15+ Best Keyboards For Writers - 2024 Review & Comparison
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
carson-rutz
Sep 5, 2023
Are you a wordsmith in search of the perfect tool to amplify your writing journey? Look no further! Dive into our exclusive review and comprehensive comparison of the best keyboards for writers. Your words deserve the finest companion – explore our guide and find your ideal keyboard match now!
Note: The cost is updated until August 11. The price could change as a matter of time.
1.1. Razer Pro Type Ultra - Best Overall Keyboard For Writers
Size: Full size (100%)
Number of keys: 104
Switches: Razer™ Yellow Mechanical Switch
Backlighting: Backlit keys (white LED)
Connectivity: Wired USB-C, wireless connection via Bluetooth® and Razer™ HyperSpeed (2.4GHz)
At the heart of the Razer Pro Type Ultra is its advanced whisper-quiet key switches, making it an ideal choice for shared workspaces. Moreover, the keyboard's compact layout and low-profile keycaps contribute to a comfortable and ergonomic typing experience.
Razer's Synapse software allows you to personalize the keyboard's lighting effects, remap keys, and create macros to streamline your workflow. This level of adaptability ensures that the keyboard caters to your unique writing style and preferences.
Pros
Cons
Suitable for shared workspace
Impressive battery life
Wireless connectivity
Comfortable and ergonomic typing experience
Lighting effects
Beautiful appearance
Quite expensive
Unusual keycap finish
Struggle when swapping input methods
A bit moist, develop fingerprints
1.2. Logitech MX Keys - Best Non-Mechanical Keyboard For Writers
Size: Full size (100%)
Number of keys: 104
Switches: Scissor
Backlighting: Backlit keys
Connectivity: Wireless connection
Logitech MX Keys features low-profile, concave keycaps that offer a comfortable, quiet typing experience with smooth and precise keystrokes. The keyboard boasts adjustable backlighting, which ensures optimal visibility of the keys, even in dimly lit environments.
Moreover, the keyboard includes proximity sensors that detect your hands, activating the backlight when your fingers approach the keys and dimming when you move away. This smart feature conserves energy and contributes to the overall user experience.
Pros
Cons
Smart illumination and sensors
Versatile wireless connectivity options
Multi-device support enhances productivity
Comfortable typing
Higher pricecompared to standard keyboards
Not designed for gaming or heavy customization
Some users might prefer a more tactile key feel (subjective preference)
1.3. Logitech Urgo K860 - Best Ergonomic Keyboard For Writing
Size: Full size
Number of keys: 109
Switches: Scissor
Backlighting: No
Connectivity: Wireless connection
The most prominent feature of Logitech Urgo K860 is its split layout, where the keyboard is divided into two sections. This design helps reduce wrist and forearm strain, promoting a more comfortable and ergonomic typing posture.
The integrated palm rest is adjustable, allowing you to customize the angle and height to match your preferences. Moreover, the low-profile scissor switch keys offer a quiet and responsive typing experience. They require minimal force to press, which can help reduce muscle effort and fatigue. Therefore, this item is considered the best ergonomic keyboard for writers.
Pros
Cons
Wrist and forearm comfort
Reduced strain and promotes a natural hand position
Adjustable palm rest
Quiet and responsive scissor switch keys
Wireless connectivity
Unfamiliar ergonomic keyboards
Not specifically designed for gaming or heavy customization
Lack of mechanical keys
1.4. Apple Magic Keyboard - Best Apple Keyboard
Size: Compact
Number of keys: 109
Switches: Scissor/Rubber dome
Backlighting: Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, Mac with macOS 11.3 or later, iPad with iPadOS 14.5 or later, iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 14.5 or later
Apple Magic Keyboard features a thin and lightweight design, adding a touch of elegance to your workspace. Its minimalistic appearance matches Apple's aesthetic, making it a stylish accessory for your devices.
Besides, the keyboard features a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for weeks on a single charge, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements. Dedicated function keys provide quick access to common tasks, such as adjusting screen brightness, volume control, media playback, and more.
Pros
Cons
Long-lasting built-in rechargeable battery
Integrated function keys for easy access to common tasks
Compact layout with optional numeric keypad
Seamless integration with Apple devices
Limited customization
Compatibility mainly tailored to Apple devices
Tactile feel might not suit everyone's typing preferences (subjective)
1.5. Microsoft Sculpt - Best Split Keyboard
Size: Standard
Number of keys: 107
Switches: Tactile scissor switches
Backlighting: No
Connectivity: Wireless connection
Microsoft Sculpt’s unique split and curved design separates the keyboard into two sections, allowing users to position their hands in a more natural and comfortable posture. Furthermore, the separate numeric keypad together with the built-in palm rest enhance typing comfort and reduced strain, making it one of the best computer keyboard for writers.
Additionally, the keyboard includes scissor switches for a balance between quiet operation and tactile feedback and function keys that can be programmed for specific functions, allowing for customization to match individual workflow preferences.
Pros
Cons
Comfortable and natural hand positions
Reduced strain and enhances typing posture
Customizable function keys and mouse buttons
Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter
Take time to get familiar
Limited compatibility with devices other than PCs
1.6. Das Keyboard 4 - Best Quality Keyboard
Size: Full size
Number of keys: 104
Switches: Cherry MX
Backlighting: White LED backlighting
Connectivity: USB
The Das Keyboard 4 utilizes mechanical key switches that offer tactile feedback and audible clicks with each keypress. This provides a satisfying typing experience and enhances typing accuracy and speed.
The keyboard's top panel is constructed from high-quality aluminum, not only adding a premium look and feel but also enhancing its durability. Moreover, the N-Key rollover feature ensures that each keypress is registered accurately, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. This is particularly useful for fast typists and gamers.
Pros
Cons
Premium build quality and aluminum top panel
Satisfying and tactile mechanical key switches
Dedicated media controls enhance multimedia experience
N-Key rollover for accurate typing and gaming
High price
Not ideal for quiet environments
1.7. Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB - Best Budget Keyboard For Writers
Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is considered one of the best keyboards for writing due to its high-quality key switches such as Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Red, known for their tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. This enhances typing speed, accuracy, and overall comfort.
This keyboard not only supports Freestyle Edge RGB allowing you to separate the two keyboard halves to your preferred distance but also includes detachable palm supports that provide cushioned comfort for your wrists, helping to reduce strain during long typing sessions.
Besides, you can be astonished by the impressive universe of RGB mechanical keyboards and the experience they can bring about.
Pros
Cons
Ergonomic typing posture
Comfort and accuracy typing
Customizable layout and modular design
RGB backlighting adds a personalized touch
Programmable macros and key functions enhance productivity
Detachable palm supports for wrist comfort
High price
Size and layout may require more desk space
1.8. Razer BlackWidow Lite - Best Mechanical Keyboard For Writers
Size: Tenkeyless (80%)
Number of keys: 87
Switches: Razer Orange
Backlighting: LED backlighting
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C
Razer BlackWidow Lite features a tenkeyless layout, making it more portable and suitable for smaller workspaces. The BlackWidow Lite is available with Razer Orange switches, which are quieter compared to traditional mechanical switches.
On the other hand, the top plate of the keyboard is crafted from aluminum, adding durability and a premium look and feel. The keyboard features customizable white LED backlighting that provides visual flair and improved visibility in low-light environments.
Pros
Cons
Portability and space-saving
Tactile feedback and quick actuation
Improved visibility in low light
Suitable for quiet environments
Detachable USB cable
Limited customization
No RGB lighting
1.9. Logitech K780 Multi-Device - Best Wireless Keyboard For Writers
The low-profile keys with scissor switch of Logitech K780 Multi-Device offers a comfortable and quiet typing experience, which is suitable for both long typing sessions and shared workspaces.
Furthermore, the K780 features an integrated device holder that can securely hold a tablet or smartphone at a convenient viewing angle while you type. This setup is ideal for reference or multitasking.
Pros
Cons
Comfortable and quiet typing experience
Integrated device holder for tablets and smartphones
Dedicated Easy-Switch buttons enhance workflow
Numeric keypad for data entry and calculations
Wireless connectivity with long battery life
Limited level of customization
Not specifically designed for gaming or heavy customization
1.10. Geyes Wireless Foldable Keyboard - Best Portable Keyboard
Size: 5.8 x 3.3 x 0.54 inches
Number of keys: 66
Switches: Non-Mechanical
Backlighting: No
Connectivity: Bluetooth
One feature making Geyes Wireless Foldable Keyboard one of the best keyboards for writers is its foldable or collapsible design, allowing it to be folded up into a compact form for easy storage and transportation.
The keys on the keyboard provide a tactile and responsive typing experience, similar to a traditional full-sized keyboard, enabling comfortable and accurate typing. In addition, the keyboard might be constructed from durable materials to withstand folding and unfolding, as well as daily wear and tear.
Pros
Cons
Portable
Space-saving
Wireless Connectivity
Quite small
Inconvenient typing experience
1. 11. Royal Kludge Rk61
Size: Compact (60%)
Number of keys: 61
Switches: Hot-swappable RK blue switches
Backlighting: Single LED backlit
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wireless 2.4G, USB-C
Royal Kludge Rk61 eliminates the numeric keypad and some function keys, resulting in a smaller form factor that saves space on your desk and enhances portability.
Equipped with hot-swappable key switches, the RK61 delivers a tactile typing experience with each keypress, allowing you to change the switches without soldering. The responsive switches enhance typing speed, accuracy, and provide a satisfying keystroke feel.
Pros
Cons
Portable
Tactile and responsive typing
Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth reduces cable clutter
Customizable RGB backlighting for personalization
Rechargeable battery
Lack of a numeric keypad
Boring appearance
1.12. Keychron K10
Size: Full size
Number of keys: 109
Switches: Clicky, linear, and tactile Gateron switches
Backlighting: Full RGB backlighting
Connectivity: Wireless
Wireless Connectivity: Like other Keychron keyboards, the Keychron K10 offers wireless connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, allowing you to connect and use the keyboard with various devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones without the need for cables.
This one of the best keyboards for writers can use different types of switches, with tactile switches providing a noticeable bump, clicky switches producing an audible click sound and linear switches offering a smooth keypress without a tactile bump or click.
Pros
Cons
Wireless connectivity
Responsive typing
RGB backlighting
Potential hot-swappable switches
Space-saving
Small keyboard size
Lack of a numeric keypad
1.13. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro - Best Compact Keyboard
Size: 80%
Number of keys: 87
Switches: Cherry MX key
Backlighting: Red LED backlight
Connectivity: Wired-only
Tenkeyless HyperX Alloy FPS Pro offers tactile feedback and precise actuation points with different switch options, such as Cherry MX Red or Cherry MX Brown, to cater to different typing and gaming preferences.
Besides, the keyboard is built with a solid steel frame, providing durability and stability during intense gaming sessions. This robust construction ensures the keyboard can withstand the rigors of competitive gaming.
Moreover, this product typically includes a game mode that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay. It also offers anti-ghosting technology to ensure that multiple simultaneous key presses are accurately registered.
Pros
Cons
Tactile feedback and responsiveness
Good durability and stability
Red LED backlighting
Great gaming performance
No RGB lighting
Not suitable for users who frequently require the numeric keypad
1.14. Redragon K552 - Best Wired Keyboard
Size: TenKeyless (80%)
Number of keys: 87
Switches: Outemu switches
Backlighting: RGB lighting
Connectivity: Wired
Redragon K552 uses mechanical key switches, typically Outemu Blue switches, which offer tactile feedback and an audible click upon actuation. This enhances typing speed and gaming responsiveness.
