It pays to have the best keyboards in your home office, even if a laptop is your main work machine. Sure, some laptops have good keyboards, even great ones if we’re talking about the best laptops. But we don’t recommend using your laptop keyboard for several hours a day, as having your neck craned down all day will cause serious problems with your posture.
Our picks for the best keyboards are comfortable to type on even for long periods, helping you do more with less effort. You probably know from working at home that dropping a laptop on a desk and using the built-in keyboard is a recipe for hunched shoulders and crampy fingers.
Read on for our take on the best keyboards you can buy, whatever your situation. Also check out our best gaming keyboards page, most of which can do double duty as great office models. Our top picks for mechanical keyboards can help you find an even more satisfying typing experience.
The quick list
The best keyboards you can buy today
In a hurry? Here’s a brief overview of the keyboards on this list, along with quick links that allow you to go directly to the page to review any keyboards that catch your eye.
the best overall
Your laptop isn’t the only device you need to type on, which is why Logitech has keyboards like the K780 that nimbly jump between up to three devices. It also supports Logitech’s FLOW technology to easily move data between computers. That’s right: if you’re using two different machines, this keyboard can copy a file from one and send it to the other.
Plus, it has circular keys, which will appeal to some people looking for a particular look and perhaps send others searching for other inputs. If you’re typing with family and friends, keep in mind that its keys are designed to generate quieter typing noise, so you’re less likely to irritate others.
This keyboard is compatible with Mac, PC, and Chrome OS using a trick Logitech calls OS Adaptive Keyboard Layout, where the keys adjust to the computer you’re using. A slot on the other side of the keyboard allows you to connect your phones or tablets when you switch from your laptop to your phone.
the best mechanic
The Cherry KC 200 MX is an excellent peripheral for those looking for a quality mechanical keyboard that doesn’t cost a lot of money. The MX2A switches, sculpted keycaps, and overall sturdy build make typing a pure pleasure. The sober but elegant design also stands out.
While it’s a shame there’s no wireless option, it’s hard to argue against the excellent typing experience and $89 starting price. If you’re looking for a simple mechanical keyboard that offers what you need, the Cherry KC 200 MX is worth considering.
Read our full Cherry KC 200 MX Review.
The best wireless keyboard
The Cooler Master MK770 is one of the best wireless keyboards as it is expressly designed for typing comfort.
This board features a board-mounted design and Kailh Box V2 switches that contribute to a comfortable typing experience. Even with the white Kailh Box V2, the keyboard is surprisingly quiet. But if you want, you can change its switches or modify it since it is hot swappable.
The keyboard comes in Space Gray or “Macaron.” The latter features pastel green, pink and pastel yellow keys that are quite eye-catching. And since it’s a 96% keyboard, it takes up less space on your desk than a full-size keyboard.
The Cooler Master MK770 is a great wireless keyboard for typists and gamers alike.
Read our full Cooler Master MK770 review.
Best for Mac
Apple users should start here because this keyboard is not only designed for your needs, it adapts to them. The Magic Keyboard is one of the best keyboards because it’s a step up from keyboards on MacBooks made between 2016 and 2019, and it’s quite similar to the keyboard on the well-reviewed 16-inch MacBook Pro: It uses a reliable switch mechanism scissor switch and not the controversial butterfly switch design.
The Magic Keyboard is one of the smallest keyboards in this set, making it much easier to store in your bag or use on a small desk. Apple also makes the Apple Magic Keyboard with numeric keypad, which has a full numeric keypad if you’re okay with the larger size and do a lot of number crunching. Both models feature a keyboard layout designed for use with Macs, making it one of the best options on this board. It connects via Bluetooth.
The best ergonomic wireless keyboard
Looking for an ergonomic keyboard that works with more than just your laptop? The Logitech Ergo K860 is a great option and its split keyboard design is designed to help you keep your hands in place to reduce strain.
One of our favorite features of the keyboard is the feet towards the front of the chassis so you can change the height of the keyboard deck. For those of us who have standing desks, that makes a crucial difference, as we often go from sitting to standing, which changes where our arms hit the table.
The Logitech Ergo K860 works with both Bluetooth and Logitech’s own USB receiver for maximum compatibility. Three device pairing keys allow you to easily switch between paired devices.
Read our full Logitech Ergo K860 Review.
How to choose the best laptop for you
How to choose the best keyboard for you
The most important thing when choosing a keyboard is comfort. You want a keyboard with keys that are large enough to feel comfortable on, and you want one that you can place next to your PC ergonomically. That means different things to different people, but in general, you want a keyboard that can sit as close to your body as possible, to avoid straining your arms and wrists while typing.
Next, think about what type of PC you are trying to connect to. If you’re on a Windows PC, you can choose from any of these options, except the rare incompatible one, like the Apple Magic Keyboard. Then, if you’re only pairing the keyboard with a single PC, you can decide between the Dell KB216 Wired Keyboard or the Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard – the latter creates a cleaner desktop setup.
But if you’re going to use the keyboard with a PC and a tablet or other device, check out the Logitech K780. Chromebook and Mac users should also try the Logitech K780, as its cross-platform functionality is great for everyone. However, Mac users who are always on the go should try the portable Apple Magic Keyboard. MacBook users who want to build the ultimate home office should look at the Matias Tactile Pro, which is a bit more stable.