* Up your typing game with this Das Keyboard 4Q, our pick for the best keyboard overall. It's new Q software controls RGB lighting that acts as a built-in notification system.
* The Das Keyboard 4Q's dedicated media controls allow you to adjust volume quickly during video calls or while listening to music. This is the keyboard that won't ghost as you rapidly type, thanks to its N-key rollover feature that detects all keystrokes.
Are you ready for a keyboard upgrade? If your current equipment has more of the quirks and less of the loveable aspects of Michael Scott from "The Office," then it could be time to invest in one of the best keyboards. Whether you're working in a busy office or writing a screenplay, you can kick your old-school keyboard out and move to a model that clicks with your daily grind.
While working in open-concept offices, co-working spaces, or even in a shared home office, you don't want to be the person who sounds like they're punching their keyboard like Muhammad Ali. That's why we want to introduce you to our favorite keyboards across many use cases: to help you find the keyboard that will be the Robin to your Batman. Scroll down for the best keyboards for coders, writers, gamers, and everyone in between.
Here are our picks for the best keyboards:
* Das Keyboard 4Q
* Razer Huntsman Elite
* Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
* Azio Retro Classic USB
* Sungwoo Foldable Silicone Keyboard
* IKOS Bluetooth Folding Keyboard
* HP Wireless Elite Keyboard V2
The best keyboard overall
Push your productivity to the next level with the Das Keyboard 4Q. It's integrated Q software can customize the keypad's RGB backlighting, which doubles as a notifications platform. Alerts are no longer just for your desktop or smartphone — you can now get them sent right to your keyboard.
The Q utility allows you to set up individual keys to light up for reminders like Google Alerts and weather forecasts. You can even customize it so that the keyboard lights up if you're tagged on social media or blinks when your favorite tech news site (ahem) publishes a new article.
In its full review, PCMag says the Das Keyboard 4Q's N-key rollover feature is what makes it perfect for people who need a keyboard that keeps up with them. You can also easily adjust sound quickly with the handy volume nozzle during a video chat or while streaming music.
The Das Keyboard 4Q includes two USB ports and an instant sleep button, rounding out an already excellent feature set.
Pros: RGB lighting with built-in alerts system, excellent hardware for fast typers
Cons: Q software set-up not intuitive, expensive
The best gaming keyboard
The Razer Huntsman Elite gaming keyboard has optical switches designed for faster speed and performance. It's among the first gaming keyboards to feature the technology, which uses infrared light beams to detect keystroke actuation.
Instead of using metal contact leaves, the Razer Huntsman Elite has a laser under every switch, which has an optical light sensor inside to register a keystroke. Each switch is rated to last 100 million keystrokes, according to Razer, compared to Cherry MX's 50 million keystrokes.
You can easily program the Razer Huntsman Elite with Razer's Synapse software, which allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped for complicated commands, and remember to try the per-key lighting options. This should help with players of first-person shooters as well as various esports.
While the Razer Huntsman Elite is a clicky switch, the click mechanism is separate from the switch's actuation mechanism, making this ideal for rapid tapping. The opto-mechanical switches have their own stabilizer bars to ensure consistent switch behavior no matter which corner you press.
Tom's Guide raves that this keyboard is comfortable while maintaining a futuristic look, although they thought the light-up padded leather wrist rest was a little gaudy and over-the-top. Worth noting: The wrist rest magnetically attaches to the keyboard, so you don't have to use it. A CNET reviewer was impressed with the Razer Huntsman Elite's robust lighting options and discrete controls that can play, pause, rewind or fast-forward media. For it's hefty price tag, this keyboard boasts layers of personalization options and in-came effects like underglow lighting unlike any other.
Pros: Optical switches, discrete media controls, wrist rest is very soft
Cons: Keyboard takes up second USB port on your PC, grease can linger on keycaps
The best ergonomic keyboard
After using several months of continuous use, in addition to years of using ergonomic keyboards, Logitech's new wireless Ergo K860 is the best we've used.
The design is based on deep research into how people use keyboards and the problems that arose from poor ergonomics. Not only does it provide a more comfortable typing experience, it can help improve posture and alleviate wrist injury.
For anyone who's used an ergonomic keyboard, the Ergo K860 will look familiar. It is curved with a slope that raises the keyboard and splits the alphanumeric keys apart. This design puts you in a proper typing position, as it reduces pronation, and places your arms, neck, and shoulders in a more relaxed posture as well.Logitech says soft, cushioned palm rest along the bottom can reduce wrist-bending by 25%, since it puts your hands, arms, and wrists outward, in a more proper typing position.Flip-out legs can tilt the keyboard even higher, if needed.
The Ergo K860 operates on two AAA batteries, which provides the keyboard with two years of power, according to Logitech; real-world usage will vary. The device only connects to a computer wirelessly, either via Bluetooth or with a USB dongle that's neatly stored beneath the keyboard. We tested the Ergo K860 with a MacBook Pro using Bluetooth; set-up was quick and easy, and the keyboard quickly re-pairs every time we start up the laptop, without fail. The Ergo K860 supports up to three Bluetooth devices; in addition to the MacBook Pro, we had it paired with an iPhone and iPad, and we seamlessly switched between three without issues.
The keyboard is very lightweight, but the unique design does require annexing a bit of table surface. The plastic makes the Ergo K860 feel deceptively cheap, but from our experience, it's well-made. There is a break-in period: If this is your first ergonomic keyboard, you will have to get used to the different typing position. You will make mistakes, but over time, we found ourselves becoming acclimated and our typos decreased. Our hands remained in a fixed position over the keyboard while touch-typing (minimal hand and wrist movement is key), while the keys themselves have good travel, albeit a bit plasticky.
Insider Reviews Senior Editor Les Shu has been testing the keyboard since last December, and he hasn' noticed significant improvements to his sitting posture (good workplace ergonomics requires more than just changing a keyboard), but the Ergo K860 has alleviated any pain or discomfort in his wrists. This is especially noticeable when he returned to using a non-ergonomic keyboard, like his MacBook Pro's. While it is pricey for a keyboard, he thinks the ergonomic features are well-worth the cost.
Pros: Terrific ergonomic design, comfortable palm rest, made for PCs and Macs, wireless, Bluetooth support for up to three devices
Cons: Large and awkward shape (required by ergonomic design), pricier than standard Bluetooth keyboard, requires acclimation
The best mobile keyboard
These days, most of us own more than one mobile device, like a tablet in addition to a smartphone, and the Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard allows you to use them all like a PC.
A built-in cradle on the Logitech K780 holds devices from a smartphone to a tablet right above the keypad. You can connect to your devices via Bluetooth or use a USB receiver to connect to a laptop or desktop.
A Tom's Guide review noted that its circular keycaps will be a turn-off for some users, but also says Logitech's software offers a lot to make up for that. Popular Mechanics was impressed with the keyboard's customization options that allow you to remap keys. The keyboard already has designated keys that allow you to switch back and forth between connected devices.
Logitech's Flow technology allows for file-sharing from one device to another (as long as both are connected to the keyboard via Bluetooth).
Pros: Easily share files among connected devices, soft keys for quiet typing
Cons: Circular keys not for everyone
The best large print keyboard
The Nuklz N Large Print Computer Keyboard makes typing easier for novice computer users or for those with visual impairments.
This keyboard has high contrast keys in large, bold type from black to white that are easier to see in low or dim lighting. It's lightweight and specifically designed for relaxed typing, and the keys are soft and quiet.
The Nuklz N Large Print keyboard is a plug and play USB device –– so users don't need a special driver to use it. It's designed to work with all versions of Windows from Windows 98 and up, Chrome OS and Mac systems. In order to make it highly visible, some keys, like backspace, are abbreviated, so it may take some time to familiarize yourself with the keys.
A CNET review said the Nuklz N Large Print keyboard is well-suited for younger students who are new to typing, touting its simplicity and sharp, easy to see keys.
