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Andrew Heinzman
Andrew Heinzman
News Editor
| 6 min read
Shopping for wireless keyboards is a lot more complicated than you’d expect. But between all the weird and wild wireless keyboards, there’s one that’ll suit your needs. Here’s how to find the wireless keyboard that’s right for you.
Wireless keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Some are great for gaming, while others are meant to work with tablets and phones on the go. It’s best to think about why you need a wireless keyboard along with what types of features you’re looking for before buying one. And of course, we also provide some recommendations for the best wireless keyboards.
Update, 3/16/22: Checked that links and content are updated.
Table of Contents
What Will You Use Your Keyboard For?
The Basics: Keyboard and Connection Type
Think About Ergonomics
Additional Design Options
Special Features
Ready to Buy a Wireless Keyboard
What Will You Use Your Keyboard For?
Not all keyboards are created equal. To help you find the best keyboard, consider what you’ll primarily be using your wireless keyboard for. Here are a few common use cases:
- At Your Desk: If you plan to keep a wireless keyboard at your desk, then you should probably focus on ergonomics and style. You may also want to look at extra features like RGB lighting or Logitech Flow(a platform that allows you to use a keyboard on three devices at once).
- On the Go: If you need a wireless keyboard for use with your tablet or laptop, no matter where you go, you should focus on slim form factors. You may even consider a tablet keyboard case.
- From the Couch: Smart TVs or media centers hooked up to computers practicallyneed a wireless keyboard. In this case, we suggest using a wireless keyboard with a built-in trackpad.
- For Gaming: Most hardcore PC gamers use a mechanical keyboard, sometimes with programmable keys and RGB customization.
Once you know why you need a wireless keyboard, it’s time to start honing in on what kind of keyboard you need. We’ll start with the basics (membrane vs. mechanical) and work our way toward the details (ergonomics and special features).
The Basics: Keyboard and Connection Type
There are two main keyboard types: membrane and mechanical. Though it may not seem it, they are quite different from one another, and the form that you decide on will dictate what specific kind of keyboard you can buy (a portable keyboard, an ergonomic keyboard, etc.).
Here are some of the qualities of membrane and mechanical keyboards:
- Membrane: Most modern keyboards are membrane keyboards. They’re slim and quiet, but they don’t offer a lot of physical feedback. In other words, they feel more like the buttons on your TV remotethan the keys on a typewriter (but that’s not a bad thing—it’s more a matter of personal preference). These keyboards are best for general use and portability, and odds are, you’re using one right now.
- Mechanical: Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, aremodeled on the loud chunky keyboards of yesteryear. They provide a lot of physical feedback, and they’re easy to type fast on, but they also make loud clicking sounds. Mechanical keyboards have removable keys (so they can be cleaned and customized) and are most popular among gamers and computer nerds. They tend to have a better lifespan than membrane keyboards but, because of this, they’re typically more expensive as well.
Once you’ve figured out what kind of keyboard you’re looking for, you should also take a second to think about connection types. Bluetooth is an excellent option for wireless keyboards (it doesn’t waste USB ports). It’s worth looking for a keyboard that includes a USB dongle if you’d prefer to stick with what you know; likewise, if your computer isn’t Bluetooth-capable, you could always buy aBluetooth USB adapter.
It’s also worth mentioning that some wireless keyboards have rechargeable batteries. These rechargeable batteries don’t typically last as long as AA batteries (depending on what you’re using them for and how often you’re using them). Still, they’re essential in backlit keyboards that can eat through a set of batteries relatively quickly.
Think About Ergonomics
People assume that ergonomics only matters if you spend all day at the computer, but that’s not entirely true. An ergonomic keyboard forces you to maintain your posture, which is essential for any typing session—even if it’s a short one.
Of course, the ergonomic design varies by keyboard. So, what kind should you look for? Do you have to buy an ugly monstrosity to fully reap the benefits of an ergonomic design, or can you get away with something more low-key? Well, let’s start by talking about ergonomic keyboard design.
We’ll begin with non-ergonomic and work our way up to those with full-on ergonomic designs:
- Flat Keyboards: Some keyboards lay flat on the tablet. This design tends to put a lot of strain on your wrists and makes typing more difficult. Unless you’re committed to a tablet keyboard caseor a portable keyboard, we suggest avoiding flat keyboards if ergonomics are important to you.
