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Did you know the right keyboard can significantly enhance your productivity, reduce errors, eliminate discomfort, and even boost your mood? No longer a mundane piece of hardware on your desk, today's wireless and Bluetooth keyboards can transform your workspace, offering freedom from tangled cords and a modern aesthetic to elevate your typing experience. But, with the plethora of options available, hunting for the perfect keyboard can be daunting.
Worry no more — our crew of tech and typing pros have rigorously tested dozens of wireless keyboards to help make your decision-making process effortless. Our thorough hands-on and laboratory analysis considers everything from the typing feel, sound, and efficiency to the overall comfort and convenience. We even composed this review using all the keyboards mentioned.
No keyboard impressed us more than the Logitech MX Keys S. The soft yet tactile keypress provides a supremely comfortable and enjoyable typing experience that helped keep us engaged and productive throughout our entire workday. For budget shoppers, the Logitech MK270 Combo is the ultimate, performance-enhancing value choice whose under $30 price tag also includes the cost of a mouse. Or, if you're a mechanical board purist seeking that crisp, long, satisfying keypress and sound, the Keychron V5 Max is an outstanding, highly versatile, and customizable option.
If you're looking to streamline your entire workspace, our team has also thoughtfully tested wireless mice. Or, if you need a more niche-specific keyboard, you may be interested in our top ergonomic and gaming keyboards.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on March 6, 2025, to include our new and improved testing protocol that highlights the metrics that matter most to you.
For an outstanding typing experience, premium comfort, and a quality build designed for office productivity, look no further than the Logitech MX Keys S. Our panel of testers raved about its low-profile scissor switches (the mechanism hidden beneath the keycap). “I find they provide the perfect amount of tactile and auditory feedback — enough resistance, travel distance, and sound to feel satisfying but not so much that my fingers feel fatigued or my neighbors feel annoyed,” noted our lead tester, Austin Palmer. Sure, standard-profile mechanical boards like the Keychron V5 Max offer a longer, crisper keypress, but at 47 decibels, it's a loud, creamy clack. By contrast, the MX Keys is a non-intrusive 35-decibel subtle click, better suited for shared workspaces. Like its award-winning 2019 predecessor, the Keys S retains all the perks we love, like scooped keycaps that minimize typos, a backlight for work (or play) in the dark, and compatibility with any operating system. There's even a Mini version for small workspaces or body sizes.
The MX Keys is THE keyboard of choice for most of us at GearLab, but it's not for everyone. One reviewer noted, “I found the hugging embrace of the keycaps is a delight, but held me back from achieving my peak typing accuracy and speed.” The even more shallow and flat keycaps of the Apple Magic Keyboard offer better performance but require a swifter, stronger force to press, which could wear your fingers out during all-day office grinds. Lastly, the battery only lasts about 10 days with the backlight on, requiring more frequent plugins. Still, we unanimously agreed that the MX Keys is a supremely comfortable keyboard thanks to the low 9.6-millimeter height that puts less strain on our wrists and the soft touch keys that gently bottom out.
Year after year, the MX Keys impresses us with its high-quality build, premium comfort, and fun typing experience. The only areas we see room for improvement are a longer battery life, a lower incline, and a place to store the USB dongle.
The Logitech Signature K650 checks all the boxes for those seeking a reliable keyboard at an affordable price. A true jack of all trades, this full-size keyboard, which includes a number pad, arrow keys, and function keys, has well-rounded performance across all our test metrics. The affordable rubber dome switches provide a moderately tactile feel with a soft touch. “It's like typing on mini airbags,” noted one reviewer. “It has good absorption and springback, yet I find it's also squishy without feeling too mushy and sluggish.” The lower-profile design (21 millimeters), soft typing feel, and three adjustable angle settings provided us with the absolute best comfort for the price point, though the premium scissor-switch MX Keys S scored higher because the shorter 9.6-millimeter height put less strain on our wrists. Still, the wallet-friendly K650 is compatible with any operating system and operator. The design is amenable to accident-prone teens by being resistant to spills, while the quiet, 40-decibel sound won't disturb your roommates.
Yet, the squishy, slippery feel, thin palm rest, and basic design may not appeal to all. According to one tester, “The vibe of this keyboard is a government building. Functional, but I think it's lacking some aesthetic flair.” The cheap plastic frame, stickered keycap legends, and lack of a backlight leave more to be desired. Moreover, the built-in palm rest is narrow and hard. It's better than nothing, but we all agreed that a wider, softer palm rest would go a long way to improve comfort. Lastly, the rounded, flat keycap edges feel unfamiliar and slippery. For a more familiar design, consider the Logitech MK270, though you'll be restricted to PC compatibility and a USB dongle connection. Despite these setbacks, the K650 is an excellent, well-rounded option for those not looking to break the bank.
We put this wallet-friendly keyboard through the same rigorous testing protocols as the most advanced, pricey boards. While the K650 isn't a top scorer in any one metric, it impressed us with its overall well-rounded performance.
The Logitech MK270 Combo is an excellent, productivity-enhancing full-size keyboard and a mouse, all for under $30. We were blown away by this keyboard's ability to enhance both the accuracy and speed of average typists (see where you stack up here). Two testers averaging 48 words per minute saw a dramatic increase to 54 words per minute, highlighting the MK270 as a board to help you work quicker. While the slim, sleek design of the pricey Apple Magic Keyboard is better for expert touch typists, the MK270 has a more familiar feel, with gently curved keycaps and a long, 2.2-millimeter actuation distance (the length required to register your keystroke). One tester noted, “It does feel rattly and mushy, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised with my speed and accuracy.” It also has a spill-resistant design that lets you feel more confident furiously typing away in a cluttered workspace.
However, you'll miss some premium perks with the low price tag. The USB Nano receiver was a bit laggy in our tests, with one reviewer commenting, “There's definitely a delay between me typing on the keyboard and the text appearing on the screen. I find that the mouse stutters too.” For a more reliable, speedy connection and the option to use Bluetooth, the Logitech Signature K650 is a great upgrade choice for Mac and PC users. Its keys are less wobbly than the MK270, though their slippery surface and unfamiliar rounded edges hindered our typing performance. Thus, for average PC users who don't mind a rattly sound and feel, the MK270 combo is an excellent, efficiency-enhancing value.
When it comes to typing accuracy and speed, the MK270 is a show-stopper with an equally jaw-dropping price. However, the cheap build is readily apparent with the flexible plastic frame, wobbly keys, and lack of a backlight. It will work on a Mac, so long as you don't use the F row and can memorize the modifier keys.
For the absolute best typing performance packaged in an ultra-sleek design, the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad is the ticket. “The exceptionally low-profile and remarkably stable tactile scissor switches are crisp, quiet, and built for speed,” noted local keyboard pro — Austin Palmer. We felt like Jim Carey in the fast typing trend when using this board. The strong 62-gram actuation force coupled with the short 0.9-millimeter actuation distance and flat keycap surface minimizes errors and enhances speed, which allowed Austin to achieve his best score of 91 words per minute with 98% accuracy. Impressive! Contrast this with the Nuphy Air75 V2 mechanical keyboard, whose light 46-gram force and awkward key shape lowered our whiz kid's performance to 80 words per minute and 91% accuracy. Yikes. If you have a small body frame or limited workspace, there is also a tenkeyless Apple version that may better suit your needs.
The Apple Magic Keyboard is built for the sprint, not the marathon, lacking some comfort and convenience features that could make long arduous typing sessions more enjoyable. One reviewer lamented: “The keypress is more crisp than the MX Keys S, but I felt my fingers pumped after one hour of use.” The strong force and somewhat hard bottoming-out feel quickly cause fatigue, although the low 3-degree angle and 5.5-millimeter height put our wrists in a nice ergonomic position. Additionally, while PC users can use the Apple Magic (I'm doing so right now), you'll lose access to the integrated media buttons and hotkeys. The MX Keys S offers better comfort and convenience, but if you are an Apple purist looking for that sleek design and crisp feel, then the Magic Keyboard is our top recommendation.
The Apple Magic Keyboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize typing speed. The sturdy aluminum chassis and sleek aesthetic design are what you'd expect for the higher price tag, but we still wish there was a backlight and better PC compatability.
The Keychron V5 Max exemplifies everything we demand from a mechanical keyboard: a rich tactile feel, a creamy, satisfying sound, and an overall fun typing experience suitable for work or play. “I love the immediate feedback from the big, crisp bump and the curved, grippy keycaps that cradle my fingertips,” relished one tester. Our lab results verified this experience, revealing a tactile bump (the physical feedback that helps users know when they've activated the key) only 0.6 millimeters into the 3.3-millimeter-long key press. By contrast, the Keychron K10's bump occurs a whopping 1.4 millimeters into the keypress, making it feel lighter and less tactile. Computer whizzes will appreciate the V5's versatility across any operating system. It boasts USB-C, USB-A, and multi-device connectivity and a customizable backlight, key functions, and switches (we chose the Banana). Plus, it has one of the lowest latency scores and a measured N-key rollover (the amount of keys the board can register at once), making it suitable for avid gamers.
However, the V5 Max does have its quirks. “The narrow zero key and small keycaps took me extra time to get used to, and I found the adjustment challenging at first,” one tester noted, which slowed our overall typing speed. Luckily, Keychron's V Max series offers various keyboard sizes and keycap options to help you find the best layout for your needs. At 47 decibels, the V5 is notably loud, and we all agreed that a palm rest was necessary to improve comfort. If the noise concerns you, you'll want to choose a keyboard with scissor switches, like the MX Keys S. The Keys S also has a lower profile and cushier feel, which makes it better for typists who spend long hours on their keyboard. Still, for mechanical board enthusiasts who desire a longer, more tactile keypress and gratifying full sound, the V5 Max provides the ultimate pleasure.