In addition, the keyboard is built with a metal and ABS construction, providing durability and stability during typing sessions. This robust build is designed to withstand prolonged use and intense gameplay.
Pros
Cons
Compact tenkeyless design for space-saving and portability
Mechanical key switches offer tactile feedback and gaming responsiveness
Customizable RGB backlighting for personalized aesthetics
Durable metal and ABS construction enhances stability and longevity
Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover technology for accurate key presses
Tactile keycaps enhance grip and precision
Compact arrow key cluster for ease of navigation
RGB lighting might not offer the same level of customization as some higher-end keyboards
Lack of a numeric keypad could be a drawback for users who frequently require numerical input
1.15. Corsair K95 RGB - Best Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
Size: Full size
Number of keys: 104/105
Switches: MX Speed
Backlighting: RGB backlighting
Connectivity: Wired
Corsair K95 RGB typically utilizes high-quality key switches, often from Cherry MX series or Corsair's proprietary switches, delivering tactile feedback and rapid actuation for both typing and gaming.
This product is built with a durable aluminum chassis that adds to its premium look and feel. The sturdy construction ensures longevity and stability during intense gaming sessions.
Pros
Cons
Full-sized layout with additional macro keys
Dynamic lighting effects
Stability and longevity
Higher price
Can be too loud
1.16. 7KEYS Retro Typewriter Keyboard - Best Retro Typewriter Keyboard
Size: 12.8 × 6.65 × 1.69 inches
Number of keys: 83
Switches: Outemu Blue Switches
Backlighting: Colorful backlight
Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth
7KEYS Retro Typewriter Keyboard is designed to resemble the classic typewriters of the past, featuring round keycaps, a vintage font, and other design elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it one best keyboard for writing a book.
Some versions of this keyboard might come with customizable keycaps, allowing you to replace keycaps with different styles or colors to match your preferences. Moreover, the keyboard might feature a durable construction with a metal or sturdy plastic chassis, ensuring stability and longevity.
Moreover, the number of 75% keyboards can be various if you take a look in more detail.
Pros
Cons
Nostalgic retro design
Great portability
Reliable connection
Customizable keycaps
Function keys and shortcuts
LED backlighting
Not suitable for people prefer modern aesthetics
Lack of wireless connectivity
1.17. Alphasmart Neo with Full Size Keyboard - Best Minimalist Keyboard
Size: Full QWERTY keyboard
Number of keys: 51
Switches:
Backlighting: No
Connectivity: USB
Like the original Alphasmart Neo, this version provides a distraction-free word processing environment, allowing users to focus solely on their writing without the distractions of internet access or other applications.
The device would likely feature a monochrome LCD screen that displays text clearly, ensuring easy readability even in different lighting conditions. Furthermore, the device may retain the quick instant on/off functionality, allowing users to start writing immediately without waiting for boot-up times.
Pros
Cons
Comfortable typing experience
Distraction-free writing environment
Portable and lightweight
Instant on/off functionality
Lack the advanced features of modern displays
Lack of internet access
2. How To Choose The Best Keyboard for Writers
These features cater to the needs of writers, providing comfort, functionality, and convenience to enhance their typing experience and overall productivity.
2.1. Durability
Durable construction and high-quality materials to withstand heavy usage. Look for keyboards with a solid build quality and durable materials. Keyboards with metal or high-quality plastic casings tend to be more resilient.
Some mechanical keyboards offer hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily replace switches without soldering. This can extend the keyboard's lifespan.
Full-size keyboards come with a number pad, which may be useful for some writers. Compact keyboards, such as tenkeyless (TKL) or 60%, are more portable and take up less desk space. Or you can consider some 75% keyboards as well.
The keyboards’ weight can vary based on the keyboard's design and features. Some keyboards come in full size weight typically from 1 to 3 pounds while compact ones can be about 0.5 to 1.5 pounds. Besides, the portable keyboards are the lightest, at 0.25 to 0.75 pounds.
