If you want to get some serious gaming done on your computer, a run-of-the-mill office keyboard isn't going to cut it. Especially if you’re involved in the competitive e-sports scene, good gear can help keep you at the top of your game for years to come.
Tom's Guide tests dozens of keyboards each year, and our evaluations led us to recommend the Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 ($180) as the best gaming keyboard for its incredible comfort and versatility. If money is tighter, the Turtle Beach Impact 100 ($23) is the closest you can get to a mechanical feeling from a membrane keyboard.
Best Gaming Keyboard OverallTom's Guide tests dozens of keyboards each year, and our evaluations led us to recommend the Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 ($180) as the best gaming keyboard for its incredible comfort and versatility. If money is tighter, the Turtle Beach Impact 100 ($23) is the closest you can get to a mechanical feeling from a membrane keyboard.
Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2
Beautiful, functional and innovative, the Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 is a gaming keyboard that has something for everyone.
Best External Wireless Keyboard for MacBook Pro in 2018 It's almost 2018, and your MacBook will be one year older soon. For all the hours you spend typing on your MacBook's keyboard, it's time to find out if using an external keyboard may be better for your workflow. For a low-cost alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard, you'll be happy with Anker's universal Bluetooth keyboard. It uses the Magic Keyboard's scissor mechanism keys, so your typing experience will be very familiar. It doesn't come with a lot of bells and whistles, but for the price, it's the perfect alternative. Best Gaming Keyboards 2018. Best Gaming Keyboard for Mac 3.5: Logitech G613. Is the closest you can get to a mechanical feeling from a membrane keyboard. Latest News and Updates (Nov.
If you spend hours typing each day, it’s so important to find the keyboard that suits you best. There are plenty of options to choose from, and here we look at ten of the best keyboards for Mac to help you decide. The keyboard covers on our list will work with 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook models. Some accessories on the list are also available in variant sizes that should work with older, non-Retina MacBooks.
Best Keyboard DesignRoccat Vulcan 120 Aimo
The Roccat Vulcan is a case study in how a striking aesthetic, married to great performance, can take an inventive new product far.
Best Small KeyboardLogitech G Pro
For times when space is at a premium, either at a convention or in your home, the Logitech G Pro absolutely nails the small keyboard design.
Latest News and Updates (August 2019)
- Tom's Guide reviewed the Logitech G915, which sets a new standard for wireless gaming keyboards. We've added it further down this page.
Best Gaming Keyboard Overall
Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Mechanical | Switch Type: Cherry MX, Various | Illumination: Full RGB | Size: 17.2 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
Reasons to Buy
Key switch selection
Helpful extra features
Reasons to Avoid
As our best gaming keyboard overall, the Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 has everything you could want. You can choose from a variety of authentic Cherry MX switches, light your keyboard up with subtle RGB patterns and control your media effortlessly, thanks to discrete keys. Not only does the K70 RGB Mk.2 perform incredibly well in-game, but it also looks beautiful and incorporates quality parts that can last a long time. Pick up a K70 RGB Mk.2, and you won't need (or want) another gaming keyboard for a long, long time.
Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50
Turtle Beach Impact 100
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Membrane | Switch Type: N/A | Illumination: None | Size: 17.6 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
Reasons to Buy
Simple installation
Compact design
Reasons to Avoid
Limited lighting and extra features
Usually, membrane gaming keyboards feel exactly like a $20 office model, but the Turtle Beach Impact 100 tries something a little different. The keys on this inexpensive membrane keyboard do their best to mimic mechanical Red switches, and do an admirable job of it. Not only is the keyboard comfortable and resilient, but it's considerably cheaper than buying an actual mechanical model. While the Impact 100 does not quite measure up to an actual mechanical keyboard, its sleek design, simple installation and compact profile are all strong arguments in its favor.
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow Elite
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Mechanical | Switch Type: Razer Mechanical Switches | Illumination: Full RGB | Size: 17.5 x 6.5 x 1.7 inches
Reasons to Buy
Great in-game performance
Comfortable, no-frills wrist rest
Reasons to Avoid
Razer has been building some of the best gaming keyboards for years, but the BlackWidow Elite is arguably the best one it's made yet. With a choice of three high-quality Razer switches, a full media control bar, pass-throughs for both USB and 3.5 mm audio, and a comfortable wrist rest that won't take up too much extra desk space, the BlackWidow Elite has everything you need to excel in both gaming and productivity. If you have other Razer gear, you can even synchronize the attractive RGB lighting.
Best Keyboard Design
Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Mechanical | Switch Type: Titan Switch Tactile | Illumination: Full RGB | Size: 18.2 x 9.3 x 1.3 inches
Reasons to Buy
Great performance
Fun lighting options
Reasons to Avoid
High price
The Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo is one of the most beautiful keyboards on the market. With a striking, elevated-key design, the keyboard is striking to behold. More importantly, though, its tactile switches and slim keycaps make it incredibly quick and responsive, whether you're typing everyday documents or in the middle of a heated multiplayer match. It just goes to show that not every mechanical keyboard has to look the same.
Best Small Keyboard
Logitech G Pro
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Mechanical | Switch Type: Romer-G | Illumination: Full RGB | Size: 14.2 x 6.0 x 1.4 inches
Reasons to Buy
No extraneous buttons
Reasons to Avoid
No carrying case
The Logitech G Pro is a colorful, responsive and durable keyboard that respects the scarcity of your desk space. This tenkeyless peripheral offers comfortable Romer-G mechanical switches, as well as colorful RGB backlighting. Between the robust Logitech Gaming Software and the device's small profile, it's a perfect fit for either a cramped home setup or a life of travel on the tournament scene.
Best Gaming Keyboard for Mac
Razer Ornata Chroma
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Membrane/Mechanical | Switch Type: Razer | Illumination: Full RGB | Size: 18.2 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
Reasons to Buy
Convenient wrist rest
Reasons to Avoid
Similarly priced keyboards are better
While most gaming keyboards will work just fine with Macs, few companies go out of their way to make sure that their software will work as well. Razer is a notable exception to the rule, and the company ensures that its excellent Synapse 2.0 software is fully compatible with Mac operating systems. While any Razer keyboard can complement a Mac, the Ornata is the best gaming keyboard for Macs we've tested. With a stylish appearance and a reasonable price tag, it's both comfortable and functional.
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Best Keyboard For Imac
Logitech G613
SPECIFICATIONS
Key Type: Mechanical | Switch Type: GL Linear/Tactile/Clicky | Illumination: Full RGB | Size: 18.7 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
Reasons to Buy
Beautiful design
Discrete media keys
Reasons to Avoid
Very expensive
Today's best Logitech G915 and deals
We check over 130 million products every day for the best prices
The Logitech G915 is everything a wireless gaming keyboard should be. You get your choice of low-profile mechanical switches: GL Linear, Tactile or Clicky, and each one feels satisfying and response. You get full RGB lighting and a variety of eye-catching patterns. You get both USB and Bluetooth connectivity, an extra column of macro keys and a full media bar, complete with a volume wheel. The device costs a lot of money, to be sure, but if you want a premium gaming keyboard without the hassle of wires, the G915 is about as good as they get.
Best Gaming Keyboards: What to Look For
Unless money is extremely tight, the most important feature in a gaming keyboard is a set of mechanical switches. Most membrane models simply don't measure up, due to shallow key travel and a lack of tactile feedback. RGB lighting is a common feature, but also one that can add dozens of dollars to a keyboard's price tag. Look for it if you want your keyboard to match the rest of your gaming setup. Extra macro keys are useful for gamers who play a lot of MMOs or competitive shooters. Tom's Guide also has a comprehensive primer on how to find the best gaming keyboard for your setup.
On the other end of the spectrum, if budgeting is your primary concern, we've also rounded up the Best and Worst Cheap Keyboards you can buy. None of them can match a dedicated gaming keyboard, but some are better than others if you just need to play a few casual titles now and then.
On the other end of the spectrum, if budgeting is your primary concern, we've also rounded up the Best and Worst Cheap Keyboards you can buy. None of them can match a dedicated gaming keyboard, but some are better than others if you just need to play a few casual titles now and then.
How We Test Gaming Keyboards
When we're evaluating a new gaming keyboard, the first thing we check is how easy it is to set up. We plug it in, install its software (if necessary) and learn how easy (or difficult) it is to tweak its settings. Then, we run it through a typing test alongside our everyday keyboards to see which one types faster and more accurately. From there, we evaluate the software, rating how easy it is to set up individual profiles, control backlighting and reassign keys.
Finally, we run each keyboard through at least four games from a variety of genres to see how well it performs, and whether it has any genre-specific strengths or weaknesses.