There's lots to love about the V5 Max mechanical keyboard, but two features our testers couldn't get enough of were the volume knob and colorful (although sometimes distracting) backlight. It's 1800 layout squeezes in a full number pad while keeping things compact - giving you all the function without the bulk.
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is an incredibly versatile mechanical keyboard with a wonderfully soft touch and comfortable ergonomic design that improved our typing speed. “I love the smooth, steady keypress and the springy release that propels my fingers to the next key,” noted one tester. The 42-gram force and 1.3-millimeter distance required to actuate each linear key are among the lowest of the group, allowing you to exert less energy with light, airy keystrokes. It's a very different feel than the Keychron V5 Max, which requires a stronger 55-gram force to overcome the big, tactile bump that occurs at the beginning of the keystroke. Adding to the ergonomic design are three adjustable angles and a luxuriously plush wrist rest. The Razer also has a backlight, multi-device connectivity, and customizable key functions (for PC users). Plus, with an up to 14-key rollover and a measured ultra-low latency, the Razer can double as your gaming board.
However, the included palm rest adds extra girth to the already large, full-size layout, and the 50-decibel hollow thock is considerably loud. “It doesn't make much noise when I press down, but when I release the key, there's a loud pop-back,” noted one reviewer. The sound is distracting in quiet public spaces and differs from the rich clack some users are used to. Moreover, the linear switches can take some time to adjust to if you're used to tactile switches. The Keydous NJ80 AP is a more affordable, linear mechanical keyboard that provides a slightly more satisfying typing feel and richer clacky sound, though you'll need to factor in the cost of a palm rest to improve comfort. The Keydous's 80% size also takes up less desk space and is compatible with Apple devices. However, for a soft, springy typing feel, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is it.
For lovers of mechanical keyboards with a light and airy feel, the Razor Pro Type Ultra is an excellent choice. The pillowy soft wrist adds to the pleasing experience, though the linear switches lack the tactile feel many typists may be used to.
Calling all wandering minimalists on a budget! The Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s is the ultimate low-cost, compact, whisper-quiet model that fits easily into any carry-on. Its ultra-slim, 11.1 x 4.9-inch design is a mere pebble relative to the mountainous, 17.3 x 8.7-inch layout of the Razer Pro Type Ultra. “I love the mini design that fits on any surface and the quiet keys that don't disturb fellow travelers,” noted one reviewer. The K380s connects to any phone or tablet, allowing you to use it anywhere. You can also customize the F-row keys to create shortcuts to the functions you use most. The original K380 (without the "s") has been our longstanding portability award winner, and the newest 2023 release is just as exceptional, adding a longer 3-year battery life and USB connection option (sold separately), though we're sad to see some media controls go.
While the K380s excels in portability, it takes a hit to the typing experience. Our small-handed testers merrily typed away while our average-sized testers struggled to enjoy the experience. “I feel like a broad-shouldered linebacker typing on this tiny board,” griped one reviewer. The circular-shaped keys also caused polarizing opinions, with some testers finding them fun and others finding them awkward and mushy. The square-shaped keys of the Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth allowed us to achieve higher speed and accuracy scores, but at half the cost, it skimps out on programmability and multi-device connectivity. If you can spend more, the MX Keys S Mini is worth a peek, yet the K380s remains our top choice for an affordable, portable keyboard.
The Pebble Keys 2 is a great compact keyboard for users on the go. However, its mini design can feel too small to use as your go-to office keyboard.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
Anyone can recite manufacturer specs or tell you how a particular keyboard feels, but few can back those claims with controlled lab measurements. At GearLab, we use a Mecmesin force-displacement machine to unveil the science behind each keyboard's unique typing experience.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test
Keyboards aren't just a computer accessory — they're your secret weapon for a smoother, more productive workday. Since 2020 we've purchased over two dozen of the top Bluetooth and Wireless models and put them through our head-to-head testing protocol. In addition to extensive hands-on analyses by our panel of tech and typing pros, each keyboard undergoes in-depth laboratory assessments. We rate everything from how comfortable and versatile they are to how quickly we can type on them. Above all else, we consider how enjoyable the experience is across any skill level or typing preference. After collectively spending a minimum of 40 hours on each board, we're confident our review will guide you to the perfect option on any budget.
Each wireless and Bluetooth keyboard is assessed across the following five performance metrics:
Typing Experience (45% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (20% weighting)
Performance (20% weighting)
Typing Noise (10% weighting)
Convenience (5% weighting)
Our crew of novice and advanced typists devote days individually testing each keyboard to help you find the model that best suits your needs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Leading the project is tech expert and keyboard fanatic Austin Palmer. Austin is the ultimate gearhead and has spent a lifetime learning the ins and outs of keyboards, thanks to his insatiable passion for PC gaming. In addition to wireless keyboards, he's also thoroughly tested gaming and ergonomic keyboards. Rachael Lamore and Lesley Robinson join the team, providing extra sets of hands to weigh in on the analysis. They can regularly be found using a keyboard to laboriously log their meticulous research findings on the latest and greatest tech equipment. Lastly, Lissette Velasquez translates our copious amounts of data into digestible snippets. She's worked as a scientist and academic writer, all the while appreciating the role of a high-quality board to keep her in the zone.
