Best keyboards 2024: Ergonomic typing, mechanical gaming, and more to fit your budget

It really doesn't matter how modern or stylish your PC is when you sit down to use it; without a great keyboard, you'll likely struggle to find many positives. As one of the pieces of hardware you spend the most time interacting with, it is absolutely crucial to get a keyboard that perfectly matches your needs and preferences.

In that regard, everyone is different. That's why there are so many keyboards on the market, aiming to satisfy productivity masters, gamers, travelers, casual users, and beyond. The Logitech MX Keys S is my overall favorite for most people, but there are plenty more options.

The Windows Central team has spent a lot of time personally testing keyboards, and I'm confident that I've hand-picked a wide enough range of the best keyboards to suit most users. Black Friday is a prime time to find deals on these keyboards, and even in the weeks leading up to the big event I'm confident you'll be able to find some major discounts.

The quick list

Cale Hunt

My colleagues and I always strive to find the best keyboards possible; it only makes sense when you write thousands of words every week. With plenty of in-house reviews at hand, I've collected the absolute best keyboards for all types of users.

The best keyboards in 2024

Best overall keyboard

Logitech's MX Keys S — intended to be a perfect companion for one of the best mice around, the MX Master 3S — should be considered a top keyboard by most people who want wireless convenience and comfortable typing.

In our Logitech MX Keys S review, Windows Central Staff Writer Zachary Boddy called it "a consistent, versatile, and feature-packed wireless keyboard," going on to note that "the design, typing experience, extra keys, and software are all centered around being productive."

The keyboard relies on a 2.4GHz Logi Bolt dongle or Bluetooth Low Energy to connect, and it can be set up to quickly and easily switch between up to three devices. It's compatible with just about any OS as well, making it perfect for those who aren't sticking to Windows only. There are even some deep macro features should you wish to streamline your workflow.

The internal battery will last for days, even with the built-in backlight enabled, and it charges with USB-C. You can expect comfortable typing from the cupped keys, and the ability to carry it around with you anywhere will certainly appeal to those who are over having to deal with cables.

👀 Read our full Logitech MX Keys S review

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Best budget keyboard

Logitech's MX Keys S is a great wireless option if you want a full package, including a number pad, but it might be too expensive or too much keyboard for your needs. That's where the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s comes into play.

It's a compact keyboard without a number pad, making it super easy to slip into a backpack alongside your laptop. It's also a great little device to have around the living room for control over your TV-attached PC. Just need something at your desk? It can also do a great job in a more traditional sense.

The Pebble Keys 2 K380s offers similar wireless connectivity as the MX Keys S, with a 2.4 GHz Logi Bolt receiver or Bluetooth options. It has Logitech's Easy-Switch button built in, allowing you to quickly switch between devices (even across different operating systems), and the two AAA batteries will last for months.

The round keys, a holdover from older models that we've used, are surprisingly comfortable even for long days of typing, and their silent nature won't annoy anyone around you. Be sure to give this one a second look if you'd like to spend less and still land a quality wireless keyboard. Find it for about $40 at Best Buy.

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Best gaming keyboard

Razer is certainly a leading name when it comes to gaming accessories, and its Huntsman V3 Pro sits at the top of the list when it comes to gaming keyboards that we've reviewed. It's expensive, but it's one of the most feature-laden and high-performance decks we've seen.

In our Razer Huntsman V3 Pro review, Staff Writer Zachary Boddy noted that they've been using a Razer Huntsman Elite for years but found "a more subtle, refined, responsive, and feature-packed gaming keyboard steadfastly focused on competitive and hardcore gaming."

The keyboard is built on an aluminum chassis, with double-shot PBT keycaps (with added texture to prevent slipping), customizable RGB lighting, fully programmable controls, and even a "leatherette" wrist rest. It provides a stellar typing experience with sound-dampening foam, and the adjustable actuation force (between 0.1mm and 4mm) gives you plenty of room to dial in the perfect gaming experience.

Razer's analog optical switches use hall effect sensors to land this precise actuation, and the customization just keeps getting better as you dig into software features. Razer includes a setup guide, but you will have to be comfortable making tweaks to get the most out of the product.

👀 Read our full Razer Huntsman V3 Pro review

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Best mechanical keyboard

Mechanical keyboards have come back into vogue in recent years, and those who want a customizable board with high-end features should check out Keychron's Q1 Pro. It's essentially the same as the non-Pro Q1, save that the Pro model adds Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and a 4,000mAh battery to go along with the wired USB-C connection. The keyboard connects with up to three devices for quick switching, and it works across Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

The keyboard's aluminum chassis is built extremely well, and it can be paired with three different types of Keychron's K Pro switches, depending on your preferences. Switches are hot-swappable, they have KSA double-shot PBT keycaps, and there's even south-facing RGB lighting that can be customized to your liking.

In his Keychron Q1 Pro review, Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda remarked:

"The gaskets around the polycarbonate plate combined with the addition of the silicone pads that are sandwiched between the top and bottom halves gives the Q1 Pro a unique typing feel."

