The Best Wireless Keyboards For Work & Gaming In 2021

Why Trust Us

No one knows the benefits of ergonomic and portable computer accessories like writers do. We spend all day hunched over monitors and pounding keys trying to rack up word counts and deliver information as best as we can. We're all doomed for carpal tunnel or arthritis but we spend a lot of time trying to mitigate this. Many of us only realized how problematic laptop keyboards can be when we dove into this career. In short, we know a thing or two about why these products matter so much.

Who This Is For

This guide is for anyone searching for a new wireless keyboard whether that includes Bluetooth support or a USB port connection. We've selected a range of keyboards for gaming, work, media playback, and more. Some keyboards are more portable and great for working while traveling, other options are heavier and best for at-home work set-ups. We've got small, compact options and products that feature numpads, touchpads, and all sorts of bells and whistles so you can find something regardless of your needs.

How We Picked

As always, I try to craft guides that serve a wide range of needs. That curation starts with assessing the user base. I considered gamers, van-lifers, coffee shop wi-fi bummers, those new to at-home work, travelers, and your average Joe. Once I had a list of folks, I started determining needs and selecting products that would serve those populations. Before the list was done, I connected with other writers for their favorites because few people smash keys like we do.

How We Tested

The primary test for this guide was that this entire guide was typed on a wireless keyboard. Testing these keyboards meant doing what I do best, writing... a lot. I also took one of the keyboards to Texas with me over the Thanksgiving holidays to see how it felt in my pack, how it traveled and how comfortable it was for working in a new space.

Features To Look In Wireless Keyboards

Switches - Many consider them to be just as important as the keys themselves. Essentially, they are the foundation of the keys. If you go with a wireless mechanical keyboard, you’ll get a longer life on your switches. Your mechanical keyboard switches can have as much as 20X the warranty (sixty-million keystrokes instead of three-million keystrokes for membrane switches), meaning you get a lot more life out of your tools.

Design - We’re all familiar with the QWERTY layout, but it’s more than just how the keys are arranged. If you use your keyboard full-time, whether you’re a gamer, writer, or you have to use it for business, you want a comfortable, ergonomic design that’s not going to cramp up your hands. Look for the layout of the keys, as well as the physical build when looking for an ergonomic keyboard. Do bear in mind that an ergonomic design often reduces portability, so if you’re on the move and planning to get some work done on the train, this may not be suitable for you. A slimline and compact keyboard with the most basic keys is ideal for this situation.

Portability - With remote work becoming more and more popular, our computers and technology need to be able to move with us. Weight, size, and portability are all important factors modern consumers are considering. Be sure to pay attention to product weight (not just shipping weight) and how versatile it is. If you need to get in a few emails at the breakfast bar at the hotel, you don’t want to haul out an oversized keyboard. If you’re like many laptop users, the built-in keyboard simply isn’t for you. Pay attention to the dimensions as a full-size keyboard can take up a lot of space.

Note: keyboards without a numeric keypad are significantly smaller and more portable.

Unique features - Many different manufacturers set their products apart with customizable keys or specific media keys. Whether it’s solar-powered, has RGB backlighting, or a touchpad, you’ll be shown the one unique feature that sets their product apart from others. This is referred to as their USP, or Unique Sales Point. Depending on the usefulness of these USPs, you may change your decision on which keyboard you’re going to purchase.

Portability - Much of the beauty of wireless keyboards is their portability. The lack of cables means you can slide them easily into your backpack or laptop case with little issue and they tend to take up less space than a full keyboard.

If you’re a professional who needs to have easy access to a keyboard as often as possible on a plane, train, or car, look for the most portable options around. They will allow you to work on the go with ease.

Conversely, you may not be changing your keyboard set up for travel purposes but rather to streamline your projects at home or at the office. With this, slimline and unintrusive designs are not essential, so consider something with a little more heft to it.

Connectivity - As you’ve seen, there are two kinds of connectivity options to explore with a modern wireless keyboard: Bluetooth and USB, and the type you select will depend on the rest of your setup. With a USB connection, you'll need to install the appropriate driver, whereas keyboards that support Bluetooth will pair and connect seamlessly. However, there may be issues with a stable connection, which could prove a problem for some purposes.

Size - Regardless of what your friends have told you, size matters, at least when it comes to devices. Those looking for the most convenient and portable options around will no doubt consider the most compact keyboards, whereas at-home users may want something a little larger to keep their setup looking consistent. Size can also affect how comfortable the keyboard is to use, and if you’re used to larger keyboards, there is always a learning curve. A smaller keyboard usually won’t have a numeric pad as a space-saving measure.

Weight - Along the same lines of size and portability is the weight of the keyboard. No one wants to lug a heavy device around with them, especially if your backpack is already full. If you don’t plan on carrying it everywhere you go like a high-tech safety blanket, the weight shouldn’t bother you too much. Lighter doesn’t always mean better for some demands, so the decision is entirely up to you.

Battery life - The problem with a wireless anything is the battery. Again, it depends on your needs, but ideally, you need to look for a product that offers a longer battery life. The best wireless keyboard can offer a battery life of up to three years of consistent, quality performance, so if you want to push the problem of no battery out of your mind for good, or at least a few years, it may be worth spending the extra money.

Adjustability - An adjustable keyboard is another great way of increasing your comfort during longer sessions and are also useful if you find yourself somewhere without a traditional desk to place it on. Typically, they have hinges around the back of the keyboard that splits it in two for better access to the keys when placed on your lap or something similar.

Types Of Wireless Keyboards

Like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to both Bluetooth and USB keyboards, and knowing these will help you make a better decision over which one is the best for what you need in a keyboard.