A good peripheral has easy-to-find, responsive keys. Genre-specific keyboards should have a special feature that elevates them above all-purpose ones.
What Gaming Keyboards Cost
Mechanical gaming keyboards start around $80 for tenkeyless models, and range up to $180 for full-size models with full RGB lighting. The sweet spot for full-size, non-RGB mechanical keyboards tends to be between $100 and $120.
More PC Gaming Gear: |
Related: Why You Want a Mechanical Keyboard |
MORE: How to Buy a Gaming Keyboard |
Best Gaming Desktops |
Best Gaming Mice |
Best Mousepads |
Best Gaming Monitors |
Best Gaming Headsets |
Best Game Controllers |
Best VR Headsets |
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
- Most Popular:Microsoft Sculpt at Amazon, “Natural arc layout that helps mimic the curved shape of your fingertips.”
- Best Overall:Das Keyboard 4 at Amazon, “Best-in-class mechanical typing experience that offers excellent tactile and audio feedback.”
- Best Budget: Verbatim Slimline Keyboard at Amazon, “Slimline profile stays low to your desk, so it will look sleek and keep out of the way.”
- Best for Portability:Logitech K780 at Amazon, “Full-sized keyboard in a compact body that leaves no wasted space.”
- Best Wireless:Microsoft Desktop 900 at Amazon, “Quiet keyboard that comes with an ergonomically designed mouse.”
- Best for Mac:Matias Wireless Aluminum at Amazon, “8 inches long, featuring a similar interface to the Apple Magic Keyboard.”
- Runner-Up, Best for Mac:Anker Ultra Compact at Amazon, “Takes up just two thirds the space of a traditional keyboard.”
- Best Quiet:Logitech K750 Solar at Amazon, “Slim structure and concave key cap design.”
- Runner-Up, Best Quiet:Jelly Comb MK08 at Amazon, “Stylish and colorful keyboard experience without making a sound.”
- Best Mechanical:AUKEY Mechanical at Amazon, “Vintage-style typewriter look, with a solid metal base and round keys.”
- Best Gaming:Razer Huntsman Elite at Amazon, 'Introduces 'optomechanical switches' to become one of the fastest options on the market.'
Our Top Picks
Most Popular: Microsoft Sculpt
4.8
If comfort is your main priority, then spring for the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard. The unusual design offers a natural arc layout that helps mimic the curved shape of your fingertips for the most comfortable typing experience around. Add in a cushioned palm rest and your wrists will feel comfortable, well-positioned and in a more natural typing position. Beyond its comfort, the three-year battery life, based on an estimate of two million keystrokes per year, is top-notch for a wireless keyboard.
Ideally compatible with Windows 10, Apple laptops and previous Microsoft versions, almost any computer user can give the Sculpt a try for added comfort. The included mouse provides additional ergonomic support with a thumb scoop to keep your hand in the best possible position and there's even a separate number pad for your workspace. The single unifying receiver for both the mouse and keyboard can connect to any laptop or desktop allowing for a 15- to 20-foot range before losing connectivity.
Read more reviews of the best ergonomic keyboards available to purchase online.
Best Overall: Das Keyboard 4 Professional
First released in 2014, the Das Keyboard 4 Professional is a superb choice with an outstanding typing experience. Available in both “soft” and “clicky” variants depending on your noise tolerance, the 4.4 out of 5-star Amazon rating speaks to the superb typing experience that comes with a mechanical keyboard. Beyond keyboard features such as two USB 3.0 ports, an instant sleep button and laser-etched key inscriptions to avoid wear and tear, the anodized aluminum top panel provides a solid feel that’s sure to last for years or 50 million key presses, whichever comes first.
The Das keyboard offers a best-in-class mechanical typing experience that offers excellent tactile and audio feedback, which leads to precision typing and cuts back on errant key presses. Dedicated media controls and an oversized volume knob give immediate access to adjust volume quickly during a Skype or Google hangout call or while listening to music. The included 6.5-foot cable plugs directly into any USB port while additionally powering the built-in USB ports on the keyboard itself.
You may want to read up on some helpful tips before you buy a keyboard.
Best Budget: Verbatim Slimline Keyboard
Mac Keyboard
In the world of keyboards, you’d assume that any peripheral worth its salt nowadays is either a high-end gaming keyboard or a seamlessly, wirelessly connected Bluetooth keyboard. https://powerfulmp386.weebly.com/blog/best-budgeting-software-for-mac-2018. But, whether you’re looking for an ultra affordable keyboard for yourself or a bulk order of keyboards for a whole office, the Verbatim Slimline Keyboard is a great choice for wired, USB keyboards. The slimline profile stays low to your desk, so it will look sleek and keep out of the way of the rest of your desk gear.
