Rob Schultz/IDG
Looking to free yourself from the cable and finally make the move to a wireless keyboard? Wireless keyboards are not only a great way to eliminate unnecessary desk clutter, but they give you options and flexibility in features that your old wired keyboard couldn’t. Here at PCWorld, we’ve reviewed plenty of wireless keyboards and we have curated a list of our favorites. The wireless keyboards we’ve evaluated range from full-sized desktop models to gaming-centric RGB showcases to ultra-portable options that work with multiple devices. Whatever your preferred style of typing, there’s a wireless keyboard for you.
We’ve based our best picks on hours spent using each model, banging away on our reviews, surfing the web, and keeping up on social media. There’s no one-size-fits-all keyboard, but our recommendations aim to help you make an informed decision based on you personal needs. Also, check out our buying advice at the end to help you learn what to look for when shopping for a wireless keyboard.
For more tetherless convenience, see our roundup of the best wireless mice.
The best wireless keyboards
Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard – Best overall wireless desktop keyboard
Pros
- Adjustable backlighting
- Quiet, responsive keys
- Universal receiver lets you connect multiple mice and keyboards to a single computer
Cons
- Thin chassis is a little bendy
Logitech’s K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard is indispensable if you often type late into the evening or otherwise work in dark environments. This backlit keyboard not only provides the necessary light but also offers one of the most comfortable and pleasant typing experiences we’ve encountered, all at an affordable price.
Read our full
Review Logitech K800 Wireless Illuminated Keyboard
Logitech MK540 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo – Best value proposition
Pros
- Quiet yet tactile keys
- Programmable function keys and mouse gestures
- Roomy, comfy design
Cons
- Too bulky for mobile use
- Limited MacOS support
Logitech does it again with the MK540 Advanced combo. It might not have the convenience of backlighting that the K800 offers, but it hits all the other important features for productivity: a roomy layout, dedicated media buttons, a numpad, programmable keys, and tactile typing. In addition to all that, the keyboard comes with a decent wireless mouse, that is itself programmable, so you’re good to go.
Read our full
Review Logitech MK540 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro – Best wireless gaming keyboard
Pros
- Super-smooth switches
- Great media controls
- Comfy wrist rest
Cons
- Expensive ABS
- Keycaps are a little cheap
For a long time, Corsair’s K63 has been our pick for best wireless gaming keyboard. We still like that keyboard a lot, but after recently reviewing the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro, we’ve found a new favorite. It’s got everything you’d want from a gaming keyboard: full-size layout, mechanical switches, RGB, a wrist rest, a volume wheel—and the convenience of a wireless connection. Yes, it’s also pretty pricey, as premium products often are. That leaves the K63 as a still-very-respectable lower-priced alternative.
Read our full
Review Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
Corsair K63 – Best budget wireless gaming keyboard
Pros
- Wireless Cherry MX keyboard
- Fully single-color backlit
- Reasonably priced, for a wireless device
Cons
- Battery is very short with the backlight on
- No housing for the dongle
- Only one color of backlighting and one switch type, at the moment
Corsair’s K63 wireless gaming keyboard is compact, durable, and reasonably comfortable to type on. It was one of the first wireless mechanical keyboard from a major manufacturer, and the first with backlighting, though its single, bright-blue color will either thrill or annoy you. Still, whether you’re in for casual couch gaming or just want a cleaner, wire-free desktop, the K63, featuring real Cherry MX switches, is a solid choice and it costs about half the price as our top pick for wireless gaming above.
Read our full
Review Corsair K63
Redragon K596 – Best ultra-budget wireless gaming keyboard
Pros
- Low price
- Included wrist rest
- Long battery life
- Volume wheel
Cons
- Ugly keycaps
- Can only program G keys
- No Bluetooth
The Redragon K596 is a fully wireless mechanical gaming keyboard packing many of the features you’d expect from a premium model. While the K596 isn’t amazing in any one particular area, at this price it doesn’t have to be. It covers all of the basics you would want from a wireless keyboard such as programmability, per-key RGB, volume wheel, macro keys, and a magnetic wrist rest. In contrast to the ballooning prices of modern gaming keyboards, the Redragon K596 represents a fantastic value.
Read our full
Review Redragon K596 Wireless Keyboard
Logitech MX Keys Mini – Best wireless keyboard for travel
Pros
- Tiny size
- Great typing experience
- Customizable controls
- Multi-device pairing
Cons
- High price
- No riser feet
Don’t let the relatively high price scare you off. The MX Keys Mini is probably the best compact wireless keyboard around. It’s small but mighty—super comfortable to type on, offers a semi-customizable layout, supports multi-device switching, and more. If you want to work on the go, this board is not only an easy pack, it easily earns its keep by deftly standing out from others in its class.
