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No two keyboards are the same—one could be better for typing while the other would be better for gaming. Maybe you don’t like the form factor or want to cut back on cables by opting for a wireless keyboard. Either way, you should have the best keyboard for your situation.
UPDATE: 23-06-2025
We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated our pick for the best budget keyboard.
Logitech MX Keys S
What to Look For in a Keyboard in 2025
Keyboards have certainly fractured and splintered into so many different types. There are wireless or Bluetooth keyboards, some with no number pad, and even customizable keyboards. If you back up a few steps, you’ll see keyboards fall into one of two camps:membrane and mechanical.
Mechanical and membrane simply refer to the way the keys register keystrokes. Membrane keyboards have a thin, almost rubber-like layer underneath the keys, while mechanical keyboards use spring-loaded switches.
Membrane keyboards tend to have a spongy feeling when you type, which helps to cut down on fatigue if you’re someone who types for several hours. If it’s accuracy you’re after, a mechanical keyboard is the superior experience, especially with feedback.
However, mechanical keyboards do have a reputation for being notably louder, whereas membrane keyboards aren’t and usually cheaper, too. In an office setting, membrane keyboards are more desirable. After all, you aren’t doing any gaming at work. Right?
Speaking of gaming, mechanical keyboards also shine here. The way the springs pop the keys back into position is invaluable in terms of tactile feedback. Every time a key clicks, you know it registers a keystroke and it’s ready to do it again.
Outside of that, you want to consider form factors, liketenkeyless keyboards(TKL) and 65% layout or even a 40% layout. These cut away portions of the keyboard that you may never use, like the number pad and the arrow keys (and everything above it). For reference, a traditional keyboard is full-sized.
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Excellent build quality
Hot-swappable mechanical switches
Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz wireless, and USB-C
Every key is programmable + extra keys and knob
TheKeychron Q6 Max Keyboardis like a dream—a keyboard that can be customized to your liking, from the hot-swappable mechanical switches, to the programmable keys. And with all the connectivity options, it’s hard not to use the keyboard with just about every device you have.
In fact, the Keychron Q6 Max Keyboard features 2.4 GHz wireless mode and Bluetooth 5.1, and you can connect with a cable via USB-C. Up to three devices can be connected at once and switch between at a moment’s notice.
If you love macros, key combos, and shortcuts, the Keychron Q6 Max also fully supports changing the function of every key and even has a programmable knob. You do this through QMK and VIA, which is incredibly easy and intuitive.
The switches support just about any 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches, and you don’t need towarm up a soldering ironto do so! That said, the default keycaps are made of PBT, a higher-quality material that gives the keys athockysound regardless of the switches you use.
Keychron Q6 Max
Although you’re welcome to swap out the switches for your preferred 3-pin and 4-pin, the Keychron Q6 Max is just as fantastic as it is. The entire body is made of tough aluminum, you have three types of connectivity, and you can remap any of the keys
Supports macro editing
Lacks a wrist rest
How-swappable linear red mechanical switches
Includes 4 spare switches and two keycaps
Good for beginner keyboard modders
When it comes to budget keyboards, Redragon tends to offer a solid deal, and this time it’s in the form of theK671. This keyboard stuffs in the most essential features for gaming—and the best part is that it’s a mechanical keyboard.
The red linear mechanical switches of theRedragon K671are ideal for both gaming and typing. They’re hot-swappable too, so if you’re trying to get into keyboard customization, the K671 is a very affordable option to start with.
What’s particularly nice is that the Redragon K671 supports macro editing, letting you remap functions and shortcuts to multiple keys; it has anti-ghosting keys, opening up numerous key combinations when you create macros.
Redragon K671
For budget keyboards, Redragon is a good place to look, and the K671 is packed with features that are usually saved for more premium keyboards, like macro editing and a USB-C connection.
Can connect with three devices at once
Up to 24 months of battery life
Supports macOS, Windows, Linux, and smart devices
Adjustable memory foam wristrest
TheLogitech ERGO K860 Split Keyboardis a one-two punch in ergonomics. It’s designed to support your wrists and hands, creating a much more comfortable and natural typing experience. And since it supports macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, you’re encouraged to use it as often as possible.
The trick is in the shape of the Logitech ERGO K860. There’s a split down the middle of the alphabet, and each portion is tilted inward. Why? If you rest your hands on the keyboard, in the proper position, you’ll notice your wrists are turned towards one another.
If you do that with the Logitech ERGO K860, you avoid that continuous strain because your hands and wrists tilt naturally with the angle of the keys. Additionally, the plush memory foam wrist rest is thick enough to give your wrists a little more lift and avoid bending them as much.
Logitech ERGO K860
The Logitech ERGO K860 Bluetooth Keyboard is highly recommended for users who want an ergonomic wireless keyboard, given it’s semi-split layout and slight curve to better match the natural position of your hands when typing.
Great option for entry-level keyboard enthusiasts
You’ll have to assemble it yourself
1000Hz polling rate over 2.4Ghz wireless & wireless
Choice between wired and wireless
Can add amenities like keycaps, mats, and wrist rest
Not only does theNuphy Gem80take the spot as the best TKL keyboard, but it’s also one of the best keyboards for pretty much anyone who wants to get into customizable keyboards. It even arrives disassembled, waiting for you to put aside the time and effort to piece it together.
