Keyboards: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
The most personal of all the PC peripherals, your keyboard is at the very heart of your desktop setup. We've lab-tested dozens of keyboards revealing the top performers to help you find the right one for the way you compute.
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Click Clack: Your Ultimate Guide to Mechanical Key SwitchesCherry MX switches are only the beginning. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right type of mechanical keyboard, along with some of our top-rated favorites.
By Zackery Cuevas
Our Top Picks
Razer Pro Type Ultra
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
In the Pro Type Ultra, Razer improves its premier productivity keyboard with max-speed switches and more wireless battery life to create what's among the best non-ergonomic keyboards available.
Full Razer Pro Type Ultra ReviewPros
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Controls up to four devices
- Extremely comfortable for fast typing
- As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets
- Bright backlight
- Cushioned wrist rest
Cons
- Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board
- Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads
- Windows only, not macOS
Pros
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Controls up to four devices
- Extremely comfortable for fast typing
- As quiet as a mechanical keyboard gets
- Bright backlight
- Cushioned wrist rest
Cons
- Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board
- Synapse 3 software requires registration, contains ads
- Windows only, not macOS
Cherry KC 200 MX
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The KC 200 MX, the first keyboard with Cherry's new line of MX2A mechanical key switches, offers an improved typing experience, a slim profile, and an even slimmer price, making it a strong value in a general-use keyboard.
Full Cherry KC 200 MX ReviewPros
- Relatively inexpensive for a full-size mechanical board
- Eye-catching aesthetic
- Excellent typing feel, thanks to new MX2A switches
- Slim, lightweight build
Cons
- Limited per-key customizability in Cherry Keys utility
- Software is Windows-only
- No key backlighting or special productivity features
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive for a full-size mechanical board
- Eye-catching aesthetic
- Excellent typing feel, thanks to new MX2A switches
- Slim, lightweight build
Cons
- Limited per-key customizability in Cherry Keys utility
- Software is Windows-only
- No key backlighting or special productivity features
Dell KB900 Premier Collaboration Keyboard
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
If you make frequent Zoom calls and prefer a soft touch to the springy click of mechanical switches, Dell's backlit KB900 Premier Collaboration Keyboard is a top-quality wireless control center.
Full Dell KB900 Premier Collaboration Keyboard ReviewPros
- Quiet, comfy typing feel
- Touch icons for Zoom conference functions
- Proximity-sensing backlight
- Bluetooth and RF control of up to three devices
- Rechargeable instead of disposable batteries
Cons
- Expensive for a non-mechanical keyboard
- No wrist rest included
- Software is Windows-only and slightly buggy
- No dongle storage
Pros
- Quiet, comfy typing feel
- Touch icons for Zoom conference functions
- Proximity-sensing backlight
- Bluetooth and RF control of up to three devices
- Rechargeable instead of disposable batteries
Cons
- Expensive for a non-mechanical keyboard
- No wrist rest included
- Software is Windows-only and slightly buggy
- No dongle storage
Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Customizable features and an around-$35 price help Dell's Wired Collaboration Keyboard deliver exceptional value for basic desktop productivity.
Full Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) ReviewPros
- Easy on the wallet
- Surprising amount of functionality and customizability for the money
- Includes dedicated video call controls
- Supports USB-C and USB-A wired connections
- Near-silent key switches
Cons
- Membrane key switches are slightly uncomfortable
- Plain design
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
- Surprising amount of functionality and customizability for the money
- Includes dedicated video call controls
- Supports USB-C and USB-A wired connections
- Near-silent key switches
Cons
- Membrane key switches are slightly uncomfortable
- Plain design
Be Quiet Light Mount
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
For gamers and typists alike, Be Quiet's Light Mount blends hushed keystrokes, finger comfort, and smart design into a standout wired mechanical keyboard.
Full Be Quiet Light Mount ReviewPros
- Impressively quiet and responsive key switches
- Easy-to-manipulate software
- Programmable macro keys
- Accessible and intuitive volume control
Cons
- Hardwired connection only
Pros
- Impressively quiet and responsive key switches
- Easy-to-manipulate software
- Programmable macro keys
- Accessible and intuitive volume control
Cons
- Hardwired connection only
Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Its name may be plain, but the compact, attractive Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard is far from dull. Gorgeous RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches top off an excellent choice for serious gamers.
