Best Wireless Keyboards in 2021

Features To Look For When Buying A Wireless Keyboard

Whether you need a wireless keyboard for work or play, there are a variety of cool and useful features you must consider before making your final decision. These features can impact everything for ease of use to compatibility along with everything in between.

Switches - Many consider them to be just as important as the keys themselves. Essentially, they are the keys foundation. If you go with a mechanical keyboard, you’ll get a longer life on your switches (and yours keys,) and you’ll be able utilize a stronger warranty if something should happen. Your mechanical keyboard switches can have as much as 20X the warranty (sixty-million keystrokes instead of three-million keystroke for membrane switches).

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.

Portability - Wireless keyboard for the travelling businessman? Weight, size, and portability are all important factors. 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 well.

Note: Wireless keyboards without a numpad are significantly smaller and more portable.

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - For any keyboard wireless functionality is essential. Even if you’ve always been more of a USB keyboard kind of consumer, the benefits of a wireless keyboard and mouse outweigh the need for a clunky USB keyboard. When you get a wireless keyboard and mouse combo, you don’t have to bother searching for a pairing mouse and holding up all those USB slots. Why should you? Use one receiver for your wireless keyboard and mouse and you won’t have a tangle of wires all over the places.

Unique Features - Many different manufacturers set their products apart with customizable keys, or specific media playback keys. Whether it’s solar-powered, backlit, or a wireless keyboard with 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 slot them easily into your backpack or laptop case with little issue and the style of wireless keyboards doesn’t take up as much space as your traditional keyboard might do.

Just because they are more portable than wired keyboards, though, doesn’t mean it’s all gravy straight away, and it also doesn’t mean that any wireless keyboard will be sufficient for your needs. We’ll go into more detail about weight and size a little further down, so instead focus on the purpose of the keyboard.

If you’re a professional who needs to have easy access to a keyboard as often as possible on a plane, train, or automobile, look for the most portable options around. This makes it easy to retrieve while also not taking up too much space in the carriage, cabin, or car that you interfere with other passengers.

Conversely, you may not be purchasing a wireless keyboard for travel 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. This will make it easier to use as you walk around with the keyboard balanced on your fingers while you flick through programs or make notes.

Connectivity - As you’ve seen, there are two kinds of connectivity options to explore with wireless keyboards: Bluetooth and USB, and the type you select will depend on the rest of your setup.

If you want to go as wireless as possible including a wireless mouse, headphones or speakers, and even a monitor, a USB keyboard is likely to be the best option. However, there may be issues with a stable connection, which could prove a problem for some purposes.

When considering the setup, there are minor differences between how simple the initial connection will be. A USB connection may demand drivers to install, whereas Bluetooth will pair and connect seamlessly. If you connect other Bluetooth devices to your computer when not using the keyboard, though, you may encounter some issues the next time you want to connect.

Also consider port availability, connectivity range, and the reliability of the connection. As with anything wireless (we’ve all struggled with our WiFi connection at some point) there will be instances of connection drops and an inability to read keystrokes.

Size - Regardless of what your girlfriend has told you (just kidding) size matters with 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.

It’s more than being able to take the keyboard wherever you need to, though. The 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 that will make you feel you’ve never typed before in your life.

The size of the keyboard will also affect the number of features. A smaller keyboard won’t have number pads and similar useful but not always necessary aspects, whereas larger keyboards will have enough space to provide these features for a more controlled experience.

Keys - An essential part of any keyboard, the keys are still often overlooked as something you just expect to be there without putting too much thought into how effective they can be for what you need to do. Whether it’s large keys, small keys, elevated keys or tile keys, each of them are essential for providing you with the best experience.

If you’re a rapid, heavy tapper, finding keys which are as quiet as possible will stop you distracting those around you, especially if you’re working or gaming long into the night where most normal people get some rest. If this isn’t something you need to think about, there are the lower-profile keys, the same you find on laptops, which you may be more comfortable using now.

You can also find keys which fit more ergonomically to your fingers, which are ideal for gamers and those who work on their computer all day long. These keys will also last much longer, increasing the lifespan of your keyboard and ensuring quality performance.

Lower quality keyboards may lead to the markings wearing off, especially with the keys you use most often. While this isn’t a major thing, and many people know their keyboard so well they hardly even look at which keys they press, it still ruins the aesthetic.

Design - Keyboard designs are much more advanced than the standard flat style we used in the school computer lab growing up. Now, you can find them to suit all needs from gaming to work, to spending all day angrily Tweeting about a missed UPS delivery.

An ergonomic design is essential for those who use their keyboard all day. It prevents wrist fatigue and therefore carpal tunnel syndrome to ensure consistent performance and keeping you energized throughout the day.

However, an ergonomic design reduces the portability of the keyboard, 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.

Another great design that is becoming more popular, particularly amongst gamers and anyone burning the midnight oil is the backlight feature, which allows you to work into the night without keeping the lights on or deciding to shut the lights off and try to identify which key is which.

Additional design features such as the number pad is also something to look out for if you’ve got use for it.

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 of papers, notebooks, a laptop, and additional must-haves for work or school.

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, and you might even want something a little weightier to give you more confidence it won’t get knocked off your desk following a rage quit of volcanic proportions.

As always, we recommend you to decide based on what you feel would be most beneficial for you. Brands always try to make things as lightweight as possible, but 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 life, and this is no different with a wireless keyboard. Again, it depends on your needs, but ideally, you need to look for a product that offers a long battery life.

