If you’re short on ports, using a mobile device, or want to reduce clutter, using a wireless keyboard is ideal. After all, there are no fussy cables tangling around your feet or becoming chew toys for kittens. Yet performance is vital, so finding the best wireless keyboard is a must — especially if you’re looking for a gaming keyboard.
If you need a wireless keyboard for your desktop or tablet, our reviews showcase some of the best you can find right now, starting with the remarkable wireless mechanical keyboard from Logitech, the G915 Lightspeed.
The best: Logitech G915 Lightspeed
The G915 is not aware that it is a wireless keyboard. It has a great mechanical design, RGB backlighting, a numeric keypad, and a low profile for comfortable positioning. The indicator lights up top are excellent for monitoring what mode you are in, battery life, and other key settings, while the aluminum top plate is great for durability. The keyboard is specifically designed so that it won’t slow down gamers who may need a wireless solution — as long as they can afford it.
One three-hour charge can provide up to 30 hours of performance for the G915 Lightspeed. Logitech also made sure that it provides great feedback at the point of actuation if you’ve become used to mechanical keyboards. Onboard memory is also included, so you’ll always have your customized settings with you. There’s even a handy little side roller for instantly controlling volume, plus other onboard media controls.
The best budget keyboard: Omoton Bluetooth Keyboard
If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest Bluetooth keyboard you can get, the Omoton keyboard is a good option. It may appear to be an Apple Magic Keyboard clone at first, but don’t be fooled: It is made entirely of plastic, versus the aluminum frame used in Apple’s model.
Overall, the Omoton is quite thin and light, so you can easily stuff it into a computer bag or backpack along with your tablet or laptop. The manufacturer claims 30 days of continuous use with two AAA batteries (not included).
The company seemingly had iOS in mind when it designed the Omoton Bluetooth Keyboard, but it should work with MacOS, Windows, and Android. Longevity for future updates, however, is questionable.
The best battery life: Microsoft Surface Keyboard
Microsoft’s Surface-branded product line includes several killer convertible tablets. There are high-end solutions like the Surface Book 2 with its fantastic battery life and the extremely portable Surface Go at the entry-level. Whether you have one of those or laptop or desktop from another manufacturer, Microsoft’s Surface Keyboard is a great accessory to consider.
This portable, lightweight keyboard has a fantastic battery life lasting up to 12 months on just two AAA batteries (included). The keys rate up to 500,000 actuations, making it less durable than a mechanical keyboard, but it should last for years of remote typing. The Bluetooth 4.0 connection offers quite the range, too, with up to 50 feet in the open air or up to 23 feet in an office environment.
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
The best for Apple Devices: Apple Magic Keyboard
Apple’s redesigned Magic Keyboard is everything Apple fans (and others) could want from a minimal Bluetooth keyboard design. Older Magic Keyboards had a rolled base that propped the keyboard’s backside up to make room for AA batteries. This latest model has a rechargeable battery, so the keyboard lies flatter than previous versions.
Apple’s upgraded keys now have slightly more weight when typing, which is an improvement. The arrow key redesign is somewhat less welcome, but the overall advantages of this new design are hard to deny. The Bluetooth battery claims a one-month charge, too, so you can carry this keyboard around without worrying about its longevity.
Overall, the Apple Magic Keyboard may be slightly larger than other options on our list, but it works well with both iOS and MacOS products. For Apple loyalists, this is the keyboard for iMac to buy.
The best compact keyboard: Arteck HB030B
Looking for a super-compact Bluetooth keyboard for your mobile devices? The super-thin Arteck HB030B might be just what you need for typing on the go. It’s tiny, scrunched, and easy to slip into most computer bags or backpacks.
The Artech keyboard has a shocking amount of backlighting and features seven colors and two levels of brightness. This keyboard is a great option for those who want a portable keyboard they can see even in low-light areas. The Arteck HB030B is also 100% compatible with all the popular mobile platforms.
The best couch keyboard: Logitech K400
Many people have exalted the Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard as one of the most convenient and mobile keyboards on the market. With its minimal size and lightweight design, you can easily transport this keyboard anywhere you like. It also boasts a variety of cool features that make it incredibly easy to use.
For example, many of us use our devices while relaxing at home. Of course, we don’t want to sit at a desk or table and push a mouse. The Logitech k400 alleviates this problem by integrating a 3.5-inch touchpad, allowing you to type and search the interwebs right from your favorite places.
