The Ultimate Keyboards for Typing, Gaming, and More

If you’re using a computer, there’s pretty much no way around using a keyboard. It’s one of the most central interfaces of a computer. With that in mind, it’s absolutely worth seeking out the best keyboard you can get. You won’t find any shortage of options. Just like the best mice, you’ll have everything from simple wired keyboards with all the usual keys, wireless keyboards, keyboards packed with extra buttons, flashy gaming keyboards, and purpose-built keyboards that can fit just about any use case.

We’ve collected a diverse set of keyboards that can fit needs from gaming and work to travel and home entertainment. So, whether you need wired or wireless, mechanical or membrane, compact or full fat, we’ve got a keyboard to fit.

TL;DR – These are the best keyboards:

Keychron K4

Best Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2Fkeychronk41586879589165.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2Fkeychronk41586879589165_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e95dc6ae4b0599b247613c3%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbseo%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Keychron%20K4%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Keychron%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Atrue%7D”]

See it at Micro Center

The Keychron K4 is probably not on your radar unless you’re an enthusiast, but it has so much going on for it that you should consider this one no matter your needs. The Keychron K4 offers up just about everything you might require from a keyboard. It supports both a wired, USB-C connection as well as Bluetooth for pairing with almost any device.

The Keychron K4 is compact, so it will take up less of your desk space than other full-size keyboards. It also comes in a number of different configurations, including optical or Gateron mechanical key switches. All versions offer lit keycaps, but you can also go for RGB backlighting. What makes the Keychron K4 all the more impressive is that even the fully featured model with optical switches, RGB backlighting, and an aluminum frame only costs $99, while the simpler configurations cost as little as $69. That’s stunning value for such a feature-rich keyboard.

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2

Best Gaming Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F06%2F20%2FCorsairK70-Mark-21561061592357.png%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2019%2F06%2F20%2FCorsairK70-Mark-21561061592357_%7Bsize%7D.png%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225d0be8dce4b09df3380dccdb%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbr8k%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Corsair%20K70%20RGB%20MK.2%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Dell%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

When the competition is at its fiercest, you’ll want to turn to the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 (read our review). This gaming keyboard is tried and true, giving you everything you should expect from a product in its class. You’ll get Cherry MX mechanical switches with a wide choice of types, whether you like clicky Blues or the muted Silents. You can even go for a low-profile version.

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 offers USB 2.0 pass-through, onboard profiles, dedicated media buttons, a detachable wrist rest, and no shortage of fanciful RGB lights. All of that is built onto a durable, aluminum frame.

Logitech K780

Best Travel Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F10%2Flogitechk7801586558307209.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F10%2Flogitechk7801586558307209_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e90f567e4b0a11b5813cc40%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbseg%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Logitech%20K780%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Dell%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

If your work keeps you on the move, you’ll probably want to consider the best travel keyboard, the Logitech K780. This is a low-profile, membrane keyboard that connects with up to three devices over Bluetooth or one device using the Unifying USB receiver. Don’t worry about battery life dragging you down either, as it can run for up to 2 years on two AAA batteries.

The K780 also works great with mobile devices, as it has a built-in cradle that can hold up smartphones and tablets for easier viewing. If you’re working with multiple devices at the same time, the K780 also supports Logitech’s Flow software for easy switching between devices.

WhiteFox

Best Compact Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FWhiteFox1586879706962.png%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FWhiteFox1586879706962_%7Bsize%7D.png%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e95dcdfe4b0599b247613c4%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbsep%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22WhiteFox%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Kono%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

Looking for a keyboard that can get the job done with a minimal footprint on your desk? The WhiteFox Mechanical Keyboard from Input Club is ready, as it has stripped non-essential keys and squeezed everything you need into a tight design.It offers a stylish and svelte chassis made from aluminum, and offers a variety of Hako, Kaihua, or Cherry mechanical switches.

