The best keyboards for your work or entertainment set-up can offer both practical and aesthetic benefits, and there's an abundance of options out there. So many in fact, that it can be hard, but we've done some research, reviewing a range of devices to make our pick of the best keyboards (and mouse combos) available.
Using one of the best keyboards can help improve your productivity, making your typing more accurate and efficient, and even reduce the risk of injuries like RSI. To make our choices in the following guide, we've considered ergonomics, price, aesthetics and compatibility to choose the best keyboards for a range of needs based on our reviews.
If you need to upgrade your PC too, don't miss our round-up of the best computers for graphic design. And if you need a keyboard for an iPad see the best deals on smart keyboards for iPad.
The best keyboards available now
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Size: 43x14.9x3.2cm, 960g
Connection: Wireless to 10m
Power: Rechargeable (USB-C)
The best keyboard for creatives in our eyes is the wireless Logitech Craft, which is pitched squarely at designers, illustrators and digital artists, which we find can offer a tidy boost for creativity and productivity (at hefty price). It's backlit with ‘hand-detection’, but the real game-changer is its multi-function dial (the 'Crown') at the top-left, which enables you to control parameters in Adobe applications, including Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC and Premiere Pro as well as 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.
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, the K380 – quite literally. It's longer, and includes a handy number pad. Like its predecessor, the K780 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 – to make everything more comfortable. It requires batteries, but they should last up to 24 months on power-saving idle mode.
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 design, and it's 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 G keys in the top right 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 keyboard, finding the keystrokes to be tangible enough to connect properly. Just be prepared to shell out a small fortune. See our full Corsair K100 Air Wireless review for more details.
Size: 296mm x 132mm x 21mm, 506g
Connection: Bluetooth, USB-A, USB-C
Power: Rechargeable
The Logitech MX Keys Mini keyboard is a fantastic option for those who love concise, functional design, and don't care about losing the number pad. The diminutive cousin of the Logitech MX Keys, it has a reassuring solidity, and beautifully weighted keys that, combined, 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. Add to that impressive battery life - 10 days with backlight on, and 5 months with backlight off - this is an extremely attractive, top tier keyboard.
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 Magix Keyboard comes both with or without a number pad.
Size: 23.5 x 46.2 x 3.2cm, 1.15kg
Connection: USB 2.0 wired
Power: wired
If you're a designer, then aesthetics are important, which means the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo could be for you, as it's one of the most beautiful keyboard we've ever seen. This is because the key caps only cover the top of the key, leaving the switches exposed. Along with the almost mandatory RGB lighting (this is a keyboard primarily aimed at gamers, after all), this gives the Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo a unique and eye-catching look. It's the kind of keyboard you can have sitting in your home office or studio and be proud of. It's not all about looks, however. Those switches are Roccat's own 'Titan' switches, and they are tactile with plenty of travel, which means this is a keyboard that feels as good as it looks.
Size: 29.5x12.5x1.2cm, 340g
Connection: Wireless/Bluetooth 4.0
Power: rechargeable Lithium ion battery
Easily the most 'fun-sized' and compact keyboard on our list of the best keyboards, Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard is roughly the size of a pack of cards when folded in half, measuring just under 15cm. That makes it perfectly pocket-sized and ideal for travelling. It works with Android, Windows Phone and iOS over Bluetooth, and it handily charges via USB. While it's highly portable, you will, however, still need a flat, stable surface on which to type as you won't be able to use this compact little keyboard on your lap very comfortably
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 should I choose the best keyboard for me?
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.
