Wireless keyboards are a great way to eliminate unnecessary cords from your life. While your computer or laptop may require a direct connection to a power source, other desktop items, such as keyboards, mice, and smartphone or tablet chargers, can operate wirelessly and help clear your workspace of unsightly clutter. And perhaps, you might even have better luck concentrating on work or focusing on the task at hand when your home office emits a feeling of zen.
Similar to a wireless mouse, wireless keyboards contain small radio transmitters and typically operate by battery power. Essentially, you simply plug a receiver into one of the USB ports on your computer, which then sends a signal to your keyboard. Although some wireless keyboards even operate by Bluetooth, connecting the devices is as easy as selecting the keyboard from the Bluetooth dropdown menu on your computer.
Wireless keyboards can range anywhere from about $30 to upwards of $200, depending on quality and performance. So it’s important to know what you’re looking to buy. To get you started, we’ve compiled the following list with the best wireless keyboards perfect for anything from gaming to working remotely for long hours and more.
— Best Overall: Logitech G915 TKL Wireless Keyboard
— Best Wireless: Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
— Best Mechanical: Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
— Best for Mac: Apple Magic Keyboard
— Best Ergonomic: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
How We Picked the Best Wireless Keyboards
Methodology
In deciding on our final picks, we evaluated the top brands of wireless keyboards. We then chose individual models based on the range of features and average customer reviews. Overall, we assessed about 15 to 20 wireless keyboards before narrowing the list down to the five that made the cut, which all garnered favorable customer reviews.
The features in particular that we honed in on were ergonomics and comfort of use, battery life, and over compatibility. The latter is an especially important detail, as many of the best wireless keyboards on the market are unfortunately geared only towards PC users. As such, we made sure to include two picks for Mac users — both a dedicated Apple keyboard and another with cross-compatibility for both PC and Mac, as well as smartphones and tablets.
Connectivity is another feature worth considering. Though USB technology works great to connect wireless keyboards and mice, there is certainly something to be said about the convenience of Bluetooth. This can be especially crucial for some folks, as many models and brands of laptops these days include precious few USB ports to connect printers, scanners, MP3 players, chargers, and other devices. As such, not everyone may have a free USB to spare to hook up a wireless keyboard or mouse, for that matter.
Related: Make your office setup more convenient with the best standing desk converters.
Best Wireless Keyboards: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Logitech G915 TKL Wireless Keyboard
Why It Made The Cut: Immerse yourself in focused computing or gaming sessions with premium features that will have you feeling in total control in every situation.
Specs:
— Item Dimensions: 15.2 inches L x 5.9 inches W x 0.9 inches H
— Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
— Compatible Devices: PC
Pros:
— Ultra-fast pro-grade performance
— Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction
— Advanced low-profile mechanical switches
Cons:
— Small letters and numbers on keys
— Logitech G Hub software is not intuitive
Enjoy professional-grade performance with flexibility and freedom from cords with the Logitech G915 TKL Wireless Keyboard. This beautifully crafted keyboard uses an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy to deliver an incredibly thin yet rigid and durable design and helps create an overall clean aesthetic. In addition, Lightspeed wireless technology achieves super-fast 1-ms performance, indicating the response rate a pixel can display on your monitor’s screen.
Dedicated media controls feature a precision-engineered, edgeless volume wheel which is simple to control to seamlessly play, pause, skip, or mute your media. Likewise, the advanced low-profile mechanical switches provide the speed, accuracy, and performance of traditional mechanical switches at half the height. You’ll also have plenty of room for a mouse, thanks to the thoughtful tenkeyless design.
Additionally, you can customize your experience with the Logitech G Hub software that allows you to personalize each key, create custom animations, and synchronize lighting with unique Lightsync technology. Unfortunately, though, many users find that the G Hub software is difficult to learn and not intuitive. Another minor quibble some folks have is that the letters and numbers on the keys are small and hard to read and that the shift keys aren't illuminated like the other characters.
This item is available refurbished on Amazon for $157.99 ($52 less expensive)
Best for Gaming: Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Why It Made The Cut: Serious gamers will love high-performance features such as backlit mechanical LED keys that are also conflict-free and anti-ghosting for peak efficiency.
