Wireless keyboards are great for typing on your lap or for tidying. (Even productivity hunters who are constantly on the go swear by them.) Additionally, certain versions enable you to quickly share a single keyboard across multiple PCs and laptops. We’ll help you sort out the differences before you buy because, for the most part, using a wireless keyboard and a conventional wired one feels the same—except when it’s time to charge it. Our researchers assess each model based on design, usefulness, durability, comfort, bundled software, battery system, and—above all—value. Gadgetex has been testing and analyzing PC keyboards for as long as there have been PCs. Every review we write is informed by our rigorous practical testing. Our existing best wireless keyboard for most users is the Razer Pro Type Ultra, but also check out our other top tested picks below, chosen for different scenarios.
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Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
Top 5 BEST Wireless Keyboards You Need in 2024
1.Razer Pro Type Ultra
- Maximum Productivity. Minimum Sound: The silent mechanical switches and sound dampening foam on this keyboard offer a quiet, distraction-free experience when at the office or WFH, while its super durable design lasts for up to 80 million clicks.Keycaps : ABS plastic – With soft touch coating
- Comfort with Every Keystroke: This ergonomically designed keyboard is high on comfort and features keycaps lined with a fingerprint-resistant, soft-touch coating—for a luxurious, cushioned feel that makes typing a joy
- Superior Ergonomic Support: The soft, cushioned wrist support perfectly aligns to the keyboard to relieve wrist pressure, providing superior comfort and less strain over long periods of typing
Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
The Pro Type Ultra, a full-size, 104-key keyboard with white keycaps above a silver top plate and all-white backlighting instead of the programmable RGB rainbow per key of Razer’s gaming versions, is easily confused with the less expensive Pro Type. With the exception of the comfortable 17-by-3.7-inch leatherette wrist rest you may put in front of it if you’d like, the Ultra is only somewhat larger at 1.6 by 17.3 by 5.2 inches (HWD). (The wrist rest can be placed anywhere because it is an independent component that is neither magnetically nor latchingly coupled to the keyboard.)
If you prefer to type at a little angle, you may prop the keyboard at either of two different angles thanks to hinged feet on the bottom back of the sculpted keycaps, which are made of soft-touch ABS plastic. There are no frills like a volume roller or USB pass-through (though the top-row F1 through F3 keys by default mute, decrease, and increase audio volume). The F11 and F12 keys dim and brighten the backlight, which is quite bright at its peak setting.
But things have changed under the keycaps. The Razer Orange mechanical switches from last year’s Pro Type have the same tactile bump and 4mm travel (1.9mm to their actuation point) as the hard Green switches that Razer’s gaming-keyboard consumers are used to, but they don’t have the loud click. The Razer Yellow switches used in the Ultra are shallower (3.5mm travel, 1.2mm actuation point) and seem linear rather than tactile.
Despite Razer’s advertising, this, along with sound-dampening foam, results in a keyboard that is not silent. Almost every mechanical keyboard is louder than one with cheaper desktop rubber-dome switches or laptop-style scissor switches. It rewards quick typists with a delightfully responsive feel, although it just makes a faint clickety-clack. Mechanical switches are also more resilient. (Razer)rates the Pro Type Ultra’s for 80 million presses, eight times the projected lifespan of the switches on generic keyboards.)
Additionally, the new keyboard requires less recharges. (Using the included two-meter cable, which has a USB Type-C connector at the keyboard end and a Type-A connector at the other, to fully charge the keyboard takes roughly two hours.) Last year’s model was certified for 84 or 78 hours of use with the backlight off, depending on whether you prefer a 2.4GHz or Bluetooth wireless connection. Those Razer-rated runtimes are increased to 214 and 207 hours, respectively, by the Pro Type Ultra. Unfortunately, using the lighting to its maximum intensity quickly depletes the internal battery, making the sucking sound audible. According to Razer, this bright condition lasts for 13 hours.
