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Whether you're working from home, gaming late at night, or just need a better typing experience, the right keyboard can make all the difference.
We've tested the best keyboards of 2025, from mechanical and ergonomic to budget-friendly options, to help you make a confident decision.
Best Keyboards at a Glance
The Logitech MX Keys S is the best wireless office keyboard, blending comfort, features, and satisfying keystrokes that kept us happily engaged and productive.
For serious gamers, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 delivers pro-level performance and endless customizations that we couldn't get enough of.
Need maximum comfort? The Kinesis Freestyle2 wowed us with its user-friendly, ergonomic design.
Who this is best for: The Logitech MX Keys S is perfect for students and conscientious professionals. It provides one of the most comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable typing experiences among the dozens and dozens of wireless keyboards that I have tested. Tackle your work efficiently with this streamlined keyboard and keep your workspace free of clutter by pairing it with multiple devices via Bluetooth or USB dongle.
Why we love it: I felt a noticeable productivity boost while using the MX Keys to draft my reviews and navigate complex spreadsheets. Our full panel of testers unanimously agreed that this keyboard perfectly blends a soft typing feel with engaging keystrokes. The typing feel is what sets the Keys apart, largely because of its unique circle-indented keys. One tester passionately praised, “I love the comfort circles! They're like a little hug for my fingertips and prevent accidental slip-offs.”
Should you buy it? If you have cash to spend, the MX Keys is worth a place in your office. It can reduce wrist and finger fatigue over long workdays, though not as much as the top-rated ergonomic boards. The battery life also leaves something to be desired, and having ambient lighting and motion-sensing backlights contributes to this problem. While I highly recommend this keyboard for professional settings, the need to plug in every other week and the high price tag might understandably be a dealbreaker.
Number of Devices: Up to 3 | Battery Life: 10 days (lights on), 5 months (lights off)
Who this is best for: If you're looking to ditch the dated, bulky, black keyboard, the budget-friendly Logitech POP Icon Keys sparks joy in your workspace. Its compact size takes up less desk real estate and is easy to carry wherever you go — from your home to the coffee shop. It's versatile, too, seamlessly connecting to up to three devices on any operating system via Bluetooth.
Why we love it: I love how solid and responsive the keys feel and the vibrant, modern styling. The comfort grooves on each key naturally guide your fingers, while their quiet, snappy “pop” makes typing emails or essays surprisingly fun. “I'm enjoying the feel of these cute little rounded keys. I just love the bubble look and bold colorways,” commented one tester. Beyond looks, the POP Icon actually improved my typing, allowing me to type faster and with fewer errors than nearly every other keyboard I have tried.
Should you buy it? For budget shoppers needing a compact keyboard with a satisfying feel, the POP Icon Keys is it. I appreciated the snappy feel, but some of us couldn't get used to the unique “squircle” key shape. Keep in mind: the smaller size means a few trade-offs. There's no backlight, which could make late-night typing sessions tricky, and the compatible Logitech Bolt USB receiver is sold separately. Plus, without a number pad, entering data or working on spreadsheets can feel sluggish.
Number of Devices: Up to 3 | Battery Life: 3 years
Who this is best for: If you're looking for the best wireless value, the Logitech MK270 Combo is the keyboard for you. You get both a full-size keyboard as well as a perfectly serviceable mouse, making this bundle feel like an absolute steal. This product is best for value hunters with average typing skills, but anyone can benefit from the practicality of this package.
Why we love it: My team and I appreciate the MK270's straightforward approach. It connects via USB dongle and simply works right out of the package with no need to fuss over Bluetooth pairing. While it doesn't provide the same high-end typing experience as more expensive models, I was pleasantly surprised by my typing performance on the MK270. “I can't believe how quickly I can type and how few typos I make with this keyboard!” exclaimed one of our testers. With gently swooped keycaps and slightly long keystrokes, this keyboard overcomes its admittedly cheap build quality to help you type like a pro without the need to invest in a more premium solution.
Should you buy it? There is no doubt that you will get your money's worth and then some out of this keyboard and mouse combo. Not only is it an affordable and highly functional product that will get your workstation up and running, but it also boasts spill resistance and durability to help ensure you won't have to replace it anytime soon. The MK270 is the ultimate value option, but beware, it has rattly keys, limited Mac support, and a sometimes glitchy connection.