The best wireless keyboard can offer a battery life up to 3 years of consistent, quality performance, so if you want to push the problem of no battery out of your mind for good, it may be worth spending the extra money for more advanced options.

The battery life will also be affected by how frequently you use it. Mammoth gaming sessions through the night and into morning will drain the battery quicker than if you were to use it to put the finishing touches to a project.

Also consider how convenient it will be to charge the batteries (or replace them) should they run down at the worst moment. It’s not recommended to overcharge, but, you shouldn’t neglect to charge when you can, either.

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.

You can also go further than simple style adjustability and make the most of hot keys to streamline your work and speed projects up with easy access settings that save you hitting too many keys at once. These adjustable commands are excellent for power users who need to move through processes as quickly as possible and give you greater control over your keyboard and computer.

Even if you’re not a power user, you can still get a lot of benefit from these commands, especially if you do a lot of the same work every day. They may take a while to get used to and remember, but once you get comfortable, you can move through your work or progress through your game like a total pro.

Price - We understand everybody has different budgets for researching and purchasing their tech. However, just because you can’t afford the most expensive product around doesn’t mean you’re missing out.

With many products, there are specific quality standards they must meet to be considered suitable for sale, so you need not worry about lower-priced options catching fire or giving you an electric shock. Really, the only reason prices will vary between wireless keyboards is because of which features they include.

Most of you won’t need a wireless keyboard full of more features than you’d know what to do with, and these options are typically the most expensive around. We know it’s tempting, and you might look at that automatic burger order button (or something) and think Hmmm, maybe I’ll need it one day, but let’s just be honest with you right now: you won’t.

It’s always essential to consider your budget when making any purchase, and if you’ve never used a wireless keyboard before, we suggest going for one of the cheaper options.

There are other factors that come into it such as compatibility and suitability for you, but remember this likely won’t be the only wireless keyboard you ever buy, so why not start cheap and work your way up to one you’ve always had your eye on so you can treat yourself once you know you can.

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 when working with devices and gadgets 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 you lost since your last coffee.

Tidiness - The main 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. If you work with many devices throughout the day, this saves time switching cables in and out and allows for a more streamlined experience.

The Bad:

Battery Life - Because there is no power source, the battery life is perhaps the biggest issue many people have with Bluetooth devices. It’s no longer as easy as it was to sit down and get on with your work because you may have forgotten to charge the battery overnight.

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 wireless 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.

Minimized Connectivity - Using a Bluetooth keyboard means you can’t connect your PC to other Bluetooth devices and will need to rely on traditional connection methods to listen to your playlists, podcasts, or nature sounds. If you’re looking for a wholly wireless experience, it may be more convenient for you to go choose an option that still allows you to connect your speakers of headphones via Bluetooth while you connect your keyboard using a USB dongle.

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 mammoth sessions compared to Bluetooth keyboards, which is excellent news for heavy gamers and especially any students leaving their final projects to the last minute. This extended battery life means less downtime and more consistent play. While it may not be on the level of wired USB keyboards, it’s still sufficient to help you get everything completed in time.

The Bad:

Another Used Up Port - While the USB-style wireless keyboard is useful and you can guarantee consistent connection, it still takes up USB port space. For some of you, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, and most machines have multiple USB ports, but if you need to make use of these ports 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 instances of interference such as with microwaves or even cordless phones. This can hinder the effectiveness of the keyboard, and you might find random keystrokes that either don’t register or appear out of nowhere.

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.

History Of The Wireless Keyboard

Since Logitech’s invention of the first wireless keyboard, there have been many companies utilizing radio receiver technology and the ever-popular Bluetooth technology. The general public, across multiple countries, started the transition from typewriter to keyboard in the late 80’s, early 90’s, and with this came a greater need to innovate.

To understand the history of the wireless keyboard, one also needs to understand the history of keyboards and typewriters as a whole. Everything from the popular QWERTY layout we still utilize today, right on down to the type of switches beneath your keys, are all influenced by prior technology and advancements in computer keyboard systems since their inception.

Wireless Keyboard FAQ

Q: How does a wireless keyboard work?

A: Through the radio receiver that’s built into the keyboard itself, or the Bluetooth transmitter, and the USB plugin stub, these two devices connect and transfer information. Your computer recognizes your device as if it were plugged in by a physical cord.

Q: How to connect a wireless keyboard (PC & Mac)

A: PC - Most models will have plug and plan,  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 (for the first go).

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 wireless 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 a wireless keyboard 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 wireless keyboard 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 wireless keyboard through both USB receiver 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 wireless keyboard is ideal, as there is no USB port to connect the dongle to (unless you have an adapter that works). You can then project the screen onto your Smart TV and scroll through games, access documents and fall down 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 superb with all wireless keyboards, these batteries will not last forever. Knowing how to gauge when the battery is running low will save you losing connectivity in the middle of something important and will save a lot of stress.

If you experience intermittent connectivity or issues with key presses, 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.

Some devices will tell you if the battery is low, such as on a Mac, with a note next to the device’s name saying Low Battery. Others though, boast 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.

As we mentioned, there are different batteries, but most keyboards run on AA or AAA. 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 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 top open the back of the keyboard and swap them out.

For batteries built into the keyboard with no way of removing them, you will need to wait for them to charge before using them next time. In cases such as this, it’s useful to have a spare keyboard around the house if you want to continue working when your wireless keyboard runs down.

Sources:

How to Check the Battery Levels of Bluetooth Devices on Mac - iDownloadBlog