Pros
- Controls up to four devices
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
Cons
- Pricey, as befits a wireless mechanical board
2.Cherry Stream Wireless Keyboard
- Simple Setup – Easy install allows you to just insert USB receiver into computer and instantly start using the keyboard. No complicated setup or downloads. PLUG AND PLAY.
- CHERRY STREAM WIRELESS KEYBOARD – is a 2.4 GHz encrypted keyboard that has everything you have come to expect from the CHERRY STREAM product family. For everyone who has been waiting for the CHERRY classic in a wireless keyboard version, the new STREAM KEYBOARD WIRELESS is now available.
- CHERRY SX scissor technology – The STREAM family is known for its exceptional type feel. But what exactly constitutes a good typing experience? The precise manufacturing of the scissor technology with an exact, repeatable pressure point, supported by a rigid base, is essential. That quality feel must remain consistent over the life of the keyboard.
Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
One of the greatest entry-level all-purpose keyboards available for home and professional use is the wired Cherry Stream Keyboard. What can be done to enhance a peripheral that is already impressive? Of course you cut the cord! The Cherry Stream Wireless Keyboard keeps almost all of the features that make the wired version a reliable input device, including Cherry’s SX scissor key switches, a silent keystroke, and sturdy key labels. Our new Editors’ Choice selection for affordable wireless keyboards combines these capabilities with 2.4GHz wireless technology and 128-bit AES encryption at a reasonable price.
The full-size Cherry Stream Wireless has a sleek appearance that is similar to that of an Apple Magic Keyboard. The elegant board has a full-number keypad, extra media buttons, and shortcuts to open the calculator, check your email, and even lock your computer. With a frame that is 0.9 by 18.1 by 6.3 inches (HWD), it is almost the exact same size as the wired Cherry Stream. Although it falls short of the Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID’s incredibly tiny dimensions, it still outperforms almost other full-size mechanical keyboards in that area. It weighs only 2.08 pounds, making it a lightweight device.
Underneath the keyboard on its gray belly, you’ll discover eight rubber grips that keep the keyboard stable and secure on your desk, as well as two feet that pop out of the keyboard’s frame to provide additional support and height. The legs are stiff and take some effort to get out, but once out, they hold their own just nicely.You’ll also find a battery door underneath—the Cherry Stream Wireless runs on AA batteries. That may be a disadvantage for some, but it guarantees a remarkable 36 months of use without a replacement pair. Keep in mind that there is no wired connection option if you run out of juice.
Installation is simple. There is no additional software to deal with when utilizing the Cherry Stream (apart from the optional software download, which we will discuss shortly). Simply connect in the USB dongle and power on the board—it’s that simple. The 2.4GHz connection is secured with 128-bit AES encryption, which is intended to encrypt and safeguard your inputs while they are in transit between the board and your PC.
If you’re used to more expensive mechanical gaming keyboards, the Cherry Stream may seem underwhelming. There is no RGB illumination like on the MSI GK71 Sonic Mechanical Keyboard, nor is there any key backlighting. In addition to the LEDs that indicate a low battery or an active function,it lacks any additional visual flair. Cherry includes no wrist rest or USB passthrough, either: Just some dedicated media buttons at the top of the keyboard’s simple frame. This is a keyboard designed for the office, not one that’ll light up your bedroom.
Pros
- Comfortable typing feel
- Low-profile design
Cons
- Customization software is barebones
3.Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
- TRUE 4K Hz WIRELESS & BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Experience a greater level of gaming response powered by Razer HyperSpeed and Razer HyperPolling technology, and expanded control by connecting and toggling between 3 Bluetooth devices
- HOT-SWAPPABLE DESIGN — Compatible with 3 or 5-pin switches, the keyboard’s socketed PCB makes it easy swap out its pre-loaded switches for custom ones to achieve desired key feel
- OLED DISPLAY WITH COMMAND DIAL — Check the PC system metrics at a glance, show custom GIFs on the display, and enjoy expanded control with up to 100 customizable modes using the Razer Command Dial
Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is one of the best gaming keyboards Razer has ever made. So, when the firm announced a refresh, we wondered what could be added to an already fantastic design, other from possibly making it wireless. Plenty, as it turns out: The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% not only eliminates the cord while retaining a reasonable 4,000Hz polling rate, but it also adds an OLED screen and expands on an already very customisable design. This makes it an excellent board for tinkerers and enthusiasts of all skill levels. It’s pricey—too expensive for ordinary gamers—but it’s a great place to start modifying. This Editors’ Choice winner provides a sumptuous typing experience that both hard-core gamers and productivity enthusiasts will appreciate.