When you do have the Nuphy Gem80, it won’t take long for you tofall in love with it. For starters, the 1,000Hz polling rate is fantastic, especially over wireless, and that’s right in line with what you’d want from, say, a gaming keyboard.
Secondly, the weight of the Nuphy Gem80 is a combination of aluminum and a PC bottom case, giving it some nice weight and durability. Even if you’re a furious typer, you more or less have to try to move the Nuphy Gem80.
Lastly, the Nuphy Gem80 doesn’t just let you customize the keycaps and switches, but also program the keys through QMK and VIA. you may create your own layers, macros, and even the lighting.
Nuphy Gem80
Gem80 packs the wireless performance of a gaming keyboard, a refinedthockysound signature, and an abundance of part choices into its splendidly polished aluminum chassis.
Hall effect magnetic switches
A plush wrist rest would have been better
Adjustable actuation and latency
Choice between 60%, TKL, and full-size form factors
Can program two actions to one key
For gaming, theSteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Keyboardis downright impressive due to its hall effect magnetic switches. You may have heard ofhall effect joysticksbefore—the same technology applies here.
Unlike mechanical switches, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Keyboard registers keystrokes using magnetic switches. This ensures that the latency and actuation are always on point; in fact, you can adjust both of those settings.
Are you playing a game that requires rapid tapping? With the Rapid Trigger feature, you can do that! And with actuation, you have a range between 0.1mm to 4.0mm. All it takes is the little OLED display in the corner, which also acts as a hub for notifications and PC info.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless
The Apex Pro TKL is built to a remarkably high standard, gives you tons of customization options, and features adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 switches for luxurious gaming sessions.
Connects with four devices at once
Razer Synapse 3 isn’t compatible with macOS
Good ergonomics and a plush leatherette wristrest
Quiet, linear switches
Up to 214 hours of battery life
Why get a separate keyboard for multiple devices when you could have theRazer Pro Type Ultra Keyboardand connect with four at a time? The keyboard makes it so easy, too. You’ll switch between your connected devices without pairing with Bluetooth by pressing the Function key, followed by 1, 2, or 3.
And really, you can’t ask for a quieter mechanical keyboard. With the Razer Pro Type Ultra’s linear switches, you aren’t going to disturb your next-door neighbor if you happen to use the keyboard in an office setting. More importantly, you retain the mechanical feedback people worldwide love so much.
The Razer Pro Type Ultra Keyboard’s ergonomics are also a welcome addition, especially if you’re typing, gaming, or both. It has a narrow tilt and a soft, plush wrist rest made of leatherette, which gives it a nice, premium feel.
Razer Pro Type Ultra
The Razer Pro Type Ultra Wireless Keyboard is as quiet as it is comfortable, thanks to the soft-touch coating on the keys and a large, plush leatherette wrist rest. More importantly, it lets you connect with four devices at once via Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz wireless, and quickly switch between them.
Connects with three devices at once
Having backlight on drastically cuts down on battery life
Low-profile keys
USB-C charging
Up to five months of battery life
If you’re a big fan of theApple Magic Keyboard, and are looking for something more, theLogitech MX Keys S Keyboardis a natural step forward. It has low-profile keys, just like the Apple Magic Keyboard, with small depressions to further prevent your fingers from wandering.
The Logitech MX Keys S Keyboard also features a Mac layout—Command key and all—so the learning curve is extremely shallow. Speaking of layout, the keyboard comes in two sizes: full size and compact, the latter of which has a 75% layout. If you can do without the number pad, theMX Keys Miniwill save you a good amount of space.
What’s most impressive is the Logitech MX Keys S Keyboard’s battery life. At a full charge, you could get as much as five months of use. However, having the backlight on at all times will reduce that to 10 days. The brightness can be adjusted or turned off, so you’ll have no problem finding a happy medium.
If you’re a big fan of the Apple Magic Keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys S is the natural progression. It has low-profile keys, with small indentations to prevent your fingers from wandering. The rechargeable battery is also phenomenal, lasting up to 5 months (without backlighting). It even recharges via USB-C!
FAQ
What is the difference between a mechanical keyboard and a non-mechanical keyboard?
Mechanical keyboards use mechanical switches to register keystrokes; non-mechanical keyboards, like membrane keyboards, use an electrical contact to register keystrokes.
What is TKL?
“TKL” is an acronym for TenKeyLess, a type of keyboard that doesn’t have a numberpad. Keyboards with numberpads are known as full-sized keyboards.
Can I use any Windows keyboard with Mac?
Yes, virtually any Windows keyboard will work on Mac, as long as you can connect directly to the computer, use Bluetooth, or connect wirelessly using a USB dongle. However, keep in mind some keys may function differently.
How do I clean my keyboard?
Whether you have a membrane keyboard or mechanical keyboard, the process is more or less the same. However, depending on how dirty your keyboard is, you may need some or all of the following items:
If your keyboard isn’t particularly dirty, you can get away with just the first four items. For deep cleaning, I recommend the whole shopping list.
