Connect with us

Technology

Best wireless keyboards: Microsoft, Logitech, and more

Published

on

These wireless keyboards will tackle the tangle on your desk and let your fingers luxuriate in ergonomic comfort.

Disclosure

Every product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work.

If you are still tangled up in wires at your home or office, it’s time to cut the cord. Those unsightly wires are a nuisance and an eyesore. Wireless technology is the new norm. Consider your basic computer setup. You can opt to go wireless with your monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, headset, and even printer. 

Here we focus on the best wireless keyboard options. Not only is a wireless keyboard a great way to clear up your tangled web of wires, but it can also be used for typing on a tablet in lieu of the awkward touch screen keyboard.

There are three primary factors to consider when purchasing a wireless keyboard:

Connection: Most wireless keyboards are powered through either USB or Bluetooth. The USB keyboards – which connect via radio frequency – are priced better than Bluetooth, but also require an extra piece – the USB dongle. The battery life on the RF keyboards also tends to be better than Bluetooth keyboards. 

Mechanics: If you are not into gaming or a tech junky, you probably don’t know and will never care what’s happening beneath each keystroke. But there’s a lot going on under and around those numbers, symbols and letters. 

Design and comfort: For the desk jockey, you’re going to want your keyboard to be both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. 

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal needs and preferences. We researched the best wireless keyboards using these criteria to help you find the right fit for your fingers.  


Ergonomic • Reasonably priced • Multimedia controls

Can’t customize with Macs • Size not designed for mobility

Wave hello to this all-around great wireless keyboard.

The Logitech K350 wireless keyboard boasts a little bit of everything, including dedicated multimedia controls, a comfortable ergonomic design, a strong wireless connection, and a reasonable price tag. 
The Logitech K350 is formed in an ergonomic wave structure, and features Constant Curve keys with cushioned palm rests. The added comfort design does not come at the expense of a familiar keyboard layout. Logitech maintains the familiar QWERTY keyboard design. 
The dedicated multimedia controls will allow you to easily adjust the volume on that video you are streaming when your boss walks into your office, or fast-forward to the funny part if your boss wants to laugh along with you. 
You can also add compatible computer accessories (mouse, etc.) to the Unifying USB wireless receiver included with the keyboard.
Amazon customer says:

“I am impressed with this keyboard. I needed a keyboard to put on my lap while in my recliner. This keyboard fits across my lap perfectly and it stays in place. It is heavy so it doesn’t move around. It is really solid and sturdy. I just love it. It has some cool features, like push the music button and my Windows media player opened to all my music. I didn’t even have to do any set up for this to happen. It is ergonomic, so my hands are not twisted like they were on my old keyboard. I would buy it again. It has no lag.”


Designed for comfort • Separate number pad • Encryption on keystrokes

Limited to no functionality with non-Windows devices

Comfort is key with the Microsoft Sculpt.

The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is designed with your comfort in mind, and is easy on your joints when you find yourself typing for hours on end (take it from a writer).  Desk jockeys will also appreciate the way the domed keyboard, split keyset design, and cushioned palm rest are structured to keep your wrists and fingers in a natural, relaxed position. 
The number keypad is separate from the keyboard, so you can place it in a convenient location on your desk or tuck it away if you are not using it. 
The keyboard also comes equipped with some extra security measures that encrypt your keystrokes to prevent information from being stolen. 
The Microsoft product naturally works best with other Microsoft products, and will work but has limited functionality with Mac and Android devices. The keyboard is not compatible with iOS devices (iPads and iPhones).
Amazon user says: 

“This lightweight keyboard with separate number board is perfect for what I need. I have a lot of shoulder and wrist problems plus there was no room for my mouse with the old keyboard. This fits nicely onto the pull-out drawer with room for the mouse. The number board is easily storable until I want to use it. This is a really great design. I have been typing for over thirty years and this is the best keyboard I’ve tried for comfort and ease of use so far.”


Priced right • Compatible with all major systems

All the most desirable features a fraction of the cost.

