What keyboard? 10 best keyboards compared
The QWERTY keyboard was invented in 1867, and 144 years later it's still in use - albeit for many less worthy uses such as killing virtual terrorists and writing horrendously misspelt blog posts.
In the years since, its transmogrified into an all-singing, all-dancing essential part of a computer setup with backlights, USB ports and macro keys.
But what keyboards should prioritise is the mere act of pressing buttons in addition to their ease of use and comfort and extra features such as media keys.
We've rounded up 10 of the best keyboards so you'll be able to find what keyboard is right for you, whether you need it for gaming or typing.
1. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 - £43
This wireless keyboard is solar powered, which brings back memories of 90s maths lessons for some of us. Thanks to its light-powered nature you needn't worry about batteries or recharging, and Logitech reckons it'll last a full three months in complete darkness. Its laptop-style keys aren't for all, but its a winner in terms of innovation and green credentials.
Read our Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 review
2. SteelSeries 6Gv2 - £87
Although it may look bland and functional, there's some fairly serious tech behind SteelSeries' letterbuttons. The keys are mechanical, which means they operate as proper switches and feel a lot "harder" than conventional keyboards. It's also capable of a whopping 104 simultaneous key presses - but only if you connect it via the PS/2 adapter.
Read our SteelSeries 6Gv2 review
3. Thermaltake eSPORTS Challenger - £43
Thermaltake's keyboard's unique selling point is a tiny fan designed to keep your sweaty hand sausages nice and cool. It's a nice idea in principle, but the constant whirring is slightly distracting. We're big fans of the build quality, macro keys and USB 2.0 port, though.
Read our Thermaltake eSPORTS Challenger review
4. Logitech Wireless Keyboard K360 - £25
The Logitech Wireless Keyboard K360 is a wireless PC keyboard, but it has a few nice features and design choices that make it worth considering if you're on the lookout for a new keyboard. The K360 is small – around three quarters of the size of a usual keyboard. This reduction frees up a lot of space on the desk, and makes it easier to carry around.It's ideal for use with a laptop, for example.
Read our Logitech Wireless Keyboard K360 review
5. Microsoft Sidewinder X4 - £43
Microsoft went back to the drawing board with its latest gaming keyboard, and completely simplified the matrix of connections that lies underneath the keys. This means there's less lag and "ghosting" on keypresses, and up to 26 keys can be pressed at the same time. It's also got all the macro functionality and backlighting any gamer could ever need for those extended Battlefield 3 sessions.
Read our Microsoft Sidewinder X4 review
6. Razer BlackWidow - £66
The BlackWidow is aimed at FPS gamers with a precise headshot, with five programmable hotkeys and USB hub functionality built in. It's the sheer speed of the keyboard that impressed us most, and the lack of resistance and fast response times mean you'll be achieving 10-kill streaks in no time.
Read our Razer BlackWidow review
7. Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad - £37
Logitech's clever keyboard is an all-in-one alternative to the iPad's onscreen keys. The case doubles up to form an iPad stand, and the keyboard itself features iOS control keys. It's all you need to turn your iPad into something you can actually write on, and Bluetooth connectivity means it'll work with iPhones and iPods, too.
Read our Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad review
8. Keysonic KSK 8001 UEL - £27
The cheapest keyboard in our round-up, but it certainly doesn't feel it. It has three different finishes, including brushed aluminium, and it feels nice and solid. Unlike some other keyboards we've tested it works right out of the box, including the media-centric keys. The backlight's not its brightest point, but it's ideal for gamers on a budget.
Read our Keysonic KSK 8001 UEL review
9. Saitek Cyborg V7 - £49
Designed by the same people who brought us the R.A.T. gaming mice, the V7 has similarly technophilic aesthetics. It's a great gaming keyboard, too, and has the best cushioned and heavily weighted keys we've ever graced with our greasy fingertips. It's a comfortable keyboard as suited to typing as it is to fragging.
Read our Saitek Cyborg V7 review
10. SteelSeries Shift - £76
Keyboards are notorious crumb traps, and there's nothing worse than having your WoW session halted by a big bit of bourbon biscuit. The Shift lets you remove the entire keyset to dislodge stubborn bits of food, and you can buy customised sets for particular games. One for design-conscious slobs, then.
Read our SteelSeries Shift review
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