However, there are still numerous types of keyboard sizes and layouts that should be taken into account. Check out which one would suit your preference most.
2.3. Ergonomic design
An ergonomic design is vital for writers who spend extended periods typing. Split keyboards, angled key layouts, and adjustable stands can help reduce strain on your wrists and improve typing comfort.
2.4. Key switches
Quiet and tactile switches for a pleasant typing experience. If opting for the best mechanical keyboard for writers, you'll need to choose the type of key switch. Some popular options include Cherry MX, Razer, or Gateron switches. Each switch has a different feel and actuation force, so it's important to try them out if possible.
The extensive world of keyboard switches is quite astonishing and each type has its own pros and cons with one-of-a-kind characteristics. Consider them carefully and you can choose a set of mechanical switches which is the most suitable for your keyboard.
2.5. Backlighting
Backlit keys for improved visibility in low-light environments. If you often work in dimly lit environments, backlighting can be helpful. Some keyboards offer customizable RGB lighting for both practicality and aesthetics.
2.6. Customizability
Customizable macros or programmable keys for increased productivity. Mechanical keyboards often offer more customization options. Some models allow you to change individual keycaps, adjust switch types, and program macros.
Look for software that allows you to customize key assignments, lighting effects, and other features to suit your writing workflow.
2.7. Compatibility
Compatibility with multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac, etc.) Ensure the keyboard is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
If you plan to use the best keyboard for writing with multiple devices, consider those with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.
2.8. Integrated wrist rest
Integrated wrist rest or detachable palm rest can provide added comfort and support during long writing sessions. Elevate your workspace: Discover exquisite artisan wrist rests, crafted by our professional craftsmen. Show now for unparalleled comfort!
2.9. Budget
Set a budget that meets your requirements and stick to it. Consider whether investing more in a higher-quality keyboard with enhanced features and durability is worthwhile for your writing needs.
We have gone through some best mechanical keyboards for writers. Selecting the ideal keyboard for writers hinges on a balance of comfort, efficiency, and personal preference. Remember, the 'best' keyboard varies, but a thoughtful choice can elevate a writer's craft.
FAQs
1. Are gaming keyboards any good for writers?
Yes, gaming keyboards can be good for writers, especially those that offer mechanical switches, durability, customizable features, and ergonomic designs.
2. Do mechanical keyboards make you type faster?
Mechanical keyboards can potentially help some individuals type faster due to their tactile feedback and distinct key actuation. However, typing speed is also influenced by typing proficiency and practice.
3. What type of keyboard is best for writing?
The best type of keyboard for writing depends on personal preference, but many writers prefer mechanical keyboards for their tactile feedback and comfortable typing experience.
4. Is a mechanical or membrane keyboard better for typing?
Mechanical keyboards are generally preferred by many for typing due to their tactile feedback and potentially more comfortable typing experience compared to membrane keyboards.
5. Which keyboard layout is fast writing?
The QWERTY keyboard layout is commonly used for fast typing and writing.
6. Are flat keyboards better for typing?
Flat keyboards can be comfortable for some typists, but ergonomic and mechanical keyboards are often preferred for better typing experiences and reduced strain.
7. What is the best keyboard for writers with backlit keys?
The "DAS Keyboard 4 Professional" is a popular choice among writers for its quality and backlit keys.
8. What is the cheapest keyboard for writers?
Basic membrane keyboards like the Logitech K120 or Dell KB216 are among the cheapest options for writers.
9. What is the quietest keyboard for writers?
Keyboards with "low-profile" switches, such as the Logitech MX Keys or the Keychron K1, tend to be some of the quietest options for writers.
10. What are the most durable keyboards for writers?
Mechanical keyboards with robust construction and reliable switches, like the Leopold FC900R or the Ducky One 2, are known for their durability and are suitable for writers.
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