We measure how quickly each keyboard relays your keystroke to your device -- you don't want a glitchy connection slowing you down after all.
If you're working in a quiet office space, you'll want a quiet keyboard to spare your coworkers the distraction of a loud, clacky keyboard.
Size matters when you are on the go or have a cluttered workspace.
We go the extra mile, measuring latency, noise level, and size — key specs that matter when reliability, quietness, and portability are top priorities.
Analysis and Test Results
Our tests span five metrics to provide you with a thorough picture of each wireless keyboard's performance. We pay special attention to the overall experience, taking note of those that spark joy in our workday and those that add fatigue and frustration. Read on for an in-depth analysis of each keyboard's typing feel, comfort, and convenience.
What's the Best Value?
Keyboard prices range from under $20 to over $200. But you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to find a valuable product that suits your needs. When considering our value chart, it's clear that compact models generally cost less than full-size models. Our favorite compact keyboard is the Pebble Keys 2, whose slim and lightweight design is easy to tote around with you anywhere you go - all for under $50.
Keyboards with built-in docking stations can function as a low-cost portable computing device.
Credit: Jason Peters
If you want a full-size keyboard at an ultra-low price, the Logitech MK270 is a steal. The keyboard also comes with a mouse, which sweetens the deal; however, it's best enjoyed by PC users who don't mind wobbly keys. The Logitech Signature K650 is another great choice that is compatible with any Bluetooth-capable device, making it a more versatile option for budget shoppers. However, as with any low-cost option, the keys are slightly squishy.
Keyboard/mouse combos, like the MK270, offer great money savings.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
On the other hand, if a premium typing experience is your thing, the Logitech MX Keys S is an overall top-performing powerhouse. It's more expensive than our budget picks, but it offers a more satisfying and comfortable feel at a price that's lower than most high-end competitors.
If you spend long hours at your desk, consider spending a little more for a more enjoyable experience, like that provided by the MX Keys S.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Typing Experience
Typing on a keyboard is more than just pressing keys — it's the feel, flow, and overall vibe of your work or play station. To evaluate each keyboard's experience, we asked three testers to spend at least one full workday clacking away on each board. They noted their first impressions and any changes in opinion once they became accustomed to the unique character of the board. We then uncovered the underlying mechanics of each keyboard using a Mecmesin force-displacement machine, validating our tester's hands-on insights with scientific data. The data was averaged over five independent test runs.
Here, our testers compare keypresses side by side to feel which ones are the best.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Several factors come together to create a sweet, satisfying typing experience. Actuation distance determines how deep the keys go before they register your keystroke, while total travel distance describes how long it takes for the keys to bottom out on the backplate, letting your fingers travel less on low-profile boards or giving them more play on standard-profile designs.
Switch type, the mechanism beneath each key, determines the amount of tactile feedback you get with each stroke, giving you that satisfying click or smooth glide. Actuation force, the amount of pressure needed to activate a key, can make typing feel light and effortless or more deliberate and precise. Lastly, the overall layout, keycap shape, and key spacing affect how familiar the experience is and how efficient your typing rhythm is.
Tester Typing Experience Results
Product
Tester 1
Tester 2
Tester 3
Logitech MX Keys S
8
9
8
Apple Magic
7.5
9
5
Keychron V5 Max
7.5
5
8
Keydous NJ80 AP
5.5
7
8
Keychron K10
6.5
7
6
Razer Pro Type Ultra
6
5
8
Logitech MK270
5
8
5
Nuphy Air75 V2
6
6
5
Logitech Signature K650
4.5
7
5
Arteck 2.4G Ultra Slim
4.5
5
5
Omoton Ultra-Slim
5
6
3
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s
3.5
5
5
HP 230
3
5
3
While a satisfying typing experience is a highly subjective measure, our testers unanimously agreed that the Logitech MX Keys S topped the charts. The keys are responsive yet smooth, preventing the jarring “thud” of a harsh bottoming out. We also loved the unique circular keycap divots that hugged our fingertips and prevented them from sliding around.
The MX Keys low-profile scissor switches provided the perfect amount of tactile feedback and just enough movement to satisfy both fans of low-profile keyboards and those who prefer a more traditional feel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Here's what the MX Keys keypress looks like in graphical form. A “tactile bump” (a little speed bump you feel when pressing the key) occurs 0.7 millimeters into keypress, providing immediate feedback for your fingertips. The keys are low profile, but can move up and down a total of 1.9 millimeters, giving you just enough travel to feel responsive without feeling too deep or sluggish.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Two of our testers loved the smooth and satisfying long keypress on the Keydous NJ80 AP linear board. It also earned high praise for the lightly matte texture on the keycaps that gently gripped our fingertips in place, though one of our testers yearned for a more responsive, tactile feel and a number pad.