The Pro, like 2023’s BlackWidow V4 75%, is a tenkeyless keyboard that eliminates the number pad and condenses part of its functionality into other keys. It measures 1.6 by 13 by 6.3 inches (HWD) and is slightly broader than the previous edition, allowing for more space to accommodate its newest feature, a 2-inch OLED screen in the upper-right corner. The larger size does increase the weight slightly, to 2.2 pounds from the original’s 1.8 pounds, but the board is otherwise pretty comparable to last year’s model. The RGB lighting that accents the board’s sides and the magnetic (and very soft) wrist rest are both identical.
The Pro features full-textured, full-length doubleshot PBT keys with the same translucent writing and per-key RGB illumination that Razer is known for. The specialized media keys at the top right of the board have been removed to make place for the previously mentioned OLED screen. At the same time, the volume roller has been reduced to a universal dial and relocated to the side of the screen, beside an additional Mode button.The Pro also eliminates the need for a tether by providing both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. A USB-C cord is still included, which can be used for charging or to retain a wired connection. (Wired is the only choice for the non-Pro BlackWidow V4 75%.)
Let’s examine the new OLED screen in more detail. Keyboard screens are not new, but just as OLED has taken over the gaming monitor market, this high-end display technology has also found its way into our keyboards. Similar OLED screens are used by Asus’ ROG Azoth and Azoth Extreme, the latter of which even has a color panel and touch control. Although it doesn’t go that far, the BlackWidow V4 Pro nevertheless has a sizable, attractive black-and-white display.The screen’s six default control modes—Volume, Track Selector, OLED Brightness, Lighting Brightness, Switch Apps, and Zoom—can be switched by pressing the Mode button. You can fine-tune the adjustment by using the dial as your modus operandi once a mode has been selected.
The BlackWidow’s primary selling point, aside from its small screen, is its hot-swappable design, which enables you to take out sockets and install switches in either 3-pin or 5-pin arrangements. Additionally, because the keyboard is entirely brand-neutral, you are not bound by the Razer keys or key switches. If, like me, you’d rather not tinker with your keyboard to such an extent, the stock Razer Orange Tactile switches will be more than enough to hold you over. The Orange switches are silent and tactile, with a 3.5mm complete travel distance, a 50g actuation force, and a 2mm actuation point.
Pros
- Hot-swappable key switches
- Immaculate typing feel
Cons
- OLED display is monochrome, not color
4.Keychron Q1 HE
- Full Aluminum Hall Effect Wireless Keyboard: Meet the Q1 HE, the world’s first 75% layout (82-key) wireless QMK custom keyboard equipped with Hall Effect Gateron 2.0 magnetic switches. The 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth and wired connection boasts a rapid 1000 Hz polling rate, further ensuring a lightning-fast gaming experience. But that’s not all; it also boasts premium features such as a double-gasket design, PBT keycaps, and more
- Hot-swappable Gateron Magnetic Switch: With the first invented dual-rail structure, these pre-lubed magnetic switches come with a sensitivity of only 0.1 mm, it offers more precious feedback. You can customize actuation points (0.5 to 3.8 mm) and assign multiple actions to a single key based on the travel depth you want, enhancing gameplay and a customizable typing sensation (Compatible with Gateron Double-rail Magnetic Switches only)
- 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth Connection: The Q1 HE’s 2.4 GHz wireless connection boasting a rapid 1000 Hz polling rate. For seamless multitasking across your computer, phone, and tablet, you can effortlessly connect the Q1 HE via Bluetooth 5.1 to three devices
Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
We gave the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro a great review in July 2023 in part because of the tight partnership OnePlus had with Keychron, a boutique manufacturer. From its great key switch options to its compact layout, the two worked together on many facets of the creation of the premium keyboard. However, we’re happy to address that by taking a look at the new Keychron Q1 HE, as we had never really studied the Keychron Q1 that served as the basis for the 81 Pro. With the addition of magnetic linear switches to the already excellent features of this expensive but nearly flawless design, the Q1 (and 81 Pro) upgrade has become the new Editors’ Choice winner for enthusiast-level tiny wireless keyboards.
