TechSpot's Guide to the Best Keyboards 2019

[TrevorD]

I see a few Logitech gaming keyboards in the comments. I have a cupboard full of keyboards, and currently use a G910 for my desktop system. The programmable G-keys are a huge time saver. The back lit keys are bright, and can set individually — I love having my cursor keys the right colours for SketchUp X,Y,Z axes, and I love the volume control.

BTW I used a G key to insert that M dash above (Alt 0151) I also have a G key for the English £ (Alt 0163) and ° degree character (Alt 176). The G keys are context sensitive, and can have different functions app by app.

 

[Darth Shiv]

Interesting... same article edited as last year...

 

[intoPCsince94]

I like the Logitech K750 Solar and the old Apple wired keyboard with 10key. Love the touch on both. They no longer sell the Apple wired keyboard, which is sad. Super durable, with a fine touch to it.

 

[KernTUG]

I tried a Microsoft Sculpt keyboard for general use and it was quite comfortable in comparison to a normal keyboard but the wireless wasn't up to scratch and it wasn't responsive enough, even having repeated keystrokes and missed keystrokes when typing quickly (I'm only about 60-70 wpm).

What I do recommend trying are the likes of the Razer Orbweaver(Mechanical keys) or Tartarus(Membrane keys) one hand keyboards for gaming (basically what Razer did with the Belkin Nostromo N52 design). They really make a difference for comfort. I used an Orbweaver Stealth for quite some time when playing Battlefield 4. Really made a difference with regards to RSI. I'm currently using the rather dated but more comfortable, for me anyway, for a variety of purposes Logitech G13. I don't find the screen on it of that much use, but just feel my hand rests more ergonomically on it than the Orbweaver.

Thanks for the tips!
The ideal scenario, though, would be a backlit ergonomical keyboard on par with the gamer keyboards from Razer, Logitech etc.
Perhaps one day

 

[Arris]

I see a few Logitech gaming keyboards in the comments. I have a cupboard full of keyboards, and currently use a G910 for my desktop system. The programmable G-keys are a huge time saver. The back lit keys are bright, and can set individually — I love having my cursor keys the right colours for SketchUp X,Y,Z axes, and I love the volume control.

BTW I used a G key to insert that M dash above (Alt 0151) I also have a G key for the English £ (Alt 0163) and ° degree character (Alt 176). The G keys are context sensitive, and can have different functions app by app.

Currently also using G910 Orion Spectrum which I upgraded to from G710+, mostly because a couple of key caps broke and the cost of a new set from Logitech was about half the price I could pick up a G910 on Ebay for... I think I preferred the Cherry MX Browns of the G710+ but the romer G logitech keys aren't a bad alternative if you like browns.

 

[Uncle Al]

My test for a keyboard is simple. During a game if I can pick up the keyboard and wack the desk with it three times without damage to the keyboard it's a keeper!

 

[NightAntilli]

Just bought a Logitech G513 last week. Love this keyboard. I would pick the Romger-G Tactile switches over the MX Browns. Considering it also has RGB and an awesome wrist rest, I personally think it's a much better deal compared to the Das Keyboard 4 Professional, consdering they're practically equally priced. The advantage the Das 4 has is dedicated media buttons.

 

[VitalyT]

I'm now 8 years with Logitech K800 keyboards, and not wanting anything else.

Nicest on touch + feedback + key sound, plus comes with factory-made any dual-language keys you want. Mine has English + Russian letters.

 

[DDG4005]

I'm surprised this list doesn't include Logitech's G810 Orion Spectrum; it's a good keyboard for gaming and standard use.

 

[USAvenger]

I love my Logitech G Pro keyboard. I personally prefer the feel of the Romer-G switches to the Cherry MX Reds that I've owned/tried and it doesn't seem as "mushy" (some call it "linear") as the one or two MX Browns that I have tried. I'm fairly new to the mechanical keyboard game - having owned an MX Red and an MX Blue for a short time prior to this one - but I tend to think of this key feel as a good compromise between the two.

 

[tipstir]

The review was interesting but for me I used Logitech MX and the 350 series until they some working MX
700 series still works but showing wear and tear. I got a few of them Walmart brands "blackweb" this one is mini but it has built in wireless keyboard and touch pad mouse. Uses 2 AA batteries wireless USB transmitter. ONN is wired large keyboard made for them. I have few of those They work too. What you get for you money you would be surprise you don't have to shell out a lot. blackweb mini wireless keyboard makes a lot of click when you press on the keys I am using it right now to type this out. I got few of those here as well.