The Logitech K400 also makes for a fantastic web browsing experience, with its 33-foot range, 86 convenient keys, and wide-ranging computer compatibility (using a USB dongle).
Frequently asked questions
Are wireless keyboards any good?
That depends on what you buy. Generally, they work well at all price ranges, but you won’t get a premium experience from a $20 product.
Response-wise, wireless keyboards are better now than in years past, especially from companies like Logitech and Razer who use proprietary, fine-tuned wireless connections. Wireless aims to remove the cords, after all, and that means continuous refinements so you can’t tell the difference.
Companies like Logitech and Razer also develop proprietary keyboard switches for better accuracy and longevity. But again, if you buy a cheap product, you get cheap components. The switch in a budget model won’t have the same lifespan as one installed in a premium model.
Which brand makes the best wireless keyboards?
Some of our favorites include Cooler Master, Corsair, Logitech, Ducky, Steelseries, and Razer. Not every keyboard they make is great, but they make some of the best. Which one is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
Bluetooth vs. RF: What’s the difference?
Short for Radio Frequency, RF consists of electromagnetic radio waves with frequencies ranging from 20KHz to 300GHz. RF has a range of up to 30 yards.
Bluetooth is an RF protocol that transmits data at a specific frequency of 2.4GHz. The range depends on the Bluetooth class: 3.3 feet, 33 feet, and 328 feet.
How long do wireless keyboards last?
On a hardware level, that depends on the model. Generally, you get what you pay for. The more expensive models tend to outlast the cheaper units with cheaper components.
In terms of battery life, that will depend on the keyboard’s use, the model, and the type of battery. Some units have rechargeable batteries that will eventually wear down over the years. Meanwhile, budget batteries won’t outlast a Duracell or Energizer battery.
Overall, battery duration could span from hours to years.
Can you use a wireless keyboard with a laptop?
Yes. A computer is a computer whether it’s a desktop or a laptop.
Generally, wireless keyboards connect in one of two ways: Through Bluetooth, or through a USB dongle. Typically there isn’t a component within a computer that can connect to a wireless keyboard outside Bluetooth connectivity. That’s why some models ship with a USB dongle — they don’t use Bluetooth. As previously stated, some manufacturers use a proprietary 2.4GHz connection instead.
Do all wireless keyboards work with Mac?
Yes, and you can even use a Windows-based keyboard with a Mac. However, there are some differences:
- Windows key — This doesn’t work on MacOS.
- Ctrl key — This is the equivalent of the Command key in MacOS.
- Alt key — This is the equivalent of the Option key in MacOS.
- Backspace key — This is the equivalent of the Delete key in MacOS.
- Delete key — This forward-deletes in Windows. On Mac, the equivalent key typically reads Del with a crossed-out right arrow symbol. On MacBooks, this command requires the Fn + Delete key combo.
Finally, Apple’s platform relies on a Control key, which serves as a right-click function. There is no equivalent on a Windows keyboard.
What should I look for in a wireless keyboard?
A better question is this: What exactly do you need?
If you’re sitting on the couch and need to control media, a wireless keyboard with a built-in touchpad would be ideal. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be durable and include backlighting you can toggle on and off as needed.
If you’re a gamer, programmable mechanical keys would be preferable, although stay away from gratuitous lighting if you never plan to connect it with a USB cable, as it can really drain the battery. Corsair and Razer make solid wireless keyboards that are ideal for LAN parties and tournaments.
For laptops and tablets, look for units that are just as portable, but don’t get a keyboard so small that you feel like you’re typing on a toddler’s toy. For desktops, go with full-sized ergonomic models with backlighting so you can type in the dark.
Going with Bluetooth or a proprietary wireless connection really doesn’t matter so long as you don’t need extremely low latency. Gamers, however, need that instant response whereas loading media on the couch doesn’t require twitchy finger action.
If you enjoy the clicky feeling from old-school typewriters, then you may prefer mechanical keyboards (specifically with Cherry MX Blue-style switches) over membrane models. The difference between the two is in the switches and keycaps: Mechanical has an encased stem and spring mechanism under a tall cap whereas membrane presses two contacts together to make the key actuation. The latter typically has a “scissor” mechanism that allows the flat keycap to pop back up into place.
If you’re looking for a new wireless keyboard, be sure to get one that matches your operating system. If you plan to buy one for multiple devices, determine which keyset you plan to use most: Windows or MacOS. Units that can connect to multiple devices with just a tap of a button are great for switching between PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
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