The Keydous's standard-profile keys provide the longer travel distance some users value. The keypresses felt soft, which was nice for comfort, but made it easy to activate the wrong key accidentally.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
In contrast to the MX Keys S, the Keydous's keys can travel a total of 3.5 millimeters, giving your fingers more room to play. The Keydous also lacks a tactile bump, providing a deeper, smoother, uninterrupted action. It only requires a mere 39 grams of force to activate, explaining why our testers felt it was soft to type on.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The sleek, flat keycap surface and short travel distance of the Apple Magic Keyboard provided a crisp and surprisingly fun typing feel for two of our testers. However, one found the short, 1.0-millimeter travel distance less gratifying than standard profile boards like the Keychron V5 Max. Additionally, the high 62-gram actuation force made some of us feel like our fingers were pumping iron before slamming into the hard backplate. It's not the most unpleasant bottoming out, but certainly harder than the MX Keys S
Keychron V5 MaxApple Magic with Numeric Pad
Use this graph to compare the mechanics between your two favorite keyboards. For example, the Apple Magic and Keychron V5 Max are two satisfyingly crisp tactile boards that require a swift, strong action to overcome the early tactile bump. However, the Keychron's actuation point occurs 3x later, meaning you have to press the key much further, giving it a deeper, more deliberate feel compared to the Magic's snappy response.
Most other keyboards had an average typing experience, but the HP 230 was notably poor. The rubber dome switches have a reasonably tactile bump at 1.0 millimeters, but after that, our fingers felt like they were falling into a mushy abyss to reach the actuation point at 2.4 millimeters. “It's like dragging my fingers through mud,” complained one reviewer. It's a very different experience than the more responsive feel of scissor or mechanical switches.
If you watch closely, you can see our finger hit the HP 230's slightly delayed tactile bump about one-third into the key press, making the keys feel less responsive. Towards the bottom, the key keeps pressing further, giving it that mushy, oatmealy feel that two of our testers loathed.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort
When a keyboard feels just right — whether it's a soft keypress or wrist support — you'll stay more focused and productive. To evaluate comfort, our testers spent hours on each board, keeping track of factors that caused fatigue in their fingers and forearms or strain in their wrists. Since there's no one-size-fits-all ergonomic design, we used a diverse panel of small, average, and large-sized testers to ensure comfort for every body type and personal preference.
Keyboard Angle
Base
Angle 1
Angle 2
Apple Magic
3.0 degrees
-
-
Keychron V5 Max
3.5 degrees
7.0 degrees
9.0 degrees
Logitech MK270
0.0 degrees
8.0 degrees
-
Logitech MX Keys S
6.0 degrees
-
-
Logitech Signature K650
2.0 degrees
4.5 degrees
8.0 degrees
Razer Pro Type Ultra
3.0 degrees
6.0 degrees
9.0 degrees
Omoton Ultra-Slim
8.0 degrees
-
-
An adjustable keyboard angle makes it easier to find the perfect ergonomic setup. While many models offer this perk, the premium-tier MX Keys S and Apple Magic lack it. Despite this setback, the MX Keys S consistently earned the highest regards from our testers, thanks to a low, 9.6-millimeter profile that's comfortable to use without a wrist rest and a smooth typing feel that avoids the sensation of pounding away at the keyboard. While we wished there was an option for a lower base incline, none of us found the 6-degree angle too obtrusive, though it does take some time to adjust to if you're used to a 2 to 3-degree angle.
We loved the three adjustable angle settings on the Razer Pro Type Ultra. The included plush palm rest put less strain on our wrists, though some of us felt it was almost too cushy. Adding to the comfortable design is a low 42-gram actuation force that felt less tiring to type on over the long run. The Apple Magic also earned high scores because of the slim 5.5-millimeter height that minimized wrist strain. However, the keys weren't quite as easy to press down as the MX Keys and Razer Pro and had a hard bottoming-out feel.
While the Omoton is low profile, some of us felt the need to use a wrist rest to reduce the tension created by the high 8-degree keyboard angle. The keys also require a considerable amount of muscle to push down.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Performance
A fast, precise keyboard helps you maintain efficiency without worrying about the delay or missed keystrokes that can be common with laggy wireless Bluetooth connections. To evaluate performance, our panel of average and advanced typists took a series of typing tests to determine how quickly and how accurately they could punch away. If their performance was slow or error-prone, we carefully determined what design factors caused the disappointing results. We also measured each keyboard's latency and rollover score to identify those models that may be particularly appealing to coders by day and gamers by night.
