The 5 Best Keyboards For Typing - Winter 2023 Reviews

We've tested and typed on a lot of models and found the best keyboard for typing is the Keychron Q2, thanks to its sturdy build quality and excellent typing experience right out of the box. The Q2 has a compact size which hits a sweet spot between space-saving and utility without feeling cramped. While it lacks a Numpad, it keeps the arrow keys and several important navigational keys, like "Home" and "Insert", which are helpful for writing.

Part of what makes this keyboard a dream is that you can customize aspects of it to perfectly suit your needs and preferences. It has a hot-swappable PCB, which means you can pop out the default switches for switches of your choosing. Or, if you're more into tinkering, you can use an included toolkit to make other changes, like adding additional sound dampening or changing the plate for an entirely different sound profile.

The customization isn't just physical, either. This keyboard is fully compatible with VIA software, which is easy to use and allows you to change key assignments, program macros to any key, and customize the RGB backlighting. While we recommend the Q2 here for its space-saving purposes, you won't go wrong with any keyboard in the Q-series. Each board shares the same incredible build quality with high-quality materials. There's a size for everyone, from the full-sized Keychron Q6 to the tiny Keychron Q4 or the TenKeyLess Keychron Q3 in between.

If the price tag and the customization factors of the Keychron Q2 don't appeal to you, we recommend the Razer Pro Type Ultra. In exchange for customizability, this keyboard offers wireless versatility, so you can connect it with its USB receiver to use with select Razer productivity mice, or you can pair it with up to three devices via Bluetooth. If you're a writer looking for a keyboard capable of double-duty for gaming after you're done with work, this keyboard boasts excellent gaming performance with split millisecond latency for a responsive in-game experience.

With a battery life of over 200 hours with the white backlighting off, you also won't have to worry about charging frequently, and the included wrist rest is very comfortable to use and keeps your fingers hovering right over the keys. The switches on this unit are very sensitive, and while that's great for avoiding finger fatigue while typing, it can mean you're more likely to register accidental keypresses if you graze any nearby keys. Fortunately, the keycaps have a soft-touch covering that provides grip.

If you're concerned about the sensitive switches, check out the older version of this keyboard, the Razer Pro Type. This older version uses tactile Razer Orange switches, which have more resistance and aren't as sensitive, so they aren't quite as delicate to use.

At a mid-range price point, we recommend the Logitech MX Keys. While the above picks are mechanical keyboards, the Logitech MX Keys goes back to basics. It uses scissor switches—which are typically found in laptop keyboards—making this a familiar-feeling option for most. This straightforward model has a sleek, dark grey and black aesthetic with white-only backlighting that looks professional in any setup.

What it lacks in extra features, it makes up for in design touches. Its flat, low profile means you can rest your wrists directly on your work surface to type comfortably. Each keycap has an indent in the middle that helps guide your fingers into the center and avoid accidental keystrokes on neighboring keys. As this is a wireless unit, you don't have to worry about cable management, and thanks to its long battery life of up to five months, you don't need to worry about constantly recharging it.

As mentioned, the low profile is comfortable to use. However, if you're prone to wrist pain and are interested in something with a more ergonomic design, the Logitech ERGO K860 is also a solid, mid-range option. Its split design reduces strain on the fingers, wrists, and shoulders since your arms are in a more natural position during use. Though, the split layout might take a bit of getting used to at first.

Of all the budget keyboards we've tested, the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 takes the crown. This little unit is portable thanks to its compact design and lightweight plastic build. Its small footprint clears up space on your desk for keeping your water bottle, coffee mug, phone, and whatever else you need for your workflow right where you need them. This unit also has excellent wireless versatility. It connects with up to three devices at once using Bluetooth, or you can get a variant that includes a USB receiver, which is great if you tend to work in areas with a lot of Bluetooth noise, like an office or a co-working space. The battery life isn't excellent, but it promises around 10 hours of active use, and you can always continue to use it while it charges with a standard wired connection.

There are a few other variants of this keyboard available, like a variant with full RGB backlighting or a hot-swappable variant that allows you to easily swap out the switches, which is particularly impressive given its low price point. Whatever option you spring for, you're guaranteed a solid typing experience without breaking the bank.

Even if your budget is incredibly tight, you can still find a good unit. The best cheap typing keyboard that we've tested is the Logitech K380. This little unit is very popular among students and on-the-go professionals who need a light, portable keyboard to slide into a laptop bag or toss into a backpack. It comes in several colors, including a newly released "Blueberry" option, so you don't have to limit yourself to the classic grey and black offerings that are the default of cheap units.

This keyboard supports a Bluetooth connection with up to three devices at once, making it great for use in multi-device setups with tablets, phones, or laptops. You can easily change between paired devices using a hotkey in the function row, making the pairing process quite intuitive. Though, it's important to note that while its compact size and thin frame are excellent for portability, it can take a little bit to get used to the layout as the keys are smaller than average and can feel a little cramped. That said, there's enough space in between the keys to help you avoid typos, and once you're used to the layout, typing is a breeze.