The price is what helps pack the punch with the JETech 2156 wireless keyboard. Other keyboards can be had for around the same price, but most do not include universal compatibility with iOS, Android, Mac and Windows or have shortcut keys available for all four. 
The design is straightforward with clearly marked keys, but it is compact, lightweight easily portable. The JETech keyboard also boasts up to 3 months of battery life. 
There’s no number pad, but you do get some multimedia controls on the function keys. You’re also only paying 15 bucks, so you can’t expect to get it all. For the price, however, you get a lot.
Amazon customer (from Illinois) says:

“Works perfectly. Pairs quickly with my iPhone and iPad. Keyboard touch is great. Nice function keys. Cannot believe the value. I’ve been using this for a couple of weeks and am pleased to give it a 5-star rating. My wife wants one now.”


Solar powered • Sleek design

Different models available for Windows and Mac

As long as there is light, you can type with the K750.

4. Logitech K740 Wireless Solar Keyboard

  • Dimensions:
    7.87 by 19.09 by 1.38 inches for both versions
  • Weight:
    1.6 pounds for Mac; 2 pounds for Windows 19.09
  • Connection:
    Radio frequency for Windows; Bluetooth for Mac
The revolutionary Logitech K740 Wireless Solar Keyboard is charging any time there is sunlight or the lights are on in your house. And when it is moved to a dark room, the keyboard will stay charged for about three months. 
The keyboard comes in models for both Windows and Mac. While it would be nice to have a single version, the models function differently with different key controls. 
The K740 is designed in the likeness of a standard keyboard, but is thin enough to make it portable even with the solar arrays at the top of the keyboard. 
Like other Logitech models, the USB receiver allows you to connect other computer accessories. 
Amazon user says: 

“I love this keyboard! It’s nice and flat, so it doesn’t feel like it intrudes into the space where my hands are (yeah, I know, strange thing to mention), keys are easy to work with – perhaps just a little “clicky-plastic” but not much – it’s solid and charges itself. It’s heavy enough to be solid but light enough to move it with one hand with ease, responsive, and has a really good feel, at least to me. I’ve purchased another for one of my other computers and will be purchasing a third for my other-other one (I have one Windows, one Linux, and one Mac). This is my new Standard Keyboard!”


Lightweight, compact • Perfect for travel • Affordable

Crease in middle might take some adjusting

A keyboard that’s the perfect stroke for those on the go.

5. Jelly Comb Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard B047

A keyboard that’s the perfect stroke for those on the go.

  • Dimensions when open:
    11.36 by 4.2 by 0.18 inches
  • Dimensions when folded:
    5.58 by 4.2 by 0.45 inches
  • Weight:
    5.6 oz.
  • Connection:
    Bluetooth
The Jelly Comb Bluetooth keyboard is compatible with pretty much any device you need to connect to – Apple, Android, Windows, Kindle, etc. Note that you must use a third-party adapter if your laptop doesn’t have Bluetooth capability. 
The Jelly Comb Bluetooth keyboard is so sleek and portable that you won’t even notice it in your bag. Folded up, the keyboard is about the size of your hand and weighs just 5.6 ounces.  A full charge, which can be reached in about two hours, will keep you connected for the length of a short business trip. If you keep the keyboard on standby, it can last for 18 days. 
You will only need to connect to your device once for the keyboard to be recognized each time you fire it up. The keyboard also automatically turns on and starts pairing with your device as soon as you unfold it, and will work from up to 33 feet away. 
Amazon customer says:

“This is an outstanding product and the best foldable keyboard I’ve used so far. All of the other foldable keyboards suffer from two main issues: 1) they either are just too big, or 2) they’re so small that the keys are hard to press without making a ton of errors. This keyboard is close to full size. My only beef is with the Y key. It’s a bit smaller than any of the other keys and is a bit difficult to press. Just takes a little adjusting. But other than that, all of the other keys are fairly easy to reach. And the keys feel terrific as well.

One of the best features is that the keyboard turns on automatically when you unfold it and turns off automatically when you fold it up for storage.”


