There are few things as polarizing as PC keyboards. There are message boards and subreddits filled to the brim with opinions dissecting every aspect and component, mechanical versus membrane, different switch mechanisms, and the plastic used in the key caps.
There’s good reason for that. You probably spend a lot of time on your keyboard, along with a (hopefully) comfortable mouse. You might as well make those hours as pleasant as possible, especially now that so many of us are working from home. Whether you own a great laptop or a game-ready desktop PC, we’ve tested dozens of keyboards up and down the price spectrum. These are our top picks for gaming, office work, and everything in between. Also, be sure to check out our Best Mechanical Keyboards guide, if you’re specifically looking for the traditional clicky-clacky experience.
Updated September 2024: Added the Vulcan II TKL Pro, the Keychron Q1 HE, and new information about Hall effect switches and SOCD features.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
-
The Best and Brightest
Logitech Pro X TKL
Logitech makes some of my favorite keyboards, and the G Pro X TKL (or “tenkeyless,” meaning it lacks a Numpad) is among the best gaming keyboards. It has vibrant RGB LED backlit keys, and a choice of clicky, tactile, or linear switches, and it uses Logitech’s Lightspeed wireless adapter for competitive gaming-level response time. I love that the adapter lets you pair multiple devices with a single, low-profile USB dongle, so you don’t need to use all your ports for your various accessories.
The build quality of this keyboard is slick and stylish. It’s minimal and doesn’t take up much space on your desk, and it has a subtle metallic rim around the edge that gives it a little flair that most plain keyboards lack. The volume wheel in the upper right is smooth and easy to reach, and along the top are handy media controls so you can pause your music when you finally get into a game after a long queue. For my tastes, the more clicky-clacky a keyboard, the better, and the Black Clicky switches have served me well. Each keypress feels like I’m sending tiny thunder down to my game. However, if you prefer something softer, you can choose another switch type. The only thing I dislike is the lack of a Numpad—yes, I’m one of those weirdos who prefers having a Numpad. But for most people, this is the keyboard to beat.
★ Alternative: The Logitech Pro X 60 for $180 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) has virtually all the benefits of the Pro X TKL in a smaller, more compact package. It keeps the volume wheel, Game mode switch, and Bluetooth/Lightspeed buttons by moving them to the edges of the keyboard, while slimming the whole thing down to a 60 percent layout.
-
Photograph: Henri Robbins
Best Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro
If you’re familiar with Keychron at all, there’s a good chance it’s due to keyboards like the Q5 Pro and Q6 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). Both models come in a sturdy, full-metal case which minimizes the keyboard getting bumped and moved around your desk. The Q6 Pro is a full-size layout with a Numpad and everything, while the Q5 Pro slims down just a hair to a 96 percent layout, dropping a few less commonly-used keys like Insert, and tucking the arrow keys just under the Enter key.
Everything on these boards is customizable and repairable, from the hot-swappable switches and replaceable keycaps to remapping every button using QMK/VIA. It’s our favorite mechanical keyboard for productivity, but it’s also just a generally solid keyboard all around. If you’re looking for something a little more specialized, be sure to check out our Best Mechanical Keyboards guide.
