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Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
How much time do you spend at the computer? If you’re like most gamers, writers, or office professionals, it’s probably quite a lot. Unfortunately, this can put quite the strain on your hands, wrists, and overall performance. The good news? The best keyboard for typing is a saving grace.
The best typing keyboards offer tons of great features like responsive keys for lightning-fast actuation, and ergonomic form factors for comfort and wrist health. This translates to enhanced performance and productivity during all your activities. That said, there is a wide range of options on the market, and navigating through them all can be tricky. To help you on your way, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best options available. Let’s dive right in.
Zoom Out: Comparison Table of the Best Keyboards for Typing
Below, we’ve curated a table of the best keyboards for tping on the market. They’re listed in price-ascending order and categorized by features. Take a look.
| Image | Keyboard | Switches | Keys | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azio Vision | Membrane | 104-Keys | 19" x 1.5" x 9" (483 x 38 x 229mm) | 2.60lbs (1.18kg) |  |
 | Rosewill K51 | Mecha-membrane | 104-Key | 19.5 x 2" x 7.6" (495 x 193 x 51mm) | 2.00lbs (0.90kg) | |
 | Razer Ornata | Mecha-membrane | 104-Keys | 18.2" x 1.3" x 6.7" (462 x 33 x 170mm) | 2.10lbs (0.95kg) | |
 | Tecware Phantom | Outemu Brown, Blue, Red | 87-Keys | 15.8" x 2.1" x 7.5" (401 x 53 x 191mm) | 2.65lbs (1.20kg) | |
 | Microsoft Sculpt | Membrane | 87-Keys + Numpad | 16" x 2.5" x 9" (406 x 64 x 229mm) | 2.00lbs (0.90kg) | |
 | Durgod Typewriter | Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Clear, Red, Silent Red, Speed Silver, White | 87-Keys | 14.1" x 1" x 5.2" (358 x 25 x 132mm) | 2.18lbs (0.99kg) | |
 | Logitech G51 | Romer-G, GX | 104-Keys | 17.5" x 1.4" x 5.1" (445 x 36 x 130mm) | 1.11lbs (0.50kg) | |
 | Corsair K95 | Cherry MX Speed, Brown | 110-Keys | 18.3" x 1.4" x 6.7" (465 x 36 x 170mm) | 2.92lbs (1.32kg) | |
 | DAS 4 | Cherry MX Brown, Blue | 104-Keys | 18" x 1.3" x 6.8" (457 x 33 x 173mm) | 2.87lbs (1.30kg) | |
 | Topre Realforce | Topre Variable | 104-Keys | 17.9" x 1.5" x 6.7" (455 x 38 x 170mm) | 3.09lbs (1.40kg) | |
Zoom In: A Closer Look at the Top 10 Best Keyboards for Typing of 2021
Here’s a closer look at the ten keyboards found in our comparison table.
Our pick for best versatile keyboard for typing
Manufacturer: Azio | Keys: 104 | Switches: Membrane | Backlighting: Yes | Dimensions: 19″ x 1.5″ x 9″ | Weight: 2.60lbs | Price: 💰
The Azio Vision stands apart from the crowd thanks to its large print keys and customizable backlighting. Naturally, this model boasts incredible visibility and is a great choice for kids and folks with poorer eyesight. The design is exceptionally ergonomic thanks to the built-in palm rest and 5-foot extended cable, and the plug-and-play design makes setup and use a breeze.
▲ PROS
✔ Built-in palm rest
✔ Attractive black design
✔ Large print characters for better visibility
▼ CONS
✘ Key print wears away
✘ Reports of sticky keys
Our pick for best hybrid switch keyboard
Manufacturer: Rosewill | Keys: 104 | Switches: Mecha-Membrane | Backlighting: Yes | Dimensions: 19.5 x 2″ x 7.6″ | Weight: 2.00lbs | Price: 💰
The Rosewill Neon K51 Hybrid Keyboard exceeds expectations thanks to its innovative mem-chanical switches that combine tactility with ultra-fast responsiveness. It offers a detachable palm rest that provides exceptional comfort over prolonged periods, as well as on-the-fly multimedia controls for quick access to your favorite shortcuts. In terms of style, the 8-color built-in LEDs will light up your desk for next-level aesthetics.
