The Best Computer Keyboard Picks for 2021
If you ever use a desktop computer or even a laptop or tablet, a keyboard is a necessity. While many computers come with keyboards, they may not be comfortable or have the features you need.Whether you need a gaming keyboard, a mechanical keyboard, or a wireless keyboard, our complete list of the best keyboards has the ideal choice for everyone. Our recommended choice is the Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2 since it has all the features one would want. Keep reading to find the keyboard that’s best suited for your needs.
The best keyboards at a glance
The best keyboard overall: Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2
Why you should buy it:Everything this keyboard does, it does amazingly well.
Who it’s for:Anyone who wants the best keyboard for a wide variety of tasks from gaming to everyday work.
What we thought of the Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2:
The best keyboard should have a sturdy design, mechanical keys for the feel and response, customizable options, great media controls, and RGB lighting. This second-generation Corsair Strafe keyboard has all that and more.
The mechanical keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX switches that include gold contacts for maximum precision and can be replaced if any are damaged. There are multiple customization options for buttons and RGB lighting, with 8MB of onboard storage for holding data on several different profiles if you want to switch between different setups for different games.
There are also multimedia and volume controls on the top for instant adjustments and a handy USB pass-through port that allows you to attach a mouse or a headset directly to your keyboard. It even comes with a comfortable wrist rest for long sessions of typing or gaming. The Corsair Strafe 2 has all the features we like to see in a keyboard, each with top-notch quality and excellent usability.
The best gaming keyboard: Logitech G Pro X
Why you should buy it: Its swappable switches mean it could last forever, though it’s already a great gaming keyboard.
Who it’s for: Frequent LAN gamers and any other gamer looking for an excellent and comfortable experience.
What we thought of the Logitech G Pro X:
Logitech’s G Pro X is a fantastic, compact gaming keyboard that ditches the number pad for a more dense, portable design. Not only does it sport a more restrained form, but it also has a unique feature in the way you can swap out the mechanical switches if they die (or you just don’t like them). Compatible with both Logitech’s own GX switches and Cherry’s MX range, you can effectively equip this board with whatever you want. Just swap in the switches when you want them using the handy picker tool.
The Logitech G Pro X is also packed with top-tier gaming features, including fully customizable RGB lighting, solid media controls, and a swappable cable that removes one more potential point of failure and makes it more portable. We loved how durable this keyboard was and could be, and we think it’s one of the best we’ve used in some time. If you don’t care about swapping switches, though, the new, standard G Pro is much the same, but without that one feature — and it’s $30 cheaper.
Read our full Logitech G Pro X review
The best mechanical keyboard: Das Keyboard Prime 13
Why you should buy it: Great for typing and gaming, the Das Keyboard Prime 13 ditches gamer aesthetic for a sold experience.
Who it’s for: Anyone who enjoys the benefits of a mechanical keyboard.
What we thought of the Das Keyboard Prime 13:
Das Keyboard might not be a name you’re familiar with, but it should be on any prospective keyboard buyer’s radar. It produces fantastic keyboards that ditch most of the unnecessary and gamer-ish features currently distracting modern-day mechanical keyboards.
Designed with a minimalist look and feel, the Prime 13 may seem a little too uniform — it’s surprisingly understated. But that could be just what you’re looking for if you don’t feel the need to pay through the nose for extraneous plastic or RGB lighting. We love the Prime 13’s simple, white backlighting — especially the side-mounted media key indicators and its crisp, clean lines that help it fit in well in a home or work office environment.
The Das Keyboard Prime 13 also features a USB pass-through port, fantastic keycaps, and Cherry MX Brown switches (a personal favorite of ours) that are fast and quiet, so you won’t annoy your house or workmates. Overall, it’s a pure, clean keyboard with a great feature set at a decent price.
The best wireless keyboard: Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Why you should buy it:It’s a wireless keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice feel or performance.
Who it’s for:Those who want the versatility of a wireless keyboard but need to be sure they still get all the top-tier features they want.
What we thought of Logitech G915 Lightspeed:
Wireless keyboards are natural companions to more flexible computing arrangements and more casual positions, but people sometimes worry about performance issues or lack of quality when going wireless. No need to worry with the G915: It’s a wireless keyboard created to provide high-performance results with low-profile mechanical keys that deliver a 1ms report rate, which Logitech claims outdoes many wired keyboards.
We especially like the slimmed-down design of this Logitech keyboard, which makes it easier to find the right position or even hold it in your lap. There’s also unobtrusive RGB lighting that can be customized per key as desired or even synced to music and games. The battery takes around three hours to charge and can deliver up to 30 hours of gaming before needing a power connection. There are also five G Keys that you can customize with macros of your own for often-needed tasks, plus a volume roller and dedicated media controls.
Device connections work via either USB or Bluetooth, and you can always plug in the Logitech G915 if desired. But when a wireless keyboard works this well without cables, there’s really no reason to worry about it until it’s time to charge up.