It also comes with the large, far-right number pad for quick data entry, so you won’t have to sacrifice space for functionality. The action is smooth and tactile but also operates quietly. It’s compatible with Mac or PC, and Verbatim offers a one-year warranty for factory defects. It comes standard with function keys and music playback controls built right in. It’s all under one pound and sits at 5.71 x 17.52 x 0.98 inches.
Best for Portability: Logitech K780
Logitech’s K780 multi-device wireless keyboard is the ideal choice for travelers or even desktop fans who want a superior typing experience. Connecting to computers, tablets and smartphones via USB or Bluetooth, there’s room for three devices with instant on-the-go switching between them at the touch of the “easy-switch” button on the keyboard. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, as well as both Android and iOS devices, the K780 offers a full-sized keyboard in a compact body that leaves no wasted space to maximize portability.
Additionally, the Logitech includes a number pad, as well as an integrated smartphone and tablet stand that offers the ideal angle for both typing and reading. With its two-year battery life (based on two million keystrokes per year), inexpensive pricing and comfortable typing experience, the K780 is the must-own portable keyboard.
Best Wireless: Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900
The Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 is a full-sized, ultra quiet keyboard that comes with an ergonomically designed mouse. The inclusion of 128-Bit encryption provides an added level of security for business types who have enterprise-level security concerns. Luckily, the Microsoft keyboard favors both right and left handed design, with an ambidextrous look and feel that’s great for either dominant hand.
Additionally, hot keys offer fast and easy access to commonly used shortcuts, as well as customizable buttons to quickly find the Windows feature you use most. With up to 24 months of battery life, 30 feet of range and super-quiet, comfortable keys, the Microsoft 900 is handily the total wireless keyboard package.
Also check out our picks for the best wireless keyboards.
Best for Mac: Matias Wireless Aluminum Keyboard
The standard Apple Magic Keyboard will serve you well, but if you’re looking for a change, then there's a whole wide world of Mac-compatible products to explore. The best among them is the Matias Wireless Keyboard. The Matias boasts similar performance quality and design, for a cheaper price. It features a six-month battery life, and multi-pairing Bluetooth, allowing the keyboard to connect to four different devices simultaneously, including an Apple TV. Switching between paired devices is as simple as pressing a button. While we’ve listed it as one of the best Mac-compatible keyboards, the Bluetooth can also connect to PC and Android devices. The Matias keyboard is 8 inches long, featuring a similar interface to the Apple Magic Keyboard. As the name suggests, its frame is built with real aluminum and it comes in four colors, including the very trendy rose-gold.
Runner-Up, Best for Mac: Anker Ultra Compact
Apple’s included keyboard is a well-loved experience for Mac users, but if you want something a little different, the Anker Ultra Compact wireless Bluetooth keyboard is your new go-to. Priced at less than half the price of Apple’s wireless keyboard, the Anker takes up just two thirds the space of a traditional keyboard. Additionally, it offers nearly six months of battery life based on non-stop usage of around two hours per day. Beyond battery life, its slim and compact design features matte finish keys that automatically connect to the last device via Bluetooth connectivity. Recharging takes around 2.5 hours with the included universal USB cable and Anker promotes a three million click lifespan, which is perfectly OK given the low price point. Fortunately, Windows fans don’t have to feel left out since the Anker offers compatibility with Windows 10. (But it's best used for Mac owners, thanks to its dedicated shortcut keys that are Mac specific.)
Best Quiet: Logitech K750 Wireless Solar Keyboard
Thanks to its slim structure and concave key cap design, the Logitech K750 boasts fast and silent typing ability. This wireless keyboard features a lasting battery life; it’s solar-powered, but any indoor light source will suffice, and the keyboard holds enough charge to last for three months in total darkness. At one-third of an inch thick and weighing 3.12 pounds, it’s remarkably thin and easily portable; however, at 18.3 inches in length, it does take up a good amount of desk space. If you also need a mouse, then the Logitech model is incredibly responsive, with precise cursor control, fast scrolling, and a curved body that fits comfortably in your hand. It connects to your desktop with an easy plug-in receiver and offers a reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection. Like the keyboard, it boasts battery longevity, with three years worth of charge. The Logitech K750 models are compatible with either Mac or Windows software — just be sure to check your cart before you purchase, as there are two separate versions.