Word Per Minute Differences From Testers' Average
Tester 1
Tester 2
Tester 3
Average Speed Differences
Tester Average Speed
83 WPM
53 WPM
42 WPM
✖
Apple Magic
8 WPM
0 WPM
3 WPM
4 WPM
Logitech MK270
0 WPM
6 WPM
7 WPM
4 WPM
Logitech MX Keys S
0 WPM
-1 WPM
7 WPM
2 WPM
Omoton Ultra-Slim
2 WPM
4 WPM
0 WPM
2 WPM
Razer Pro Type Ultra
4 WPM
2 WPM
1 WPM
2 WPM
Arteck 2.4G Ultra Slim
2 WPM
-2 WPM
2 WPM
1 WPM
Keydous NJ80 AP
1 WPM
2 WPM
-1 WPM
1 WPM
Keychron K10
2 WPM
2 WPM
-5 WPM
0 WPM
Logitech Signature K650
1 WPM
-2 WPM
-2 WPM
-1 WPM
Nuphy Air75 V2
-3 WPM
0 WPM
0 WPM
-1 WPM
Keychron V5 Max
-3 WPM
-1 WPM
-2 WPM
-2 WPM
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s
-6 WPM
-2 WPM
-4 WPM
-4 WPM
HP 230
-5 WPM
-5 WPM
-7 WPM
-6 WPM
For our average typists, their greatest speed was achieved with the Logitech MK270. The traditional swooped keycap shape and familiar layout worked wonders, improving their score by six to seven words per minute, although our most advanced tester saw no enhancement. One tester also saw a seven-word per minute increase on the MX Keys S, which they ascribed to the high 6-degree angle that made it easier for them to reach the keys.
The Apple Magic keyboard's large flat keys and short travel distance offered fewer hurdles for one of our expert typists' to overcome, allowing his fingers to sprint by a whopping eight words per minute faster than average!
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The two bottom performers were the HP 230 and Logitech K380s, who lowered our overall speed score by six or four words per minute, respectively. The HP's awkward key press and the Logitech's unfamiliarly small keycaps were the main culprits for the sluggish results. We also made more frequent typos with these boards, requiring us to reach for the backspace key more often.
The long actuation distance and unpleasant typing experience played a big part in the HP 230's sluggish speed tests for all our testers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Apple Magic and Logitech MK270 were also our top performers in precision, allowing us to achieve our top combined scores of 94-95 percent accuracy. The high 62-gram actuation force of the Apple and the long 2.2-millimeter actuation distance of the Logitech help prevent accidental keypresses.
Accuracy Performance
Product
Tester 1
Tester 2
Tester 3
Logitech MK270
96
99
91
Apple Magic
98
95
88
Arteck 2.4G Ultra Slim
94
95
88
Omoton Ultra-Slim
95
96
86
Logitech MX Keys S
96
94
85
Razer Pro Type Ultra
95
94
83
Keychron V5 Max
93
94
84
Keychron K10
94
96
80
HP 230
91
89
89
Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s
92
93
84
Logitech Signature K650
93
92
84
Keydous NJ80 AP
92
94
81
Nuphy Air75 V2
91
91
83
Two of our testers received their lowest scores on the awkward HP230, but the overall worst offenders were the Keydous NJ80 and the Nuphy Air75 V2. The low 39-gram actuation force, coupled with the shallow 1.3-millimeter actuation distance, didn't do the Keydous any favors, especially for clumsy typists. For the Nuphy, the slippery keycaps and non-distinct separation between the keys made it easy to get lost or accidentally “fat finger” the wrong key.
The shallow gap between the keys on the Nuphy V2 made us hit adjoining keys more often.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Latency refers to the delay between pressing a key and the action being registered on your device. It's an especially important spec for fast typists or gamers because it can make the difference between a seamless, responsive experience and one filled with frustrating delays.
A wired connection will generally offer lower latency than Bluetooth. Here you can see the difference between an 11-millisecond delay in wired mode versus the 28-millisecond delay in Bluetooth mode on the Keydous NJ80.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
While we do not weigh latency into our overall performance score, we measure it to highlight models suitable for low-latency applications.
Latency Response Time
Wired
Wireless
Bluetooth
Keychron V5 Max
6 ms
7 ms
12 ms
Razer Pro Type Ultra
5 ms
6 ms
12 ms
Keychron K10
23 ms
✖
35 ms
Logitech MK270
✖
23 ms
✖
Nuphy Air75 V2
9 ms
9 ms
✖
Omoton Ultra-Slim
✖
✖
32 ms
The lowest latency keyboards in our lineup include the Keychon V5 Max, Razer Pro Type Ultra, and Nuphy Air, which all had a 6-9 millisecond delay in wireless mode (using the USB dongle).
The Razer had the lowest latency in the lineup, making it an excellent dual-purpose keyboard for both office work and gaming.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
While the Keychron K10 and Omoton had long Bluetooth latencies over 30 milliseconds, we noticed no lag while typing. On the other hand, on occasion, we did experience some delay on the MK270 keyboard and mouse.