The Keychron Q1 Pro can be purchased fully assembled if you aren't comfortable putting it together yourself. The only real downside is the battery life, which will need charging every few days. If you can live with that and want extra wireless connectivity, this should be a top mechanical choice.

👀 Read our full Keychron Q1 Pro review

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Best ergonomic keyboard

Most people who spend hours typing have likely experienced some sort of wrist or forearm discomfort. Even worse, some will develop serious issues if they continue typing on a standard keyboard.

Luckily, there are ergonomic keyboards like the Logitech Ergo K860 designed specifically to reduce strain on your wrists and arms. It achieves this by splitting up the keys near the middle, angling them to the left and right for a more natural V shape.

It also has a bit of a "hump" in the middle, with an attached wrist rest that itself can add forward tilt thanks to built-in feet for an even better feel.

In his Logitech Ergo K860 review, Windows Central's Brendan Lowry said:

"You don't have to bend your wrists at all, and the way your hands naturally curve slightly inwards aligns perfectly with the curved key layout, so you don't have to turn your wrists, either."

The keyboard runs on two AAA batteries that can last for years, but the keyboard does lack a built-in backlight. You can connect to devices with a 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth, and it will work across most devices.

👀 Read our full Logitech Ergo K860 review

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Best affordable customization

Cooler Master is a name synonymous with PC parts, but it has been making forays into the accessory market. The CK720 mechanical 65% keyboard should be a great option if you're looking for a wired connection and easy customization. Enthusiast-level keyboards can get very expensive, but you can usually expect to pay about $90 for this board. At the time of the latest update just before Black Friday, it's actually down to just $50.

You can opt for Kailh Box V2 hot-swappable switches in Red, White, or Brown flavors depending on your preferences, and they all come pre-lubed out of the box. They're easy to remove and replace, and Cooler Master throws in eight Cherry MX Green switches (with a heavier click) for some added customization capabilities.

In his Cooler Master CK720 review, Senior Editor Ben Wilson remarked:

"Cooler Master has knocked it out of the park with the CK720, appealing to newcomers and experienced enthusiasts in the mechanical keyboard scene. Practically everything is customizable, and the manufacturers promise to follow up with official accessories if you're unsure about compatible parts."

This should be a great pick if you want a compact form factor without losing arrow keys, and it will appeal to enthusiasts who don't want to overspend.

👀 Read our full Cooler Master CK720 review

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Best mechanical for pros

Standing out with perfect scores in build quality over a full-size layout and a comfortable typing experience, The Keychron Q6 Pro keyboard is a phenomenal all-rounder with long-lasting Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a gasket-mounted design. It offers a durable and "bouncy" typing experience, as Senior Editor Harish Harish Jonnalagadda highlights in his Q6 Pro review.

You still get USB-C connectivity for wired use. However, the USB-C port is not centrally located like some similar models, which might be a minor inconvenience for some if your cable management isn't set up to accommodate it.

Typing feels great with any high-quality, pre-lubed K Pro keycaps and switches, and everything is highly customizable through the VIA companion software. A full-size layout with a number pad and navigation keys is also somewhat of a rare luxury in the mechanical keyboard scene.

Overall, the all-metal chassis is "built to last," and nothing else currently comes close to matching the Q6 Pro, even if it is a little less practical for travel, given its size and chunky weight at 4.6lb (2.1kg.) Nevertheless, on a desk, the rubber feet underneath keep it steady, and it's hard to find any genuine faults with this fantastic mechanical keyboard.

👀 Read our full Keychron Q6 Pro review

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Best low-profile keyboard

Mechanical keyboards are great when it comes to typing comfort, but their standard design often makes them less portable. However, low-profile mechanical keyboards like the Lofree Flow have mostly solved that issue.

This is a 75% keyboard built into a sturdy and sleek aluminum frame, featuring RGB side lighting and white backlighting for the keys. It can connect with Bluetooth for wireless portability, but it also works over USB-C for charging and for a more permanent setup.

The low-profile, double-shot PBT keycaps cover Kailh POM switches available in Ghost (linear) or Phantom (tactile) options based on how much actuation force you desire.

In our Lofree Flow review, Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda remarked:

"Using the Flow has been a revelation, and there were several times that I had to remind myself that this is a low-profile keyboard. The Kailh linear switch feels fantastic in daily use, offering excellent feedback and good travel, and the gasket-mounted design is a true delight."

The only real drawbacks are a lack of 2.4GHz connectivity and RGB lighting for each key, but these certainly aren't dealbreakers. If you'd like to try out a low-profile mechanical keyboard with a gasket-mounted chassis, this should be a top pick.

👀 Read our full Lofree Flow review

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Best TKL gaming keyboard

TKL mechanical keyboards are gaining in popularity for gamers who want to free up space on their desk, and Alienware's Pro Wireless Gaming keyboard is a clean and well-built option with plenty of high-end features.

