Whether you’re a professional typist or an amateur typist, finding the best keyboard for typing all day can make work, gaming, or just surfing the net more enjoyable, comfortable, and efficient.
When selecting a new keyboard, you should first consider how you’ll use it. Some of us just want a basic keyboard while more serious computer users need their keyboard to perform highly specific functions for gaming or design software.
There are several types of computer keyboards
- Gaming keyboards: A gaming keyboard has to be fast and able to record multiple keystrokes immediately. They usually look the best of all types of keyboards and often use backlighting to enhance the experience. Specialized gaming keyboards often feature extra keys which can be programmed for a better gaming experience.
- Mechanical keyboards: Mechanical keyboards are the most common. They provide great tactile feedback. They also provide users with that satisfying “clacking” noise that signifies a proper keystroke. If you are a fast typist with a light touch, mechanical keyboards are often the best choice for recording your keystrokes.
- Mobile keyboards: These are designed to be used with the latest tablets and smartphones. They are thinner, smaller, and lighter than standard keyboards. They often fold up and are the easiest kind of keyboard to carry.
- Music Keyboards: If you play or produce music from your computer, having a keyboard that has special for volume control and other musical functions is a must.
- Design keyboards: These keyboards are used by designers and include customizable dials, specific key lighting, and keyboard shortcuts. They are very useful if you use Adobe applications such as Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Programming keyboards: If you are a busy programmer, your keys need to be very responsive, and your keyboard needs to be durable. The model you choose must also have a low profile or be ergonomically designed so your wrists don’t touch the keyboard.
- Regular keyboards: A general type of keyboard that has all of the keys and features one would expect to find. This type of keyboard works well in most situations and is the best choice for computer users with basic needs.
Things to consider when buying a new keyboard
Just to make sure that we’re all on the same page, we’ve summarized the main features found in keyboards and how they affect you – the user.
- Backlighting: A modern trend is to light the keyboard from beneath the keys. This makes it much easier to see the keys if you often work in the dark.
- Connection choices: USB is by far the most common type of connection. Wireless keyboards utilize a Bluetooth or RF connection, making them much more portable.
- Ergonomic design: For those of us that suffer aches & pains after spending a long time typing, an ergonomic keyboard could save you a lot of fatigue and discomfort. These types of keyboards force you to hold your arms and wrists in the proper position. Many keyboards feature padded wrist supports, while others have strange shapes with curvy keyboards.
- Keystroke responsiveness: Different internal parts of the keys are built with different response times. Some keyboards respond more quickly to light keystroke touches. The tactile feel of the keys is a major consideration when choosing a new keyboard.
- Keyboard layout: The vast majority of new keyboards have the traditional “QWERTY” layout. However, some keyboards have a 10-key numeric pad on the right-hand side. These are useful for people that need to enter a lot of numbers into their computer quickly. Some keyboards have function keys across the top. These types provide quick access to all commands and some have dedicated arrow keys. High-end keyboards feature “unassigned” extra keys that you can program for any function that you need regularly.
With all these features and functions in mind, read on to see which of these devices is the best keyboard for typing all day. We’ve included keyboards for every type of user from short-sighted grannies to caffeine-fuelled pro gamers!
Best keyboard for typing all-day
CORSAIR Vengeance K65 Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Linear & Quiet -...
- Compact 10-Keyless Design - Fits into smaller desktop spaces and packs easily for transport to gaming events
- Cherry MX Red Mechanical Switches - Smooth, linear key response for ultra fast double and triple taps without the audible click
- Compact 10-Keyless Design - Fits into smaller desktop spaces and packs easily for transport to gaming events
- Cherry MX Red Mechanical Switches - Smooth, linear key response for ultra fast double and triple taps without the audible click
- Full Sized Keys - Uses standard mechanical keys for full sized keyboard comfort
- Brushed Gunmetal Anodized Aluminum Chassis - Professional-Grade look and feel plus the rugged durability needed for hours of gaming
- Full Key Matrix Anti-Ghosting with Full Key Rollover on USB - Every keystroke translates into accurate gameplay-even when multiple keys are pressed Detachable USB Cable with built-in Cable Routing - Unplugs from the keyboard for easy packing and loc
All the essentials are covered with the CORSAIR Vengeance K65. The latest version has had several extra features added and it makes it the best overall keyboard for typing all day. Of course, we could have chosen a $300+ keyboard with all the “bells & whistles” but the K65 Cherry MX is the best functioning keyboard at the best price.
Every key on the K65 (apart from the volume & Windows lock buttons) has a Cherry MX Red mechanical switch underneath. This is a feature normally only found on many higher-priced keyboards.