The best iPad keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
Why you should buy it:It’s easily the best option if you want to use your iPad Pro more like a laptop at times.
Who it’s for:Serious users who want the best keyboard and trackpad options to transform the iPad into a serviceable laptop alternative.
What we thought of the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro:
Apple has an array of Magic Keyboards for various Mac and iOS devices, all durable, flat keyboards with quick responses and a general Apple aesthetic. But when it came to the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, Apple understands that people expect a bit more.
This iPad keyboard is made to both magnetically connect to and prop up iPad Pro models for serious, long-term work. The keys are full size, backlit, and use a scissor mechanism with a 1mm travel time. That magnetic attachment also can charge the iPad Pro via a USB-C connection on the keyboard, which leaves the USB-C port on the iPad open for other attachments (something many professional users desperately need).
But, as you can see, the keyboard also includes a trackpad, which may seem like a strange addition to a keyboard designed specifically for the iPad. The key is in updates Apple made to iPadOS around the same time, which creates a cursor option on the iPad that doesn’t act quite like a typical mouse cursor, but rather a little bubble. It’s ideal for more precise actions, like copying and pasting.
The Apple Magic Keyboard is also flat — very flat — which may take a little getting used to if you’ve never used a Magic Keyboard often. However, the flat shape does make it easier to quickly stow away with your iPad when on the move and slide back out when setting up. All in all, iPad Pro users couldn’t ask for a better companion.
The best Android keyboard: Logitech MX Keys
Why you should buy it:The smooth, concave keys are perfect for speedy Android work.
Who it’s for: People who need to do serious business or communication on their Android device.
What we thought of the Logitech MX Keys:
Logitech’s MX Keys is a wireless keyboard that pairs with up to three devices at once, much like our favorite wireless keyboards. It sports keycaps that offer both Windows and MacOS indicators, which are complemented by six levels of uniform backlighting throughout the board.
Adding to the backlighting is a magnetic field that detects your hands as they move across the keyboard, making it easy to use in the dark. You also can share files across any paired computer thanks to Logitech Options software. This keyboard is deceptively sturdy, too.
At $100, the Logitech MX Keys is not a cheap office keyboard. However, if you want something truly special that’s fully Android compatible, there’s nothing quite like it.
The best ergonomic keyboard: Logitech Ergo K860
Why you should buy it:It offers comfortable, protective features for your fingers and wrists, no matter what position you’re in.
Who it’s for:Anyone wary of fatigue or wrist problems after long sessions of work.
What we thought of the Logitech Ergo K860:
Ergonomic keyboards can come in a bewildering number of shapes and sizes, but Logitech hit gold with this Ergo model, which provides important wrist support without being intimidating to use. The angled key sections, plus the cushioned rest, helps keep carpal tunnel at bay, while the sloped design and scooped keys ensure your fingers won’t easily get tired even during long sessions of work.
The slope and rest are also adjustable to three different levels, so you can change them to find which works best (for sitting versus standing, for example). But the Logitech Ergo keyboard isn’t just comfortable — it also has several features ideal for professionals, including FN keys that can be customized with macros and a full number pad. It can also go wireless up to more than 30 feet. Oh, and it’s fully compatible with Windows or MacOS. Pair it with a Logitech ergonomic mouse for the best results — you can often order them both together in a bundle to save money if you prefer.
The best Mac keyboard: Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard
Why you should buy it:It’s the best keyboard experience you can find for Macs.
Who it’s for:Any Mac user who wants to upgrade their experience or would prefer a mechanical keyboard.
What we thought of the Satechi Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard:
The Magic Keyboard included with Macs is fine, but it’s not perfect: This Satechi model is a wireless alternative with an excellent set of features and enhanced scissor-switch keys. The aluminum design is sturdy, and the layout includes both a numeric keypad and hotkeys devoted to MacOS functions.
The Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to switch between up to three devices, so it’s also a great pick for switch between your Mac and your iPad on the fly, or similar situations where you may want to manage multiple devices. The Satechi wireless keyboard offers a battery life of up to 80 hours of work, and recharges via a USB-C port.
The best customizable mechanical keyboard: Steelseries Apex Pro
Why you should buy it:You can customize this keyboard to be as responsive as you want.
Who it’s for:Gamers and professionals who know exactly how they want a keystroke to feel.
What we thought of the Steelseries Apex Pro:
This version of the excellent Apex Pro features “OmniPoint” keys, which means they have customizable actuation — in other words, the switches on this mechanical keyboard are equipped with magnetic sensors that allow users to choose the sensitivity of every key, choosing when the keystroke is registered based on how deeply they want to press or feel the key. Each key can be adjusted between 0.4mm (extra fast response) and 3.6mm (deep press for clear confirmation).
