The 7 Best Keyboards - Spring 2022 Reviews

The best gaming keyboard that we've tested is the SteelSeries Apex Pro. It's a premium mechanical keyboard that comes in two sizes: a full size with a Numpad and a TenKeyLess size without a Numpad. Regardless of what size you choose, you'll get a feature-loaded keyboard that has one of the lowest latencies we've tested, so it can handle anything you throw at it.

This keyboard has a unique feature in the software that allows you to adjust the pre-travel distance of each key on a per-key basis. It means you can lower the pre-travel distance if you want a snappier feel while gaming or raise the pre-travel distance if you also want to use this board to type up documents or chat with friends, as the higher pre-travel distance reduces accidental keystrokes. You can also use the companion software to program macros to any key and fully customize the RGB backlighting.

Unfortunately, it isn't a good fit if you're looking for a keyboard that provides audible or tactile feedback, as this keyboard is only available with linear OmniPoint switches. Also, it does come with a plushy wrist rest for added support, but the wrist rest is a dust magnet, meaning you'll have to frequently clean it. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a premium gaming board to add to your setup.

If wires aren't your style, the best wireless gaming keyboard we've tested is the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. It's a full-size model that connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or with Bluetooth. Despite its plastic build, it feels very sturdy and premium, and it also comes with a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during those long gaming sessions.

The keyboard comes with your choice of linear Razer Yellow or clicky Razer Green switches, and we purchased the variant with the Green switches. They provide an overall good typing experience with tactile feedback and a satisfying click noise. The latency of this board is outstanding, as it's one of the lowest latencies over a wireless connection that we've tested, so it's definitely up to the task of gaming in any genre. Also, every key is macro-programmable through the software, and you can also use it to customize the full RGB backlighting.

Unfortunately, despite its high performance, the keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which doesn't feel as premium as PBT and tends to develop shine from finger oils over time. Also, the software is only compatible with Windows, but if you're likely to use this as a gaming keyboard, that won't be a big issue. Overall, this board is an excellent choice if you're looking for a responsive gaming keyboard and don't want the hassle of cable management.

The Logitech MX Keys is the best office keyboard that we've tested. It's a classic office keyboard designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Though it's a very thin keyboard, it's durable, solid metal, and the low profile helps keep your wrists comfortable by allowing you to place them directly on your work surface for support.

Each keycap has a circular indent in the center to help guide your finger to the center of the key, improving your accuracy overall and helping you touch-type faster. Inside the board, there are scissor switches, which provide nice tactile feedback and a light typing experience. It also has shine-through key legends, allowing the white backlighting to shine through each key, so you can easily see the legends in the dark.

Unfortunately, you can't program macros to any of the keys, which is disappointing if you're a programmer or design professional who relies on macros for your workflow. Also, though it's a very minor complaint, there's a faint pinging sound when you bottom out the keys, so it can be distracting if you're in a silent or very noise-sensitive work environment. Overall, this is a very popular office keyboard choice and an excellent option if you're looking for a sleek and performant office keyboard.

If you're looking for a more ergonomic option to use at the office, the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard is the best ergonomic office keyboard we've tested. Although its split design layout may take some getting used to, it's intended to reduce wrist strain and discomfort by placing your wrists at a more natural distance and angle.

The sweeping, wave-like design splits the keys down the middle, so you have one set of keys for each hand. There's also an attached wrist rest for added support. The low-profile scissor switches take a bit of force to actuate, but you likely won't experience much finger fatigue during use, and the tactile feedback feels satisfying. You can connect this keyboard wirelessly with its USB receiver or via Bluetooth and can pair it with up to three devices at once. You also don't have to worry about charging cables as it uses a pair of AAA batteries.

Unfortunately, the wrist rest isn't detachable, so the keyboard takes up quite a bit of desk space and makes it less ideal for carrying around. It also has high latency, so it isn't a suitable option for gaming during off-work hours. Overall, it's a very strong ergonomic option for anyone looking for an office-oriented keyboard to make their workday a more comfortable experience.

The best programming keyboard we've tested is the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. It's a full-size mechanical keyboard with many extra features like dedicated media keys and six extra macro keys, meaning you can code without interruption. There's also a detachable wrist rest with a plushy cushion to keep you comfortable while you work.

It has an excellent build quality and uses doubleshot PBT keycaps, which are less prone to developing shine from finger oils and have a premium feel. Though our unit has clicky Cherry MX Blue switches, which are loud to type on, you can also get this board with linear Cherry MX Red or tactile Brown switches, which are quieter. All of its keys are individually backlit, so the legends are very visible in a dark room, and you can customize the RGB lighting on a per-key basis using the companion software.

Unfortunately, since it's a wired board, you can't use it wirelessly or pair it to more than one device at a time, which might be a dealbreaker if you have a multi-device set up. Also, some keys, like the macro keys, don't work on macOS and Linux. That said, it's an excellent choice if you're looking for a highly customizable option to use for coding.

The best mobile keyboard that we've tested is the Logitech K380. This slim board fits easily into backpacks, meaning you can carry it with you on the go. It connects wirelessly with up to three devices using a Bluetooth connection, and switching between devices is as simple as a keypress.

There are no incline settings, and it doesn't come with a wrist rest, but its low profile means you likely don't need one as your wrists can sit flat on a desk or table. The scissor switches inside have a mechanical bump that takes a bit of force to get over, but this helps reduce typos, and overall the typing experience is still light. The switches are also very quiet to type on, making them a good choice for use in a tight, quiet environment like a plane or train. You also won't have to worry about cable management, as it uses two AAA batteries for power.

Unfortunately, there's no backlighting of any kind, so you can't see your keys well in the dark. Also, while you can customize some keys, you can only reprogram them from a preset list of commands. With that said, it's still a high-performing and comfortable option if you're looking for a keyboard to use with your mobile devices.

If you're looking for a high-performing keyboard without breaking the bank, we recommend the EVGA Z15. Despite its budget price point, it has several features found on more premium offerings, like onboard memory, a scroll wheel at the top, and dedicated media keys. Also, it has a fantastic build quality and feels very sturdy thanks to its solid plastic case and brushed metal backplate.

Our unit has clicky Kailh Speed Bronze switches, which provide a nice feeling, but they're pretty loud, which can be disruptive if you plan to use this board in a quiet environment around others. Fortunately, you can get it with quieter linear Kailh Speed Silver switches, or, since it's hot-swappable—a rare feature on a budget board—you can replace the stock switches with any you prefer. Also, its latency is remarkably low, making it more than up to the task of gaming in any genre, and every key is macro-programmable.

Unfortunately, it has cheaper-feeling ABS keycaps that may get shiny from finger oils. Additionally, although this keyboard has good ergonomics and multiple incline settings, the wrist rest is made of hard plastic, so it isn't as comfortable as a cushioned rest. As long as those minor issues don't bother you, this keyboard makes a great choice for anyone looking for a good bang for their buck with a budget mechanical keyboard that punches above its weight.