Specs:
— Item Dimensions: 1.46 inches L x 13.94 inches W x 4.86 inches H
— Connectivity Technology: USB
— Compatible Devices: PC
Pros:
— Conflict-free, anti-ghosting keys
— Affordable price tag
— Durable ABS steel construction
Cons:
— Keys are situated very high
— Keys can’t be changed to all one color
Take your gaming to the next level with the Redragon K552, a small and compact mechanical gaming keyboard with linear Cherry MX switches for a quiet click and fast action with minimal resistance. Rainbow LED-backlit keys feature 19 different lighting effects with two user-defined modes and six colors with multiple brightness levels so you can completely customize your experience. The steel metal-abs construction is both ergonomic and durable, with plate-mounted keys that stand up even during the most testing marathon gaming sessions.
For conflict-free, anti-ghosting typing, all 87 keys feature n-key rollover, which means that every pressed key or button is noted, even if you're pressing a bunch of keys simultaneously. The keyboard is also splash-proof with a gold-plated, high-speed, corrosion-free USB connector that provides a reliable connection for added safety.
The only thing you’ll want to be aware of is that the keys themselves are quite high, so you might want to add a wrist rest to your order before checking out. In addition, other customer reviews note that you cannot change the entire keyboard to one color—only the style and brightness. But for the affordable price, which is less than half of what some comparable competitor models cost, all-in-all, it’s a very minor gripe indeed.
Best Mechanical: Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Why It Made The Cut: Designed with a unique layout with Mac users in mind, this keyboard has all the necessary Mac function keys while still being compatible with Windows.
Specs:
— Item Dimensions: 25.2 inches L x 25.2 inches W x 7.6 inches H
— Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
— Compatible Devices: Mac, PC, tablet, smartphone
Pros:
— Compatible with all devices
— Extra keycaps included
— Ergonomic inclined bottom frame
Cons:
— No easy way to check battery level
— Space bar may stick sometimes
While most wireless keyboards are designed solely for Mac or PC users, the Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard works with either operating system and is even compatible with smartphones and tablets. The durable aluminum frame features an unmistakable Mac-style layout with all the necessary function keys and extra Windows keycaps included. Though compact, the 75 percent layout tenkeyless-style keyboard still retains shortcut and arrow keys and comes with a dedicated screen capture key for added convenience.
In addition to the broad compatibility, you can also connect up to three devices at once using Bluetooth 5.1 and switch between devices pretty easily. And in the event Wi-Fi is ever spotty, the unit comes with an included USB Type-C connection so you can use it in the wired mode in a pinch. Another great feature is the ergonomic design, with an inclined bottom frame that makes the keyboard comfortable to type on, even without a palm rest.
Boasting a 4000 mAh big battery, one of the largest and most powerful for use in mechanical keyboards, the Keychron K2 can last up to 72 hours of continuous typing—or up to seven days of regular use of approximately eight hours per day. However, unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine when the power is running low, so to avoid getting stuck with a dead battery, you may need to charge more frequently than that.
Best for Mac: Apple Magic Keyboard
Why It Made The Cut: Features such as an extended layout and built-in, rechargeable battery make this sleek keyboard from Apple worth its considerable price tag.
Specs:
— Item Dimensions: 17.5 x 5.0 x 0.79 inches
— Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
— Compatible Devices: Mac
Pros:
— Slim, low profile design
— Extended layout with document navigation controls
— Built-in rechargeable battery
Cons:
— Keys are not backlit
— No flip-out feet to adjust angle
The Apple Magic Keyboard is the perfect accessory for all your existing Mac devices, from tablets to laptops and desktop computers. The extended layout, featuring document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys for gaming, is perfect for tackling virtually every task at hand. Plus, the numeric keypad is ideal for chipping away at spreadsheets and finance applications.
The secret behind this slim, low-profile design is a scissor mechanism beneath each key that allows for increased stability and optimized key travel yet is comfortable enough to provide an
overall comfortable and precise typing experience. Another great feature is the long-lasting, built-in rechargeable battery that can power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. It’s also environmentally friendly since you won’t be going through battery after battery.
Despite its hefty price tag, customers seem to overwhelmingly love the Apple Magic Keyboard, which boasts a near-perfect 4.8-star rating. In fact, one of the vocal drawbacks among users is that the keys aren’t backlit, which makes the keyboard more difficult to use in dim lighting. A few other users lament a lack of flip-out feet to adult the keyboard angle, however by nature, the slim profile would likely not accommodate flip-out feet.