That’s very useful if you like tinkering with your keyboard, but it’s only the start of the features on this SteelSeries. The frame is made of durable aluminum to last a lifestyle, the keys have individual RGB lighting, and there’s USB pass-through for managing other accessories. Users can also create up to five different profiles, and the keyboards are smart enough to switch between key sensitivity settings based on the app you are using (a text editor vs. an online FPS, for example). We also like the design of the volume controls and the OLED smart display for keeping track of all your specific settings.
Finally, the Steelseries Apex Pro comes with a magnetic wrist rest to help prevent long-term wrist problems and keep you comfortable during long play sessions. This keyboard is for those who are willing to put the time in for an incredibly personalized experience — it may take some work, but you really can get that perfect response you’ve been looking for.
The best analog keyboard: Razer Huntsman V2
Why you should buy it:It’s a high-quality analog keyboard favoring greater control over each keystroke.
Who it’s for:Gamers who prefer analog response on their keyboards for deliberate control.
What we thought of the Razer Huntsman V2:
When it comes to keys, “analog” means that the key responds differently depending on how deeply you press it down. Press only a little, and you get just a little response. Press down deeply, and you get maximum response — think of it like using a joystick on a game controller, and how you can shift between walking and running depending on how far the joystick is moved. Analog keyboards serve a similar purpose, allowing you to control movement and aim-down-sight controls more precisely.
This feature is made with gamers in mind, but Apex’s optical switch keyboard is deeply impressive beyond its analog properties. It’s made to be extra-durable, and comes with both individual key lighting and underglow RGB lighting, along with Razer’s dependable RGB software for syncing your lighting together, the keyboard also includes a digital dial and four customizable media keys for swiftly controlling playback, as well as a comfortable magnetic wrist rest.
Keep in mind, if you don’t really like the analog response, you can use settings on the Razer Huntsman V2 to set your preferred actuation point instead, although this will take a bit more work than analog mode. If you’ve never tried gaming with an analog keyboard before, we suggest you experiment with it before buying one — you may find it difficult to believe you ever lived without such a responsive feature.
Research and buying tips
How does a keyboard work?
Underneath each key, there is an electrical switch, and the full array of switches is called a key matrix. These switches come in many different designs, but they all serve the same purpose: When you press down on a key, the key presses down on the switch and completes a circuit. This sends a signal to your computer, which is programmed to know the key matrix and understand where that specific signal is coming from. It then registers the character of the key you pressed — and if you hold down the key, it will register it multiple times.
Wired vs. wireless: Which should I get?
Traditionally, wireless keyboards were easier to move around but somewhat slower to activate due to sending a wireless signal, while wired keyboards were faster but can’t be repositioned as easily. These days, there are high-quality wireless keyboards that have a negligible lag time, so there are fewer differences. However, if you’re interested in professional gaming or similar activities, the reliability of a wired keyboard is still a nice feature, as battery life can affect keyboard performance and use time.
What is a mechanical keyboard?
Mechanical keyboards use full switches with metal contacts and a small spring and avoid digital contact designs. This makes them one of the largest and loudest types of keyboards. However, they are also very durable and highly responsive, with clicks and bounces that make it easy to tell exactly how the keys are responding and when switches have been activated. As a result, they are a popular choice for fast, accurate keyboard work, seen in everything from gaming to professional work. The construction of the keys also makes them easier to replace than other designs.
What is a scissor keyboard?
A scissor keyboard uses plastic cross switches shaped a little like a pair of scissors. When pressed, the two pieces close together and activate. This design is not as responsive as a mechanical keyboard, but it does allow keys to have a much lower profile. That makes it a very common choice for compact keyboards, laptop and tablet keyboards, and similar models.
What is a butterfly keyboard?
A butterfly keyboard looks like an inverted scissor keyboard: Two cross switches meet in the middle and are pushed down to activate (like a butterfly’s wings flapping down). Apple created this design to create the slimmest keyboard possible. However, in recent years Apple has backed away from the butterfly design and gone back to a scissor-based keyboard, which tends to have a better feel and is more resistant to damage and dust.
What should I look for in a keyboard?
Start with the most important considerations. If you struggle with finger or wrist pain, look for an ergonomic keyboard or one with wrist support. If you are a competitive gamer, make sure you choose a keyboard that has key remapping and fast switches. If you need a numeric keypad, make sure it’s included. Always confirm that the keyboard will work with the devices you have in mind, too.
Otherwise, it’s a good idea to try out different types of keyboards in person, so you know which one is most comfortable. Some people love the feel and responsiveness of mechanical keyboards, while others find them too loud and expensive. Find out what kind of keyboard you currently use, and if possible, experiment with different keyboards in person before buying.
Where can you find the best deals on keyboards?
As with many electronics, it’s always a good idea to watch for deals on holiday weekends and similar occasions (Amazon Prime Day, etc.). However, if you want to cut straight to the current discounts, we keep our keyboard deal guides updated with the latest offerings, so that’s an excellent place to start. It’s also worth thinking about stores where you can get credit from trading in older computers or electronics, then use that credit to purchase your preferred keyboard.
Editors’ Recommendations
