By Mashable | Created at 2025-02-26 06:03:46 | Updated at 2025-03-10 03:53:03
1 week ago
The reality of WFH is different for everyone. Hours, deadlines, and work-life balance. It's all dependent on the job you do. There's one unifying fact of WFH, though: We all need the right tools to get the job done. We all need some kind of home office set-up.
Things like desk chairs, monitors, and printers are essential items. Basically, all the things that we used to take for granted in the actual office. Arguably, most important of all is the keyboard. You wouldn't produce anything during your 9-5 without one.
But not all keyboards are made equal. And not all keyboards are made for everybody. The vast selection of keyboards available cater for different types of work and workstations, with lots of features to consider. We've put together a list of the best keyboards below, along with some useful information to get you started.
What are the different keyboard layouts?
All the keyboards included in this roundup are the classic QWERTY layout (as opposed to the less common DVORAK layout). But there are still different variations. Standard, full-size keyboards (sometimes called 100% keyboards) usually have 104 keys, which will include a number pad, function “F” keys, and arrows. “Tenkeyless” (also called the 80% layout) have 87 keys and ditch the number pad. You will find further variations, such as the 60% keyboard, which all drop or smush together the keys into slightly different, increasingly compact layouts. And Apple, of course, has its own distinct version of the QWERTY layout.
What is an ergonomic keyboard?
An ergonomic keyboard is designed to be comfortable and promote positive alignment and movement. That means it will help tackle problems such as repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel. Look out for a keyboard with ergonomic features if you spend hours upon hours at the desk — whether it’s for work or gaming.
Is a wireless keyboard better than wired?
You’ll see that many modern keyboards are wireless and connect via Bluetooth. These are great for the modern lifestyle, in which we’re all wirelessly connected to multiple devices. Indeed, a wireless keyboard is great for travelling and moving around between computers. If you don’t need that mobility, however, a wired keyboard may be cheaper. You’ll also find that high-end gaming keyboards are wired because the response is more reliable. Wired keyboards are not at the mercy of a Bluetooth connection, so there’s no input lag — and they don’t need regular recharging.
Can you use a gaming keyboard for work?
While this keyboard roundup is supposed to be for WFH, a faming keyboards has sneaked in — that’s because it's just so good. The most obvious feature on gaming keyboards is RGB lighting. But gaming keyboards are also built for heavy, quickfire use, with durable and responsive key switches. They may also have a feature called anti-ghosting — which allows you to register multiple keystrokes pressed at the same time — or macro commands that trigger a string of specific commands with a single keypress. There’s no reason you can’t use a gaming keyboard for work. Gaming keyboards often have number pads, which is great if you work with numbers.
What is the best keyboard?
That all depends on you, your job, and your habits. All we can do is make some suggestions and highlight some of the best keyboards around. It’s up to you to choose the one that will keep you tapping away happily.
These are the best keyboards in 2025.
If you are a dedicated follower of all things Apple, the Apple Magic keyboard is your best option. As you'd expect from Apple, it's sleek and stylish and comes packed with features to keep you typing comfortably.
It has a scissor mechanism beneath each key for increased stability, while the optimised key travel and low profile makes typing easy and precise. The battery lasts for around a month, and the Bluetooth is instant and reliable.
This is the basic model without a numeric keyboard, which costs a bit less. There is a numeric keyboard version available though, for spreadsheets and finance-based work. The only real downside is that it's made for Apple devices. If you're not an Apple user, you just won't get the most out of it.
There is life outside the biggest brands, as proved by the Arteck 2.4G , a great option for sheer value.
It's made with stainless steel, giving you a heavy duty feel, with low-profile keys for quiet and comfortable typing. You can programme hot keys with your most-used functions and media controls, while the scissors-kick keys are robust enough to be used 3 million times continuously.
Installation is simple, as you just need to insert the nano USB receiver into your desktop or laptop and the keyboard can be used instantly. The built-in rechargeable battery provides six months' worth of power from a single charge.
Coming from one of the biggest names in computer accessories, the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a gaming keyboard first and foremost. It's more affordable than hi-spec gaming keyboards and has plenty to recommend it for everyday and office use, too. Indeed, if you use your computer for both work and gaming, it's a great choice.
The keyboard provides dynamic RGB backlighting with preconfigured and custom lighting effects. It also offers six programmable macro keys that enable you to create shortcuts, key remaps, and combos for gaming.
Users get dedicated volume and multimedia controls, which offer various options during media playback. The quiet and responsive keys provide a satisfying feel, which isn't an essential but it's nice. And if you spend hours at the computer, for work or gaming, the wrist rest keeps you comfortable.
Working smart means working healthy. And if you’re putting in a big WFH shift day after day, the Logitech ERGO K860 is a practical choice.
With its distinct split keyboard layout, it looks more quirky than QWERTY. It’s designed to encourage an improved, more natural typing posture, helping to reduce strain on the wrists and forearms. There’s also a pillowed wrist support that’s made with layers of high-quality memory foam.
The centre of the keyboard is already raised but it has a palm lift function too, which allows you to raise the keyboard and find your optimal typing position. Aside from its ergonomic features, it’s a full-size keyboard with everything you need for office work. And the choice between Bluetooth and USB connection adds some welcome versatility. It’s pricey but absolutely worth it.
Some people just like the feel of a mechanical keyboard. With individual switches beneath each of the keys, they have a clicky, tactile feel that’s not only satisfying but distinctly old school. If you’re a typewriter purist, or if you have nostalgia for 80s and 90s-style computers, the Razer Pro Type Ultra could be the one for you.
Razer is best known as a gaming brand but this is made specifically for your workstation and comes equipped with a padded wrist rest for those long typing sessions. The keys give you a classic tactile action, but they're also made with a sound-dampening foam. They're not silent but it's much quieter than you get with most standard mechanical keyboards.
It's also totally customisable, allowing you to assign keys to macros and shortcuts, plus controls for multimedia, apps, and devices. Overall, a fantastical mechanical model.
The Logitech Keys-To-Go keyboard is a slender and handy Bluetooth keyboard for Android, Windows, and Apple devices. It’s as universal as it is handy.
Not only does it pair with smartphones and tablets — seriously useful if you’re always on the go and working ad hoc — but it’s tablet sized, too. Just tuck it in your bag, between the pages of a book, or inside your coat pocket. You really can take this little keyboard with you wherever you go.
The durable FabricSkin covering protects the keyboard from spills and dirt, and Bluetooth pairing makes it quick and easy to use. It comes with iOS shortcuts and well-spaced keys, and the rechargeable battery lasts for three months. A battery indicator lets you know when it needs topping up.
If there’s one reason to consider the B.FRIENDIT keyboard, it's the colours. Unlike the RGB lighting that’s common with gaming keyboards, this is more stylish, coming with the option of seven LED light colours. Just the thing you need to add a splash of colour to your home office.
It’s a slim, streamlined, low-profile keyboard with all the features you need, including hotkeys with multimedia control, which switch between Mac and Windows at the push of a button.
This keyboard is wired — so if you need Bluetooth connectivity look elsewhere — but it has lots of positive reviews on Amazon. If you’re happy with a wired setup, this comes highly recommended.
