The 7 Best Keyboards - Fall 2021 Reviews

The best computer keyboard for gaming that we've tested is the SteelSeries Apex Pro. As a wired-only model, it has a unique feature that lets you customize the pre-travel distance of each key. Setting it to the lowest helps provide a quick and responsive gaming experience while setting it to its max introduces some force needed to actuate the key, which helps reduce the number of typos.

You can set the pre-travel distance through the user-friendly SteelSeries Engine software. You can also reprogram and set macros to any key using the software, available on both Windows and macOS, and the keyboard has onboard memory if you need to switch computers. Latency is low, and it has full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. We tested the full-size model, which has a Numpad, but there's a TenKeyLess version available if you prefer something smaller.

Unfortunately, because the switches have a linear feel, typing may feel too sensitive to some because there's no tactile feedback. It comes with a wrist rest to provide good ergonomics, but it's a dust magnet. If neither of these two tiny issues bothers you, it's 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 keyboard with tactile scissor switches that feel fairly light, although they require some force to get over the tactile bump. They're 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 keyboard 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.

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. You can pair it with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth and its unifying USB receiver, and switching between each is easy. All in all, this is a good option if you're looking for a low-profile office keyboard with wireless connectivity.

The best keyboard for programming that we've tested is the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. It's a feature-rich keyboard designed for gaming, and it offers great performance for a programming keyboard. You can reprogram or set macros to any of its keys, and it has six dedicated macro keys on the left side.

This keyboard is available in three types of mechanical Cherry MX switches: linear Speed, tactile Brown, and clicky Blue. The Blue ones we tested provide good tactile feedback, and if they're too loud for an office environment, you can easily get either of the two other types of switches, which should be quieter. Typing quality is excellent thanks to the doubleshot PBT keys, and all keys feel stable. Ergonomics are good because it has one incline setting, and it comes with a comfortable wrist rest.

Since it's a wired-only keyboard, it obviously can't be used with multiple devices at once, which is a bit disappointing for those who prefer wireless options. On the plus side, it has excellent build quality with a solid metal top plate. Overall, if you're a programmer, this is the best keyboard for your needs.

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 function keys 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 switch between your paired devices.

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

The best keyboard that you can get for cheap is the Logitech G413. It's an entry-level mechanical option that provides fantastic gaming performance. It's available in two different color and lighting schemes. However, since it only comes with Romer-G Tactile switches, our review is valid for either variant.

The tactile switches have a low pre-travel distance, even lower than other gaming keyboards, and they're light to press, so they provide a quick and responsive gaming experience. Latency is also extremely low, meaning that you won't experience any delay. Typing quality feels good, and you shouldn't experience too much fatigue, but the keys feel a bit stiff at times, and it doesn't come with a wrist rest. It has backlighting, but it's limited to a single color.

While you can set macros to the function keys, you can only do so with those keys and not all of them. The doubleshot ABS keycaps feel a bit cheap and develop oil shine. It's a full-size keyboard, and the cable isn't detachable, so it's not ideal for your travel bag. If these issues don't bother you, it's one of the best keyboards we've tested.