- Slanted Keyboards: Most keyboards are slightly tilted or have built-in kickstands. A good slant is probably all you’ll need from a keyboard, even if you spend all day typing (provided you can keep your wrists straight).
- Wrist Rests: A keyboard with built-in wrist rests can help keep your wrists straight throughout the day. Of course, you can also buy separatewrist rests to go with any keyboard.
- All-In Ergonomic: Super-ergonomic keyboards often look ridiculous (though the designs are always improving), but they force you to use great posture. These keyboards are great for people who type all day, people who have bad wrist posture, or people who really want to avoid wrist problems.
Again, most people should work with a slanted keyboard, but you can choose to get a keyboard with wrist rests or an ergonomic form if you’re concerned about your wrist posture.
Additional Design Options
Once you know what type of keyboard you’re looking for, it’s time to start thinking about the extra features and details. These features are all practical, for the most part, and lend themselves to the various typing situations we mentioned above.
First, let’s start with portable features. These features make keyboards easier to take away from home, which is great if you’re using a laptop or a tablet (keep in mind that ridiculously thin keyboards aren’t always ergonomic):
- Slim Keyboards: Ultra-slimmembrane keyboards are great for on-the-go use. You can also buy a portable mechanical keyboard for when you want to type as loud as possible in public.
- Tablet Keyboards: You can use just about any Bluetooth keyboard with a tablet, but we suggest using akeyboard case or a keyboard with a tablet kickstand.
- Foldables and Rollables: Foldableand rollable keyboards seem a bit gimmicky, but they’re extremely portable. Just keep in mind that they feel like toys when compared to standard keyboards.
Special Features
Alright, now let’s move on tospecial features. These features aren’t always necessary, but they can make odd computer setups (gaming setups, multi-computer setups, etc.) a bit easier or more fun to work with:
- Multi-Device Keyboards: Some keyboardsare able to quick-switch between devices at the push of a button. This feature is the most robust inkeyboards that support Logitech Flow, as the connection is maintained in real-time and carries clipboard content across devices.
- Couch Keyboards: Some wireless keyboards have built-in touchpads. These are most useful for portable laptop or tablet setups, but they’re also great for smart TVs or media centers (like a computer hooked up to your TV), as they mean you won’t have to keep a mouse connected as well.
- Backlights and RGB: Backlights can add a fun, futuristic touch to your keyboard (and help you type in the dark). And, of course,RBG-enabled keyboardscan be customized to match the color of your entire computer rig or your room’s color scheme.
- Customizable Keys: Some gaming keyboards have customizable macro keys. These keys are great for performing complicated commands in-game, but they’re also useful as general shortcut keys while writing, programming, or browsing the web.
Ready to Buy a Wireless Keyboard
Remember that a keyboard’s form factor and features will determine how you can use it. If a keyboard feature doesn’t line up for how you’d like to use it (gaming, portable use, etc.), then it’s not worth buying.Now that you know what to look for, it should be a bit easier to shop for the perfect wireless keyboard. Here are our favorite recommendations:
The 10 Best Wireless Keyboards 
Best Overall
Logitech MX Keys
Best Tenkeyless
Logitech G915 TKL
Best for Macs
Apple Magic Keyboard
Best Budget
Cherry Gentix
Best Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
A Quieter Mechanical Keyboard
Corsair K63
Best Ergonomic
Logitech Ergo K860
Best Budget Ergonomic
Microsoft Sculpt
Best Mini
Logitech K380
A Fun Retro Keyboard
UBOTIE Colorful Wireless Keyboard
FAQs
What should you consider when choosing a wireless keyboard? ›
At Your Desk: If you plan to keep a wireless keyboard at your desk, then you should probably focus on ergonomics and style. You may also want to look at extra features like RGB lighting or Logitech Flow (a platform that allows you to use a keyboard on three devices at once).
Which is better Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz for keyboard? ›The price of the Bluetooth keywords is higher compared to the 2.4 GHz wireless keyboard options. Bluetooth keyboards are now available with multi-device support, allowing you to easily switch between two to three devices simultaneously. You don't have to pair that device every time you switch from one to another.
What does 2.4 GHz keyboard mean? ›Wireless keyboards based on infrared technology use light waves to transmit signals to other infrared-enabled devices. But, in case of radio frequency technology, a wireless keyboard communicates using signals which range from 27 MHz to up to 2.4 GHz. Most wireless keyboards today work on 2.4 GHz radio frequency.