Best budget keyboard for all-day typing
TeckNet Gryphon Pro LED Illuminated Programmable Gaming Keyboard and Mouse set, Water-Resistant...
The TeckNet X701 Gryphon gaming keyboard is our pick for the best budget keyboard and it’s also high on our list of keyboards for gamers on a budget. This sweet keyboard has three adjustable backlight colors which are fully customizable. It also has ten programmable. This makes it a great choice for users carrying out complex actions simply and quickly.
Featuring twelve dedicated media keys, you can control volume, mute, play, etc with the simple press of a button. The TeckNet keyboard is ergonomically designed making it very comfortable for extended sessions. It is our top pick for the best keyboards for typing if you have a limited budget.
Best mid-range keyboard for all-day typers
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Cherry MX Red, Red...
- Ultra minimalistic ten keyless (TKL) design ideal for FPS pro
- Cherry MX mechanical key switches
- Portable design with detachable cable
- Game mode 100 per cent anti-ghosting and N key rollover functions
- HyperX red backlit keys with dynamic lighting effects
- Ultra minimalistic ten keyless (TKL) design ideal for FPS pro
- Cherry MX mechanical key switches
- Portable design with detachable cable
- Game mode 100 per cent anti-ghosting and N key rollover functions
- HyperX red backlit keys with dynamic lighting effects
The HyperX Alloy FPS is a solid and affordable full-sized keyboard for daily use. It’s very well-priced and is one of the least expensive keyboards of its kind. It’s a solid, basic, mechanical keyboard with a chassis made from Alloy FPS Pro plastic. It feels top-notch in terms of quality and durability.
This keyboard features a braided USB cable that connects to your computer and a built-in mini USB port at the back.
Best top-end keyboard for folks that type all day long
Corsair Gaming K70 LUX RGB Mechanical Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED, Cherry MX...
- Aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame for superior durability / Advanced lighting control and large font keycaps deliver dynamic, vibrant multi-color backlighting
- CUE support enables advanced macro and lighting programming for virtually unlimited game customization/ 100% Cherry MX RGB Blue key switches with tactile feedback and an audible click
- Aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame for superior durability / Advanced lighting control and large font keycaps deliver dynamic, vibrant multi-color backlighting
- CUE support enables advanced macro and lighting programming for virtually unlimited game customization/ 100% Cherry MX RGB Blue key switches with tactile feedback and an audible click
- 100% anti-ghosting with full key rollover on USB / Detachable soft-touch wrist rest and dedicated multimedia controls
- USB pass-through port for easy connections
- Textured and contoured FPS/MOBA keycap sets
- Keyboard Backlighting: RGB; Wired Keyboard with 104 Keys; Connectivity: USB 2.0 Type-A
The gorgeous K70 LUX RGB mechanical gaming keyboard features fully customizable keys, light effects, and a sleek aluminum frame. Whether you’re a gamer or a blogger, you’ll love the lightweight, aircraft-grade frame. This model has a sturdy detachable wrist rest to extend your typing/playing time.
With 100% Cherry MX RGB key switches, users get fast linear actuation with no audible click. This great keyboard is not just about gaming though as it is excellent at handling all types of multimedia. Our favorite feature of this top-end keyboard is that you can customize the color of each key individually. You can highlight the keys that you need or even have a wave effect across the whole keyboard.
If you’ve got the cash, this is the best keyboard for typing all day that money can buy!
Best keyboard for typing speed
Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac Soft Tactile MX Brown Mechanical Keyboard...
- 4 PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL KEYBOARD - The thinnest mechanical keyboard in the world! The combination of tactile feel, the psycho-acoustic experience and incredible craftsmanship all deliver an unmatched typing experience that only Das Keyboard 4 offers. With a Das Keyboard 4, you'll type faster and longer. It feels so good, you won't want to stop.
- 4 PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL KEYBOARD - The thinnest mechanical keyboard in the world! The combination of tactile feel, the psycho-acoustic experience and incredible craftsmanship all deliver an unmatched typing experience that only Das Keyboard 4 offers. With a Das Keyboard 4, you'll type faster and longer. It feels so good, you won't want to stop.
- PREMIUM TACTILE EXPERIENCE - Best-in-class Cherry MX Brown mechanical key switches provide tactile and audio feedback so accurate it allows you to execute every keystroke with lightning-fast precision. Factory lubricated stabilizers on large keys for smooth typing with bumps on the F and J keys. Enjoy the tactile experience you love from a mechanical keyboard, with just enough sound to satisfy you - and not annoy your coworkers!
- UP TO 50 MILLION KEYSTROKES - Laser-etched keycaps for maximum durability are paired with Cherry MX Brown switches, giving your new mechanical keyboard life up to 50 million keystrokes. High-performance, gold-plated switches provide the best contact and typing experience because, unlike other metals, gold does not rust, increasing the lifespan of the switch.