The WhiteFox may be small in size, but it’s big in customizability. You can reprogram all of the keys, making it easier to get the functionality you need. Some extra keycaps are also included, so your keyboard can more readily reflect the functions you’ve set for each key.

Corsair K83 Wireless

Best Multi-purpose Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F10%2FCorsairk831586558393072.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F10%2FCorsairk831586558393072_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e90f5bde4b0c8e1b49fa94c%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbseh%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Corsair%20K83%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Dell%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

If you want a keyboard that can do a bit of everything, the Corsair K83 Wireless (read our review) is a true standout. Whether it’s connected over Bluetooth to a mobile device, paired with a home entertainment center, or linked to a gaming PC over its 2.4GHz wireless dongle, the K83 proves a worthy device.

Its membrane key switches are pleasingly poppy, making them a joy to type on, and they offer simple backlighting for visibility in dark home theatres. The wireless dongle offers a latency-free connection for serious gaming, and there’s even a joystick and triggers on the right side for those inclined to try them out. The K83 goes even further as a multipurpose device with its inclusion of a trackpad, which makes bringing a mouse optional.

G.Skill KM360

Best Budget Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FGSkillKM3601586880509521.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FGSkillKM3601586880509521_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e95e002e4b0a11b5813ccb5%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbsef%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22G.Skill%20KM360%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Newegg%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a keyboard that can perform like a champ. The G.Skill KM360 costs just $49 while offering all the benefits of Cherry mechanical key switches. It goes even further by including an aluminum top plate and white backlighting. Even more surprisingly, it has a USB-C port, so not only do you not need to worry about damaging a non-detachable cable, but you don’t have to keep any old micro USB cables around either.

The design of the G.Skill KM360 is fairly simple, with no exciting extras like media buttons or macro keys, but it has enough to get your work done or climb the leaderboards in your favorite games. There’s both a black and white model available.

Keychron K1 (Version 3)

Best Low-Profile Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FKeychronK4-v31586879902235.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FKeychronK4-v31586879902235_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e95dda3e4b0599b247613c5%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbser%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Keychron%20K1%20(version%203)%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Keychron%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

You don’t have to get 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. The Keychron K1 offers a delightful blend of this low-profile design with Gateron Red or Blue switches and an aluminum body.

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 get your choice of simple, white backlighting or full RGB lighting. There’s also a tenkeyless version that shaves a bit off the price and size. Keychron has kept both Mac and Windows users in mind, and includes swappable keycaps for both operating systems.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop

Best Ergonomic Keyboard

[poilib element=”commerceCta” json=”%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FMicrosoftSculpt-Ergonomic-Desktop1586879944409.jpg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F04%2F14%2FMicrosoftSculpt-Ergonomic-Desktop1586879944409_%7Bsize%7D.jpg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e95ddcde4b0a11b5813ccb4%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbset%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22Microsoft%20Sculpt%20Ergonomic%20Desktop%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22Adorama%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D”]

If you do a ton of typing, you should do yourself a favor and make sure you have an ergonomic keyboard. These can help ensure your hands and wrists are in the proper alignment to avoid getting an RSI. Microsoft’s Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop keyboard delivers on this. It features a split design that can help keep you from angling your hands inward and a curved shape for wrist pronation.

If you need a higher angle, Microsoft has included a stand for reverse tilt. It also features a detached number pad. If you use it frequently, you can keep it next to the keyboard, but if you rarely need it, you can keep it out of the way and reduce the amount you have to move to reach your mouse. You’ll be doing your body a favor by typing with a proper posture, even if it does take some time to get used to the slightly unusual shape.

[widget path=”ign/modules/recirc” parameters=”title=More%20Expert%20Tech%20Roundups&type=articles%2Cvideos&tags=tech-roundup&count=4&columnCount=4&theme=article”]

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark

Source: IGN.com The Ultimate Keyboards for Typing, Gaming, and More