Best Keyboard 2024: The top mechanical, gaming and low-profile boards
Keyboards, keyboards, keyboards – there were already a lot of different keyboards to choose from but, with hybrid working taking off in recent years, more manufacturers have gotten in on the action and the incumbents have more options than ever. Thankfully, we’re here to help you pick the best keyboard for you.
Whether you work in an office, have your own desk setup at home or like to head out and work at a coffee shop, there is a keyboard for you. Though, there is so much to consider, from many brands to a wide range of choices available within those brands. Then, you’ve got big decisions to make in terms of whether you want a wireless or wired model, a mechanical set of keys, a keyboard made for gaming, a smaller tenkeyless version and many other finer details to decide on.
Never fear though, the team here at Trusted Reviews has tested a whole bunch of keyboards across all of these key categories to decipher which is best for what type of person – as well as uncovering the duff ones that you don’t want to buy. We’ve tested all the big brands, from Asus, Logitech and Razer to lesser-known manufacturers, like Keychron, NuPhy and many more.
With each keyboard, we take an in-depth and expert look at its range of specifications, key features and compatibility. It’s then time to put it to the test, using it in our everyday lives so we can determine just how it will perform when it gets in your hands. Whether that’s discovering a subtle quirk that is only discoverable through actually using the product to working out how long it might take until finger fatigue sets in when you’re typing away.
For this list, we’ve honed in on the best-of-the-best keyboards but if you want a closer look at some key categories, you should consider our Best Gaming Keyboard, Best Mechanical Keyboard and Best Wireless Keyboard guides.
Best mechanical keyboards at a glance
- Best overall keyboard: Logitech MX Keys S – check price
- Best gaming keyboard: Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless – check price
- Best mechanical keyboard: Keychron Q6 Pro – check price
- Best customisable keyboard: Keychron Q1 Max – check price
- Best low-profile keyboard: Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile – check price
- Best ergonomic keyboard: Logitech Wave Keys – check price
How we test
We use every keyboard we test for at least a week. During that time, we’ll check it for ease of use and put it through its paces by playing a variety of different genres, including FPS, strategy and MOBAs.
We also check each keyboard’s software to see how easy it is to customise and set up.
- Modern, sleek looks
- Comfortable tactile typing experience
- Extensive software functionality
- Expensive for a membrane keyboard
- May not be enough of an upgrade for some
- Good looks
- Pre-lubed switches feel excellent
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- Fiddly and slow software
- Gorgeous looks
- Smooth and snappy switches
- Vivid RGB lighting
- Armoury Crate is clunky
- Good looks
- Comfortable typing experience
- Clever software
- Not too expensive
- Layout takes some getting used to
- No backlighting may not please some
- Incredibly sturdy case
- Comfortable typing experience
- Convenient connectivity
- Lighting can be a little dim with the standard keycaps
- A little expensive
- Heavy aluminum shell
- Wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless
- Ultra-satisfying keystrokes
- Lighting won’t be for everyone
- Barebones version is still expensive
Logitech MX Keys S
Best overall keyboard
Pros
- Modern, sleek looks
- Comfortable tactile typing experience
- Extensive software functionality
Cons
- Expensive for a membrane keyboard
- May not be enough of an upgrade for some
Keyboards can be complex beasts but the Logitech MX Keys S is a champion of simplicity – ideal for office workers and productivity users alike.
This isn’t a mechanical keyboard, so stick around to further down this list if that’s a requirement of yours, but this sleek and lightweight set of keys brings its own range of benefits. Despite its trim design, the scissor-acuated keypress is extremely comfortable while managing to bring a satisfying tactility to the party too. These add up to one of the best typing experiences around.
Your joyous typing sessions won’t be cut short either, with 10 days on a single charge. Connectivity issues won’t stop you in your tracks either. You’ll find support for Bluetooth and Logitech’s speedy Logi Bolt receiver to get you connected – and there’s easy switching between three devices as well.
