Alright, it’s time to clean up the mess of wires that plague your desk. Where to start? By swapping out that dirty old wired keyboard for a brand new wireless keyboard.
Wireless keyboards have been around for a while, but if your last experience was a bad one (ten years ago) we’d urge you to take a modern wireless keyboard for a spin. They’re more reliable and affordable than they used to be, and they come in a variety of styles, just like old fashioned wired keyboards. Some wireless keyboards are made specifically for tablets and phones, but we’re focusing on wireless keyboards for your desktop computer.
Usually, wireless keyboards operate over a radio frequency, and come packaged with a USB dongle. But some are Bluetooth enabled, which is nice if your computer is Bluetooth-ready. If you’ve ever used a wireless mouse, the experience is pretty similar. Like wireless mouses, wireless keyboards are battery-operated and require a charge (or a new AA battery) every few months.
You’d think that it’d be easy to find a good wireless keyboard, but that’s not exactly the case. There are a ton of wireless keyboards on the market, and they’re all targeted toward different computer users. If you’re trying to find a reliable budget wireless keyboard, it can be hard to shop through the mess of gaming keyboards and premium mesh keyboards. If you’re a gamer, it can be difficult to find a balance between affordability and usability.
Lucky for you, we’ve taken the time to find and describe the best wireless keyboards, for everybody’s needs.
CORSAIR K63 Mechanical Keyboard ($90)
Gamers and writers love the clickity-clack of a good mechanical keyboard, but it isn’t all about sound. A good, modern mechanical keyboard has to hit a lot of benchmarks before it can be universally appreciated. And since we’re looking for wireless keyboards the hunt is even more difficult.
But the CORSAIR K63 wireless mechanical keyboard somehow manages to hit all of those benchmarks with style. It’s a programmable backlit keyboard with authentic Cherry MX Red switches and an RF USB dongle. Unlike many wireless mechanical keyboards, the K63’s keycaps can be swapped out, so you can ditch the black design whenever you see fit. You can also tether a wired mouse or gaming headset through the K63, so you don’t have to replace your other gear with wireless devices.
The K63’s customization features are robust, and you can store multiple keymaps and color schemes for quick switch-outs. The K63’s also offers lighting synchronization with other CORSAIR products, so you can match your keyboard with the lights in your desktop. But don’t go too crazy with those lights, because the K63’s rechargeable battery only lasts for 15 hours.
Naturally, this keyboard isn’t for everybody. Most people are unfamiliar with mechanical keyboards, and the clicking sound that they produce could infuriate your family or roommates. Not to mention, mechanical keyboards like the K63 are pretty big, and their backlighting features aren’t for everybody.
Logitech K780 Wireless Keyboard ($60)
If you’re looking for a premium wireless keyboard with a slim form factor, then you don’t need to look much further than the Logitech K780. The K780 is a wireless mesh keyboard that can connect and swap to multiple devices with the press of a single button. Pair it with a Logitech Flow mouse, and you’re ready to use multiple tablets or computers in your workspace.
The K780 comes with an RF USB dongle, but it can be used with Bluetooth as well. It’s a full sized keyboard with a number pad, volume control buttons, and a crumb-proof build. It also has a two-year AAA battery life and durable keys, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time running maintenance. The white bit at the end of the K780 is a small kickstand for your phone or tablet, so you can quickly look down from your desktop monitor to send emails or play dorky games on the fly.
This is a great little keyboard for multi-device workspaces, but it isn’t for everybody. Gamers may want a keyboard that offers more robust customization features, and people working with a single-device setup could get a cheaper wireless keyboard without losing usability.
UtechSmart Mechanical Keyboard ($50)
If you want to grab a wireless mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank, you should check out the UtechSmart wireless mechanical keyboard. It’s not as robust as the CORSAIR K63, but it’s a solid keyboard that’s worth your time. It’s outfitted with MX Blue switches, which offer a classic (and pretty loud) mechanical keyboard click. It has a built-in red backlight, which has adjustable brightness but no other customizations available.
The UtechSmart wireless keyboard has a 40-hour battery life, but its batteries can recharge via USB cable. It works over an RF USB dongle, but lacks Bluetooth connectivity.
This is a great wireless mechanical keyboard for someone that wants to save a bit of cash, or for someone that’s just dipping their toes into the world of mechanical keyboards. It may not have the customizable features of a premium wireless mechanical keyboard, but it’s a solid device that you’ll love.
Logitech K400 Touchpad Keyboard ($25)
Now we’re getting into budget territory. You don’t need to break the bank to get a good wireless keyboard. If you want proof, then take a look at the Logitech K400. It’s a good looking membrane keyboard with volume controls, a straightforward layout, an 18 month AA battery life, and an integrated touchpad (at the expense of a number pad). It works over an RF USB dongle, and it isn’t Bluetooth compatible. This is a great keyboard for a very basic desktop setup, or for a laptop that’s connected across the room to your TV. If you’re intrigued by the idea of pairing a combination keyboard/touchpad/media control system with your TV and want more advanced controls and Bluetooth, you may want to check out the K400’s newer and pricier ($60) cousin the K600.
Naturally, this keyboard is better for laptop users than for desktop users. While the integrated touchpad is a great way to save money on a mouse, most desktop users will prefer to have a mouse in their setup.
Arteck 2.4G Slim Keyboard ($23)
Sometimes, less is more. A bare-bones keyboard can definitely get you through a workday or a gaming session. The Arteck 2.4G is a neat, slim wireless keyboard with a familiar layout and a 6-month rechargeable battery. The Arteck 2.4G doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, and it works over an RF USB dongle. It doesn’t have a number pad or volume controls, but hey, it’s good for typing and it’s wireless.
If you’re looking for more features, then you have to spend more money, but if you’re looking for super cheap and super compact, the Arteck 2.4G is a great, affordable wireless keyboard.