- FULL N-KEY ROLLOVER - Fast typists, productive professionals and gamers will appreciate that Das Keyboard 4 for Mac supports full NKRO over USB. No need to use a PS2 adapter anymore. Just press shift + mute to toggle to NKRO.
- 2 PORT USB 3.0 HUB & MORE - The convenience to charge USB devices & simultaneously upload content through USB is right at your fingertips. A blazing fast 2- port USB 3.0 hub to transfer music, high resolution pics & large videos at up to 5Gb/second. That’s 10x faster than USB 2.0. Extra long 6.5ft(201cm) USB cable w/ single USB A connector. Dedicated media controls, LARGE VOLUME KNOB & Mac OS specific key functions. Magnetically detachable footbar ruler to raise keyboard to an optimal 4-degrees.
The Das Keyboard 4 Professional for Mac is a complete upgrade over the previous model in every way. The new model features dedicated media keys and an analog control knob. It’s made from matte-black aluminum which is much more durable than the previous plastic version.
For folks that need the perfect typing experience and the best speeds, the Das Keyboard comes with two different switch choices. The first is “Cherry MX Blue” which gives a satisfying click each time you press a key. The second is “Cherry MX Brown” which is much quieter and less tactile. Whichever you prefer, the keyboard has gold switch contacts. This ensures that 50+ million keystrokes can be achieved before any damage.
This keyboard is our pick for the fastest typing speed as the keys need a minimal amount of pressure. The dedicated media keys can be used for starting/stopping/skipping through audio tracks. There are also dedicated mute and hibernation keys.
It’s not cheap, but if you need a very fast keyboard, the Das Keyboard is worth every cent!
Best retro keyboard for a shot of nostalgia
Azio Retro Classic Bluetooth Artisan - Luxury Vintage Backlit Mechanical Keyboard, Black/Copper...
- A Classic Reborn: Design Originated By Vintage Typewriters And Crafted With Ultramodern Features, The Azio Retro Classic Is The Perfect Amalgam Of Past, Present, And Future
- Genuine & Luxurious: Genuine Leather Or Wood Top Plate. Leather Reflects Taste, Craftsmanship, And Exclusiveness While Emitting A Unique Charm That Inspires
- A Classic Reborn: Design Originated By Vintage Typewriters And Crafted With Ultramodern Features, The Azio Retro Classic Is The Perfect Amalgam Of Past, Present, And Future
- Genuine & Luxurious: Genuine Leather Or Wood Top Plate. Leather Reflects Taste, Craftsmanship, And Exclusiveness While Emitting A Unique Charm That Inspires
- Tactile. Clicky. Backlit: The Backlit Mechanical Keys Are Tuned To Be Tactile And "Clicky", Reminiscent Of Vintage Typewriters
- Forged. Polished. Plated: The Keyboard Frame Is Forged With Aluminum Alloy And Plated Into A Beautiful Chrome/Satin Finish To Accompany The Leather Top Plate
If you’re looking for something a little different, how about a retro keyboard?
Anything retro is popular right now with consumers wanting vintage-looking products with an edge. For those that want a classic “old-school-style” keyboard, the Azio Artisan Retro Classic Keyboard could be just what you’re looking for!
Looking like it was made in the 1920s, the Retro Classic is both USB & Bluetooth compatible. It is interestingly made with natural wood and leather. This keyboard looks stunning and it smells great, too. Everything about this rocking keyboard screams luxury!
We love the 6-foot USB cable which is very useful if you use a standing desk. The Azio weighs in at four pounds due to the zinc-aluminum & gunmetal materials. There are four chunky rubber feet under the keyboard itself and the back two can be adjusted for tilting.
The Retro Classic is modeled on vintage typewriters with sturdy mechanical hammer actions. All of the switches and keys are seriously heavy-duty. The keys have a perfect amount of travel and resistance with a satisfying audible click when pressed. Modern features include a full N-key rollover, water & dust resistance, and pretty backlighting.
So if you’re missing the good old days of typing, the Azio might give you that shot of nostalgia that you’ve been craving!
Best keyboard for gaming all-day
HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Cherry MX Blue, RGB LED(HX-KB2BL2-US/R1)
- Unique radiant light bar and dynamic RGB lighting effects
- HyperX NGenuity software provides advanced customization
- Store up to three favorite lighting & macro profile settings with the on-board memory
- Solid steel frame provides durability and stability, CHERRY MX mechanical keys for reliability
- Unique radiant light bar and dynamic RGB lighting effects
- HyperX NGenuity software provides advanced customization
- Store up to three favorite lighting & macro profile settings with the on-board memory
- Solid steel frame provides durability and stability, CHERRY MX mechanical keys for reliability
- Comfortable, detachable wrist rest with soft-touch coating
The key factor when choosing a great gaming keyboard is its switches. Switches fall into two categories: membrane and mechanical. Membrane switches are common and feel spongy. Mechanical keyboards give users much better responsiveness and a range of different feels.