▲ PROS
✔ 8 color options
✔ Detachable wrist rest
✔ On the fly multimedia controls
▼ CONS
✘ Limited RGB control
✘ Mildly spongy feeling
Our pick for best mechanical keyboard for typing
Manufacturer: Razer | Keys: 104 | Switches: Mecha-membrane | Backlighting: Yes | Dimensions: 18.2″ x 1.3″ x 6.7″ | Weight: 2.10lbs | Price: 💰
The Razer Ornata Expert is marketed as a gaming keyboard, and it certainly performs in that arena. However, it’s also one of the best overall mechanical keyboards for typing thanks to the innovative mecha-membrane switches that feature crisp tactile action combined with soft membrane domes. The keycaps themselves are positioned midheight, and your hands rest perfectly over the board thanks to the leatherette magnetic wrest rest. As for extra features? 10-key rollover, anti-ghosting, and individual key backlighting round out this exceptional board.
▲ PROS
✔ Ergonomic wrist rest
✔ Soft rubber dome keys
✔ 10-key rollover & anti-ghosting
▼ CONS
✘ Relatively tall
✘ Inconsistent tactility
Our pick for best keyboard for developers
Manufacturer: Tecware | Keys: 87 | Switches: Outemu | Backlighting: Yes | Dimensions: 15.8″ x 2.1″ x 7.5″ | Weight: 2.65lbs | Price: 💰
If you’re looking for an excellent multipurpose keyboard that’s perfect for gaming, writing, and office work, the Techware Phantom is just the ticket. This 87-key mechanical keyboard features top-notch Outemu Switches for excellent responsiveness, and double-shot keycaps for exceptional wear protection and comfort. Best of all? You’ve got a major speed advantage thanks to full key-rollover and a 1000Hz polling rate.
▲ PROS
✔ Braided USB cable
✔ Double-shot floating keycaps
✔ Sleek black design w/ LED backlighting
▼ CONS
✘ No numpad
✘ No wrist rest
Our pick for best keyboard for work
Manufacturer: Microsoft | Keys: 87 + Numpad | Switches: Membrane | Backlighting: No | Dimensions: 16″ x 2.5″ x 9″ | Weight: 2.00lbs | Price: 💰💰
The Microsoft Sculpt is quite possibly the best office keyboard on our list thanks to its ergonomic form factor and range of convenience-oriented features. The keyboard boasts a split keyset that positions the wrists and forearms in their natural positions, minimizing fatigue and reducing the risk of injury several-fold. Moreover, the cushioned palm rest supports your wrists while positioning your fingers directly over the 87-key layout. This model also comes with a separate Bluetooth ten-key unit for gaming macros and/or business activities.
▲ PROS
✔ Cushioned palm rest
✔ Ergonomic split keyset
✔ Dedicated ten-key numpad
▼ CONS
✘ No FN keys
✘ Wrist rest decolors quickly
Our pick for best keyboard for writers
Manufacturer: Durgod | Keys: 87 | Switches: Cherry MX | Backlighting: No | Dimensions: 14.1″ x 1″ x 5.2″ | Weight: 2.18lbs | Price: 💰💰
If you’re a fan of portable designs, you’ll love this tenkeyless board by Durgod. It features Cherry MX Brown Switches for swift, tactile keystrokes that’ll keep your fingers gliding over the keyboard for hours at a time. The PBT seamless keycaps are both durable and cozy, and they mesh beautifully with the sleek black and grey design. The keyboard boasts incredible customer ratings, and you can expect it to perform flawlessly during gaming sessions and office hours.
▲ PROS
✔ Minimal black & gray
✔ Convenient tenkeyless design
✔ Includes Durgod Zeus Engine App
▼ CONS
✘ Expensive
✘ No LED backlighting
Our pick for best keyboard for typing all day
Manufacturer: Logitech | Keys: 104 | Switches: Romer-G | Backlighting: Yes | Dimensions: 17.5″ x 1.4″ x 5.1″ | Weight: 1.11lbs | Price: 💰💰💰
Logitech is known for their premium PC accessories, and the G513 Mechanical Keyboard is no exception. This 104-key board boasts Romer-G Tactile Switches that provide lightning-quick responsiveness and crisp actuation feedback. It also features a soft, leatherette-wrapped memory foam palm rest that covers the entire width of the keyboard. As for style? LED backlights complement the brushed aluminum design for a sleek and customizable typing experience.