Should I get a 61 or 88 key keyboard beginner? ›For a beginner, 66 keys are sufficient for learning to play, and you can play most music on a 72-key instrument. For anyone interested in playing classical piano, however, a full 88 keys are recommended, especially if you plan on one day playing a traditional piano. Many keyboards have fewer than 66 keys.
Is 2.4 GHz good for a keyboard? ›Connectivity: Wireless vs Bluetooth
Before we get too far into the details, let's make it clear that both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology function perfectly well for pairing a wireless keyboard and mouse with a computer.
What's the difference between a Bluetooth keyboard and a wireless keyboard? Wireless keyboards connect to a PC in one of two ways: via Bluetooth or a USB receiver. Wireless keyboards that connect via a USB receiver or dongle can only connect to a computer or device if it has a USB port.
Are blue or brown switches better for typing? ›The best switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you like the classic, clicky sound and feel, you'll love blue mechanical switches. If speed is a consideration, stick to linear (red) switches, and for a mix of both, go with brown.
Is the higher Hz the better for keyboard? ›The polling rate of a keyboard is the frequency of how often your keyboard sends data to your computer and is measured in Hurtz (Hz). The faster the polling rate, the quicker the response time of each keypress. It's best to have at least a 500 to 1000 Hz polling rate for gaming.
What are the three 3 types of keyboard? ›The various types of computer keyboards typically used by computer users for different purposes are a qwerty keyboard, a gaming keyboard, a virtual keyboard and a multimedia keyboard.
What are the 5 special keys in keyboard? ›- Ctrl-S - save.
- Ctrl-O - open.
- Ctrl-N - new.
- Ctrl-C - copy.
- Ctrl-V - paste.
- Ctrl-X - cut.
- Ctrl-Z - undo.
- Ctrl-A - select all.
What are the 5 types of keyboard? ›
- QWERTY Keyboards.
- Wired Keyboards.
- Numeric Keypads.
- Ergonomic Keyboards.
- Wireless Keyboards.
- USB Keyboards.
- Bluetooth Keyboards.
- Magic Keyboards.
5 GHz will give you more signal strength and faster speed over a shorter range, compared to 2.4 GHz.
Which is better 2.2 GHz or 2.4 GHz? ›2.2 Ghz vs 2.4 Ghz Macbook
Obviously, the primary difference between the 2.2 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz Macbooks is the slight increase in speed. Of course, you will not notice any major performance advantage if you just browse the internet or type a couple of documents.
If you want better range, use 2.4 GHz. If you need higher performance or speed, use the 5GHz band. The 5GHz band, which is the newer of the two, has the potential to cut through network clutter and interference to maximize network performance. Which means this band will be better for things like reducing game lag.
Why would I want a 60% keyboard? ›The big benefit of 60% keyboards is its diminutive width, leaving more room for the mouse and generally creating a better ergonomic posture for gaming. Because of its narrower width, gamers are more easily able to position their keyboard in the most comfortable position for them.
Can you play everything with 61 keys? ›Yes, you can learn how to play the piano on 61 keys, but there will be limitations on what music you can play. A 61 key piano only has 5 octaves which are not always enough for some repertoire. This may require musicians to transpose and adjust the sheet music to fit the instrument.
Can I play all songs on a 61 key keyboard? ›For most modern styles of music such as pop, rock, folk, etc. a keyboard/digital piano with 61 keys should be enough most of the time. Since the majority of the contemporary songs do not use more than 5 octaves, it should get you covered.
Is 2.3 or 2.6 GHz better? ›Ghz Meaning and Processor Speed
A 2.6-Ghz processor, therefore, can run 2.6 billion instructions in a second, while a 2.3-Ghz processor can run 2.3 billion instructions per second. This isn't that significant of a difference, but it's something to consider, if you're comparing two computers with those specifications.
If you are talking 5-7 years away there is virtually no difference between 2.4 and 2.8 GHz. Both will be pretty near worthless in terms of resale, both will be about the same at running applications.
Which is better 2.4 GHz or 2.6 GHz? ›2.6 GHz version would have a better turbo clock and better internal GPU. Yes you will see the difference.