Even with the video set to slow motion, we still find it hard to see the difference between the Keychron K10 (here) and the Razer Pro (video above). We didn't feel the difference either, but wanted to measure the time to ensure we have exhausted all testing to provide the best results for concerns with lag time.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Lastly, we measure the key rollover of each keyboard. Key rollover refers to the number of keys the board can register simultaneously without missing inputs. It's an important feature for gaming, but we never found it a limiting factor for office work. Both the Keychrons and Nuphy had an N-key rollover score, allowing us to press as many keys as we wanted, all at once, without missing a single keystroke. Pulling off complex gaming moves is no problem with these boards. For the Razer, the score varied between 6-key and 14-key, with wireless mode being the best option for gaming.
The Nuphy V5 Max will never miss a beat, no matter how many buttons you press simultaneously!
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Typing Noise
Typing noise is the soundtrack to your keyboarding experience — whether you like a satisfying click-clack or a smooth, quiet hum, it sets the tone for your day. If you're working in a shared office space or a hotel lobby, you'll appreciate quiet, non-distracting keypresses that are less disruptive to the overall vibe. On the other hand, if you're working from the comfort of your home or private office, it may be fun to enjoy more audible feedback. To assess sound, our panel of testers rate the quality of the sound while our decibel reader ranks the overall volume.
The quietest models are those with scissor switches, like the Pebble Keys 2 and MX Keys S, which measured in at a mere 35 decibels. The click is just barely audible and nearly undistinguishable over common office chatter. The Omoton and Apple are slightly louder but still have a neutral sound profile that didn't detract from our typing experience.
Unmute the sound for these videos — the MX Keys S has a subtle “clacky” sound that lies somewhere in between rich and full and hollow and thin.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have loud mechanical keyboards, like the Razer Pro Type Ultra and the Keychron K10, which emit 50 decibels of sound. Two of our testers said the Keychron's hollow, slightly rattly clack was annoying and distracting, while another felt it made the typing experience more fun. While the Razer was just as loud as the Keychron, all three of our tester's found the slightly hollow, thocky sound more neutral.
Despite its louder 46-decibel volume level, two of our three testers loved the satisfyingly rich sound of the Keydous. The alphanumerical keys have a traditional “clack,” while the large space bar has a “thock” sound.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Convenience
Many wireless keyboards have added features that can level up your typing game. From multi-device connectivity for multitasking to compact, space-saving layouts for travel, some keyboards bring added convenience to your fingertips. Need to continue working after hours? A backlight can save you lost time searching for keys in low light conditions. Need to enhance efficiency? Customizable key functions can help you speed up tasks with shortcuts. Some keyboards even let you swap out the switches or keycaps for a truly personalized typing experience.
Helpful Features
Connection Types
Dongle Storage
# of Devices
Backlighting
Keychron V5 Max
Wired
Wireless
Bluetooth
Up to 5
3 BT,1 wireless, 1 wired
Keychron K10
Wired
Bluetooth
N/A
Up to 4
3 BT, 1 wired
Keydous NJ80 AP
Wired
Wireless
Bluetooth
Up to 5
3 BT,1 wireless, 1 wired
Razer Pro Type Ultra
Wired
Wireless
Bluetooth
Up to 5
3 BT,1 wireless, 1 wired
Logitech MK270
Wireless
1
✖
Nuphy Air75 V2
Wired
Wireless
Bluetooth
Up to 5
3 BT, 1 wireless, 1 wired
Arteck 2.4G Ultra Slim
Wireless
✖
1
✖
Omoton Ultra-Slim
Bluetooth
N/A
1
✖
Most pricey mechanical keyboards are jam-packed with added features. For example, the Keychron V5 Max, Keydous NJ80 AP, Nuphy Air75 V2, and Razer Pro Type Ultra all offer a slew of connection types, convenient USB dongle storage, the ability to connect up to five devices on any operating system, and a backlight. However, not all dongle storages are built alike, and the poor magnetic compartment on the Keydous left us constantly losing the transceiver. You can also customize the switch type, backlight, and key functions on the Nuphy, Keychron, and Keydous. A nifty volume knob on the Keydous and Kechron lets you fine-tune your media audio levels with a fun, fantastical flair.
We found the Logi Options+ software intuitive and a great resource for customizing keys to help increase our productivity. For those not used to software for keyboards, this system is an easy step towards a more productive tool for your work.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Budget keyboards going slim on the bonus features include the Arteck 2.4G, Logitech MK270, and Omoton. Each of these keyboards only offers one connection type and lacks a backlight and any customizability. The Arteck and Logitech work best on Windows, while the Omoton has a Mac layout. All three are best suited for users needing a cheap, barebones keyboard to just do the essentials.
A backlight might not be a necessity, but it sure is nice to look at. If you frequently work in the dark, a backlight will help you navigate in the night.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
An overall small size can be an added convenience when portability is a top priority. The lightest keyboards in our lineup include the Omoton (8 ounces), Apple (13 ounces), K380s (15 ounces) and Arteck (15 ounces). However, the Omoton's and K380's overall compact, 75% keyboard layout makes them better suited for travel. At just 11 inches long and 5 inches wide, the Omoton and K380s are nearly the same size, but the K380's ultra-slim, flat design gives it an edge, allowing it to pack away in even the most cluttered backpacks easily. With the smaller design, though, comes little added frills, like no backlight or USB dongle storage, and fewer media control buttons.