Who this is best for: The Kinesis Freestyle2 is a great solution for anyone who feels pain in the wrists, shoulders, or neck while typing. By itself, the Freestyle2 is a highly adjustable wired ergonomic keyboard that features a fully separated split design. This improves typing posture by allowing you to adjust the left and right halves of the board however you see fit–tether them together, splay them outward, or place them as far apart as a 9" or 20" link cable will allow. Adding the VIP3 Kit to your purchase unlocks the true potential of the Freestyle2 by giving you access to adjustable tenting angles.
Why we love it: While some ergonomic keyboards feature unusual keyboard layouts, I appreciate that the Freestyle2 has a very low learning curve. It provides a familiar typing experience that allows me to work with my usual level of efficiency while also enjoying the relief of a much more natural hand and forearm position. I also love the comfort that the VIP3 Kit adds to the typing experience. The accessory is easy to attach and adds a pair of spacious palm rests that adequately support hands of any size. Tester, Austin Palmer, commented, “I think it's so much more comfortable with the VIP3 palm rest.”
Should you buy it? Finding the right ergonomic keyboard to overcome the discomfort of a repetitive stress injury can be very difficult. However, the Freestyle2 will more than satisfy the needs of most users if you can afford the extra Kit. If you have a particularly severe motion limitation, though, you may need a more pricey board that goes above and beyond with columnar key layouts or concave key wells. Otherwise, the Freestyle2 and its various optional add-ons will accommodate most needs or stave off the onset of RSI in most cases.
Who this is best for: The Arteck Ergonomic Wired Keyboard is an entry-level keyboard tailor-made for people who want to improve their typing posture and prevent conditions like RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome. It has a partially split design that goes a long way toward mitigating joint stress. The gap in the middle of the keyboard separates the keys, facilitating a more natural wrist position. Coupled with a very comfortable built-in wrist rest, this keyboard staves off the strain and fatigue that commonly causes repetitive stress injuries.
Why we love it: This Arteck keyboard dispels the myth that you have to pay a premium price for a specially-made ergonomic keyboard. I was impressed by the stylish, modern design of this Arteck keyboard. While many ergonomic keyboard designs are stuck in the past, this one is aesthetically pleasing and can toggle between seven dimmable backlight colors. One tester noted, “I like the nice and BIG tactile feedback,” giving it a satisfying keystroke feel even as your fingers fly rapidly from key to key while typing.
Should you buy it? If you have ever felt typing fatigue after spending long hours behind a desk, the affordability of the Arteck makes it the perfect choice to see if an ergonomic keyboard can help you. However, you should keep in mind that this budget-friendly option does not include some of the cutting-edge features that help relieve severe RSI pain. It is also not as versatile as some similar wireless keyboards on the market. If being tethered by a wire isn't a dealbreaker for you, though, the Arteck is more than worth the buy.
Slightly inaccurate actuation settings in software
Requires loading five profiles at a time
Who this is best for: The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is for the gamer willing to pay for the complete package all in one go. It is a premium gaming keyboard that includes cutting-edge Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. It is also highly customizable in terms of lighting, macros, switch behavior, and more. With an excellent palm rest also included in the package, you can play your way all day without any cause for strain.
Why we love it: I love how solid this keyboard feels and how pleasant it is to type and play on. Every gaming keyboard we test goes through a gauntlet of actual gameplay testing, and the Apex Pro Gen 3 made a lasting impression with its “Protection Mode” feature. This setting dynamically changes the sensitivity of keys as you use them. When you press a key, the ones surrounding it become less sensitive, drastically reducing the chances of misclicking or fat-fingering during high-speed typing or intense gameplay.
Should you buy it? As the name implies, this keyboard is at the apex of performance and customizability among gaming keyboards. It satisfies any wish you could have for key latency, rollover, and operating force. However, this all comes at a price tag to match. Its linear switches also won't suit every gamer's tastes, with one tester commenting, “I still prefer tactile, but this has a smooth press.” Many gamers swear by their tactile switches, but if that doesn't apply to you, this keyboard is fully worth the investment.
The keys on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 are incredibly dynamic, versatile, and customizable, giving gamers complete control over how their hardware affects gameplay.
Who this is best for: The HyperX Alloy Origins is a high-end keyboard that ticks every crucial box on a gamer's wishlist without pushing the price deep into the triple digits. That's why I assert that it is the best keyboard for most gamers. It reaches a level of performance and responsiveness that rivals competitors that cost twice as much. HyperX even gives the buyer three different switch options at checkout, letting you choose between linear, clicky, or tactile switches based on your personal preference.
