Discover what is the best keyboard for writers based on our extensive testing.
Whether you’re writing an article, blog post or even a book, investing in a good keyboard can dramatically improve your typing experience. A vast range of good keyboards are currently available on the market. Some stand out as especially well suited to the needs of writers, others less so. I’ve bought and tested many of them.
The models selected here cover all types of use cases for writers on Windows and Mac. They also pair nicely with an ergonomic mouse. I’ve included full-sized and tenkeyless keyboard models. (A tenkeyless design excludes the number pad to create a compact size).
I’ve also picked some wired and wireless keyboards and devices with a more tactile typing experience and media keys. In short, this guide lists some of the best keyboards for writers available today so you can enjoy a more comfortable typing experience.
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Contents
- 1. Logitech MX Keys
- 2. Logitech MX Mechanical
- 3. Apple Magic Keyboard
- 4. Keychron K10
- 5. Keychron K2
- 6. Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
- 7. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
- 8. Das Mechanical Keyboard 6 Pro
- 9. Razer BlackWidow Elite
- 10. CHERRY MX G86 LPOS Keyboard
- 11. Logitech K800 Illuminated Wireless Keyboard
- 12. Azio Large Print Tri-Colour Backlit Wired Keyboard
- What is the Best Keyboard for a Writer?
- FAQs About The Best Keyboard for Writers
- Testing Criteria
- Why You Can Trust Us
- Author
1. Logitech MX Keys
Best overall keyboard for writers
The Logitech MX Keys is a wireless, illuminated keyboard available on Mac and Windows. Each key contains a minor indentation which promotes good typing and prevents your fingers from slipping, like with a Mac keyboard. This low-profile keyboard also pairs across multiple devices and is light enough to carry.
It’s probably the best keyboard writers can buy today due to its price point, typing experience and ease of use. But don’t take my word for it. This keyboard won a Red Dot Award in 2020 for its design.
You can customize the media keys on this keyboard using Logitech’s software. Bluetooth connectivity is rock-solid and the battery life is excellent. Suffice to say, it pairs nicely with a good Logitech mouse thanks to the included Logitech dongle (you can also just use Bluetooth).
I owned one of these keyboards for two years and only stopped writing with it because I wanted to upgrade to a mechanical keyboard.
Product Features
- Spherically indented keys
- Backlighting
- Customizable media keys
- Pairs across devices, operating systems
- USB-C rechargeable
2. Logitech MX Mechanical
Best mechanical keyboard for writers
Logitech finally released a series of mechanical keyboards for Mac and Windows. They come in various sizes. I bought the full-size MX Mechanical for Mac. It includes customizable media keys, and backlighting, and it also pairs with multiple devices. Writers can opt for a clicky, tactile quiet or linear model.
I purchased the tactile quiet full-size model for Mac. It’s not 100% silent but it’s unlikely to disturb anyone. Sizewise, it takes up about as much space on my desk as an Apple full-size keyboard. I love tying on this keyboard. The battery life is great too. It lasts 15 days with the backlight on full or ten months with it off. That said, I’d recommend trying a mechanical keyboard before buying.
Product Features
- Full-size
- Wireless
- USB lightning C charger
- Touch IDPros
3. Apple Magic Keyboard
Previous iterations of the Apple Keyboard featured a flat button design and butterfly mechanism of more recent iterations. That design was prone to typos. After switching to a Logitech keyboard, I only noticed how many typos I was making compared to other keyboards.
Thankfully, Apple has moved away from the butterfly mechanism and back towards scissors keyboards. The current Apple Keyboard connects via Bluetooth and is available in full-size and also without a number pad. It’s comfortable to type with. However, I make fewer typos with a mechanical keyboard. I particularly like the current iteration of the Apple Keyboard featuring touch ID. It will not help you type faster, but it saves time logging in and out of websites and apps.
Product Features
- Full-size/tenkeyless models available
- Wireless
- USB lightning C charger
- Touch ID
- Flat profile
4. Keychron K10
Keychron manufactures a series of mechanical keyboards in various sizes for Mac and Windows. Its keyboards are pleasing to look at and type with. They also feature customizable backlighting. I purchased the smaller version, a K2, before upgrading to a full-size version with a number pad.
I wanted to love this keyboard. I typed with it for several months. However, if I stopped using the keyboard for a few minutes, the Bluetooth connection to Mac took a second or two to reconnect. A minor annoyance yes, but it happened several times a day and was enough to impede my workflow.