Bluetooth

The Good:

Portable - Anyone who has experienced the wonders of Bluetooth technology knows how much of a relief it is to move around freely without being restricted by cables. A wireless connection gives you the freedom to work on your projects from different parts of the room instead of being confined to your desk all day, which is a great way to switch it up and regain some motivation and productivity.

Tidiness - Another attraction of a wireless Bluetooth keyboard is that it helps to reduce the amount of wire clutter around your desktop. This is useful if you already have a lot of cables in your workspace and find it frustrating to identify which cable belongs to which device. The wireless nature of Bluetooth keyboards eliminates such problems, and another bonus is that it frees up a USB port for you to connect additional devices to your computer or laptop.

The Bad:

Battery life - Because there is no power source, battery longevity is perhaps the biggest issue many people have with Bluetooth devices. USB keyboards don’t have such issues, and so if you’re prone to forgetfulness or you know you’ll need a whole day’s worth of juice, you can’t always trust a Bluetooth keyboard to have your back. If you’re a gamer, you don’t want the keyboard to fail right as you’re about to get that precious XP to boost yourself to the next level.

USB

The Good:

Greater range - A radio frequency range is often much better than its Bluetooth counterpart. While you can expect something around 33 feet for Bluetooth, USB keyboards can deliver a consistent and reliable connection up to 300 feet for the top-of-the-range models. If you do a lot of moving around during the day, this is essential for maximizing productivity and satisfaction.

Better battery life - A USB keyboard won’t demand as much power for marathon sessions compared to Bluetooth keyboards, which is excellent news for heavy gamers and students. This extended battery life means less downtime and more consistent play. While it may not be on the level of a wired connection, it’s still sufficient to help you get everything completed.

The Bad:

Another used up port - While the USB-style keyboard is useful and offers a consistent connection, it still takes up USB port space. For some of you with devices that allow ports of up to four devices this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but if you need to make use of your valuable port space for other devices such as external hard drives, speakers, or a mouse, you might find the USB way a little inconvenient.

Interference - If you’re in an area with multiple devices operating on the same frequency, you might encounter some interference. This can hinder the effectiveness of the keyboard, and you might experience delayed or ignored inputs. It’s not the end of the world, though, and you can mitigate these issues by disconnecting the other devices if possible or moving somewhere these devices won’t interfere with your work or gaming.

Q: How does a wireless keyboard work?

A: There are multiple ways to connect a wireless keyboard to your devices. Some have a device that connects to your device's USB port and the computer recognizes it just as it would a traditional wired keyboard or USB c cable. Other options utilize Bluetooth technology to connect to your Apple device, computer, or tablet.

Q: How do you connect a wireless keyboard to a PC & Mac?

A: PC - Most models will have a plug-and-play, which will give you a pop-up in the bottom right corner of your start bar, right near the clock. When you click on this, it will show you how the process is going. In most cases, the keyboard will connect automatically after 10-15 seconds.

If that doesn’t work, you have a second option: open Microsoft’s Mouse and Keyboard Center by searching or it in your start bar. If your keyboard is Bluetooth-enabled, and not a standard radio receiver, there will be different steps in the setup wizard, which will connect your device for you.

Mac - Apple has been utilizing Bluetooth technology since their very first wireless device, so it’s a lot more straightforward. Whether it’s the Apple magic keyboard or another option for iPad or your desktop Mac, you’ll be able to use Apple’s built-in Bluetooth connectivity feature via the Bluetooth Preferences menu. Your Mac will scan for devices, and while your product is in Discoverable Mode, your Mac will locate and pair your device. For earlier Apple wireless devices, check out this guide from Apple on how to connect.

Q: Can I connect my wireless keyboard to a Smart TV and smartphone?

A: Along with computer connectivity, the best wireless keyboards can also connect to both Smart TVs and smartphones. Most are compatible with the more prominent TV brands around, and you can trust them to work with Android, Windows, and iOS devices.

Smart TV - Smart TVs boast the capability to recognize a keyboard through both USB receivers and, with more modern TVs, Bluetooth. This will also allow you to browse seamlessly through streaming services and gaming platforms, eliminating the laborious process of pressing the directional buttons on your remote control to type in whatever show or channel you want to access.

Smartphones - For smartphone connectivity, a Bluetooth keyboard is ideal, as there is no USB port to connect the USB dongle to unless you have an adapter. You can then project the screen onto your Smart TV and scroll through games, access documents, and fall down the endless YouTube rabbit holes with the same ease you can on your computer.

Q: How to know if batteries are weak and how to replace them?

A: While the battery life is generally great on most wireless keyboards, the batteries still do not last forever. Knowing how to gauge when the battery is running low will save you from losing connectivity in the middle of something important and will save a lot of stress. If you start seeing lag or other issues, check the batteries before they are entirely depleted.

If you experience intermittent connectivity or issues with keypresses, this could be a sign your batteries are coming to the end of their life. From here, you can either recharge them or change them, depending on the setup of your keyboard. Many options now come with a rechargeable battery.

Some devices will tell you if the battery is low, such as on a Mac, with a note next to the Apple Magic Keyboard name saying Low Battery. Others though, have a battery life indicator, allowing you to check the condition of the battery with ease and make prior arrangements to charge or replace the batteries when needed.

Most keyboards run on AA or AAA batteries if they don't have a rechargeable option. Knowing which battery type your keyboard accepts ensures minimized downtime when you need to change them. If you have rechargeable batteries, you must ensure they are sufficiently charged before using them.

Changing the battery should be simple enough, and there will either be a clip-in section securing the batteries, or you may need to find a mini screwdriver to open the back of the keyboard and swap them out.

Sources:

1. Computer Keyboard Design - Cornell University Ergonomics Web
2. Wireless keyboard  - Wikipedia