Why we love it: What stood out about the Alloy Origins at first glance was the extensive array of lighting options. The RGB options available through the HyperX NGENUITY software can impress just as much as the light shows provided by much more expensive gaming keyboards. I also thoroughly enjoyed my typing experience with the HyperX Aqua tactile switches, which gave me a subtle and satisfying bump. One tester described the sensation by saying, “If I'm going slow, I can feel the bump, and after that, it's easy to press until I feel resistance as the spring compresses.”
Should you buy it? If you're a jack-of-all-trades gamer who doesn't need the pinnacle hardware, then this jack-of-all-trades keyboard is an excellent choice. It's a contender in the competitive scene, a budget-friendly powerhouse for casual and midrange players, and it's even easy to travel with, partly due to its detachable USB cable. The main consideration to be wary of before committing to this keyboard is the comfort factor. It's on the taller side, making it strenuous to reach the whole board without a palm rest. Considering all the positives that shine through with the HyperX Alloy Origins, this can be a minor grievance by comparison.
Size Options: Full-Size, TKL, 65%, 60% | Available Switch Types: HyperX Red (linear), HyperX Aqua (tactile), HyperX Blue (clicky)
Who this is best for: The MageGee Portable 60% - Blue Whale Switch is for gamers with limited desk space or a desire for portability. Desktop real estate can be limited if you have multiple monitors, game consoles, and controllers. There's also the matter of leaving space for sweeping mouse movements; this keyboard can provide that kind of leeway. Compact keyboards like the MageGee Portable 60% also tend to be less expensive than their full-sized counterparts, providing another valid reason for a gamer to consider it for their arsenal.
Why we love it: I was impressed by the performance packed into such a tiny, affordable package. The MageGee Portable 60% boasts respectably low latency, a capable 1,000 Hz polling rate, and conflict-free N-key rollover. The manufacturer provides an extensive selection of six switch options, each with unique colors and typing experiences for this keyboard. You are free to choose the switch or switches you want and hot-swap between them at will. You get all of this in a condensed frame that's easy to carry and fit anywhere.
Should you buy it? Keep in mind that, as a 60% keyboard, this product only has 68 keys total. If you're playing hotkey-heavy genres like MMOs or RTSs, then this might not be the gaming keyboard for you. Another consideration is the noisiness of the keys. One tester commented, “I can hear it clearly through my open-back headphones,” which may deter sound-sensitive players or those gaming in a shared space. Even so, this keyboard strikes an excellent balance between three ideologies: Minimalism, cost-effectiveness, and performance. If you are a gamer looking for the perfect center of this Venn diagram, the MageGee Portable 60% is for you.
Size Options: 60% | Available Switch Types: Brown (tactile), Red (linear), Blue (clicky), Blue Whale (lubricated linear and silent), Violet (lubricated linear and silent), Ivory White (lubricated linear and silent)
Who this is best for: The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is the top pick for students or professionals on the move. It's compact enough to slip into any backpack and conveniently connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or USB dongle to any PC, Android, Mac, or iOS device. It helps maximize multi-device productivity by letting you switch between three connected devices at the touch of a button. It's perfect for remote workers with limited desk space at home or in public spaces. With a generous battery life, you can spend more time being productive and less time worrying about replacing batteries.
Why we love it: The discreetness of the Pebble Keys is what really amazed me. It's an utterly quiet keyboard that won't disturb roommates, coworkers, or even fellow airline passengers. Its sleek and slim profile is aesthetically pleasing and helps to make it the ideal travel companion. It also offers a novel typing experience with its circle-shaped keys. “I love the circular shape of the keys and think it's fun to type on,” one of our testers commented, although our testing team typed slower and with more errors on this board.
Should you buy it? The K380s is a 75% keyboard, making it suitably compact if you live an on-the-go lifestyle. The typing experience isn't the best, though, primarily because of the small circular keys, which can slow your typing rhythm. It's also a poor choice for gaming, only registering a maximum of three simultaneous key inputs. If you're looking for an affordable, portable tool to strictly use for typing, the Pebble Keys is a smart choice.
Number of Devices: Up to 3 | Battery Life: 3 years
Who this is best for: The Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad is best for anyone looking to maximize typing speed and efficiency. If you want a full-size wireless keyboard that lets your fingers move quickly enough to keep up with every thought, this is our top pick. Type essays and reports at lightspeed, or stay apace with note-taking during meetings or lectures without missing a beat.
Why we love it: "I felt like Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty, furiously typing away," noted one reviewer. The short distance and strong force required to activate each key, coupled with the smooth, flat surface, boosted my typing rhythm and reduced errors. The slim design allowed my fingers to move about freely, unhindered by tall, obstructive keys. The cherry on top of it all is that it's beautifully quiet, making it an excellent option for those in shared work or living spaces.
