Few things are as divisive as computer keyboards. Opinions analyzing every facet and component, such as membrane versus mechanical, various switch mechanisms, and the material used in the key caps, abound on message boards and subreddits.
That’s for a good cause. Along with a (ideally) ergonomic mouse, you most likely use your keyboard for extended periods of time. Now that so many of us work from home, you might as well make those hours as enjoyable as you can. We’ve evaluated dozens of keyboards over a wide price range, so you can choose the perfect keyboard for your desktop computer or fantastic laptop. These are the best options we have for office work, gaming, and anything in between. Also, if you’re searching for a conventional clicky-clack keyboard, make sure to check out our guide to the Best Mechanical Keyboards.
Updated July 2024: NZXT Function 2, Keychron B1 Pro, and Keychron B6 Pro added.
Gain unrestricted access to WIRED to power up. Get cutting-edge reporting for only $2.50 per month for a year—it’s too important to ignore. includes special content available only to subscribers and limitless digital access. Join Now.
The Best and Brightest
Some of my favorite keyboards are made by Logitech, and one of the greatest gaming keyboards is the G Pro X TKL, also known as “tenkeyless” because it does not have a Numpad. It employs Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless adapter for competitive gaming-level response time, and it features brilliant RGB LED illuminated keys with a choice of clicky, tactile, or linear switches. I adore that the adapter eliminates the need to use all of your ports for your various accessories by enabling you to pair many devices with a single, low-profile USB dongle.
This keyboard has an elegant and sleek construction. It is small and unassuming on your desk, with a faint metallic border around the edge that adds a touch of style that other plain keyboards don’t. When you do join a game after a lengthy wait, you can pause your music with the help of the convenient media controls at the top and a smooth, easy-to-reach volume wheel in the upper right corner. I like my keyboards to be as clicky-clacky as possible, and the Black Clicky switches have been great for me in this regard. I feel like I’m sending little thunder down to my game with every keypress. You can select a different kind of switch, though, if you’d rather something softer. The sole
★ Alternative: For $180 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), you can have almost all of the advantages of the Pro X TKL in a more manageable, smaller package with the Logitech Pro X 60. It reduces the entire design to a 60% layout while keeping the volume wheel, Game mode switch, and Bluetooth/Lightspeed buttons by putting them to the keyboard’s edges.
Best Mechanical Keyboard
The Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro keyboards are likely the reason you are familiar with Keychron at all (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The robust, all-metal casing that both versions have reduces the likelihood of the keyboard being jostled or shifted around your desk. The Q5 Pro slims down to a 96 percent layout, eliminating a few less utilized keys like Insert and tucking the arrow keys just under the Enter key. In contrast, the Q6 Pro has a full-size layout complete with a Numpad.
These boards include every feature imaginable—from hot-swappable switches and changeable keycaps to remapping every button with QMK/VIA—that can be customized and fixed. Not only is it our top mechanical keyboard for productivity, but it’s also a good keyboard overall. See our list of the Best Mechanical Keyboards if you’re searching for something a little more specialized.
Best Under $100
Keychron, a newcomer to the ultra-slim flat keyboard market, with scissor-switch keys similar to those found in Logitech MX Keys S and other recommended models. But the Keychron B6 Pro is significantly less expensive. With unexpectedly springy keys that make typing pleasurable, you can enjoy up to 1,200 hours of battery life on a single charge. For those who would rather not have a Numpad, Keychron also offers a 75 percent smaller keyboard, known as the B1 Pro, for a lower price.
★ As an alternative, consider the lively range of wireless keyboards from Logitech Pop Keys, which retail for $100 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and come in a fascinating array of color schemes. It also makes advantage of Logitech’s excellent system for pairing with up to three devices, which simplifies taking it from home to work or between your PC and laptop. Although it is officially priced at $100, we frequently find this one on sale for less, so make sure to take advantage of the savings.
Best for Work
The Logitech MX Keys S remains my go-to keyboard for everyday use, despite all the fancy mechanical keyboards I’ve used. It makes switching between PCs simple because it can pair with three devices. Its chiclet-style, low-profile keys are ergonomic, and as your hands approach, proximity sensors trigger the key lighting, making it easier to see in the dark without draining the battery while not in use.
It works with both Windows and Mac layouts, and the keys are elegantly labeled so that you can easily identify which one you’re using at any given time. With typical use, the battery lasts well over a week, but it lasts much longer if the backlight is turned off.
★ Alternative: Because of its modest, low-profile design, we also prefer the MX Mechanical, which costs $162. It may be paired with up to three devices simultaneously and switched with a single button press, just like the MX Keys. Even better, there are a few useful extra buttons to lock your desktop and open a calculator right above the Numpad.
Best Small Keyboard
Sixty percent of the keys on a standard-sized keyboard are present on a sixty percent keyboard. All of the keys except the Numpad and arrow keys are hacked off. My favorite gaming device of this size is the Razer Huntsman Mini. It occupies a lot less desk space yet feels just as swift and responsive as a full-size keyboard. It just has a really tidy, organized feel to it. Additionally, you may choose your color scheme with the Mini because it is compatible with Razer’s key cap kits, just like the larger Huntsman Elite.
Best Portable Keyboard
Out of all the keyboards I examined, this 75% model has arguably of the softer, more pleasant keys. It is sufficiently robust to function as your desktop keyboard, yet it is still small enough to fit in a bag. It can be linked using Bluetooth, USB-C, or a wireless dongle that fits into a slot on the back of the keyboard. The upper-right corner features a fashionable metal volume knob, and the removal tool that comes with the package allows you to change out each keycap and switch. Corsair’s K65 Plus is a tough choice if you’re searching for a tiny, portable keyboard but still has all the features of a mechanical keyboard that you can customize.
Best for Beginner Customizing
For anyone interested in mechanical keyboards, the original NZXT Function was a terrific way to get started without feeling overwhelmed. It’s nearly all improved in the follow-up Function 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). In addition to upgrading the keys to optical switches, it includes an extra set of switches with slightly different resistances so you can tailor the set of keys to suit your needs. For games like Overwatch 2, where I’d prefer to reduce those awful fat finger ultimates, I found this to be quite helpful.
Many of my favorite features from the first model are still included in the Function 2. It features the same ultra-soft keycaps, handy buttons down the side of the keyboard, and left-side volume roller. This is a wonderful board to start with if you’re interested in mechanical keyboards but feel intimidated by terms like “actuation force.” And our guide to the best mechanical keyboards will be waiting for you when you’re ready to jump right in.