The best keyboards for 2026
Source: Engadget
What to look for in a keyboard
Design
Size
The first thing you’ll want to consider when it comes to your next computer keyboard’s design is size. The most common layouts are:
| Layout | Description |
|---|---|
| Full‑sized (100 %) | Includes a function row, a complete numpad with arrow keys, and all alphanumeric keys you’d expect on a standard QWERTY layout. |
| Tenkeyless (80 %) | Removes the number pad but keeps the arrow keys and the function row, reducing overall width. |
| Compact (60 %–65 % and smaller) | Keeps only the alphanumeric keys and essential modifiers (Alt, Shift, Ctrl, etc.). Often comes in 60 %, 65 %, and other variations. |
These are the most popular sizes, but you can find plenty of other designs that mix different key groups with the standard letters and numbers.
Form factor
Aside from size, keyboards generally fall into two big categories:
- Ergonomic – Designed to improve posture by positioning your fingers, hands, and forearms more naturally.
- Mechanical – Use mechanical switches (many types) that differ greatly from membrane or scissor‑switch keyboards.
We have separate guides for the best ergonomic keyboards and best mechanical keyboards, but here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about each.
Ergonomic keyboards
If you experience discomfort from working at a computer all day, ergonomic keyboards can help. These specially designed boards re‑orient the keys, allowing you to keep your elbows farther apart and maintain a straighter line from forearms to hands.
Typical ergonomic styles
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Alice | A single‑unit board with an A‑shaped gap in the center of the keys. |
| Split | Two separate halves that can be positioned independently on your desk. |
Additional ergonomic features often available on both Alice and split boards:
- Tenting – Raises the middle of the keys, giving your hands a “handshake” position.
- Negative tilt – Lowers the top of the keyboard so wrists angle downward instead of back toward the forearms.
Key layout options
- Staggered – Traditional layout where each row is slightly offset from the one beneath it.
- Columnar (grid) – Keys are arranged in straight columns and rows. It takes a little getting used to, but many users find it enables faster typing.
Programmability
Many ergonomic keyboards are programmable, letting you map shortcuts, macros, and other functions to reduce mouse usage and strain.
Mechanical keyboards
Mechanical keyboards have exploded in popularity as more people create home workspaces. Compared to traditional membrane keyboards, a good mechanical board is:
- More durable
- More satisfying to press
- Infinitely more customizable
High‑end models often carry a price premium, but even cheaper options let you hot‑swap keycaps, switches, and other components, allowing you to experiment with different typing sensations and sound profiles.
Things to consider
- Feel – Do you want each press to feel deep and full, or fast and light?
- Sound – Loud and clacky, or muted?
- Aesthetics – Subdued and professional, RGB‑lit, or themed (e.g., Elvish lettering)?
The only real limits are your imagination and your wallet.
Switch types
Mechanical switches can be grouped into three main buckets:
| Type | Feel & Typical Use |
|---|---|
| Linear | Smooth travel with no tactile bump; popular with gamers for fast, light actuation. |
| Tactile | Noticeable bump mid‑stroke; favored by typists who want feedback without a click. |
| Clicky | Tactile bump plus an audible click; great for those who love audible feedback. |
Choose the switch that matches your preferred typing experience, noise tolerance, and primary use case.
Tactile and Clicky Switches
Create a tangible “bump” sensation partway through a press; many people who spend all day typing prefer them because they clearly confirm each press without (always) being all that loud. Clicky switches are functionally similar to tactiles but make an audible “click” sound to match the bump; your coworkers may hate them, but others love the full‑throated sense of feedback they provide.
Note: Just because two switches fall within the same bucket doesn’t mean they feel or sound exactly the same. The only way to figure out which switch works best for you is to do your research and, preferably, try some out for yourself.
Other Switch Technologies
- Hall‑effect switches – a hot new trend in gaming‑focused keyboards; they use tiny magnets to register keystrokes and let you customize the sensitivity of each press.
- Optical switches – replace the physical contact point of a typical mechanical switch with a beam of infrared light, offering similar functionality.
- Inductive switches – work like magnetic switches but use inductive coils in the keyboard’s printed circuit board (PCB) to cater to all switches collectively, eliminating the need for a sensor for each individual switch.
We touch on a couple of magnetic‑switch keyboards in our picks below, but for a fuller breakdown of this sort of tech, we recommend you check out our dedicated buying guide to the best gaming keyboards.
Connectivity
You’ve got two options here: wired or wireless.
-
Wired keyboards
- Typically have an attached cable that plugs into a USB‑A or USB‑C port on your computer (or docking station).
- Some models come with removable cables.
-
Wireless mechanical keyboards
- Connect to your machine either via Bluetooth or a wireless receiver dongle.
- Expect possible latency with wireless keyboards, so keep that in mind if you’re picking one up primarily for a gaming PC.
- Battery life is only a concern with Bluetooth keyboards.
Happy typing!