Concerned such a slim keyboard can’t take a licking and keep on ticking? Pay no heed, as the MX Keys shows no signs of flexibility and dons a supremely sturdy frame. Unlike many gaming-focused keyboards, the design isn’t made for catching eyeballs, with a refined and sensible look that won’t look out of place in any office setting.
Admittedly, the MX Keys S has barely changed since the original Logitech MX Keys. However, the main change is the introduction of Options+. Options+ is Logitech’s software that invites you to invest in its Smart Actions, which allow you to create macros to easily get your regular activities done fast. Think opening your frequently used webpages in Chrome or swiftly getting your favoured Spotify playlist going.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Logitech MX Keys S review
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Best gaming keyboard
Pros
- Good looks
- Pre-lubed switches feel excellent
- Vibrant RGB lighting
Cons
- Fiddly and slow software
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless managed to score a near faultless 5-star review from us, alongside a Trusted Reviews Highly Recommended badge, so you know you’re in for something good. While the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless doesn’t offer a lot of software customisation, it does come with a lot of choices when it comes to hardware.
This model came kitted out with its own pre-lubricated NX Snow switches. Thanks to the lubrication, typing felt supremely smooth, with no form of scratchiness. This keyboard is also hot-swappable so you can use any switches you like, provided that they conform to the MX standard of a three or five-pin mounting.
The Strix Scope II 96 Wireless provides a solid frame with a plastic chassis and metal top plate, with absolutely no deck flex to speak of. There is no miniature display but there are convenient measures elsewhere, including keycaps with dedicated sub-legends for controlling functions on the Windows Game Bar as well as a multi-function button for controlling media playback and lighting, which is a fantastic addition.
In terms of endurance, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is also very impressive; Asus gives this keyboard a quoted battery life of up to 1500-hours when using the 2.4GHz receiver, so long that the RGB lighting is disabled. We didn’t need to charge this keyboard up a second time during our review period, so there is no fear of it suddenly disconnecting during an intensive gaming session.
Download the ROG Armoury Crate software and you’re also welcome to customise the RGB lighting of the keyboard. It can be a little slow to use at times but overall, it offers the opportunity to customise the keyboard however you see fit, even going so far as to remap the keys.
If you’re looking for a truly premium experience then the Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is very easy to recommend. It does come with a high price tag but all the customisation elements and sleek looks combine to make a very versatile keyboard that will work wonders for any gamer.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
Keychron Q6 Pro
Best mechanical keyboard
Pros
- Incredibly sturdy case
- Comfortable typing experience
- Convenient connectivity
Cons
- Lighting can be a little dim with the standard keycaps
- A little expensive
The Keychron Q6 Pro is a wondrous mechanical keyboard that combines a high-quality build and a top-tier typing experience. It’s our favourite mechanical keyboard you can buy right now.
Keychron employs something called Banana switches, which are the brand’s own, offering a soft and tactile feel. We absolutely adored how these mechanical keys felt during productivity tasking, making it a top-notch option if you’re someone who gets through a lot of words in a workday. These provide a joyful spring and inviting feedback. The sound they produce is positively dreamy too, completely absent of rattles, pings or scratchiness. As with many Keychron boards, there’s strong customizability if these particular switches don’t fit your tastes, with Red, Blue and Brown options.
The overall build is impressive, with a substantial aluminium case that offers a nice slice of luxury. You get a full-sized keyboard layout along with a rounded key design which offers an intriguing pivot from the norm. The Q6 Pro is backed up by solid battery life too, with up to 300 hours of runtime when RGB is turned off and, even, 100 hours when RGB is set to low.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Keychron Q6 Pro review
Keychron Q1 Max
Best customisable keyboard
Pros
- Heavy aluminum shell
- Wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless
- Ultra-satisfying keystrokes
Cons
- Lighting won’t be for everyone
- Barebones version is still expensive
The Keychron Q1 Max is a boosted version of the Q1 V2, a keyboard that we already rated extremely highly. As is the case with most Keychron options, it is extremely customisable. With that in mind, we make this excellent board our choice for the top customisable keyboard around.