The Alloy Elite RGB has excellent in-game performance. The keys are extremely accurate and as responsive. We love the preset key colors that can be used for a variety of games, including World of Warcraft, and Overwatch.
The HyperX Alloy Elite keyboard is stunning to look at with its colorful peripherals and top-of-the-line key switches. It’s about the same price range and performance as the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2.
Featuring tons of gaming functions including Cherry MX keys, discrete media controls, and swappable keycaps, the HyperX is our clear winner for the best gaming keyboard.
Best keyboard for work
Razer Orbweaver Chroma - Elite RGB Mechanical Switches Gaming Keypad - Adjustable...
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc , U S Retail Tracking Service, Gaming Designed: Keyboards, Mice, PC Headsets, and PC Microphones, Based on dollar sales, Jan 2017- June 2020 combined
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc , U S Retail Tracking Service, Gaming Designed: Keyboards, Mice, PC Headsets, and PC Microphones, Based on dollar sales, Jan 2017- June 2020 combined
- Signature Mechanical Switch for Gaming: Razer Green switch technology provides a satisfying clicky sound with 50 G of actuation force
- 30 Mechanical Keys for More Hotkeys and Actions: Perfect for multitasking during gaming and everyday use with fully programmable keys
- Ergonomic Thumbpad for Improved Movement Controls: The 8-way directional pad allows for more natural controls (replace controls) for console-oriented players
- Customized Key Profiles: Map keys for any situation or loadout and save profiles (available with Razer Synapse 2)
- Immersive, Customizable Chroma RGB Lighting: Includes 16 8 million colors w/ included preset profiles; syncs with gameplay and Razer Chroma-enabled peripherals and Philips Hue products
If you are using your keyboard in your business life, a good one can improve your productivity. Designers and developers spend countless hours pushing keys, switching between programs, and using shortcuts, so a decent keyboard is well worth the investment.
Choosing the wrong keyboard can leave you with very painful wrists so take some time choosing the best one for you. The Razer Orbweaver Chroma keyboard lets you adjust both the horizontal position and the angle of the soft-touch palm rest. The thumb module has a thumb-friendly joystick and two buttons that can be independently positioned. The Razer is an awesome keyboard that is perfect for designers or gamers.
The separate thumb area is so you don’t need to take your fingers off the important movement keys as often which speeds up usage. The buttons on this keyboard are all programmable and you can also remap the keys.
The controls are intuitive and very smooth for design programs such as Photoshop, Adobe, etc. But beware, after using the Razer Orbweaver for a while, it will become difficult to switch back again. The comfort and support provided by this keyboard are much better than most standard keyboards.
Best keyboard for Ipad, Mac, and iPhone
Apple Wireless Keyboard with Bluetooth - Compatible with Mac Computers, iPad, Apple...
- Use the Apple Wireless Keyboard on your desk, on your lap, or anywhere within 30 feet of your Mac or iPad all because of its built-in Bluetooth technology.
- Easy on the eyes. And hands: you'll see that it takes up far less space. Up to 24 percent less than other full-size keyboards.
- Use the Apple Wireless Keyboard on your desk, on your lap, or anywhere within 30 feet of your Mac or iPad all because of its built-in Bluetooth technology.
- Easy on the eyes. And hands: you'll see that it takes up far less space. Up to 24 percent less than other full-size keyboards.
- The Apple Wireless Keyboard requires just two AA batteries - one less than the previous model. Mac OS X v.10.6.8 or later.
- iPad, Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer. Aluminum Keyboard Software update 2.0
Apple has done a great job with the new Magic keyboard and it’s our pick of the best keyboard for fast typing on Apple devices.
It provides a very comfortable typing experience and does not need “old-fashioned” style batteries. It now features a built-in battery that can provide power for around one month on a single charge. When the battery runs low, simply recharge it with the USB cable.
The Apple keyboard has multimedia shortcut keys that provide users with lightning-fast controls for playback and volume. The Magic keyboard has a stable scissor mechanism beneath each key to give users a comfortable and precise typing experience.
With Bluetooth and wireless, the Apple Magic keyboard is good for any Bluetooth-enabled Mac computer with OS X 10.11 (or later) and iOS devices with iOS 9.1 (or later.)
If you liked this article, why not check out our rundown of the best VR headsets for your iPhone from our tech section?