Compact models offer greater portability than full-size models because their smaller design makes them easier to tote around and takes up less precious desk space.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Below, we rank all the wireless keyboards in our lineup according to their overall convenience.
Unsurprisingly, ultra-versatile mechanical boards top the charts, while budget keyboards fall lower in line. When it comes to convenience, it seems you get what you pay for.
How to Choose a Wireless Keyboard
Shopping for a keyboard can be a daunting task. With the sheer number of products available on the market, it can be difficult to understand which features you need and which you can go without. Below, we outline important design features to help you narrow down the field.
MultiOS users should prioritize a keyboard with dual Windows and Mac modifiers.
Credit: Jason Peters
What is The Intended Use?
The first question you'll want to answer is: What will the keyboard be used for? Are you using the keyboard in an office with large desk space? Do you frequently need to type numbers or use shortcut functions? Are you using the keyboard while traveling? Do you also want it to function for the occasional game? Defining the use of your keyboard will narrow down the features you need to look for.
When selecting a keyboard you want to consider the size of your workspace, how many devices you need to connect to, and what operating systems (Mac, PC, Linux) you intend to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Size Keyboard Suits You?
Keyboards come in all different sizes and layouts. Full-size layouts are usually feature-rich, including everything from loads of navigation buttons and hotkeys to a full number pad. If you have plenty of desk space and work with numbers all day, a full-size layout is your best bet. It is also great for those with larger hands or wide shoulders. However, if you are using your keyboard on the go or have a smaller body size or workspace, a compact design is ideal. Compact models come in a few flavors, most notably: 80% (tenkeyless), 75% (most popular), and 65%. As you go lower in size, you lose features like the number pad, navigation keys, and function keys. The 75% size, most similar to a laptop, retains most of the functionality of its full-size counterpart in a space-saving layout.
Compact keyboards are better for portability, while full-size keyboards generally offer more time-saving features.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What Type of Connection Do You Need?
Wireless keyboards connect in one of two ways: Bluetooth or USB receiver. A Bluetooth-capable keyboard typically allows you to connect to phones and tablets in addition to computing devices. It also does not take up precious USB port space. While the connection speed may be slower than that of a USB radio frequency, it should suffice for most applications. However, if you are gaming, you'll want a keyboard with a speedy USB receiver, though a direct cable connection is even better. But be careful not to lose the receiver, as many keyboards lack a dedicated storage space. Relative to the intuitive plug-and-play of a USB receiver, Bluetooth can take more time to set up, but it's easier to swap between devices once they're paired. You'll also want to pay attention to the operating systems a keyboard is compatible with.
Many Bluetooth keyboards allow users to conveniently swap between paired devices with the push of a button.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What is Your Preferred Typing Feel?
A keyboard's overall feel and sound can greatly impact your typing efficiency and comfort. The shape and dimensions of the keycaps, as well as the behavior of the switches beneath the keycaps, all influence the experience. Curved, textured keys may minimize slip-offs, while flat, sleek keys may speak to the aesthetics of others.
The switches located beneath the keycaps, as well as the shape of the keycaps themselves, contribute to a satisfying typing experience that is incredibly user-dependent.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Switches are divided into three classes: membrane-dome, membrane-scissor, and mechanical. Dome switches, typically found in budget models, provide a soft, cushiony feel but lack the durability and responsiveness needed with heavy use. Mechanical switches, on the other hand, cost more but bring greater durability, tactile feedback, and an audible click with each keystroke. They are also highly customizable in nearly every aspect. Scissor-switches, like those found in most laptops, strike a nice balance, providing a tactile yet quiet keypress. If you're considering an ultra-slim keyboard, it probably has scissor switches.
Keyboards vary greatly in the sound and feel of the keys. Here, we sample the acoustics of three mechanical switch types: clicky (bottom), linear (middle), and tactile (tactile).
Credit: Matt Lighthart
What is Your Budget?
As with most electronics, you get what you pay for when it comes to wireless keyboards. If you are on a budget, compact models generally cost less. Additionally, full-size models with dedicated Mac or Windows functionality can sometimes save money. As you increase the price range, you'll notice more connectivity options, more customizations, and a higher-quality build. Here's another money-saving tip: purchase a keyboard and mouse combo. Though a budget combo may not offer the high level of quality and amount of customizations you'd expect from more expensive items, they may be all you need, especially for more infrequent use.
No matter your typing needs, we've got you covered.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
In the modern age, wireless technology not only makes your desk space less cluttered and more streamlined, but it also allows you to have your setup with you wherever you go. Whether you're looking for a small keyboard to use with your tablet or need one at your desk that can switch seamlessly between multiple devices, we're confident our review will help you find a budget-friendly keyboard that is perfect for your needs.
