The 7 Best Keyboards - Summer 2021 Reviews

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the best keyboard for gaming that we've tested. It's a premium model that's available in both a TenKeyLess and full-size option, and although we tested the full-size model, we expect our results to be valid for the TKL keyboard as well. It's very well-built and packed with features that should please most gamers.

The stand-out feature of this keyboard is the customizable switches. You can adjust the pre-travel distance on each key to your liking; a lower setting results in a responsive gaming experience with low operating force, and a higher setting can help with typing accuracy. All keys are macro-programmable through the SteelSeries Engine software, which is available on both Windows and macOS. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys and dedicated media keys to easily skip through your music when gaming.

Unfortunately, it only comes with proprietary OmniPoint switches, which have a linear feel and don't provide tactile feedback that some people are looking for when typing. Also, since it's wired-only, you can't connect it to any mobile device. If these issues don't bother you, this is one of the best keyboards we've tested.

The best keyboard for office use that we've tested is the Logitech MX Keys. It's a full-size wireless board with tactile scissor switches that feel fairly light overall, although they do require some force to get over the tactile bump. The switches are quiet, so typing shouldn't bother those around you, even in a noise-sensitive environment.

The keys are indented to make it easier to hit the key in the center, which should help reduce typos. While it doesn't come with a wrist rest or incline settings, the board has a low profile and should still feel comfortable. It has white backlighting with individually-lit keys, and there's a built-in sensor that turns the backlighting on automatically in the dark. You can pair it with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth and its unifying USB receiver.

Unfortunately, although you can remap some of the buttons to a preset list of functions, you can't set macros to any of the keys, which may be disappointing for some people. All in all, this is a good option if you're looking for a low-profile office keyboard with wireless connectivity.

If you're a programmer then the best keyboard for that use is the Razer BlackWidow Elite. It's similar to the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro, but since it's wired you can't connect to multiple devices at once. Still, it's great for programming and versatile for other uses too.

All keys are macro-programmable through the Razer Synapse 3, and you can also customize the full RGB backlighting with it, which is great if you need to use it in a dark environment. It's available with tactile Razer Orange, clicky Green, and linear Yellow switches, so you can easily get the ones you prefer. We tested the Orange switches, which have a low pre-travel distance, offer nice tactile feedback, and are light to press, so they offer an excellent overall typing experience. It also has good ergonomics with a detachable wrist rest.

Unfortunately, the Synapse 3 isn't available on macOS, so if you want to use your settings on a Mac you'll need to save them to the onboard memory from a Windows PC first. If that isn't a problem or you simply don't have Mac, then it's one of the best keyboards for programming.

The best keyboard to use with mobile devices that we've tested is the Logitech K380. This compact 65% board is light and thin, making it very easy to slip into a bag. You can pair it with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, and it's compatible with many mobile operating systems, although some functions may not work.

It uses tactile scissor switches that require some force to get over the tactile bump, but their overall feeling remains fairly light. They're very quiet to type on, so they shouldn't bother those around you, even in quiet environments. It has a dedicated function row with media hotkeys, and there are three buttons to easily switch between your paired devices.

Unfortunately, there's no backlighting, so it may be hard to see the key legends when you're in a dimmer room. While you can program a few of the function keys to a preset list of functions, you can set any macros. Also, the Logitech Options software isn't available on mobile device operating systems. All in all, this is a great option if you're looking for a slim board to use with your mobile devices.

The Logitech G413 is the best cheap keyboard we've tested. It's a basic mechanical gaming keyboard that still offers good features for its low price. It comes with proprietary Romer-G tactile switches and most people should be happy with its low operating force and good tactile feedback, but it's not available with other switches.

It feels very well-built with an aluminum top plate, so the entire keyboard is solid. The doubleshot ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap and easily develop oil shine, but that's somewhat expected for a cheap keyboard. It has very low latency for a responsive gaming experience, and you can program macros to any of the function keys through the Logitech G HUB software. Our unit has red backlighting with individually-lit keys, and there's a variant with white backlighting if you prefer that.

Unfortunately, it lacks a wrist rest. You may feel some fatigue after typing on it for longer periods, but it shouldn't be too bad. On the plus side, it has a few extra features like a USB passthrough, so you can connect other devices directly to the keyboard instead of the computer. Overall, considering its price point and features, it's one of the best keyboards we've tested.