What is the disadvantage of wireless keyboard? ›
Wireless keyboards usually contain small radio transmitters. Like any radio transmitter, they need power to operate. Typically the power comes from batteries; if the batteries go dead, you won't be able to use the keyboard. With this in mind, keep extra batteries on hand or keep a traditional keyboard as a backup.
Which is better Bluetooth or wireless? ›In general, Bluetooth is better for mobile devices that have limited power requirements. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi is better for larger, more stationary devices that need a direct connection to the Internet.
Is it worth buying a wireless keyboard? ›A wireless keyboard can be a great purchase for anyone who does not rely on a super fast reaction speed for gaming and will work perfectly fine for most of the keyboard users out there. Wireless keyboards offer excellent mobility and allow you to type from positions that otherwise wouldn't have been possible.
Why are brown switches so popular? ›Why are they so widespread? MX Browns are the “safe choice”. They are one of the most recommended switches because once you feel it, you know if you like it, if you would prefer something smoother, or something even more tactile and clicky.
Which keyboard switches are most satisfying? ›- Kailh BOX White.
- Kailh BOX Jade.
- Kailh Speed Copper (Best for Gaming)
- NovelKeys Sherbet.
- Cherry MX Blue/White. Runner-Up: Cherry MX Blue Clones (Outemu, Gateron, etc)
The best three switches for typing are Cherry MX Browns, ZealPC Zilents, and Topre switches. Each switch has its differentiating factors and benefits from the others.
How many Hz are good quality? ›For most people, a TV with a 60Hz refresh rate is good enough since there isn't much 4k content that goes past 60 fps. However, 120Hz TVs with HDMI 2.1 support are beneficial to gamers as they allow for higher frame rates.
How many Hz is the best? ›When it comes to monitor refresh rates, bigger is definitely better. However, 60 Hz represents a bare minimum while anything over 120 Hz is more appropriate to more demanding users. More modest screens with a 75 Hz refresh rate offer a middle ground.
Are 65% keyboards better than 60%? ›The 65% keyboard has become more popular than the 60% keyboard because it is both compact, and more functional. Some find it more functional due to the inclusion of arrow keys, as well as four keys to the right of the keyboard which will typically be composed of the home, delete, page up, and page down keys.
What are chiclet keys on a keyboard? ›A chiclet keyboard or island-style keyboard is a computer keyboard with keys that form an array of small, flat rectangular or lozenge-shaped rubber or plastic keys that look like erasers or "Chiclets", a brand of chewing gum manufactured in the shape of small squares with rounded corners.
What is the difference between standard and enhanced keyboard? ›
The biggest difference between enhanced keyboards is the 12 function keys running across the top of the keyboard, instead of 10 that run down the left side. Other changes include the addition of extra Ctrl, keys, Alt keys, and cursor arrow keys between the letter keys and numeric keypad on the right side.
What is the most used key on a keyboard? ›The third most popular is... the "backspace" key. The second most popular is... the letter "e". The number one most popular is... the space bar. Another fun fact from Goud: 90% of people only use nine fingers when typing — they don't use their left thumb, because they use their right thumb to hammer the space bar.
What are the 3 common shortcut keys? ›Ctrl + C -- Copy selected text. Ctrl + X -- Cut selected text. Ctrl + N -- Open new/blank document.
What are 6 common keyboard shortcuts? ›- Shift+Arrows = Highlighting text. ...
- Ctrl+V = Paste. ...
- Ctrl+Z = Undo. ...
- Ctrl+home = Beginning of page or document. ...
- Ctrl+end = End of page or document. ...
- Ctrl+F = Accesses “Find” tool. ...
- Alt+Tab = Switching between alternate windows. ...
- Ctrl+S = Save.
Changing the Layout of the Keys
For languages using the Latin alphabet, there are three main key layouts: QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY.
Different Types of keyboards Keys
ABCDE, XPERT, QWERTZ, AZERTY, and QWERTY are the different types of keyboard keys layout. This headline is based on how keys are organized on the keyboard because the keys are divided into too many sections for making the user experience faster.
There are two major types of computer keyboards: Basic and Extended. The Basic keyboard contains 104 keys and is enough to perform all the functions that can be done on a Windows PC. The Extended keyboard may have additional keys, and the design varies among the companies manufacturing them.