Pros: No special software required, just plug-in and use, compatible with Windows 98 and higher, Chrome OS and Mac OS
Cons: May need to be placed on a mat to keep it in place
The best vintage style keyboard
You don't need a time machine to feel as if you're typing like Hemingway with this Azio Retro Classic USB keyboard. Your choice of a leather or wood surface even makes this keyboard smell nostalgic.
The 1920's-esque design and rounded keycaps are reminiscent of retro typewriters with a few modern updates like backlighting. If you're looking for a lightweight option, this is not your keyboard. The Azio Retro Classic USB weighs a whopping four pounds.
An Engadget review lauded the use of natural wood or leather, but said it's easy to make errors if you're not used to a lot of space in between keys.
It's also worth noting that you should expect differences in design from online product pictures since each keyboard is customized with variations of leather and wood.
Pros: 6-foot-long USB cable for standing desk users, unique style
Cons: Loud clicky keyboard sound, lightweight keys feel flimsy
The best waterproof keyboard
There's no crying over spilled milk on your keyboard with the Sungwoo Foldable Silicone Keyboard. Any spilled liquid can easily be wiped away from this keyboard's silicon body.
This lightweight keyboard weighs just over seven ounces and connects to your devices via USB.
A Popular Science review said the Sungwoo Foldable Silicone Keyboard is travel-friendly because it's flexible and completely waterproof, but also points out that you'll need a firm keystroke and a hard, flat surface in order for the keys to register on your computer.
That's a decent amount of extra work for true waterproofing, but could be worth it for some seriously seeking this feature. It's also worth noting that the Sungwoo is considered dustproof and can be cleaned with water or rubbing alcohol.
Pros: Easy to clean, very flexible, same size as QWERTY keyboards
Cons: Requires hard surface and firm keystrokes to type
The best portable keyboard
The Ikos Bluetooth Folding Keyboard is so compact that, when it's folded, it's smaller than an iPhone 6 Plus and can fit right in your pocket.
This bifold style portable keyboard has a tactile feel when typing, and its case doubles as a stand for your phone or tablet. Travelers, students and commuters who crave more battery power in a Bluetooth keyboard will appreciate that just a two-hour charge produces 80 hours of battery life, so the charge lasts for about two months on standby mode. If you have some distance between your screen and keyboard, you can also use the Ikos Bluetooth Folding keyboard within a range of 10 meters from your device.
If you're using multiple devices, this keyboard's built-in memory feature will track and remember those connections. You can switch back and forth between devices by toggling between slots marked one through three. The Ikos Bluetooth Folding keyboard is compatible with mobile devices like iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Pro and iPhone as well as Windows and Android devices.
Best Reviews said you'll have to get used to the keyboard layout and a gap in the middle of the keys. It's review added that while the Ikos Bluetooth Folding keyboard is small, it's hearty batter power makes it mighty.
Other reviewers pointed out that you'll need a hard, flat surface to use it and noted that unfolding and folding the unit doesn't turn it on or off — users will have to do that manually.
Pros: Pocket size foldability, built-in Bluetooth
Cons: Gap in middle of keycaps means there's a learning curve for new users
The best quiet keyboard
Shh! You'll no longer have to worry about the sounds of your keyboard clatter with the HP Wireless Elite Keyboard V2.
This silent keyboard is sleek, stylish and costs just under $40. It can connect to up to five devices at once and has a 16-month battery life, so cutting the cord is even more practical. Don't let the HP Wireless Elite V2's slim size fool you, it's a full-size keyboard that boasts responsive keys that are soft and comfortable to type on.
This keyboard's wireless connection allows you to move it around to find the right typing distance, which stays strongest within a 10-meter radius. There are hotkeys dedicated to volume control and other desktop features as well as additional media playback controls. One of the reasons this keyboard is so quiet is it's scissor-style keys that have a silent springlike rebound.
In its review, PC World noted that the HP Wireless Elite V2's slim, low-profile keyboard responds quickly and quietly to each keystroke. Grab this one if you're trying to limit your noise pollution in an office whether it's at home or in a public space.
Pros: Soft keypad, Bluetooth, battery indicator light
Cons: Slim design may take some time to get used to
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