 

[Hanna Nicholson]

What are your thoughts on using Razer Blackwidow Chroma or Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire - I think these two options are pretty impressive if you have budget of over $100 for the keyboard. I am using Corsair K70 which is a rare find.

 

[amghwk]

Never understood the RGB keyboards and the premium they ask for this feature. I wonder if players spend more time looking at the keyboards or watching the screen while playing. For me a plain illuminated keyboard will suffice to use in the dark.

The same goes to other illogical RGB craze... like...RGB headphones? Wtf?

 

[Aus spot]

Seems like a mid range keyboard would be a good option. Wired for security and ease. Solid but nice features.

 

[waterytowers]

K70 is fine, but really just a standard mechanical board with some backlight and somewhat mediocre software needed to control it. A board like Ducky shine 5 is above it quality wise, somewhat same price range. You get better keycaps(full size ABS double mold). Dual PCB. Better backlight and no need for extra software to control it

Totally agree about the Ducky keyboards being awesome. I bought 2 so I didn't have to swap keyboards when using my wife's computer. Had them for 6 years now and prefer working at home so I don't have to use the work keyboards.

 

[Bullwinkle M]

Logitech Orion G610 with Cherry Brown is no longer avail (new) for a decent price

Try reviewing the IKBC Table E412 or E401

They look almost like the Logitech G613 but with major improvements....
Cherry Brown Switches, Backlighting and a proper volume control wheel instead of logitech's rocker switch

It's not wireless but so what

Just give Logitech some competition and wireless will follow shortly

 

[lazer]

I bought a ZAGG blue tooth keyboard for $15 and it works great with all of my devices, tablets and phone.

Don't see why to spend more money to get the same thing. BTW I am not a game player....

 

[GirlDownunder]

I ordered this one w/brown switches for $39AUD ($27USD) w/free shipping and it's fantastic! I guess the "cheapies" never make it into these sorts of advertisements....

Kogan Full RGB Mechanical Keyboard (Brown Switch) | Keyboards & Keypads |

Buy Kogan Full RGB Mechanical Keyboard (Brown Switch) from Kogan.com. Game and code like a professional without the heavy price tag thanks to the Kogan Full RGB Mechanical Keyboard, helping you win every battle with style and ease. Full RGB mechanical keyboard Per-key lighting allows for colour...

www.kogan.com

 

[Capaill]

"and six fully-programmable macro keys, labeled G1 through G7"
That's just evil.

 

[ShagnWagn]

I have been wanting a mechanical for quite some time. You are recommending the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, a $170 keyboard (use to be $250) with USB 2.0 passthrough??? Seriously, $250 for USB 2.0?

I would go with logitech, but they made me mad by not offering warranty nor any kind of repair option for my G510. A 3rd party repair would cost more than just a whole new keyboard...

Any of these keyboards require you to give out personal information and logins like razer does? Just to change the default color?

 

[Bullwinkle M]

I have been wanting a mechanical for quite some time. You are recommending the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, a $170 keyboard (use to be $250) with USB 2.0 passthrough??? Seriously, $250 for USB 2.0?

I would go with logitech, but they made me mad by not offering warranty nor any kind of repair option for my G510. A 3rd party repair would cost more than just a whole new keyboard...

Any of these keyboards require you to give out personal information and logins like razer does? Just to change the default color?

That reminds me...
Keyboard programability should either be built into the keyboard itself or not allowed at all

There is no logical reason to be using an application (online or off) to program a key or change led color(s)

I also hate my Logitech G613 programmable keys on the left side of the keyboard as they can easily be pressed by accident

Remake the G613 with....

A REAL volume wheel

No Software Needed

No programmable keys on Left side

Cherry Brown / Blue or Red switches

Keyboard controlled backlighting (again - No Software)

Replaceable and rechargeable Lithium Ion battery for more than just a few days charge with backlighting in wireless mode (One or two 18650's should do the trick)

USB-C recharging capeability

and a "reasonable" price (under $200)

If it is over $200, they better include a "high end" Blutooth DAC and headphone jack on the left side of the keyboard for "high end" headphones

and a single dongle that handles the keyboard, blutooth audio + blutooth mouse (or a low latency Logitech mouse) would also be nice

and a cold beer

 

[cliffordcooley]

Recently bought a cheap kit

Thermaltake KNUCKER 4 IN 1 GAMING KIT

The keyboard uses gaming grade plunger switches for mechanical like touch-feel, responsiveness and is equipped with 3-color backlight illumination with 4 stunning lighting effects.​

I only wish I could turn the lighting off. I have however compromised with turning the lighting down low. Low lighting doesn't distract as much as I thought it would. Can't handle the rotating colors at all, drives me crazy.

 

[HofyPC]

Sticking with my Poker II 60%