Full Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard ReviewPros
- Sublime typing feel
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Best-in-class RGB lighting
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- No wrist rest
- Peak polling rate can't top that of Razer competitor
Pros
- Sublime typing feel
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Best-in-class RGB lighting
- Lightweight and compact
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- No wrist rest
- Peak polling rate can't top that of Razer competitor
Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The feature-rich Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless is a stunner and one of the finest 60% keyboards we've seen.
Full Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless ReviewPros
- Excellent RGB implementation
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Included key cap and key switch puller
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
- Compact and lightweight
- Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app
Cons
- Expensive
- 8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill
Pros
- Excellent RGB implementation
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Included key cap and key switch puller
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
- Compact and lightweight
- Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app
Cons
- Expensive
- 8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill
Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Satechi's wireless SM1 is a beautifully built mechanical keyboard that will delight Mac users looking for an alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard.
Full Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard ReviewPros
- Sturdy, attractive build
- Excellent typing feel
- Multiple wireless connection options
- Long battery life (with backlighting off)
- Much cheaper than Apple's Magic Keyboard
Cons
- No customization software
- Low-profile design is not for everyone
- 2.4GHz dongle uses USB-A, not USB-C
Pros
- Sturdy, attractive build
- Excellent typing feel
- Multiple wireless connection options
- Long battery life (with backlighting off)
- Much cheaper than Apple's Magic Keyboard
Cons
- No customization software
- Low-profile design is not for everyone
- 2.4GHz dongle uses USB-A, not USB-C
Asus ROG Falcata
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Asus ROG Falcata is a supremely comfortable, extensively adjustable ergonomic split keyboard. It will please gamers in particular, as well as anyone seeking typing comfort and willing to invest in it.
Full Asus ROG Falcata ReviewPros
- Ergonomic split design, with halves that can be used separately or combined
- Generous complement of included accessories
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Hot-swappable key switches
Cons
- Expensive
- Halves must be connected with a USB cable, not wirelessly
- Large desktop footprint when wrist rests are attached
Pros
- Ergonomic split design, with halves that can be used separately or combined
- Generous complement of included accessories
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Hot-swappable key switches
Cons
- Expensive
- Halves must be connected with a USB cable, not wirelessly
- Large desktop footprint when wrist rests are attached
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Razer's standout BlackWidow V4 gets an impressive Pro upgrade that adds even more functionality to an excellent foundation. Whether you're a PC gaming enthusiast or a keyboard customizer, the V4 Pro 75% will dazzle.
Full Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% ReviewPros
- Immaculate typing feel
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Easy to pop open and tinker
- Plush wrist rest
- Gorgeous RGB lighting
Cons
- Expensive
- OLED display is monochrome, not color
- Polling rate caps at 4,000Hz
Pros
- Immaculate typing feel
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Easy to pop open and tinker
- Plush wrist rest
- Gorgeous RGB lighting
Cons
- Expensive
- OLED display is monochrome, not color
- Polling rate caps at 4,000Hz
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Excellent acoustics and clever modular features make a strong, silent impression, but Be Quiet's Dark Mount mechanical keyboard is pricey, and the extras look better than they play in practical use.
$244.90
For gamers and typists alike, Be Quiet's Light Mount blends hushed keystrokes, finger comfort, and smart design into a standout wired mechanical keyboard.
$139.90
Snappy Hall-effect key switches and muted acoustics make SteelSeries' Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 a proper weapon for serious gamers, but its sky-high price and fixed-switch design keep it from being a slam-dunk buy.
$178.81
The ProtoArc XKM01 CaseUp combines a screen riser, a full-size keyboard, and a wireless mouse into one portable kit. It's a little hefty, but it’s a strong all-in-one input solution for remote work, and a top-notch value.
$56.99
The Contour Balance Wireless stands out for its uncommon negative-tilt support and quiet, low-profile typing comfort, making it a solid choice for heavy typists focused on wrist health.
$109.00
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Hot swappable keys, RGB backlighting, and more at a 27% discount can be yours for a very limited time.
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$119.99
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The Keychron K3 QMK wireless mechanical keyboard allows you to connect up to three devices wirelessly and customize every key with open-source QMK firmware.