Best Ergonomic: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Why It Made The Cut: Designed with advanced ergonomic principles, this split keyboard layout helps position the wrists and forearms in a natural, relaxed position for all-day comfort.
Specs:
— Item Dimensions: 8.96 inches L x 15.43 inches W x 3.87 inches H
— Connectivity Technology: USB
— Compatible Devices: PC
Pros:
— Split keyboard design
— Cushioned palm rest for added support
— Wireless mouse included
Cons:
— Finicky numeric pad response
— USB receiver is huge
For the sleek look of a modern design paired with an amazingly comfortable feel, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard was built on advanced ergonomic principles to keep your hands and wrists pain-free during long computer sessions. The split keyboard layout allows the wrists and forearms to be positioned in a natural, relaxed stance by having the numeric pad separate. Additionally, a cushioned palm rest provides additional support. It promotes a neutral position, along with a domed keyboard shape that helps reduce wrist pronation by keeping wrists at a natural, relaxed angle.
Other thoughtful touches include a thumb scoop that helps maintain the correct ergonomic hand and wrist position, a Windows button for one-touch access to the Start screen, a back button for faster navigation, and even a silent mode for sleeping babies and children.
While the separate numeric pad likewise provides greater flexibility for workspace setup, some users have noticed that if the pad gets too far from the computer, it can become finicky and slow. Another potential issue for some users is that the USB receiver is huge — almost twice as long as competitor models. Though you may not notice it when plugged in the back of a desktop, many laptop users will definitely find it intrusive.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Wireless Keyboard
When considering moving to a wireless keyboard, it’s important to evaluate what features would be most beneficial to your unique needs. For example, some people like the sleek, minimalist design of a low-profile keyboard. However, those types of keyboards aren’t always the most comfortable, so if wrist support is non-negotiable, then you may want to steer yourself to an ergonomic option designed to give your hands and wrists the full support they need.
Another consideration is whether you want a mechanical keyboard. When most people think about old-school types of “clicky clacky” keyboards, this is what they have in mind. Mechanical keyboards work with switches under the keys made of several moving parts, including a hard plastic “stem” that contains two metal contacts and a spring underneath. When a key is pressed, the stem pushes the spring down, so the two metal contacts connect, which then registers your keystroke to the keyboard’s circuitry. Mechanical keyboards are generally higher-quality than modern keyboards but can also cost more, last longer, and feel heavier.
Compatibility is yet another concern for anyone shopping for a wireless keyboard. For Mac users, picking out a wireless keyboard might be more of a challenge since many styles and models — particularly mechanical keyboards or gaming — are compatible with PC computers only. So if you’re a Mac user, make sure to keep a close eye on those specifications to make sure the keyboard works with your computer setup.
FAQs
Q: Do wireless keyboards have lag?
Wireless keyboards can sometimes have a slight lag and latency issues which may result in slower or missed keystrokes. However, the most common culprit for Bluetooth wireless keyboard lag is generally a low battery in either the keyboard or the device to which you’re trying to connect. If both devices aren’t fully charged, they might not respond as smoothly.
Q: Can I recycle my old keyboard?
You can recycle your old keyboard; however, you may not be able to recycle it in a regular recycling station. Instead, keyboards are typically recycled through electronics recycling programs, which are available all over the country. When you locate a program, simply drop off your keyboard with any other specialty items you may need to recycle.
Q: Is a wireless keyboard worth it?
Most people who use wireless keyboards would indeed tell you that they are worth it. Not only are wireless keyboards an ideal choice if you want to clear your workstation of wires, but they can also be used from a long-range. However, if you don’t want to deal with the risk of input lag, interference, or low battery life, then a traditional wired keyboard may still be your best option.
Related: Speed up your connections with the best modems.
Final Thoughts
With its sleek, aluminum alloy design and low-profile mechanical switches that provide speed and performance, it should come as no small surprise that our top pick for the best wireless keyboard is also our overall best: the Logitech G915 TKL Wireless Keyboard. However, since the Logitech G915 TKL is only compatible with PC users, for Mac users, we would recommend either the Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard or Apple Magic Keyboard. Both are excellent options compatible with Mac OS systems, but given the higher cost of the Apple Magic, it just boils down to how much money you want to spend.
This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.
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