There are few things as polarizing as PC keyboards. There are message boards and subreddits filled with opinions breaking down every aspect and component, mechanical versus membrane, different switch mechanisms, and the plastic used in the keycaps.
There is a good reason for it. You probably spend a lot of time on your keyboard, along with a (hopefully) comfortable mouse. You could also make those hours as enjoyable as possible, especially now that many of us are working from home. Whether you have a great laptop or a gaming-ready desktop, we’ve tested dozens of keyboards across the price spectrum. These are our top picks for gaming, office work, and everything in between.
Updated April 2024: Added Logitech Pro X TKL, Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL, Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, and Corsair K65 Plus. Removed Logitech Pro We also added some new tips.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, complete Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Choosing the right mechanical switches
If you want to use a mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to pay attention to your switch options. There are dozens of types and they all feel a little different. Without touching them yourself, it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Manufacturers like Logitech and Razer use their own switches, which makes things even more complicated.
No matter who makes them, switches generally come in one of three varieties:
- Click switches They typically have very little resistance mid-stroke, followed by a sharp click when you press the key all the way down.
- Tactile switches They behave similarly but have a less pronounced click after that mid-stroke resistance.
- Linear switches Feel smooth, fast and responsive, like the triggers on a game controller.