Runner-Up, Best Quiet: Jelly Comb MK08
If you’re on the hunt for a whisper quiet keyboard to mask the sound of typing, your search is over. The Jelly Comb MK08 ultra compact wireless keyboard offers a stylish and colorful keyboard experience without making a sound. Designed for both Windows and Android devices, the MK08 connects via a 2.4GHz wireless connection directly through a USB receiver. Additionally, the MK08 comes with a similarly styled yellow and black wireless mouse that connects to the computer via the same USB receiver. The addition of a built-in numeric keypad masks the compact nature of the MK08. which is just 15.9-inches long overall. Whether you’re typing a novel or an e-mail to your colleagues, the MK08 and its months of battery life provide a comfortable, stylish and silent keyboard for a wallet-friendly price.
Best Mechanical: AUKEY Mechanical Keyboard
The ultra-sturdy, metal base AUKEY keyboard makes the “best mechanical” spot on the list for its beautiful style and satisfying user experience. First, the mechanism itself -- each key is operated via an independent Blue Key switch that provides tactile feedback. Each key is also independently tested for 50 million keystrokes, so it will stand up to years and years of coding or writing. Those keystrokes are supported by anti-ghosting, as expected by independent keys, which means that you won’t have any conflict between keys and will never miss a stroke. The keyboard’s style is a really cool, vintage-style typewriter look, with a solid metal base and round keys set against it. The keyboard comes equipped with double-shot-molded ABS keycaps that are super durable, but you can also swap in Cherry MX keycaps (or whatever style is more in line with your personal aesthetic) because they employ the same stem design. It connects via USB and it will take up a footprint of 6.38 x 15.55 x 2.17 inches on your desk.
Take a look at other product reviews and shop for the best mechanical keyboards available online.
Best Gaming: Razer Huntsman Elite
When it comes to gaming, few keyboards can compare to the speed and comfort of the Razer Huntsman Elite. Yes, it’s a little bit on the pricier side, but the extra cost is well worth the additional value: the keyboard introduces 'optomechanical switches' — mechanical switches with optical sensors integrated into them for switches that actuate and reset at the same point — to become one of the fastest options on the market. The key stabilizer bar has been so refined that every keypress is precise.
This keyboard is easily paired with a mouse and headset, and it comes with an ergonomic leather wrist rest so you can stay comfortable during long gaming sessions. Customization is key: the Razer Chroma-enabled underglow lighting has 20 different settings, and a digital dial can be programmed to give you quick access to your favorite functions. To ensure you have access to your settings and information from anywhere, the Huntsman Elite includes hybrid onboard memory and cloud storage.
Check out our other reviews of the best gaming keyboards available on the market today.
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought a top-rated computer keyboard and our reviewers tested it daily for weeks on end. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using this keyboard, from its size to its compatibility. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Computer Keyboard
Size - When it comes to keyboards, size matters. Are you planning on using yours primarily at your desk or will you take it to coffee shops with you? If you need a portable keyboard, there are still great full-size options but do keep size in mind when deciding which one you want.
Mac vs. https://powerfulmp386.weebly.com/the-new-apple-mac-pro-for-2018.html. PC - What kind of computer will you be using with your keyboard? While it seems like all keyboards should be compatible with both Macs and PCs, this isn’t true. Windows and Mac keyboards also have slightly different layouts; if you’re shopping for a Mac computer keyboard, it’s best to get one specifically tailored to that OS.
Use - There are all types of keyboards out there, so think about how you intend to use yours. Office-focused keyboards should be ergonomic, while gamers have different concerns. However, if you’re going to be using your keyboard for everything, it’s best to find a multi-purpose model that’ll work as well for typing emails as it will for everything else.
Test Results: Microsoft Sculpt (Most Popular)
4.8
What We Like
- Very comfortable
- Best scanner for mac. Wireless
- Responsive keys
What We Don't Like
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Large footprint
“The keyboard is very comfortable,” reported one of our testers. “The leather pad on the bottom feels great when resting my wrists on it.” One reviewer also liked that it was wireless and thought that its keys were “very responsive.” On the other hand, our testers wished it had Bluetooth capability and one reviewer noted that it “takes up quite a bit of space.”