Should you buy it? The Apple Magic Keyboard excels in speed and productivity, making it a natural choice for office or school work. However, it's pricey and sacrifices some popular convenience features along the way. There's no backlighting, and the media buttons and hotkeys won't function for Windows devices. It's also worth noting that keys require more than average force to press, which can cause some finger fatigue after long sessions. When performance and speed matter above all else, though, there's hardly a better buy than the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Number of Devices: Up to 2 | Battery Life: 1 month
The Apple Magic Keyboard is sleek and extremely low profile, giving it a sense of stylish minimalism while also prioritizing impediment-free typing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Jonathan Sayers: “As a hardcore gamer myself, I know a quality switch action when I see one. I have a formal Computer Science degree and now have a professional writing career in tech and gaming. That said, I am no stranger to keyboards of all types.”
Austin Palmer: “I am a dedicated gamer in my free time and work as an electronics specialist and product tester during the week. I have spent nearly a decade professionally testing the leading tech products at GearLab and have a lifetime of rebuilding electronics and gaming equipment.”
Lissette Velasquez: “I am a former scientist and academic writer who now brings my expertise to the world of product review editing. In all these career paths, I have found a quality keyboard to be of utmost importance.”
Our expert team devoted hours to each keyboard, thoroughly assessing all the features to give you the nitty-gritty details.
How We Tested
Since 2020, we've tested nearly 100 keyboards with everything from gaming to ergonomics in mind. My team and I dedicate hours to each keyboard, meticulously assessing the satisfaction of their typing feel, the comfort of their design, the reliability of their performance, and the functionality of their unique features. We use them for everything from typical office work to hardcore gaming to typing on the go, keeping track of the models that excel and those that fall short. We purchase all keyboards from popular merchants, just as you would, to ensure we provide an unbiased review that you can trust.
Our panel of typing pros put these keyboards through extensive side-by-side, hands-on tests to recommend only the best of the best.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We always validate our user experiences with highly technical laboratory tests. For example, when assessing the typing feel, we consider the underlying mechanics of the keypress. Our Mecmesin force-displacement machine reveals how much energy is required to press down the key and how far the key travels before registering our keystroke. This helps us understand why a key feels soft, firm, speedy, or sluggish with every tap. We even take typing tests on each board to ensure we get the best speed and accuracy with every keystroke.
Here's our force-displacement machine hard at work, turning keypress feel into a visual graph, so we can measure exactly how smooth, snappy, or firm each key is.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We also use a dedicated testing rig to measure latency — the time between pressing a key and seeing the action happen on the screen. Low latency is especially important for gaming because it means faster reactions, which can make all the difference in high-stakes moments. To see a full list of methods, check out how we test gaming keyboards.
Here's a slow-motion shot of our latency rig in action, measuring the time it takes for a key press to register. In fast-paced games, every millisecond counts.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Keyboard Specs
Keyboard Type
Available Sizes
Connection Type
Switch Type
Software
Measured Operation Force
Comfort
Logitech MX Keys S
Wireless
Full Size
TKL
Wireless
Bluetooth
Scissor - Membrane
60.15 gf
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech POP Icon Keys
Wireless
75%
Wireless
Bluetooth
Scissor - Membrane
56.01 gf
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech MK270 Combo
Wireless
Full Size
Wireless
Rubber Dome - Membrane
Mouse Only
54.94 gf
1
2
3
4
5
Kinesis Freestyle2
Ergonomic
Full Size - Full Split
Wired
Rubber Dome - Membrane
✖
43.26 gf
1
2
3
4
5
Arteck Ergonomic Wired
Ergonomic
Full Size - Partial Split
Wired
Scissor - Membrane
✖
55.96 gf
1
2
3
4
5
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
Gaming
Full Size
TKL
60%
Wired
OmniPoint 3.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic (linear)
36.91 gf
1
2
3
4
5
HyperX Alloy Origins
Gaming
Full Size
TKL
65%
60%
Wired
HyperX Red (linear)
HyperX Aqua (tactile)
HyperX Blue (clicky)
48.23 gf
1
2
3
4
5
MageGee Portable 60%
Gaming
60%
Wired
Brown (tactile)
Red (linear)
Blue (clicky)
Blue Whale, Violet, Ivory White (linear/silent)
✖
39.38 gf
1
2
3
4
5
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s
Wireless
75%
Wireless
Bluetooth
Scissor - Membrane
60.56 gf
1
2
3
4
5
Apple Magic with Numeric Pad
Wireless
Full Size
TKL
Wired
Bluetooth
Scissor - Membrane
✖
62.06 gf
1
2
3
4
5
How to Choose a Keyboard
Whether you're gaming, working long hours, or just want a better typing experience, understanding key features like switch types, layout sizes, and ergonomics can help you make a confident choice.
