The 6 Best Keyboards For Writers - Summer 2021 Reviews

The best keyboard for writers with mechanical switches that we've tested is the Razer BlackWidow Elite. This wired, full-size option is a great choice for writers due to its excellent typing quality and build quality. It feels solid and doesn't exhibit much flex, and the ABS plastic keycaps don't feel cheap. Even if it's a straight keyboard, it has good ergonomics thanks to the two incline settings and the included wrist rest.

The model we tested has proprietary Razer Orange switches, which have short pre-travel and give nice tactile feedback. You can also choose clicky Razer Green or linear Razer Yellow switches if that's what you prefer. The keys are stable and well-spaced out, which should help reduce typos. It has full RGB backlighting and programmable macros, both of which can be customized in the companion software.

Unfortunately, the Razer Synapse 3 software is only available on Windows, and the Scroll Lock and Pause/Break keys don't work on macOS. Also, the wrist rest is prone to sliding around when using it, which may be annoying if you plan on typing for hours on end. That said, if you want a mechanical model with great typing quality and comfort, this is a good choice, and it's the best keyboard for typing all day.

The best keyboard for writers with an ergonomic design that we've tested is the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard. This full-size option is an excellent choice for those working in an office or writing all day. It has outstanding ergonomics and feels very comfortable to use, thanks to the curved design. The frame itself is entirely made out of plastic and has a bit of flex to it, but it doesn't feel cheap.

It features typical scissor switches that have nice tactile feedback. There's a noticeable bump before actuation that requires a lot of force to get over, but it remains very quiet and shouldn't bother anyone around you. Because it has a curved design, the keys are in a non-standard layout and may feel odd at first, which could increase typos. However, once you get used to it, you should have a great typing experience.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have any backlighting, and it needs AAA batteries to function. Also, while you can reprogram some keys to a preset list of functions, you can't program any macros. The keycaps are pad-printed, which means the key legends might fade or chip over time. That said, if you want a very comfortable typing experience for long days of writing, this is the best keyboard for typing all day with an ergonomic design.

The Logitech MX Keys is the best keyboard for fast typing with non-mechanical switches. It's a well-built option that has a few extra features, and it has multi-device pairing that allows you to connect with up to three devices via Bluetooth or its proprietary receiver.

The typing quality on this keyboard is great. The keys are made of ABS plastic, which feel stable and are intended to make it easier to actuate each key without accidentally pressing the wrong key. It features typical scissor switches, which have a low pre-travel distance, and even though they might feel a bit heavy to press for a non-mechanical switch, they offer good tactile feedback, so you know when you're about to actuate a key. It has white backlighting, which is great for working in a dark environment, and you can reprogram some of the functions.

Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, and there aren't any incline settings, so you can't customize its position. Still, it has a low enough profile that you shouldn't feel tired typing on it for long periods. Although it doesn't have onboard memory, you can still save your settings and use it on another computer if you have a Logitech account. All in all, this is one of the best non-mechanical keyboards for writers.

The best keyboard for writers in the budget category that we've tested is the Logitech K780. This full-size keyboard has a solid plastic frame that exhibits very little flex and feels decently built. It doesn't have any incline settings or wrist rest, but its low profile should make it comfortable to use for extended periods.

Compared to other budget-oriented models, it has many features that may be worth the extra cost to some people. It pairs wirelessly with up to three devices via Bluetooth or its proprietary USB receiver, it has a built-in cradle to hold mobile devices or a tablet, and you can use the Logitech Options software to reprogram some function keys. Typing is very quiet, responsive, and feels great, as the scissor-switch keys have a short pre-travel distance.

Unfortunately, the circular keycaps feel a bit cheap, and the tactile bump is a bit on the heavy side, but your fingers still shouldn't tire out while using it. It doesn't have any backlighting, its two AAA batteries will eventually need replacing, and the companion software also offers only very limited customizability. However, its great typing quality and extra features offer good value, and it's the best keyboard for typing all day in this price range that we've tested.