The 6 Best Keyboards For Writers - Spring 2020
Reviews

The best keyboard for writers that we've reviewed so far is the Razer BlackWidow Elite. The unit that we reviewed features Razer's proprietary Orange switches, which are similar to Cherry MX Brown switches, but you also can get it with Green (tactile and clicky) or Yellow (linear and silent) switches. The Orange switches provide great tactile feedback when typing and they're nearly silent, making this keyboard suitable for quiet offices. Typing on this keyboard feels light and responsive, and a well-padded wrist rest is included for optimal comfort. Overall build quality is excellent and the doubleshot keycaps ensure that key legends won't fade over time.

This keyboard comes with a ton of extra features that are quite convenient. It has dedicated media controls, a USB passthrough to charge mobile devices or to connect another peripheral, and full RGB backlighting for those who like to work in the dark. Each key's backlight can be customized individually, and you can reprogram or set macros to any key. Profiles can be saved on the keyboard's onboard memory, making it easy to switch to another computer, or they can be saved using Razer's Synapse 3 software. Sadly, the latter is only available for Windows, but macOS and Linux users can still program macros using hotkeys.

If you're a writer or you spend all day typing, this keyboard is worth a try.

The best ergonomic keyboard for writers that we've tested so far is the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard. It has a split keyboard design and reverse incline settings to help promote a natural typing position. The built-in wrist rest is well-padded and covered with a fabric that feels very premium. Although the scissor switches require a bit of force to actuate, the overall typing experience is very pleasant, as the switches have a very pronounced tactile bump and their low pre-travel distance make the keyboard feel extremely responsive. That said, the keyboard's unconventional layout does have a bit of a learning curve and you may notice a greater number of typos at first.

This keyboard can be paired to multiple devices simultaneously to make multitasking easy. Using its unifying USB receiver and through Bluetooth, and you can switch between the paired devices with a press of a button. Logitech's Options software lets you reprogram the function keys; however, it's only available for Windows and macOS, so Linux users won't be able to customize. There are also a few other downsides with this keyboard: it doesn't have backlighting, it uses disposable batteries, and the keycaps are pad-printed, which means that key legends can fade or chip with regular use.

If ergonomics are a priority or you're concerned about repetitive strain injuries, this keyboard could be a good option.

The best non-mechanical keyboard for writers that we've tested so far is the Logitech MX Keys. This wireless keyboard has scissor switches that feel great to type on, and it has indented keycaps that can help with typing accuracy. The wrist rest is sold separately, but most people find the keyboard's low-profile design fairly comfortable. The keys are backlit and the function keys are programmable using Logitech's Options software. This software is compatible with Windows and macOS, so Linux users won't be able to reprogram keys, even though all keys function properly.

This keyboard has a multi-device pairing feature to let you switch easily between paired devices, and its rechargeable battery can last up to 5 months with the backlight turned off; however, this isn't something that we test for. Typing noise is very quiet so you won't have to worry about bothering your colleagues if you work in a noise-sensitive environment. If mechanical keyboards don't suit you, this is a great option.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is the best keyboard for writers in the budget category that we've reviewed so far. This full-size keyboard has a great build quality despite its fully plastic frame, and the keys are very stable, with no signs of wobbling at all. The rubber dome switches provide good tactile feedback, but some may find them a bit mushy. These switches also require a bit more force to get over the tactile bump, which can be a bit tiring, but they're also good for typing accuracy, as the switches require a more deliberate key press which helps to reduce unintended keystrokes.

Unfortunately, while the keyboard has RGB backlighting, it's zone-lit rather than individually-lit. You still have a decent amount of customization options, though. Using SteelSeries' Engine software, you can customize the keyboard's backlight, reprogram keys, and save profiles. There's a cloud sync option to export your profiles if you need to switch to another computer, as the keyboard doesn't have any onboard memory. If you're shopping on a budget and you don't mind typing on a membrane keyboard, this one is a good choice.