You would assume the Q1 HE is an exact replica of the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro because of its similar layout, but it’s not. The Keychron is marginally lighter and smaller than the OnePlus, with dimensions of 1.4 by 12.9 by 5.7 inches (HWD) and a weight of 3.85 pounds. If you prefer angled typing, the Q1 HE’s lack of the 81 Pro’s movable kickstand bar may be a deal-breaker.
The Q1 HE is an 81-key wireless keyboard featuring a volume control in the upper right corner and Bluetooth and 2.4GHz (USB dongle) connectivity options. Although we tried a black-colored prebuilt variant, the keyboard is also offered as a bare-bones unit without switches or keycaps. Additionally, both versions come in white with a different set of keys altogether.
A selection switch located on the upper left corner of the chassis allows you to choose between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections. This switch is located next to the USB-C port, which can be used for charging or to connect wiredly using the included USB-C-to-A cable, as well as another button that allows you to switch between Mac and Windows settings. According to Keychron, the Q1 HE’s internal battery lasts over 100 hours while the RGB lighting is off.
When activated, the RGB effects are seamless and colorful. The colors stand out between the margins of the keys, even in brighter locations, even though the keycaps lack the Alienware Pro Wireless’s shine-through legends. The alphanumeric keys feature an inverted color scheme with straightforward black labels on a white body.
The softly recessed surfaces of the Q1 HE’s keycaps serve as tiny cradles for your fingertips. We found it simpler to strike keys as we grew used to the keyboard, but the curvature is so tiny that we didn’t detect a visual difference when compared to flat keycaps. We were able to complete a Monkeytype online test at 71 words per minute after little practice.
The Keychron is made from high-quality materials, as one might anticipate for a $219 keyboard. Its machined aluminum frame and aluminum top plate, which helps absorb vibrations from key presses, account for the majority of its weight. Echoes are reduced by a layer of sound-absorbing foam, and any rattle that might otherwise originate from the inside PCB is eliminated by foam gaskets.
Pros
- Machined aluminum frame
- Magnetic switches offer variable key-press detection levels
Cons
- Expensive
5.Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL
- G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL mechanical gaming keyboard offers slim profile and tenkeyless design with tri-mode connectivity via LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth, or wired data mode
- Low-profile GL mechanical switches of this compact gaming keyboard are factory-lubed for smoother feel, fast actuation, and precise typing experience – available in tactile and linear
- Keep playing wirelessly with up to 36 hours of continuous battery life. Battery life varies with use conditions
Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.
Creating keyboards for all types of PC gamers is nothing new for Logitech. With recent products like the Logitech Pro X 60 (which we liked less) and the Logitech G Pro X TKL (which we loved a lot), the business has been vying for pro-level players. The most recent model from Logitech, the G515 Lightspeed TKL keeps most of the pro-level features, such as Lightspeed wireless technology, but does not have the Pro name. Casual gamers who are averse to the noisier, click-clacky switches of other mechanical keyboards should find the G515’s elegant appearance and low-profile, silent key switches appealing.
The new G515 is roughly 75% the size of a full-size keyboard because it is a tenkeyless (or TKL) keyboard. Functions like volume and media controls are shared with other keys rather than having their own buttons, and the number pad is cut off. The G515 is 0.8 by 14.4 by 5.9 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.9 pounds, which is 1.6 ounces less than the G Pro X TKL.