Should I use 2.5 GHz or 5GHz? ›The primary differences between wireless frequencies are the range (coverage) and bandwidth (speed) that the bands provide. The 2.4 GHz band provides the most coverage but transmits data at slower speeds. The 5 GHz band provides less coverage but transmits data at faster speeds.
Does 5GHz go through walls? ›5 GHz networks do not penetrate solid objects such as walls nearly as well as do 2.4 GHz signals. This can limit an access points reach inside buildings like homes and offices where many walls may come between a wireless antenna and the user.
How do I know if I have 2.5 or 5 GHz WiFi? ›From Notification Panel press and hold the WiFi icon until you enter WiFi settings screen. Select the network properties (tap the gear icon or menu icon). Depending on the Android version check: Read the “Frequency” setting – shows as 2.4 or 5GHz.
Which is better more cores or higher GHz? ›
A high clock speed means faster processor. For instance, a quad-core processor may support a clock speed of 3.0GHz, while a dual-core processor may hold a clock speed of 3.5 GHz for every processor. This means that a dual-core processor can run 14% faster.
How much GHz do I need? ›A clock speed of 3.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz is generally considered a good clock speed for gaming but it's more important to have good single-thread performance. This means that your CPU does a good job of understanding and completing single tasks. This is not to be confused with having a single-core processor.
How much processor speed do I need? ›A good processor speed is between 3.50 to 4.2 GHz, but it is more important to have a single-thread performance. In short, 3.5 to 4.2 GHz is a good speed for processor.
What are the disadvantages of 2.4 GHz? ›The advantage of a 2.4 GHz is that it has a farther range and it can penetrate solid objects better. However the disadvantage that it has, is that it's more vulnerable to interference. That's because so many other devices use the same band and it's also slower than the 5 GHz.
How many WiFi devices can a router handle? ›How many devices can connect to a router? Wondering if you have too many devices on WiFi? Most of the wireless routers and access points state they can support about 250 devices connected at once.
What devices should be on 2.4 GHz and 5GHz? ›Ideally, the 2.4GHz band should be used to connect devices for low bandwidth activities like browsing the Internet. On the other hand, 5GHz is the best option for high-bandwidth devices or activities like gaming and streaming HDTV.
Is a 40% keyboard good? ›People who prefer 40% keyboards have optimized their use of space and movement, a 40% keyboard can type and game very efficiently once you get used to its nuances. 40% keyboards are usually cheaper than full size keyboards, mostly because they just use less material overall.
Why is a 60% keyboard better? ›The big benefit of 60% keyboards is its diminutive width, leaving more room for the mouse and generally creating a better ergonomic posture for gaming. Because of its narrower width, gamers are more easily able to position their keyboard in the most comfortable position for them.
Is 61 or 88 keyboard better? ›A 61 key piano only has 5 octaves which are not always enough for some repertoire. This may require musicians to transpose and adjust the sheet music to fit the instrument. For this reason, 88 key pianos are the preference as there are no limitations on what music someone can play.
What are the 3 types of keyboard layout? ›Changing the Layout of the Keys
For languages using the Latin alphabet, there are three main key layouts: QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY.
What is the most popular size keyboard? ›
What is this? The most common keyboard sizes are Full-Sized (104 key), TKL (87 key), and 60% (68 key). Each size is unique with different features. There are other layouts too, some of the less common keyboard sizes are the 75%, 65%, and 40%.
How many switches do I need for a 40% keyboard? ›40% keyboards typically have 45-50 keys.
What is a good 75% keyboard? ›We highly recommend the Drevo Excalibur, Vortexgear Race 3, and the Keychron K2 depending on the price range and features you are looking for. The other options, Qisan Magicforce 82, Keycool 84, and Epomaker NIZ Plum all make for excellent choices as well.
What 65% keyboard should I get? ›The Fnatic Streak 65 is our favourite 65 percent keyboard, offering all of the functionality you need for competitive games in a small, convenient form factor.
Is it better to have keyboard higher or lower? ›Your keyboard should be at a height that allows your elbows to be bent about 90 degrees and close to your sides. Many keyboards and keyboard trays have wrist supports to help keep your wrists in a neutral, almost straight position.
How many switches do I need for a 60% keyboard? ›How Many Keys on a 60% Keyboard. A typical 60% ANSI-derived (American National Standards Institute) layout keyboard has 61 keys on 5 rows.