The 7 Best Keyboards - Winter 2022 Reviews

The best computer keyboard for gaming 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 lower provides a quick and responsive-feeling gaming experience. Setting it higher can help reduce the number of typos and accidental keystrokes you make because the keys will require more deliberate force to actuate.

You can make these adjustments to the pre-travel distance using the user-friendly SteelSeries Engine software. You can also reprogram and set macros to any key using this software, which is available on both Windows and macOS. Its latency is remarkably low, and it has full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. We tested the full-size model, which has a Numpad, but there's also 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. Also, it comes with a wrist rest to provide good ergonomics, but it's a dust magnet and gets dirty easily. If neither of these two issues bothers you and you're looking for the best keyboard available for gaming right now, this keyboard's for you.

The best wireless gaming keyboard we've tested is the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. It's a full-sized keyboard that connects wirelessly either with its USB receiver or via Bluetooth. You can also pair it wirelessly with up to three devices at a time. Despite being made mostly of plastic, it feels very well-made. It also has multiple incline settings and an included wrist rest for comfort.

It has outstanding click latency and should feel very responsive, no matter what kinds of games you play. The unit we purchased has clicky Razer Green switches, which provide more tactile feedback and are great for typing. However, it's also available with linear Razer Yellow switches that most people will likely prefer for gaming for how quick and responsive they feel. You can also reprogram or set macros to any of the keys and adjust the full RGB backlighting using the customization software.

Unfortunately, its keycaps are made of ABS plastic which is prone to developing shine from the oil on your fingers. Also, some keys don't work on macOS, and the software is only compatible with Windows. That said, it has onboard memory, so you can save custom settings and use them on a computer without the software installed. Apart from those minor shortcomings, this is a sturdy-feeling, high-performance choice for any gamer, and it's the best full-size keyboard for wireless gaming we've tested.

The best keyboard for office use that we've tested is the Logitech MX Keys. It's a full-sized keyboard with a true, low-profile design, including both low-profile keycaps and switches. It has great overall build quality and a solid metal frame that feels very sturdy. It connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth, and you can also pair it wirelessly with up to three devices simultaneously.

It has non-mechanical scissor switches that provide excellent typing quality. These switches require a bit of force to overcome a tactile bump, but they still feel light overall and are unlikely to cause fatigue, even if you're typing for long periods. This keyboard also has white backlighting with a built-in sensor that automatically switches the lighting on when it detects that you're in a low-light environment.

Unfortunately, while its switches are quiet, there's a slight pinging sound when you bottom out a key thanks to the board's metal base plate. Also, you can only customize specific keys with a list of preset functions, and you can't set macros. Lastly, there isn't an included wrist rest, although, with the board's low profile, typing is still very comfortable without one. Altogether, this is a very good wireless office keyboard, especially for fans of sleek, low-profile designs.

The best ergonomic office keyboard we've tested is the Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Split Keyboard. Working all day at your keyboard can take a toll if it isn't designed with comfort in mind. Luckily, the Logitech is a full-sized keyboard with a sweeping, curved design and a distinct set of keys for each of your hands.

The layout may take a little time to get used to, but it's designed to reduce the possibility of wrist strain and is very comfortable to use once you're used to it. It feels well-built but has a full plastic frame. It also has an included wrist rest that feels very high quality. Typing feels great as its low-profile scissor switches require quite a bit of force to actuate but provide good tactile feedback. 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 included wrist rest isn't detachable, so the keyboard takes up quite a bit of desk real estate 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. On the whole, this is a very strong ergonomic option for anyone looking for an office-oriented keyboard to make their workday a more comfortable experience.

The best keyboard for programming we've tested is the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. This full-size mechanical board comes with a plushy wrist rest and one incline setting, meant to help you type more comfortably. It also has many extra features, including dedicated media keys, a USB passthrough, and six extra macro keys.

It feels excellently well-built, with a metal top plate and a solid plastic base with only a bit of flex. It has doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel sturdy and stable. Our unit has clicky Cherry MX Blue switches which feel responsive, but they are loud to type on. However, it's available with Cherry MX Red and Brown switches, which are quieter. The keyboard has bright RGB backlighting that you can customize on a per-key basis within the iCUE software.

Unfortunately, since it's a wired board, you can't use it wirelessly or pair it to more than one device, which isn't ideal if you work on multiple devices during your day. Also, some keys, like the macro keys, don't work on macOS and Linux, but at least it has onboard memory. Overall, this is the best keyboard for programming if you're looking for a full-size model with many customization options.

The best mobile keyboard we've tested is the Logitech K380. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a model that's slim, compact, and wireless to take with you while traveling. You can pair it with up to three devices via Bluetooth and easily switch between them using the F1-F3 hotkeys. It's also compatible with most common operating systems, although some keys don't work on certain devices.

While it doesn't have any incline settings or wrist rest, it's very thin and low-profile, so typing on it is still very comfortable, even for long periods. It uses non-mechanical scissor switches that require some force to get over the tactile bump, but the overall feeling remains fairly light. It's also very quiet to type on, meaning it's suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have any backlighting, which could be an issue if you're typing in a dark room. Also, you can only customize a small number of keys, and you can only choose from a list of preset commands. Also, it uses disposable batteries instead of rechargeable ones, which some users may find disappointing. That said, this is still an amazing choice if you're looking for a small mobile device keyboard to take around with you.

The best keyboard we've tested at a budget price point is the EVGA Z15. It's a full-sized keyboard with several gaming features usually only found on higher-priced options. It also feels very sturdy, with a solid plastic case and a brushed metal backplate.

The unit we tested has clicky Kailh Speed Bronze switches, but it's also available with linear Kailh Speed Silver switches. That said, this keyboard is also hot-swappable, which is a rare feature on less expensive keyboards, and lets you swap out the stock switches for those of your choosing without needing to solder anything. Performance-wise, it has remarkably low latency making it more than up to the task of gaming in any genre. You can also set macros to any key using EVGA's Unleash RGB software. The software also lets you change key bindings, adjust the full RGB backlighting, and save settings to the onboard memory.

Unfortunately, it has cheaper-feeling ABS keycaps that may get shiny from finger oils. Most users will likely find these aren't as enjoyable to type on as PBT keycaps. Additionally, although this keyboard has good ergonomics and multiple incline settings, the wrist rest is made of hard plastic. As long as those minor issues don't bother you, this keyboard makes a great choice for anyone looking for great bang for their buck with a budget mechanical keyboard that punches above its weight.