With their brilliant RGB lights shining through them and prominent text on their double-shot PBT keycaps, Logitech gaming keyboards often have a simple, clean appearance. With the G515, this is still the case. The flat body and raised brow of the Corsair K70 MAX RGB Magnetic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard are similarly reminiscent of the design. The top rim of the keyboard houses the USB-C port and the toggles to activate Bluetooth and the Game Mode feature; the latter deactivates certain keys in case you accidentally strike them during the heat of battle.
The low-profile mechanical switches on the G515 are called Logitech GL, and they have a 3.2mm key travel and a 1.3mm actuation distance. The keyboard comes in two colors (black or white) and two key switch kinds (linear and tactile), and it can also be purchased as a wired-only version for as well. The tactile switches on our review unit have an actuation force of 45 grams, which is 2 grams greater than that of the linear switch. Regardless of the type of switch you choose, it has an additional layer of sound-absorbing foam to assist reduce the difficult-to-ignore clatter of a mechanical keyboard. Since the G515 is a comfortable gaming and typing device right out of the box, most users won’t miss the inability to hot-swap the key switches.
Even though I dislike low-profile boards, I think the keys are a significant improvement over the shaky, chattering ones on the Pro X 60. The board’s slim design is also made possible by the low-profile keys. The G515 lacks a carrying case, which is a less significant omission than the absence of a wrist rest, in my opinion, than the other Logitech keyboards.
If you flip the keyboard over, you’ll see two feet with two levels that reach 4 and 8 degrees below. In addition to the rubber grips along the borders, the entire rear side is textured to provide the keyboard with additional traction. Additionally, there is a depression that conceals the G515’s Lightspeed.
Pros
- Comfortable, low-profile keys
- Lightweight, eye-catching design
Cons
- No wrist rest or volume roller
The Power Source: Wireless-Keyboard Battery Life
Naturally, every wireless keyboard need a battery to function if it is not powered by a connection that is linked to a PC. These days, the majority of wireless keyboards use rechargeable built-in lithium-ion batteries, however some still use the reliable AA or AAA cells.
A keyboard with an internal battery and a charging wire is more handy because you can plug it in while it recharges, even if some keyboards that rely on the latter can have incredible battery life. Nothing is worse than discovering that your keyboard is dead and that you are unable to use your computer until you go to the store to get new batteries (or recover some from a TV remote).
Do You Need a Media-Centric Keyboard?
If you’re looking for a wireless keyboard because you’re setting up a media PC to hook up to your TV, keep in mind that there’s a subset of wireless keyboards made specifically with this use case in mind. Entertainment keyboards, sometimes called “media center keyboards” or “lapboards,” are all-in-one solutions made to work on your lap, rather than sit on a surface. Most are long, and some have larger-than-ordinary keys. Some models also have an underside surface contoured to rest on your lap. They also always have a touchpad or other mouse substitute to make input control more manageable, with no separate mouse required.
Buying a Wireless Keyboard: Essentials You Need to Know
Most wireless keyboards are full-size, with at least 104 keys, including a number pad. Most versions, particularly those geared at productivity, have low-profile scissor-switch keys similar to those found on laptops. This keeps their dimensions slim, making them more portable and contributing to the clean, minimalist style popularized by Apple’s Magic Keyboard. With that in mind, the best wireless keyboards avoid overcommitting to that aesthetic to the point where the keys feel too close together. Mechanical keyboards are usually wired, however there are several exceptions.
Most mainstream and gaming versions include a 10-key numeric pad, which is sometimes missing in laptops and is essential for anyone who wants to tally numbers or enter data into a spreadsheet. So-called “tenkeyless”models slice off the numeric pad in the interest of space savings and keeping your typing and mousing hands closer together. Bear that in mind if you’re looking at gaming keyboards, as tenkeyless models are a recent trend especially in that subclass. If you want to go even smaller, 60 percent keyboards eliminate even more keys. Check out our 60 percent keyboard guide for everything you need to know about the category.