I made more typos with this mechanical keyboard versus the Logitech version. The battery life also wasn’t great, and I had to charge this keyboard more frequently than the Logitech mechanical keyboard. After I turned off its backlighting effects, the keyboard’s battery life dramatically improved. It’s also not possible to customize the keyboard’s media keys much as it lacks dedicated software. It’s a good keyboard to write with and certainly better than most offerings, but Logitech edges it.
Product Features
- Keycaps for Windows and Mac OS
- RGB backlight, 15 types
- Mechanical, hot-swappable keys
- Red, blue and brown Gateron switch options
- Wired and wireless
- USB-C charger
- Connects to three devices
- Media keys
5. Keychron K2
Best portable mechanical keyboard for writers
Many writers prefer a tenkeyless keyboard design, that is one without a keyboard. If so, consider the Keychron K2. It’s a wireless mechanical keyboard that works great on Windows and (mostly) great on Mac.
This smaller model lacks a dedicated keypad, and the keys are closer together, hence the small size! Pay particular attention to the smaller carriage return or enter key. The K2 is approximately 30% smaller than the K10 and looked neat on my desk. It’s relatively lightweight and nice to type with. It’s a nice choice for most writers, particularly if you work on the go and want to bring a mechanical keyboard to write with via a laptop or Macbook. However, I experienced the same laggy Bluetooth issues when my Mac went to sleep.
Product Features
- Keycaps for Windows and Mac OS
- RGB backlight, 15 types
- Mechanical, hot-swappable keys
- Red, blue and brown Gateron switch options
- Wired and wireless
- USB-C charger
- Media keys
- Connects to three devices
6. Logitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard
Best ergonomic keyboard for writers on Mac
The Logitech Ergo K860 is designed to promote natural body posture and motion while typing and reduce fatigue. Unlike competitors like the Magic Keyboard by Apple and the AmazonBasics wireless keyboard, the Ergo K860 is centered around user comfort. The ergonomic design of the Logitech Ergo K860 promotes comfortable typing with a more naturally relaxed positioning of arms, wrists, and palms. It improves typing posture and reduces muscle tension and includes a wrist rest. It doesn’t feature RGB backlighting.
This keyboard features a split keyframe on a sloped, curved key field, to minimise strain on forearms and wrists while typing and help keep shoulders and neck more relaxed than when using standard rectangular keyboards.
The palm and wrist rest is pillowed, providing more than 50 per cent additional wrist support than traditional keyboards. Scooped switches are contoured to fingertips for ideal keying action with minimal slip and friction. The Logitech Ergo K860 claims to deliver stable keystrokes that reduce keying noise. It also pairs with multiple devices.
I wanted to like this keyboard, but I found it quite large for my desk, let alone carry around. I also couldn’t adapt to the ergonomic design. That said, writers comfortable with ergonomic keyboards will enjoy it. It’s also the best, and one of the few ergonomic, keyboards available for Windows and Mac.
Product Features
- Natural ergonomic split-frame keyboard
- Works as a wireless keyboard with a USB receiver or a Bluetooth keyboard from as far as 10 metres.
- Quiet switches with fingertip-contoured tops
- Pillowed palm rest with multiple layers of cushioning
- Adjustable palm raise support
- Legs tilt to 0°, -4°,or -7° for further enhanced ergonomic adjustability
- Supports up to 3 connected devices
- Includes Logitech FLOW Control capability
- Media keys
- Wireless range:10 m (33-ft) wireless range
- Improved Typing Posture: Type more naturally with a curved, split keyframe and reduce muscle strain on your wrists and forearms thanks to the sloping keyboard design
- Pillowed Wrist Rest: Curved wrist rest with memory foam layer offers typing comfort with 54 per cent more wrist support; 25 per cent less wrist bending compared to standard keyboard without palm rest
- Perfect Stroke Keys: Scooped keys match the shape of your fingertips so you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity
- Adjustable Palm Lift: Whether seated or standing, keep your wrists in total comfort and a natural typing posture with ergonomically-designed tilt legs of 0, -4 and -7 degrees
7. Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
Best ergonomic keyboard for writers on Windows
Studies show using an ergonomic keyboard is associated with a significant decrease in symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, according to researchers, it takes a typist up to six months to adapt to and experience benefits from an ergonomic keyboard.
The Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a membrane keyboard featuring an advanced curved design and built-in wrist rest. The split sections design of the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 helps tend the forearm, wrist and hand positions toward a more relaxed natural alignment.
The curved-art design, while lacking RGB backlighting, aids in maintaining optimal muscle and joint health and safety for people who routinely use keyboards for extended periods – like writers.
