Best Keyboards to Buy in 2024

If you’re trying to work, browse the web, game, or get creative, it comes down to the power of your computer, your mouse, and your keyboard. So, having a fantastic keyboard, like our favorite, the Logitech MX Mechanical, can make a world of difference in your productivity.

TL;DR – These are the Best Keyboards:

• Logitech MX Mechanical
• Corsair K70 RGB Pro
• Logitech K585
• Logitech K400 Plus
• Keychron K1 V5
• Logitech ERGO K860
• Das Keyboard 6 Professional
• Razer Pro Type Ultra
• Raspberry Pi 400
• Keychron K3 V2

A great keyboard is a necessity for any desktop computer and is handy to have around when using the best laptops or tablets. From ultraportable, compact options to the best gaming keyboards, there is a massive variety to choose from. So, to help with your search we’ve found ten keyboards that will perform admirably in different settings, ensuring you find one that’s just right for all your typing needs.

The Best Keyboards

1. Logitech MX Mechanical

Best Keyboard

Pros:

• Responsive mechanical keyboard with three switch choices
• Multiple wireless connectivity options

Cons:

• Can’t program macros

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.

2. Corsair K70 RGB Pro

Best Gaming Keyboard

Pros:

• Super low latency
• Durable double-shot PBT keycaps

Cons:

• Removable wrist rest is bulky and uncomfortable

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.

Corsair also makes quite a few cheap gaming keyboards that are still pretty good if you’re looking for something more affordable.

3. Logitech K585

Best Travel Keyboard

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight full-size keyboard
• Multi-device connectivity

Cons:

• Uses AAA batteries over rechargeable

Sometimes you have typing needs of a more mobile variety, and the Logitech K585 is one of the best travel keyboards available. 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.

4. Logitech K400 Plus

Best Multi-purpose Keyboard

Pros:

• Keyboard and trackpad combo
• Slim, lightweight build

Cons:

• Poor typing experience

Want a keyboard and TV controller all rolled into one? The Logitech K400 Plus may be your answer. It’s a wireless keyboard and touchpad combo that works seamlessly with the best 4K Smart TVs or HTPC, ensuring easier navigation and typing over a traditional remote. Connecting this wireless keyboard to your TV is relatively simple thanks to a low latency USB receiver, which slots right in. Unfortunately, Bluetooth isn’t available for pairing devices like your phone or tablet.

Admittedly, the Logitech K400 Plus isn’t going to win any design awards with its compact, plastic build and mediocre keys. It gets uncomfortable to type on, so you won’t want this to be your everyday keyboard, while limited programmability and no backlighting mean it’s not viable for gaming. However, it works perfectly for media control, and anyone can appreciate the slim, lightweight build and ultra-cheap price tag.

5. Keychron K1 V5

Best Low-Profile Keyboard

Pros:

• Ultra slim and sturdy aluminum body
• Clicky tactile and quick response key switches

Cons:

• No USB receiver for wireless connection, only Bluetooth

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, making it one of the best TKL mechanical keyboards. Swappable keycaps are even included to ensure both Mac and Windows users get the best experience out of this peripheral.

6. Logitech ERGO K860

Best Ergonomic Keyboard

Pros:

• Split design for better ergonomics
• Plush multilayer wrist rest

Cons:

• Awkward to type on at first

If you spend hours of your day pounding away at keys, do yourself a favor and grab the Logitech ERGO K860, a brilliant ergonomic keyboard. To start, it features a split design to keep you from angling your hand inwards and stretching nerves to avoid RSI; just be prepared for this unique layout to take some getting used to. Another highlight is the plush, multilayer wrist rest with height adjustability for a proper position no matter your setup. In fact, the entire build with its soft curvatures and slight slope helps with wrist pronation and reducing muscle strain.