Sleek Apple design • Long battery life • Includes number pad and navigation controls

Quality product at a cost.

We went apples to apples with this choice because this keyboard works best with other Apple products due to its 100 percent compatibility. The price tag is on the higher end, to be expected with the quality and name recognition of Apple. 
The sleek, light design gives you a low profile for comfortable typing and allows for easy traveling.
The extended layout includes navigation controls for easy scrolling and arrow keys (for your candy crushing needs, perhaps). The benefits of the numeric keypad outweigh the mobility of a smaller design. 
The battery is rechargeable and will last about a month on a full charge. You can also plug in via the recharging cable if you want to use this with a non-Bluetooth enabled computer, even a Windows desktop.
Amazon customer says:

“Though it’s a little expensive as keyboards go, I think it’s worth it. It’s very sturdy, the keys feel smooth and positive and it feels better than its cousin, the wired keyboard that came with my Mac. It’s also rechargeable which is a big bonus. Other than that, it’s a keyboard with all the expected keys that locks instantly to Bluetooth and does the job. No complaints.”


Lightweight • Color options • Reasonable price • Long battery life

Some users report lag time and connection issues

The Arteck HB030B is a perfect partner for your mobile device.

The Arteck HB030B is rated as the top seller and best rated keyboard for tablets on Amazon, and for good reason. 
For starters, at $20 the Arteck HB030B is affordable. It’s universally compatible with pretty much any device (iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows) that has Bluetooth enabled. It’s also universally compatible with your preference for color; the keyboard comes with seven different options – deep blue, soft blue, bright green, soft green, red, purple, cyan – that you can easily adjust for brightness.
The rechargeable lithium battery lasts forever – if you use it for two hours non-stop every day, it will last for six months between charges. 
The quiet keyboard also includes media controls and most functions. At just 0.37 pounds, the lightweight keyboard is easily portable. 
Amazon customer says: 

“I wanted a keyboard for my Fire HD 8 (6th gen) tablet for more detailed tasks. I was delighted to find that it connected and works perfectly right out of the box. I also successfully connected to my Samsung S7 Edge cell phone. The keyboard is light yet sturdy and well laid out for a touch typist. The illumination is helpful in daylight and darkness and attractive. The lights go out during inactivity to conserve the battery. Included in the box are six round rubber feet to attach to the bottom and they give the keyboard stability on smooth surfaces. I’m very pleased with this well designed and useful product and recommend it without reservation.”


Comfortable • High speed • Sophisticated keystroke technology

Lapboard a separate purchase

This keyboard won’t let anything interfere with your gaming.

The CORSAIR K63 Wireless is designed for gaming. Many gamers use multiple keys simultaneously, which can cause issues with less sophisticated keypads. 
The Corsair K63 wireless uses technology called anti-ghosting that prevents any of those keystrokes from being lost, or “ghosted,” during gameplay. The Gold contact CHERRY® MX Red mechanical gaming keyswitches work quickly so you don’t miss a step. You can also assign macros to any key to help replay repetitive tasks. 
The CORSAIR K63 Wireless connects via high-speed Bluetooth or wired USB. The rechargeable battery will give you up to 15 hours of action if you are connected through Bluetooth, which reaches your computer or TV from up to 33 feet away. With dedicated multimedia controls on the keyboards, you can easily adjust the volume (especially convenient if you are gaming when you are supposed to be working). 
Aesthetics and comfort are not lost on this highly functional gaming keyboard. The sleek, blue-lit LED background pops and can be changed, and the soft touch wrist pad also allows for a comfortable experience.  
Amazon user says:

“This keyboard feels and sounds amazing! It is one of the best that I have ever had and totally worth the asking price. This keyboard does function as a proper wireless keyboard but can also be wired if you wish to do so. While the performance is rather superb, it does slow down a bit when you have multiple wireless communicators on the same laptop/computer. When this keyboard is used alone or wired, it has zero latency. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a beautiful and extremely functional gaming keyboard! The keyboard utility used to change the lighting effects is also really user friendly and easy to understand.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement Find your dream job

Trending