▲ PROS
✔ Sophisticated Lightsync Lighting
✔ Full-size 104-key mechanical keyboard
✔ Leatherette-wrapped memory foam palm rest
▼ CONS
✘ No media controls
✘ Palmrest is not detachable
Our pick for best keyboard for fast typing
Manufacturer: Corsair | Keys: 110 | Switches: Cherry MX | Backlighting: Yes | Dimensions: 18.3″ x 1.4″ x 6.7″ | Weight: 2.92lbs | Price: 💰💰💰
If you’re looking for one of the best typing keyboards, the Corsair K95 is up there with the top contenders. The K95 features Cherry MX Switches for lightning-fast typing speeds, and it’s loaded with both NKRO and anti-ghosting tech. The aircraft-grade brushed aluminum frame is lightweight and incredibly durable, and you’re guaranteed a long lifespan. Overall, the K95 features some of the best switches for typing and packs a bunch of performance-related features for pro use.
▲ PROS
✔ Detachable soft wrist rest
✔ Durable brushed aluminum
✔ 6 macro keys for ease of use
▼ CONS
✘ Software is not intuitive
✘ Requires 2 open USB ports
Our pick for best professional keyboard for typing
Manufacturer: DAS | Keys: 104 | Switches: Cherry MX | Backlighting: No | Dimensions: 18″ x 1.3″ x 6.8″ | Weight: 2.87lbs | Price: 💰💰💰
The DAS 4 Professional is the best brown switch keyboard on the market. Why is that? Well, it rocks the most ergonomic cherry MX brown switches and pairs them with solid gold contact points for a tactile feel that delivers unrivaled responsiveness. Engineered in Germany, the DAS 4’s durable design is built to withstand over 50 million keystrokes and provide a precision typing experience unlike any other. Throw in the two USB 3.0 ports, multimedia controls, and volume knob, and you’ve got a keyboard manufactured for performance.
▲ PROS
✔ USB 3.0 ports
✔ Suave black design
✔ Tactile keys for ergonomic actuation
▼ CONS
✘ No backlight option
✘ Flimsy lift mechanism
Our pick for best keyboard for programming
Manufacturer: Topre | Keys: 104 | Switches: Topre Variable | Backlighting: No | Dimensions: 17.9″ x 1.5″ x 6.7″ | Weight: 3.09lbs | Price: 💰💰💰💰
The Topre Realforce Keyboard is a Japanese-made 104-key typing keyboard outfitted with custom-manufactured variable switches. Combined with PBT keycaps, they provide excellent durability and feedback. The board itself has a comfortable heft to it, and the build is meticulously styled for comfort and style. The price is high, but it’s one of the best keyboards for programming and professionals on our list.
▲ PROS
✔ PBT keycaps
✔ Sleek single-tone design
✔ 104-key hybrid keyboard
▼ CONS
✘ Very expensive
✘ No media controls
Typing Keyboard Guide Part I: General Thoughts on the Best Typing Keyboards
We’ve penned some general thoughts on the best typing keyboards to give you more background information on these must-have PC accessories.
1. Mechanical keyboards vs membrane models.
Mechanical keyboards communicate with your computer via little mechanical switches underneath each key, while membrane keyboards use large, conductive pads underneath the entire board. Membrane keyboards are usually quieter and more affordable, but they’re not as responsive or quick as mechanical switches.
2. The right switches make a big difference.
There are countless types of keyboard switches out there, but the most popular and respected brand is Cherry. The Cherry MX lineup of switches is distinguishable by color and type, and it includes options designed for speed, responsiveness, comfort, and more. Among the most popular for typing are the brown and speed switches.
3. Ergonomics are essential.
Every typist knows that the wrong keyboard setup quickly wears on your wrists and fingers. Fortunately, the best keyboards on our list feature ergonomic form factors and accessories that minimize fatigue. Combined with the right switches, features like soft palm wrests, curved designs, and easy access to your most-used shortcuts help make typing more comfortable.
4. They’re an investment.
Purchasing a keyboard for typing is an investment in your computing experience. In addition to the aforementioned features, additional perks like backlighting, macros, and hybrid-type layouts make the overall typing experience fun and enjoyable. This is a big deal for folks who spend the majority of their days at the computer gaming or working.
Typing Keyboard Guide Part II: Benefits of the Best Keyboards for Typing
Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits that the best keyboards for typing have to offer:
- Increased Performance. If you’re a gamer, the best keyboards for typing deliver higher scores and deeper immersion thanks to responsive switches and ergonomic form factors. If you’re using them for work, typing keyboards increase productivity while reducing fatigue.
- Healthier Hands & Wrists. Consistent keyboard use takes a toll on the fingers and wrists. To prevent issues like Carpal Tunnel and other hand injuries, an ergonomic setup that protects your joints and posture is essential.
- Exceptional Comfort. The best keyboards for typing feature durable designs crafted for your comfort. Top models include options like tactile switches, palm wrests, adjustable bases, large keycap fonts, and more!
- An Enjoyable Experience. The best keyboards make the computing experience more fun and enjoyable thanks to awesome features like LED backlighting, sleek designs, and customization software.
In addition, each brand and model includes its own unique spec sheet that sets it apart from the competition. There are a ton of great options out there, and finding the perfect keyboard is definitely possible.
Typing Keyboard Guide Part III: Choosing the Best Keyboard for Typing
Choosing the right keyboard for your particular setup is essential. Let’s take a look at a few key factors involved in your decision:
- Mechanical vs membrane
- Number of keys & types of switches
- Ergonomic features
- Design & perks
First, you’ll need to decide on a mechanical vs membrane keyboard. Mechanical keyboards help you type faster thanks to the key’s responsiveness and tactile feedback, but they’re often more expensive and bulkier. That said, you can pick up a membrane keyboard for next to nothing and use it in the game room or office with ease. Our list boasts a healthy mixture of both types, and the choice is yours. However, do make sure to choose a layout and brand that matches your particular requirements.
Another thing to consider is the ergonomics of the keyboards you’re looking at. It’s a good idea to opt for models with palm and wrist support, as well as convenience features like split designs and multimedia keys. Aim for an attractive design that matches your workstation, and consider stretching the budget for those fun extras perks.
Typing Keyboard Guide Part IV: DAS 4 Video Review
One of the best keyboards for typing on our list is the Das 4 Professional. It’s a full-size 104-key board that boasts Cherry MX Brown switches for exceptional tactility and unrivaled durability, and it’s the foundation for many gaming stations and office setups.
Unbox Therapy over on YouTube has put together a visual review of the DAS 4 to give you a better look at its features and overall design. From the initial unboxing to a close-up look at its sleek frame, he offers everything you need for an informed decision. Check out the video below for more details on the DAS 4:
Related Reading
- Best Gaming Keyboards
- Best Mechanical Keyboards
- Best Wireless Gaming Keyboards
- Best Keyboards for Fortnite
- Best Keyboard for Apex Legends
- How to Clean Your Keyboard
The Razer Ornata IS NOT A MECHANICAL KEYBOARD. The reason it can be cheap is mostly because “Mecha-membrane” is just market speak to say its membrane or domed keys, while trying to emulate the mechanical feel (it does have a mechanical switch, but that really isn’t what makes a mechanical keyboard good to type on). Pretty sure this is the second cheapest keyboard Razer makes, so entry line has to cut corners somewhere (the cheaper one, Cynosa I believe, is plain up just membrane and you should not buy it for the life of me, please).
You’ll have to go up to a BlackWidow or Huntsman. If you don’t need the numpad they are pretty comparable in price (just don’t get the Elite versions, they’re scams. Just offer a leatherette pad and different media controls for much more). The Huntsman is one of the best keyboards around, with its optical switches + mechanical keys. It’s currently on sale for $99.99, same price as the Ornata…
Do NOT buy this if you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard. If you don’t care about that, it’s pretty decent and has the sprinkles of Razer products and aesthetics, but you can get more even within Razer.