The ERGO K860’s ergonomics are top-notch, but it’s also just a great keyboard all around. The keys are responsive and fluid with surprisingly good feedback for a membrane offering. All the keycaps are convex except for the concave letter keys, and all feel great to type on. Plus, with a USB wireless receiver and Bluetooth LE support, you’ll have a simple connection to multiple devices. It’s even possible to pair three different devices simultaneously with dedicated buttons for swapping between each on the keyboard.

7. Das Keyboard 6 Professional

Best High-End Keyboard

Pros:

• Solid, reliable build
• Two USB-C pass-through ports

Cons:

• Pricey

When you’re willing to spend a little more, you can get an absolute star of a keyboard like the Das Keyboard 6 Professional. With it, you’ll enjoy clicky and tactile Cherry MX mechanical switches for consistent performance, while full N-key rollover ensures every press is registered. On top of those keys are solid double-shot ABS keycaps, and everything is housed in a solid aluminum case for extra durability.

This keyboard focuses more on productivity than gaming, so you won’t get remappable keys or custom macros, but it still makes for a great high-end gaming keyboard when you’re in a pinch. Sleek white backlights illuminate the keys, while dedicated media controls, including a massive volume dial, come in handy. We’d be remiss not to mention the two USB-C pass-through ports, which are perfect for charging peripherals or transferring data. All this greatness makes the Das Keyboard 6 Professional worth the $200 splurge.

8. Razer Pro Type Ultra

Best Silent Keyboard

• See it on Amazon

Pros:

• Low sound profile for a mechanical keyboard
• Connects to four devices simultaneously

Cons:

• Expensive

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.

9. Raspberry Pi 400

Best Keyboard PC

Pros:

• Full PC built into the keyboard
• Compact design

Cons:

• Limited ports compared to other Raspberry Pi PCs

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

Pros:

• Reliable low-profile Gateron key switches
• Space saving 75% layout

Cons:

• Ultra-compact design may be uncomfortable for some

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.

How to Choose the Best Keyboard

Determing the best keyboard for you comes down to your budget and how you plan to use the keyboard. You can find some decent options for under $20 that’ll work when you need something basic and simple. But as soon as you up your spending, options featuring better switches, improved ergonomics, added connectivity, and a wealth of features become available; all of which can help your productivity.

Size doesn’t necessarily determine price, so you can find some inexpensive full size keyboards or pricey tenkeyless(TKL) offerings. If you’re looking to save on deskspace or are after portability, TKL is the way to go. Also when considering design, the switches are important; membrane switches are cheaper, lower profile, and deliver a mushy feel, while mechanical switches have excellent feedback, are responsive, and often pricier.

Having reliable connecvitivty is an absolute must on a keyboard. Therefore, grabbing something with a wired connection or USB receiver ensures a stable link between your device and keyboard. However, Bluetooth is nice to have when using the best smartphones or tablets, and multi-device connectivity makes for simple swapping between them.

Of course, you can’t forget all the extra features. Programmable keys and custom macros are great for gaming. Added ergonomics, like split keys or a wrist rest, can do wonders for comfort when you spend all day mashing keys. Backlighting is essential when using a keyboard in darker spaces, or maybe a USB passthrough port will come in handy for charging up other peripherals.

Keyboard FAQ

Are wireless keyboards reliable?

Yes, the best wireless keyboards can be just as reliable as their wired counterparts. But to ensure the strongest connection between your PC and keyboard, the inclusion of a 2.4GHz dongle is a must. It provides a dedicated, low-latency link between the devices, similar to a wired connection. Bluetooth is a great addition to any keyboard, however, there’s a larger possibility of signal interference and more negligible lag when compared to a USB transmitter.

What’s the difference between a regular keyboard and a gaming keyboard?

A traditional productivity keyboard and a gaming keyboard are more alike than different, but a few features stand out. Gaming keyboards often come with programmable keys, custom macro controls, and onboard memory to easily save those mappings for quick access depending on the game you’re playing. You may also find faster polling rates, full N-key rollover, and extra durability. However, the most obvious difference between the two keyboard types is the flashy RGB lighting.

Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.