With so many people now working from home, a good keyboard has never been more essential. Whether you need one for word processing or programming or are just looking to improve your highest score in your favorite game, a good keyboard can make your task so much easier.
That's why we've looked for the best wired USB keyboards available. Our favorite is the BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by Razer; it has a wrist-rest, backlit keys and is highly responsive. Also in our top 10 list are keyboards designed to be ergonomic, keyboards specifically for gaming, and those for more general use. We also have a buying guide with tips on how to find one on your own!
We've searched the Internet to find the best USB keyboards on the market. There are keyboards for gaming, business, and general computer use.
$129.99
Backlit | Yes |
---|---|
Wrist rest | Yes |
Multimedia keys | Yes |
RK907
$14.99
Backlit | No |
---|---|
Wrist rest | No |
Multimedia keys | Yes |
K740
$59.99
Backlit | Yes |
---|---|
Wrist rest | Yes |
Multimedia keys | Yes |
Image | 1 ![]() Razer | 2 ![]() Microsoft | 3 ![]() Rii | 4 ![]() Logitech | 5 ![]() seenda | 6 ![]() Redragon | 7 ![]() Rii | 8 ![]() Perixx | 9 ![]() Logitech | 10 ![]() Microsoft |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Ergonomic Keyboard | Ultra-Slim Compact USB Wired Keyboard | USB Keyboard and Mouse Combo | Wired Backlit Keyboard | Backlit Gaming Keyboard | Mechanical Feel USB Keyboard | Periboard-512 | Illuminated Ultrathin Keyboard | Wired Keyboard 600 |
Features | A USB Keyboard That's Perfect for Gamers | A Durable and Ergonomic Keyboard | Simple Keyboard With Quiet Keys | A Responsive and Durable Keyboard | A USB Keyboard With Quiet, Sensitive Keys | Multiple Light Options and Quick Responses | Mechanical Feel to the Keys, but They're Not Loud | Split Keyboard With a Sturdy Design | A Backlit Keyboard With Adjustable Brightness | Simple Keyboard With a Calculator Key |
Price | $129.99 | $51.99 | $14.99 | $14.85 | $18.99 | $36.98 | $19.99 | $40.01 | $59.99 | $11.95 |
Backlit | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Wrist rest | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Multimedia keys | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Link |
Before you purchase a USB keyboard, there are a few factors that you should consider. We've curated this buying guide to help you decide the best keyboard for you.
When you’re plugging a keyboard into your computer, you need to take into account your space. Look at where your computer tower is and where you want your keyboard to be, as the USB wire on your keyboard needs to be long enough to reach.
If your USB ports are at the back, you’ll need a longer wire than if they are at the front. However, you don’t want a wire that's too long!
There’s nothing more annoying than having to cope with long wires getting tangled and stopping your keyboard or mouse from being positioned or moved correctly. Get a wire that is not too long but not too short.
Many keyboards, especially those aimed at gamers, are backlit. The lights can help if you’re working on your computer at night or in dim lighting frequently. It gives you a little extra light while you work. Backlit keyboards can also be for the aesthetic! They’re another way of customizing your computer and making them your own.
If you plan to use your keyboard for gaming, then a backlit keyboard can be of great help. Different colors can be assigned to different keys, and it gives a visual edge when gaming.
You can get keyboards that extend past the spacebar so you can rest your wrists while typing. These wrist-rests can be soft or raised and support your limbs as you type.
There are also keyboards that have layouts different than the standard straight rows of keys. Some keyboards separate the keys into two angled halves, and others have rows that are in a wave shape instead of straight.
If you need to use a keyboard but suffer from any of the physical conditions that can come from prolonged computer use, take a look at these ergonomic keyboards.
There are many standard keys that you’ll find on keyboards. Of course, things such as letters, a space bar, and punctuation keys are a necessity! It’s also common to find a numerical keypad on the right-hand side of the keyboard. This is very useful for anyone that inputs numbers frequently.
Something else you can look for are multimedia keys. These are keys that directly control things such as volume, brightness, or the music player. This saves time as you can change these things with one touch of a button instead of having to access menus and look for options.
Mechanical keyboards use switches underneath the keys to register when a key has been pressed. You don’t have to press the key all the way down as you do with regular keyboards, so you don’t need to use as much force to type. This can help with fatigue and strain when you type, and it means you can type faster.
Due to the way mechanical keyboards are made, they're more expensive than standard keyboards. But they 're worth looking at if you do a lot of keyboard work or need to work faster. Mechanical keyboards are also popular with gamers as they can react faster. They also make a distinct ‘clack’ noise that's very popular with many people!
Keys that are tall tend to be louder, whereas keys that are low tend to be quieter. Smaller hands might have an easier time with low keys, and big hands might want to look at keyboards with taller and bigger keys.
Keyboards with lower keys also tend to be thinner and are, therefore, more portable. If you’re using it for word processing or writing, see how large the space key and shift keys are. If you're used to using a larger space bar, then changing to a smaller one will take adjustment.
As well as a new keyboard, there are other ways you can improve your computer rig. Why not get a new mouse to match your new keyboard? Check out these other products for working and fun on the computer.
There are many things to consider when buying a new keyboard. We suggest that you look for a keyboard that suits your needs, whether that is gaming, word processing or more generalized work, and is comfortable to use.
Whichever keyboard you use, we hope that you have many comfortable and productive hours with it!
Author: Kellie Lacey
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications