The best keyboard in 2024: our picks for typing and gaming
Because your computer deserves only the best keyboard
Choosing the best keyboard for your PC is a decision that’s more important than you may first think.
After all, you’re going to sit in front of it for countless hours, so you deserve something that can accommodate your needs. Basic keyboards are OK in a pinch, but they don’t prioritize features that will help you achieve your productivity goals, and they certainly don’t offer much in terms of ergonomics.
And while the best keyboards around can get a bit pricey for a peripheral, now's the time keyboard manufacturers start rolling out Black Friday deals on their flagship and popular budget models.
Top-tier choices such as the Logitech Signature K650 offer across-the-board quality for managing workloads. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it’s lightweight, comfortable to use, and delivers a great typing experience. With multi-connectivity options and a 36-hour battery life, you also get the benefit of plenty of versatility. And with handy features like its mic mute button, it makes those remote meetings a breeze to handle.
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-priced that doesn’t skimp on performance, the Cherry Stream Desktop keyboard is a real winner. This Cherry SX scissor-switch keyboard provides a fluid and comfortable typing experience and benefits from an easy-breezy setup. It might not be much of a looker, but it does a great job of balancing price and functionality.
In our list below, we’ve gathered our picks of the best keyboards you can buy today. This list covers everything, including the best gaming keyboards and the best mini keyboards, as well as the best models for workload management. So dive in to find out which of our selections is the best fit for all your typing needs.
The quick list
The best keyboard overall
It's pretty tough to argue against the value the Logitech Signature K650 keyboard offers. It's a wireless board with a comfortable typing feel, a ton of added functionality for quick commands, and a very reasonable price tag.
For
- Very reasonably priced
- Lots of dedicated keys to improve workflow
- Long battery life
Against
- Palm rest doesn’t add anything to the experience
- Keys can feel a little squishy
The best budget keyboard
If you're looking for utility and comfort at a price that won't make your wallet weep, the Cherry Stream Desktop is an excellent choice.
For
- Incredibly straightforward and easy setup
- Keyboard great to type on
- Mouse has great palm support
- Wireless
- Relatively quiet
- Very affordable
Against
- Plain design
- Mouse buttons could be better
- Only one connectivity option
- Keyboard is massive
The best premium keyboard
This keyboard is fantastic for gaming, media enjoyment, and productivity work alike, thanks in no small part to its surprisingly-quiet linear key switches.
For
- Great connectivity options
- Solid battery life
- Yellow mechanical switch are extremely fast and responsive
Against
- High angle of keys can make typing uncomfortable for some
- Razer Synapse software is only available for Windows
The best compact keyboard
Reclaim your desk real estate without compromising on performance or typing feel. Compatible with both Windows and Mac, Keychron's C3 Pro is an outstanding jack-of-all-trades option.
For
- Mac and Windows compatibility
- Extremely affordable price
- Solid design
- Respectable typing and gaming performance
Against
- Won’t impress serious gamers
- USB-C connection is awkwardly placed
- Red is the only key light color
The best keyboard for travel
For when you need to stick a keyboard in your bag and get out the door. The MX Keys Mini is as versatile as it is travel-friendly, and that stylish design kept us coming back for more.
For
- Great functionality and software
- Ergonomic keys
- Stylish, robust design
Against
- Expensive for a mini keyboard
- Bluetooth only
- Permanent tilt, no adjustable stand
The best keyboard for Mac
Mac users, rejoice: the Magic Keyboard was made just for you. Not only is it the perfect companion for your Apple computer, featuring Mac-based icons and the same understated design, but it also stands up on its own as one of the best keyboards on the market.
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The best feature-rich keyboard
If you're after fancy function keys, built-in media controls, and features you won't find on almost any other board, the Wombat Pine Professional is the keyboard you're looking for.
For
- Excellent typing experience
- Slightly thinner profile than other mechanical keyboards
- Lots of useful shortcuts
- Multi-platform compatibility, multi-connectivity
Against
- Split-second delay when waking
- No backlighting
The best ergonomic keyboard
Extended keyboard use over several years can cause wrist and finger pain; you can lessen these effects using a keyboard that features an ergonomic design, like the Logitech Wave Keys.
For
- Extremely comfortable, ergonomic design
- Easy to connect using Bluetooth or wireless
- Affordable price
- Sustainably manufactured
Against
- Non-rechargeable battery
- Unknown keystroke lifespan
The best professional keyboard
You don't care about fancy RGB lighting and dedicated macro keys; you want a keyboard that gets the job done, puts efficiency at your fingertips, and looks sleek doing it. That's the Das Keyboard 6 Professional.
For
- Incredible build quality
- Backlit keys
- Built in USB ports
- Onboard volume control
Against
- Wired
- Expensive
- USB Type-C connection
Here you'll find our list for the best keyboard picks of 2024. We've tested each of these keyboards extensively, and having reviewed hundreds of keyboards over the past several years, you can trust our recommendations to help you find the right keyboard for your needs and budget.
The best keyboard overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We've put the Logitech Signature K650 Wireless Comfort through the necessary paces, and we must say we're impressed. An excellent general-purpose keyboard that's great for practically all users except gamers, it delivers a great typing experience for much less than you would think.
We found its keys incredibly comfortable and satisfying to use even when we're typing all day. That's despite the fact that they do have a bit of resistance to them. We also found it surprisingly lightweight for a full-sized keyboard. And, though we probably wouldn't recommend it for traveling, it's got a low profile as well.
We wish the integrated palm rest were more comfortable, and while there's no backlighting, there are many special features here to make up for those minor downsides. Unlike other keyboards, this one has a new and timely feature – a mic mute and unmute so you don't have to panic every time you need to toggle your mic during meetings. Other new keys a lot of people will appreciate are the dedicated web browser buttons and the screenshot key. Rounding those out are its multi-connectivity and up to 36 months of battery life.
Read our full Logitech Signature K650 review
The best budget keyboard
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Rob (He/Him) is a UK based tech writer with a BA Hons Degree in English Studies with Media Communications and a Diploma in Proofreading and Copy Editing.
Since becoming a freelance writer in 2022, Rob has built up a considerable portfolio of work, covering everything including buyer’s guides, hardware reviews, features, and game reviews.
In addition to his contributions at TechRadar, Rob’s work has also been featured at MakeUseOf.com, How-To Geek, and IGN.
Currently playing: Dredge, Lords of the Fallen.
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