Read our full
Review Logitech MX Keys Mini
K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard – Best full-size multi-device option
Pros
- Works with all major platforms
- Can toggle between three paired devices
- Quiet keys with great travel
Cons
- Not built for portability
If you like the convenience of a Bluetooth keyboard that can switch among different devices, but don’t require the compact layout of the MX Keys Mini, Logitech’s K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard promises to be the one keyboard to rule all your computing gizmos. Indeed, it’s fully compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS for fast and effortless switching between your computer, smartphone, and tablet. It also costs a good deal less than the MX Keys Mini, and offers a roomy layout with a numpad.
Read our full
Review Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard
Logitech Ergo K860 – Best ergonomic wireless keyboard
Pros
- Curved and split ergonomic design
- Comfortable wrist support
- Palm raise feature lets you adjust height for sitting or standing
Cons
- Requires some time to get used to split design
- Expensive
Logitech’s Ergo K860 has finally conquered our skepticism about awkward ergonomic keyboards. In the course of our review, there was a marked improvement in typing comfort and reduced muscle tension, all without sacrificing productivity to a steep learning curve. It’s a little expensive compared to a conventional wireless keyboard, but if you’re struggling with comfort, the K860 is the only ergonomic keyboard we’d heartily recommend.
Read our full
Review Logitech Ergo K860
Retro Classic BT Elwood – Coolest-looking wireless keyboard
Pros
- Beautiful vintage design
- LED-backlit keys
- Satisfying clickiness and travel
- Extra keycaps for Mac users
Cons
- No programmable keys
- Loud switches may bother your neighbors
The Azio Retro BT Classic is a vintage-style mechanical keyboard priced like a real antique, but if you have the cash, it’s certainly striking. From its deep, clicky keystrokes and wood or leather paneling to its LED-backlit keys and rechargeable battery, the Bluetooth-enabled Retro Classic will delight serious typists with old souls and money to burn.
Read our full
Review Retro Classic BT Elwood
How we test wireless keyboards
It was hands-on all the way with our keyboard testing. We spent at least one full workday typing exclusively on each model we tested, with follow-up time to allow for a learning curve. We assessed the primary typing experience: key design, typing feel, and even noisiness. We also tried the secondary features: hotkeys, switches and dials on multi-platform models, and even the ability to adjust the angle or other comfort characteristics.
We considered the size, weight, and durability of each model against its purpose—whether it was designed to be portable or desk-bound, and compact or fully featured. For instance, we balance the versatility of multi-platform models like Logitech’s K780 against its performance as an actual keyboard you need to use every day (and in this case, it wins on all counts).
How to shop for a wireless keyboard
You’re going to use this keyboard every day, so make sure it fits your typing habits and your needs. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop.
Size: A model that will always sit on your desktop can be bigger and heavier, and usually some other advantages some with that. As more of us carry laptops or tablets, however, we’ll look for models that are compact or portable. These will sacrifice some features but be easier to take with you.
Keys: Look for keys that are sculpted and spaced for typing comfort. This is why we encourage trying before buying: We’ve had very different experiences with traditional keys vs. chiclet-style vs. flatter key designs, and it’s surprising how little things like the texture or the amount of dimple will make or break a choice. Most mainstream keyboards use membrane technology, which is adequate for most users, but heavy-duty users and gamers will likely prefer keyboards with mechanical switches (which are not reviewed here). Windows hotkeys, or even programmable keys, are great bonuses, especially for power users.
Adjustability: Some keyboards offer no adjustment for angle or height. Look for models with adjustable legs or feet. We haven’t included ergonomic models in this round of reviews.
Battery needs: All wireless keyboards use batteries. Check closely for the type and number of batteries you need, and whether a starter set is included. We note the vendors’ specified battery life in each review.
FAQ
1.
What’s the difference between a Bluetooth keyboard and a wireless keyboard?
Wireless keyboards connect to a PC in one of two ways: via Bluetooth or a USB receiver. Wireless keyboards that connect via a USB receiver or dongle can only connect to a computer or device if it has a USB port. Bluetooth connectivity on the other hand does not require any dongle or extra receiver and can therefore easily connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices without the need for any ports. Additionally, Bluetooth keyboards tend to cost a little more but also offer longer battery life.
While shopping, you may find that older devices do not support Bluetooth. However, if you need a keyboard to work across different platforms on newer devices, a Bluetooth-enabled model is the way to go.
2.
Can a laptop be used with a wireless keyboard?
Yes, you can use a wireless keyboard with a laptop without issue. Depending on whether you are using a wireless USB dongle keyboard or a Bluetooth keyboard, you just need to connect to the laptop and then you are good to go. This is true if you wish to connect a wireless keyboard to your tablet or 2-in-1, as well.
3.
Do wireless keyboards need special batteries?
Usually wireless keyboards are powered using either rechargeable or disposable batteries. Wireless keyboards with rechargeable batteries will just need to be plugged into an external power source such as a computer or wall outlet when the battery is low. Otherwise, wireless keyboards with disposable batteries will need those batteries to be replaced when they die. The most common types of batteries these keyboards use will be either AA or AAA alkaline batteries.
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