Windows Central's Zachary Boddy noted in their Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming keyboard review:

"Alienware made all the right changes utilizing crucial feedback from its top-level customers, and the result is a truly sublime 75% wireless gaming keyboard that matches the quality of the company's monitors."

The rounded silicone base is topped with an aluminum panel, and there's per-key RGB lighting to help you get the perfect look. Double-shot PBT keycaps cover Alienware's first-gen Linear Mechanical switches, which provide a responsive feel with the right amount of resistance. The keyboard is compatible with custom keycaps, and just about any 3- or 5-pin switches are hot-swappable.

The keyboard connects wirelessly with a 2.4GHz receiver or Bluetooth, but it can also be used via USB-C. This is also how you charge the built-in battery, which Dell claims will run for up to 1,800 hours over Bluetooth with RGB disabled.

👀 Read our full Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming keyboard review

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How to choose the best keyboard for you

The broad selection of keyboards means you can usually get exactly what you need, but it also presents a number of pitfalls for everyday shoppers. Keyboards range from bargain bin options that verge on e-waste, all the way up to truly premium options for gaming or for comfortable office work. There are even keyboards that give you a wide range of modding options, perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking switches and keycaps. Where to begin?

It's important to first consider your budget and then move on to how you plan on using the keyboard. Spending more will generally land you a wireless connection and a bunch of handy extra features, but a lot of people can get by with a keyboard well within the affordable realm. If you're looking for a great gaming keyboard, you'll especially want to consider switch types and overall performance to get an edge on the competition.

As with most things, consider your budget first. There's no point going into keyboard shopping without a price range in mind because, as you can see here, prices vary wildly from under $50 to well over $200. Nailing down a budget will make it easier to dismiss keyboards that aren't right for you before getting into the weeds with specs and features.

The other primary consideration needs to be what you're going to use it for most. Mechanical keyboards are easily the best feeling, but if you're never going to game is the increased price and the additional noise worth it? Likewise, if you plan to game, you're not going to have a good time with a Bluetooth keyboard with chiclet keys.

From there, you can start to consider a few more options. Always remember that the right keyboard for you is out there, waiting for you to find it.

The best keyboards based on our testing

If you're searching for a great keyboard that can handle everyday PC use, Logitech's MX Keys S should be your first consideration. It's a wireless keyboard that relies on a 2.4GHz Logi Bolt USB receiver or Bluetooth to connect; it features backlit cupped keys, and the full number pad only promotes productivity.

You can use it as easily on a desk as in your lap, and it conveniently and quickly switches between devices. This ultimately gives it the versatility to be your only keyboard around the house. Find it for about $110 at Best Buy, but keep an eye out for Black Friday discounts in the coming weeks.

If you're instead searching for a high-end gaming keyboard, Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro is a top choice that's absolutely dripping with features. It's built to an incredibly high standard, it offers per-key RGB lighting, and analog optical switches with hall effect sensors and adjustable actuation means you can really dial in your keyboard's performance and feel. It's relatively expensive at about $250, but I'm hoping the price drops with a Black Friday discount.

For those who crave a mechanical keyboard, Keychron's Q1 Pro is the best we've tested. It's similar to the standard Q1, except the Pro version adds Bluetooth connectivity. It's available with three different switch types, all of which are hot-swappable and covered with KSA double-shot PBT keycaps. Prices start at about $220.

Notable keyboard mentions

I'm still confident that the keyboards in this guide are the best of the best in 2024, but we've tested and reviewed some other options that shouldn't go unmentioned. They're aimed at enthusiasts, with deep customization options and sleek designs.

The Glorious GMMK 3 Pro was reviewed by keyboard enthusiast Harish Jonnalagadda. It received a 4.5-star score and a Windows Central Best Award, with Harish stating:

"With the GMMK 3 Pro, Glorious is taking keyboard customization to a whole new level. The brand's Boardsmith configuration lets you change every facet of the keyboard, and the introduction of hall effect switches makes the GMMK 3 Pro a fabulous choice for gaming. Combine that with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, the ability to choose between 65%, 75%, or full-size designs, and an all-metal chassis, and the GMMK 3 Pro ticks all the right boxes. The custom designs tend to get pretty pricey, but if you need a unique keyboard, the GMMK 3 Pro is the obvious choice."

The GMMK 3 and GMMK 3 Pro models come in various sizes and can be fully customized at the Glorious website.

Harish also reviewed the Angry Miao AM RGB 65, giving it a similar 4.5-star score and handing it a Windows Central Best Award. He said in his review:

"The AM RGB 65 is a terrific showcase of Angry Miao's unique design ethos, and the keyboard combines distinctive styling with excellent build quality and one of the best linear switches available today. You don't miss out on any of the extras either — there's Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4GHz connectivity — and Angry Miao bundles extensive accessories with the board. If you need a stylish 65% keyboard and don't mind the premium asking price, there's none better."

Prices start at about $559, so it's definitely reserved for keyboard enthusiasts who want to try out unconventional features.

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