Most creative pros don't put a lot of thought into buying the best keyboard. But if you do, it can really pay off. After all, even the best laptops for graphic design don't necessarily have the best keyboards. So a small investment in an external one can help you type faster and more accurately, avoid aching hands and fingers, and ultimately reduce the risk of injuries like RSI.
To help you find the right model, I've brought together the best keyboards on the market today into one easy post. I've considered a range of factors including ergonomics, price, aesthetics and compatibility to make my choice.
Best keyboards of 2024
Size: 43x14.9x3.2cm, 960g
Connection: Wireless to 10m
Power: Rechargeable (USB-C)
The wireless Logitech Craft, which is pitched squarely at designers, illustrators and digital artists, offering a tidy boost for creativity and productivity. It's backlit with ‘hand-detection’, but the key feature is its multi-function dial (the 'Crown') at the top-left, which enables you to control parameters in Adobe apps and Microsoft Office packages. You can zoom in and out, tap to show and fine-tune parameters quickly and easily, and adjust everything from scale and opacity of objects to size, leading and tracking of text. Read the full review
Size: 218.9 x 376 x 30.5mm, 750g with batteries
Connection: Wireless to 10m
Power: 3 AAA batteries
This wireless keyboard features a distinctive wave-like contour with curved keys and an integrated wrist rest, with membrane switches instead of mechanical keys. In practice, our reviewer found innovative ergonomic design offers exceptionally comfortable typing experience that feels natural and supportive, with minimal noise. Minor drawbacks include the lack of backlighting and non-rechargeable battery system. But overall, it's a great choice for professional use. Read the full review
Size: 38x15.8x2.2cm, 875g
Connection: 10m Wireless/Bluetooth range
Power: 2 AAA batteries
Targeting smartphone and tablet owners, Logitech's K780 keyboard expands on its earlier iteration – literally. It's longer, and includes a handy number pad. It can pair with up to three devices at once using Bluetooth or wireless, so you can toggle between them as you type on the comfortable rounded keys. Slot your iPhone, iPad and/or Android device into the perfectly-placed slot in the keyboard's base – which can hold devices up to 11.3mm thick in an upright position. It requires batteries, but they should last up to 24 months.
Size: 43.7 x 15.6 x 1.7cm; 780g
Connection: Bluetooth, USB-A, USB-C
Power: Rechargeable
This sleek gaming keyboard has a gorgeous low-profile and is highly portable. Best of all, Corsair's iCUE technology allows lots of customisation, including the ability to set lighting layers for every section and commands for streaming, including voice mods and more. There are four keys that can be customised for shortcuts, macros or app-launching commands – convenient for gamers but useful for creatives too. Fans of tall keys might be sceptical, but we loved the feel of typing on this model. Read the full review
Size: 296mm x 132mm x 21mm, 506g
Connection: Bluetooth, USB-A, USB-C
Power: Rechargeable
I love the concise, functional design of the Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard and have used it as my main keyboard for a number of months now. The diminutive cousin of the Logitech MX Keys, it has a reassuring solidity, and beautifully weighted keys that make typing both comfortable and satisfying. Each key is 'spherically-dished' (featuring circular indentations), which results in each tap giving satisfying feedback. The smaller size of the keyboard will also better suit a larger number of workspaces and The backlit keys offer a touch of class that befits its quality build. Read the full review
Size: 296mm x 132mm x 21mm, 506g
Connection: Wireless
Power: Rechargeable
If you're using a Mac for your design work (and there's a good chance that you are), then Apple's own Magic Keyboard remains an excellent option. It's super thin but we find it comfortable to use, with satisfyingly tactile feedback thanks to Apple's 'scissor' mechanisms, which gives the keys plenty of travel while keeping the size of the keyboard down. We've found it to be long-lasting, and it's easy to set up - just turn it on near your Mac and it will pair instantly with it. It's also got a battery that lasts a month before needing a charge. The white colour can be a job to keep clean, but it's very Apple. The Apple Magic Keyboard comes both with or without a number pad.
Size: 31.2 x 13.1 x 2.6cm, 612g
Connection: Bluetooth
Power: USB-C rechargable
Another mechanical keyboard option, the MX mechanical Mini (and its larger MX Mechanical brother) is a subtle mechanical model for those who want a tactile typing experience combined with a subtle aesthetic difference. With grey and black keys, the MX blends well with other Logitech products from the MX range, but most importantly, it's a joy to use. I've been using this model for the last few weeks, and am actually thinking of replacing my trusty Logitech MX Keys Mini (our No 5 entry) with it. Praise indeed, as that has been my favourite go-to keyboard of recent months.
Size: 44x14.4x3.9cm
Connection: Wireless/USB-C
Power: rechargeable
The best mechanical keyboards are fantastic in many ways, as they're accurate, dependable and they feel satisfying to type on. The Wombat Pine Pro works with any operating system but it's specially laid out and optimised for Mac users. With a reserved but striking design that comes in several colour options, it's comfortable to type on. looks beautiful on the desk, and the bold claims of durability are supported by a sturdy build. Unfortunately, the keyboard is only available with a US layout, and it has no backlighting. If you're a Mac user who's tired of low-profile offerings, the Wombat Pine Pro should be near the top of your list of considerations. See our full Wombat Prine Pro review.
Size: 31.5x15.5x2.8cm
Connection: Wireless / USB-C
Power: rechargeable
Also from Wombat, the more compact Coleus is also designed with Macs in mind, but this one looks very different from your average mechanical keyboard – it almost looks low profile with its slimline presentation, and with no number pad, it could fit into most work bags. The keyboard offers more functionality than Apple's own offerings. We've found it to be a sturdy, comfortable option that's satisfying to type on, and the funky RGB lighting is a nice gaming-inspired touch that looks quite beautiful on this sleek device. like the Pine Pro, Mac users are clearly a primary target, but the keyboard will work with any system. Again, it's by no means cheap, but the quality is apparent. See our full Wombat Coleus review for more details.
How to choose the best keyboard
Which is the best keyboard for your needs will depend a lot on your personal tastes. Many people swear by chunky mechanical keyboards because they feel the travel of the keys gives a more satisfyingly tactile feel, which can make typing more accurate.
However, some low-profile keyboards have found ways to create more resistance to help users get into the flow of typing, for example the scissor switches on Apple's Magic Keyboard. Other things to consider are looks (RGB lighting isn't for everyone), and whether you're prepared to pay out for extra productivity boosting features such as hot keys or dials that can be programmed for shortcuts or to control specific programs or actions.
You'll also want to consider size. Full-size mechanical keyboards can be very functional and comfortable to use, but they tend to be bulky and take up more space on a desk than more compact options.
FAQs
What is an ergonomic keyboard?
An ergonomic keyboard is a computer keyboard that's been specially designed to reduce strain on your wrists and hands by promoting a more natural typing position. Traditional keyboards often force your wrists into an unnatural angle, leading to discomfort and potential injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic keyboards come in various designs, such as split keyboards, curved keyboards, and keyboards with adjustable angles.
What is a mechanical keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard has individual switches under each keycap, which gives you tactile and audible feedback every time you press a key. They offers several benefits, including improved typing accuracy and speed, durability, customisation options, and ergonomic design. However, they can be noisy and more expensive than membrane keyboards.
What is a wireless keyboard?
A wireless keyboard is a keyboard that doesn't require a physical cable to connect to your computer or other devices. It uses wireless technology, such as radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth, to transmit data between the keyboard and the device. This eliminates the clutter of cables and gives you more freedom of movement.