The padded palm rest supports the wrist, allowing it to rest in a neutral position, avoiding much of the common muscular and joint stress writers experience when using keyboards that do not offer this ergonomic feature. These features make this a great keyboard for comfortable typing. It is the best ergonomic keyboard for writers using the Windows operating system.
Product Features
- Built-in wrist rest
- Zoom slider a close-up view of screen images.
- Instant access to frequently used files, folders, and web pages.
- Quick access to devices like printers, cameras, webcam, mouse, or cell phones.
- Taskbar favourites
- Media controls and function keys
- F Switches Lock – Locking F switches prevents accidental engagement of function key commands.
- Upgraded number pad
8. Das Mechanical Keyboard 6 Pro
Best alternative mechanical keyboard for writers
DAS has been manufacturing mechanical keyboards since 2005. If you type a lot, like the old-school feel of mechanical keyboards and miss modern features like media buttons, these keyboards are a great option.
They reduce typos and other mistakes as the switch keys require more effort to press, thus your finger is less likely to slip. They’re more expensive than a traditional keyboard but built to last. You can pick from a noisy (clack, clack) or quiet version.
DAS mechanical keyboards are available for Windows and Mac computers, in various sizes and styles. I owned a full-size DAS mechanical keyboard for Mac, for five years. I only stopped using it because one of the keys broke and replacement parts were pricier than I thought… plus I wanted to test a different type of keyboard. I found the DAS keyboard pleasing if loud to type on. If buying again, I’d opt for the quieter model.
Product Features
- Adjustable volume knob and media keys
- White LED backlighting
- Cherry MX switches
- 2-port USB port C hub
- Screw on feet
- Aluminium enclosure
- N-key rollover
9. Razer BlackWidow Elite
Razer manufactures mechanical keyboards for gamers, but writers can use them too. The Razer BlackWidow Elite is a Windows-friendly wired, ergonomic keyboard. It features colorful backlit keys, and it’s available with clicky and silent yellow switches.
As it’s a gaming keyboard, writers can customize key settings using proprietary Razor software. You can also create macros for quickly opening a series of games (or writing apps). It’s fast and responsive to type with.
That said, the BlackWidow Elite costs under $200 and is far from the cheapest option for writers. These keyboards are fun to type with but are not built with writers in m,ind and you’re paying a premium for features you won’t use… unless you also game and enjoy colorful backlighting and macro keys.
Product Features
- Green mechanical switches
- Media keys
- Full size
- Backlighting with 16.9 million colors
- Detachable wrist rest
- Supports five typist or user profiles
- Dedicated media controls and shortcut keys
- Cable routing
10. CHERRY MX G86 LPOS Keyboard
The CHERRY MX G86 LPOS Keyboard is a high-end, full-sized mechanical keyboard with a touchpad that brings the keyboard and mouse together. However, you don’t need to panic – this isn’t a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard.
This exceptionally durable mechanical keyboard is built to withstand harsh environments and provide a great typing experience. This model is a competitor of keyboards with mechanical switches like the Das Keyboard Prime and offers tactile feedback to typists. Interestingly, most of the Das Keyboard models consist of Cherry MX switches.
The multifunctional Cherry MX G86 is highly rated for its dust and spill-resistant effectiveness, and its special MX switches are rated for 20 million actuations in rough conditions. The mechanical keyboard has 127 enhanced positions, with 123 programmable keys that provide tactile feedback when typing.
It’s a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard buy. This mechanical keyboard features Cherry MX Red or MX Brown switches, an integrated magnetic card reader, UPOS drivers and the configuration functionality in the keyboard’s featured CHERRY Tools software offers users unparalleled control over the Cherry G86’s array of programming alternatives.
The special red switches and MX brown switches are the secrets behind the longevity of this keyboard. These mechanical switches are usually rated to last 6 times as long as rubber switches.
The red switches require a minimal amount of force to type, but also provide that clicky feedback – these MX switches make this one of the best typing keyboards out there. If you work in a room with others, opt for the quiet version as the clicky keys sound loud. I’d buy the DAS keyboard over this model, though.
Product Features
- 123 programmable keys.
- High-resolution touchpad brings the keyboard and mouse together.
- Cherry MX Red or MX Brown switches.
- Provides tactile feedback
- Rugged keyboard design for harsh working environments
- Dust and spill resistant
No products found.
11. Logitech K800 Illuminated Wireless Keyboard
The Logitech K800 Illuminated Wireless Keyboard is a membrane keyboard that ditches RGB backlighting for white, brightly backlit lettering on keys, making switches easier to see, even when typing in low light. Special PerfectStroke engineering makes keystrokes quieter and more fluid and more comfortable.