The Q1 Max can be purchased with the brand’s own Brown, Red or Banana switches included or you can opt for a barebones device to attach your own sets, whether that’s other Gateron options or picks like Panda, Cherry and more. Whatever you choose, this keyboard invites you to tinker once it’s in your hands, with 3-pin and 5-pin MX compatibility. So, you can positively revel in the luxury this board itself offers while tailoring it to your key preferences. You get a double-sided removal tool and some spare screws when its time to get to work as well.
The customizability is backed up by a luxury aluminium design that has a stunning coating of retro vibes to make this keyboard stand out. For connectivity, it offers Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz USB-C receiver and a long braided cable.
The included keys are on the high side so that make take some time to get used to for some, alongside the bevelled shape. But, once you get going, it is an absolutely smooth and satisfying delight.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full review: Keychron Q1 Max review
Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile
Best low-profile keyboard
Pros
- Gorgeous looks
- Smooth and snappy switches
- Vivid RGB lighting
Cons
- Armoury Crate is clunky
Gaming keyboards don’t all have to be hefty beasts to offer up top performance, and this slimline Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile does a great job at dispelling the myth that they do. It’s our top pick for a low-profile keyboard.
The size will immediately strike you, with a 65% layout and a body that’s just 25.5mm tall. As such, this is a great keyboard for gamers, or those who just want top tier small keyboard, on the go. Its looks are refreshingly eye-catching but understated too, with the white hue giving futuristic vibes along with options to customise the RGB to your tastes.
But, you’re likely considering this keyboard because you want a quality typing experience wherever you are, and the ROG Falchion RX Low Profile delivers. It’s Asus RX Low Profile Red switches provide a snappy linear keypress that’s delightfully smooth. You’ll be satisfied whether you’re typing out an essay or enjoying a long gaming session. It can be an exceedingly long gaming session at that too, with up to 400-hours of battery life offered by this keyboard when RGB is turned off. Both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity are included here too.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile review
Logitech Wave Keys
Best ergonomic keyboard
Pros
- Good looks
- Comfortable typing experience
- Clever software
- Not too expensive
Cons
- Layout takes some getting used to
- No backlighting may not please some
The Logitech Wave Keys is all about comfort and support… and it delivers. This option from Logitech is our choice for the top ergonomic keyboard you can buy.
The design is traditional ergonomic fare, with a wavy and sculted design aimed at providing maximum comfort. Despit the high-end comfort, it comes with a reasonable price of less than £70/$60. The plastic chassis feels impressives sturdy and the included wrist rest does a great job of removing unnecessary pressure. The Wave Keys also offers a more condensed layout that some ergonomic keyboard, making it a tad easier to store.
The Wave Keys may not be a mechanical keyboard but the keypress remains suitably comfortable, even if it doesn’t offer something with more depth. The experience of using this type of keyboard will take some getting used to for the uninitiated but you can make swift progress if you use it consistently.
This keyboard brings some impressive features, with clever Logitech Smart Actions software for streamlining how you interact with apps using your keyboard, there’s a handy set of function keys as well as a bundled Logi Bolt receiver for swift connection to 3 devices. But, there is Bluetooth as well if you fancy it. The Wave Keys is powered by AAA batteries and is rated to last up to a pleasing three years of use.
Reviewer: Reece Bithrey
Full Review: Logitech Wave Keys review
We also considered…
FAQs
Our favourite keyboard the Logitech MX Keys S, is great for working. It offers a long battery life and a comfortable typing experience while looking professional too.
If you’re considering not picking a full-size keyboard then you must be conscious of space. So, a 60% keyboard could suit you far better, and a smaller keyboard doesn’t typically mean reduced performance. They are a great space-saving option.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
