Complete your impressive PC setup with one of the best keyboards. It doesn’t matter whether you play the best PC games for hours at a time, do most of your work on the computer, or simply spend several hours chatting with friends. You’re doing yourself a favor by spending a little more on a keyboard that’s actually reliable and a pleasure to use.
In fact, the best keyboards are a vital part of any computer setup, and every type of user benefits from having one. We’ve tested quite a few keyboards, and we can honestly say that you’ll notice the difference. They’re noticeably more responsive, more accurate, and more comfortable to use. Plus, some of them put a lot of thought into their ergonomics, which means, they’re also saving you from a world of wrist, shoulder and arm pain.
Much like other peripherals such as the best mouse and the best monitor, the best keyboards improve your overall computing experience. Be sure to grab one for yourself. From the best gaming keyboards to the best small keyboards, these are our top picks below.
The best keyboards of 2021 at a glance:
- Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
- Cherry Stream Desktop Keyboard
- Razer Pro Type
- Filco Ninja Majestouch-2
- Logitech Craft
- PFU Happy Hacking Professional 2 (HHKB2)
- Apple Magic Keyboard
- Unicomp Classic 104
- Das Keyboard Prime 13
- Logitech K780
Combining the latest optical technology and Razer’s analog mechanical key switches, the Razer Huntsman v2 Analog is good enough to get a five-star rating from us. That’s under-selling it. This gaming keyboard delivers the best typing and gaming experience of any keyboard we’ve tested in the last few months, with extremely satisfying tactile feedback and a wrist rest that’s designed to let you game for longer. As far as keyboards go, it is sitting on the expensive side of things, but it’s definitely worth it.
Read the full review: Razer Huntsman v2 Analog
Not all great things come in attractive packages. Although the Cherry Stream Desktop keyboard is not exactly the best-looking or the most compact, it’s arguably one of the best keyboards of 2021. Not only is this Cherry SX scissor switch keyboard robust and affordable, it also delivers a great performance and offers even greater comfort, making it a pleasure to use even though it’s not exactly what you’d call an eye candy. The setup is breathtakingly easy as well, something many casual users will appreciate.
Read the full review: Cherry Stream Desktop Keyboard
With the Razer Pro Type, you’re getting the trifecta: beauty, sheer performance and comfort. So, while it isn’t the cheapest option out there, you’ll be glad to pay it for everything it offers, as well as that nice extra of not having to deal with more cables on your desk. The fact that this wireless keyboard is incredibly quiet for having mechanical keys, connects up to four wireless devices without re-pairing and offers USB-C charging are just nice cherries on top of an already terrific pie.
Read the full review: Razer Pro Type
- This product is only available in the US and UK. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Razer Blackwidow Chroma V2.
The problem with non-backlit keyboards is that the key names are printed, so overtime, those fade away or even disappear altogether. Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 solves that common problem by simply moving the print from the top of each key to the side facing the user. This approach has another benefit – those prints are hidden from others looking at your keyboard from other angles, giving you that needed privacy when you’re typing things like your login information. Of course, this one’s also got Filco’s stamp of comfort, durability and reliability on it as well.
We’ve seen all kinds of keyboards over the years here at TechRadar, from stylish tenkeyless keyboards to RGB-laden gaming behemoths, but something has always been missing – a focus on creatives. Thankfully, with the Logitech Craft, this is no longer the case. Not only is this a sturdy, tactile and attractive keyboard but it also features a unique dial on its top left corner, which will help creatives expedite their workflow. This dial’s utility will vary depending on the application, from simply controlling the volume on the desktop, to changing levels in various tools in Photoshop. If you spend a lot of time creating content on your PC, the Logitech Craft is one of the best keyboards you can buy today.
Read the full review: Logitech Craft
The PFU Happy Hacking Professional 2 has somewhat of a cult following in the keyboard scene, and it’s not hard to see why. This keyboard is aimed at coders, but it’s fantastic for all you writers out there, too. It forgoes traditional arrow keys, instead making use of function keys and key combinations to get that stuff done. It will take a minute to get used to, but once you get that out of the way the small size is a huge benefit, as you’ll be able to take it anywhere you go. Plus, that sweet ‘thock’ sound of the Topre switches is a wonder to behold.
- This product is only available in the US and UK at the time of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Das Keyboard Prime 13
Apple’s Magic Keyboard is the most comfortable, reliable and good-looking keyboard we’ve ever had the pleasure of using, and it’s simply the best keyboard for Mac users. It’s actually incredible how sleek and thin this keyboard is, especially considering how comfortable it is to use, thanks to its great bounce and satisfying tactile feedback. It’s, of course, due in large part to that stable scissor mechanism, which Apple has adopted on its laptops as well. It’s so easy to use as well. Turn it on for the first time, and it’ll automatically pair with your Mac – it’s so decidedly Apple. Finally, there’s that battery, which lasts you a whole month before it needs charging, unlike other Bluetooth productivity keyboards that only last you a few days.
- This product is only available in the US at the time of this writing. UK and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the HyperX Alloy Elite
Remember those old IBM Model M keyboards? Well, that’s what the Unicomp Classic 104 seeks to emulate. Available in both USB and PS/2 versions, it uses a buckling spring switch that takes more effort to press than just about every other modern switch. You’re rewarded for this hard pressing with a tactile response that feels like the classic mechanical keyboards of old, along with a noise that will drive everyone around you mad.
Some keyboards just ooze class, and the Das Keyboard Prime 13 is one of them. Its features a solid aluminum top panel for added rigidity and a very minimalistic look. With Cherry’s MX Red or Brown switches under the keycaps, you’re given a choice between linear and non-linear offerings with a range of actuation points.
It’s a great option for media enthusiasts thanks to side lit media control and the inclusion of white backlighting is another bonus. It’s not the most affordable keyboard on our list, but if you’re looking for something a little bit more premium, Das is the way to go.
With its latest keyboard, Logitech is targeting smartphone and tablet owners who prefer to use their device while sat at a desk. And, if you were a fan of the predecessor, the K380, the Logitech K780 should be right up your alley, especially with its added number pad. This keyboard still has the ability to pair with three devices using Bluetooth or wireless, so you can swap between all your gadgets on the fly. And, thanks to its comfortable rounded keycaps, it’s still a pleasure to type on. The keyboard’s base is the star of the show, however, as it can hold mobile devices up to 11.3mm thick in an upright position. This places them within arms’ reach to make anything from replying to WhatsApp messages or reading a digital magazine easier than ever.
How to determine the best keyboard for you
It goes without saying that if you demand the look and feel only mechanical switches can provide, rather than those that are slim and stealthy, we suggest perusing our best gaming keyboards round-up instead.
Gamers prioritize the actuation that clicky feeling mechanical keyboards bring, whereas traditional home and office users are more about practicality. That said, the sheer magnitude of sound produced by a lot of mechanical keyboards is offputting to some. For those folks, we have some membrane keyboards to recommend as well.
Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article