but are generally more durable than rubber-dome switches alone.
The Elite Choice: Should I Get a Mechanical Keyboard?
Most keyboard enthusiasts, however, won't have much to say for either of the two above styles. Instead, they'll be singing the praises of mechanical keyboards.
The switches used in these are more intricate, with a spring-loaded sliding keypost beneath each key. Lots of variations are available (see our guide to choosing among mechanical switches), each tweaked to provide a slightly different feel or sound, but generally speaking mechanical switches provide better tactile feedback and many emit the "clickety-clack" sound long associated with typing. Their sturdy switch mechanisms and springs are significantly longer-lasting, too. Mechanical switches can also register keystrokes with a much shorter amount of travel, making them ideal for touch typists.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
The downside to mechanical switches? They usually require more vertical space than silicone-dome or scissor switches, which means mechanical keyboards tend to be thicker. You won't often find them on shallower, low-profile keyboards. That might change now that venerable switch maker Cherry AG has introduced low-profile mechanical switches (so have some of its competitors), but the vast majority of mechanicals are relatively chunky.
In the past, most mainstream mechanical keyboards made use of Cherry MX switches offered in Blue, Red, Black, and Brown varieties. (Each "color" has a slightly different click feel, acoustic aspect, and pressure requirement; see our roundup of the best mechanical keyboards for a lot more detail.) Cherry switches are still extremely popular, but you'll also see house-brand mechanical switches from leading keyboard makers such as Logitech and Razer, as well as "imitation Cherry" switches using the same color schemes from makers such as Kaihua.
What Should I Look for in a Gaming Keyboard?
While all keyboards offer the necessary QWERTY layout of keys for everyday typing, sometimes typing isn't your main concern. Gaming keyboards are designed for competitive use and emphasize things office keyboards don't.
Gaming boards are equipped for maximum specialization and control, optimized for specific styles of gameplay, and built to exacting standards of responsiveness and durability. They also appeal to the gaming aesthetic with designs that impress and intimidate with pulsing backlighting and dramatic RGB color schemes.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Premium gaming models almost exclusively use high-grade mechanical key switches and sculpted keycaps, and offer scads of customizable features such as programmable macro keys, textured WASD keys, and swappable keycaps. Others let you tweak the color and intensity of the backlighting to make finding certain keys faster and personalize the look of your keyboard. Cheaper boards usually have just one color of backlight, but as you move upmarket you find programmable RGB lighting customizable by zone or even by individual key (so-called "per-key RGB").
Anti-ghosting is an essential feature, allowing a keyboard to register multiple keystrokes hit at the same time—a feat not all standard keyboards can perform. Other extras include USB pass-through ports or audio connections which simplify the process of connecting peripherals to a desktop PC whose ports may be inconvenient to reach under a desk.
Finally, any gaming keyboard worthy of the name comes with dedicated software and discrete keys for triggering macro commands, letting you save and play back complex strings of commands with a single keypress. The number of macro commands you can save, and the ease with which you can create them, varies from one model to the next; our reviews are handy for summaries of this kind of software. These aren't the sorts of customization features that everyone will use day to day, but for players who invest time and money into gaming, these keyboards offer a competitive edge. Again, check out our guide to gaming keyboards for more on gaming software.
So, Which Keyboard Should I Buy?
The keyboard market is vast, so start your search with our roundup above and below of the best keyboards available. In the market for a mouse, too? Check out our top mouse picks, as well as our favorite mice for gaming and our top wireless mouse picks.
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