Mechanical vs. Membrane
Mechanical keyboards have switches under every key. This offers a more tactile and responsive feel, which is generally ideal for gaming and typing-heavy work. Membrane keyboards typically have little-to-no tactile feedback as they lack spring-like action, though they tend to be quieter and more affordable.
Here we compare the sounds from three different keyboard switches. Clicky mechanical switches are tactile and easy to recognize by their unique sound. Linear switches are stable yet smooth. Membrane switches are the softest and least stable, but the cheapest option of the bunch.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Is an Ergonomic Keyboard Worth It?
If you find yourself with aches and pains in your hands, wrists, and elbows after a long typing session, an ergonomic layout may make a noticeable difference. Ergonomic keyboards feature split designs, varying tilts, and wrist supports for a more natural posture. Not all ergonomic keyboards are created equally, but finding the right one for you can help relieve aches and pains.
A premium ergonomic keyboard may feature a split design, dedicated thumb keys, column-shaped key rows, and highly customizable button layouts.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What to Consider About Wireless Keyboards
While wireless keyboards offer a break from all the cords, they vary widely in connection quality and battery life. Look for models with reliable Bluetooth or USB dongle connectivity options, long battery life or rechargeable options, and multi-device pairing.
The decision to choose a wired or wireless model depends upon your connection speed needs and your aesthetics. Bluetooth models also excel at the ability to connect to multiple devices at once.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What is Special About Gaming Keyboards?
Gaming keyboards are optimized for pressing a lot of keys quickly, often all at once. An N-key rollover is ideal if you use both hands, though a six-key rollover may be enough for gaming with one hand. They usually connect to a computer via a USB cable because that's the fastest possible connection. Gaming models usually have keys with mechanical switches so that every time you press a key, you never miss a keystroke or make a fatal gameplay mistake. Usually, these keyboards are customizable in many areas, such as keystroke depth, backlight colors, and more. With the enhanced features comes an enhanced price tag.
Gamers have strict demands when it comes to style, function, and performance — the right keyboard has to live up to all of these parameters.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Full-Size vs Compact Layouts
Full-size keyboards have a full number pad and function keys. Tenkeyless (TKL) drop the number pad. Meanwhile, 60-75% layouts are even smaller, which can be helpful for travel or commuting. The size you choose will depend on how mobile you are and whether or not you need a number pad.
If you prioritize efficiency, a full-size keyboard is the way to go. However, if you value space and ergonomics, a compact option may be better. Just keep in mind that the smaller the keyboard, the fewer features you'll have.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What is a Keyboard Switch?
Mechanical keyboards have different switch types that affect how the keys feel and sound. The main types are:
Linear: Smooth with no tactile bump (quiet and fast).
Tactile: A noticeable bump that offers feedback without a loud click.
Clicky: Similar to tactile but with an audible click.
In addition to these mechanical switches, scissor and rubber dome switches are common for membrane keyboards. Scissor switches, often found in laptops and slim keyboards, use a scissor-like mechanism for a quiet, soft typing experience. Rubber dome switches use a rubber membrane beneath the keys that is less tactile, but quieter and generally less expensive.
Ever wonder what makes a keyboard feel just right? Meet the switches - tiny mechanisms under each keycap that register every stroke. They're the secret behind how your keyboard feels, sounds, and responds while you type.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Is Operation Force and Why Does It Matter?
Operation force is the amount of pressure needed to register a keypress. Keyboards with lower tactile force require less effort, which can be beneficial during long typing sessions. Our team measured tactile force to help you understand how much effort each one demands, so you can choose a model that feels comfortable and responsive for your typing style.
We used the Mecmesin Omni Test 2.5 with a 5N load cell to test the operation force for these keyboards. This fancy machine tells us exactly how much force is required to press a key.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
Our team uses keyboards on the daily, whether it be for work, leisure, or gaming. Through this, we are confident that after reading this review and determining your individual needs, you can select a model that is perfect for you. Our ratings and recommendations will assure you that you have made a good choice. In the meantime, my team and I will keep looking for the best new keyboards and developing our test procedures as the technology evolves.
We hope you've found our review helpful in your search for the perfect keyboard. We're continually updating it with new models, so check back in with us for the most up to date analyses.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
—Jonathan Sayers, Austin Palmer, and Lissette Velasquez