This keyboard is rechargeable with a micro USB cable (included). The Logitech K800 Wireless Keyboard features adjustable lighting. Simply press a button for quick lighting adjustments.
With the K800’s backlit key switches and design to maximise keystroke efficiency and comfort, this keyboard delivers a state-of-the-art typing experience in daylight or low evening light. This model also features 2.4 GHz, for a powerful wireless connection.
A tiny unifying receiver becomes part of your computer, to enable wireless communication with your K800 keyboard. Other Logitech devices can be seamlessly integrated via a USB receiver. I preferred Logitech’s MX model.
Product Features
- Lighted lettering on switches for easy location in low light
- Wireless technology that provides convenient and flexible options
- Fast charging for ready use on-demand
- Dropout-Free 2.4GHz connection
No products found.
12. Azio Large Print Tri-Colour Backlit Wired Keyboard
This Azio Keyboard has a sleek design considering how cheap it is. It’s a competitor to the AmazonBasics wired keyboard. For writers who work in lower light settings, the Azio ditches traditional RGB lighting for the triple-phase backlighting feature which is a game changer.
The Azio is a membrane keyboard that features oversized letters on the keys, making everything on the keyboard easily identifiable. Shortcut switches enable navigation to sites and software programs. The backlighting options are adaptable to your preferences.
This keyboard is a reasonable choice if you want to buy a new keyboard for writing with…on the cheap. It features large fonts on keys, to help reduce eye strain, especially in lower light, and to facilitate increased typing speed and productivity for writers. I’d recommend investing a bit more in any of the above keyboards. They’ll last longer and improve your typing experience more.
Product Features
- Three-color backlighting, blue, purple, or red illumination
- Easy access switches
- Hot switches for quick commands and multimedia access
- USB enabled
- Large lettering
What is the Best Keyboard for a Writer?
Deciding on the best keyboard for writers is a personal preference. Most writers will love the Logitech MX keys. It’s affordable, nice to type, and has a pleasing build quality. The best mechanical keyboard right now is Logitech MX Mechanical due to its price point and typing experience.
Some Mac typists will enjoy the new Apple full-size keyboard, which solves some of the issues prevalent with the Magic Keyboard, although Logitech edges it for a typing experience. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard is also nice to type with, assuming you’re ok with an ergonomic design.
FAQs About The Best Keyboard for Writers
Do you need a special keyboard to type?
Writers don’t need a special keyboard to type. Investing in a good keyboard can reduce typos and dramatically improve the typing experience. A good one can also mitigate issues writers often experience like RSI,
Are mechanical keyboards better for writing?
Mechanical keyboards are better for writing as they increase your typing speed and reduce typos. They are also sturdier and more customisable than standard keyboards. Some writers enjoy the clacking sound of mechanical keyboards too. However, mechanical keyboards take time to adapt to and are usually more expensive than a basic USB keyboard.
Are gaming keyboards any good for writers?
While a gaming keyboard like Razer with its mechanical switches is designed for heavy-duty use, it isn’t the best option for a writer.
Many full-size gaming keyboard models like Razer BlackWidow, Steelseries Apex and the Roccat Vulcan feature Razer Opto-Mechanical switches and customization options like PBT keycaps and topre switches. Plus, the gaming keyboard Roccat also has in-house Titan switches.
These features aren’t useful to writers and you’ll end up paying a premium to buy a gaming keyboard that will not fulfill your objective as a writer.
If you run a digital piano blog, you’ll mostly write keyboard stand reviews and digital piano buying tips. When you write a blog post or even a dystopian novel, do you need PBT keycaps and topre switches like a gaming keyboard from Das Keyboard?
Mechanical gaming keyboard brands like Razer also focus more on tenkeyless gaming keyboard models like the Razer BlackWidow, which are useless for writers. These can also be very expensive. The Steelseries Apex Pro, Roccat Vulcan Aimo and the tenkeyless gaming keyboard Razer BlackWidow – to name a few – can cost $200 or more!
Testing Criteria
We update this roundup of the best keyboards for writers. We test them by writing MS Word, blog posts, essays, articles and even book chapters. We factor in price, ease of use and functionality.
Why You Can Trust Us
I’ve written and published dozens of articles for newspapers, magazines, and online publications, including Forbes and Lifehacker. I’m also a best-selling non-fiction author, a trained journalist, and a copywriter. I also previously worked as a technology journalist and covered and reviewed the latest gadgets and gear for various publications and newspapers.
