For the sake of your fingers, wrists, and productivity levels, you need a keyboard that can handle you tapping away all day without a problem. A mechanical keyboard is a great start because you get tactile feedback that means better control for you and a more satisfying level of accuracy too. Mechanical keyboards tend to be more robust too so they can withstand long periods of use. The downside? They can be pretty loud but that’s less of an issue if you’re working solo at home. The best home computers (opens in new tab) often include a keyboard, and compared to even the best laptops (opens in new tab) keyboard, you often get a much more comfortable experience, plus you’re likely to have more keys at your disposal too. Some keyboards also offer extra options like multimedia keys or programmable buttons too. Whatever your intentions, our best keyboards for home offices guide includes plenty of varied options. There’s something for everyone here, such as the comfort of the Microsoft Sculpt to the more gaming-focused Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard. We’ve even sought out a retro typewriter-style keyboard for those looking for something a bit different. You’ll be up close to your keyboard for a while, so make sure to check each keyboard’s features to find what works best for you. And remember, a good keyboard can only do so much to improve your home work life. It’s important to look at how to be happy, healthy, and productive too to get the most from your work/life balance, so be sure to check out our home working tips (opens in new tab) for ideas.
1. Microsoft Sculpt: Best keyboard for home offices overall
If you’re going to be working from home on a permanent basis, then we’d highly recommend you look into an ergonomically designed keyboard, and we think the Microsoft Sculpt is the best of the bunch. It might look a bit like it was designed by M.C. Esher, but the Microsoft Sculpt’s unique design is specifically designed with your comfort and health in mind. The split keyset means that both of your wrists can rest in a more natural position when typing, supported by a cushioned palm rest for additional support. The sculpt also comes with a separate number pad which can be placed independently, letting you choose the most comfortable and natural position for it on your desk. You can pick up the Microsoft Sculpt separately, or with a matching ergonomic mouse.
2. Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard: Best mechanical keyboard for home offices
Mechanical keyboards are all the rage with gamers, but everyone can take advantage of the super tactile experience that they offer, and we think the Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard is the best mechanical keyboard for home working. The Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard comes with what Logitech is calling GX Clicky mechanical switches, which means each key being a self-contained, spring-loaded switch. This means that it offers a much more tactile experience, more akin to a typewriter than a traditional keyboard - each key stroke comes with a unique feeling and a satisfying click sound. It’s not all substance though, the Logitech G Pro Gaming Keyboard has some style in its design too. It’s not the usual gaudy affair that you’d find in some gaming keyboards, but rather a refined and classic design with a few visual flairs, such as the programmable light-up keys. This means all you have to do is change to backlighting to a nice neutral white and it will look right at home in a professional setup.
3. Dell Wired Keyboard: Best keyboard for home offices on a budget
If you’re looking for a cheap, reliable and no nonsense keyboard then the Dell Wired Keyboard is the easy choice. It’s cheap but doesn’t feel cheap, if you know what we mean? The layout of the Dell Wired Keyboard is as standard as it comes, but why mess with what works? You get a standard QWERTY keyboard layout, a separate number pad and that’s about it, but what else could you possibly need? In fact, chances are high that you’ve already used this keyboard before as it’s one of the most common choices out there for businesses looking to kit out large offices. With a sleek, simple black design and professional look, this is the perfect budget keyboard for working from home.
4. Logitech MK345 Wireless Combo: Best wireless keyboard for home offices
Wired keyboards are all well and good, but sometimes you need the flexibility that comes with a wireless setup, and that’s where the Logitech MK345 Wireless Combo comes in. technically we’re cheating here, as it’s a mouse and keyboard rather than just the latter, but we think that’s a bonus. The Logitech MK345 is simple to set up and use, connecting to your home computer via a receiver that plugs into a USB slot. It’s comfortable to use too, with a padded wrist guard and adjustable legs. The mouse that comes with it is also a treat to use, though left-handed users will want to give it a miss as it’s specifically designed for right hand use. The battery life is excellent too. We’re not talking a few days here, like you’d get in a smartphone (opens in new tab). The Logitech MK345 keyboard lasts for four years on a single charge, while the mouse goes for 18 months.
5. Apple Magic Keyboard: Best for Mac users
The Apple Magic Keyboard, as you might expect, is built to be paired ideally with a Mac. That’s not just for those using a desktop iMac though as this is also a way to enhance the use of your MacBook. The Magic Keyboard has that minimal Apple design that makes it look great but while also offering an impressive tactile feedback to the butterflied keys. The result is a travel friendly keyboard that is easy and comfortable to use. This connects via Bluetooth and has a battery life that lasts for quite literally months on end even with daily use.
6. HP Wireless Elite Keyboard v2: Best for quiet
The HP Wireless Elite Keyboard v2 is a great option for anyone that enjoys a quiet typing experience. Sure, that’s a great office keyboard for anyone working with others but is also a nice choice for those that can get distracted by loud clackety keyboards. The scissor-style keys are comfortable to use and the overall design is slim making for a compact and portable keyboard. This is definitely aimed more at PC users as it has dedicated keys like a sleep button, but don’t expect Mac interactivity to be as forthcoming.
7. Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Keyboard: Best retro keyboard
The Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Keyboard is the ultimate retro designer keyboard. Not only does it look stunning but it also uses mechanical keys for a super tactile feedback when working. This is wireless but also connects via USB-C for use with computers and tablets. That said, it comes with a built-in stand for tablets up to 12.9-inches in size making it a real compatibility wonder. The all-metal build screams premium quality and extras like a scrollable volume knob and page scroll are great additions. All that adds up though, making this a very expensive option. We adore the Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Keyboard, but it’s a niche choice that’s not going to be to everyone’s tastes.
8. Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard: Best affordable premium keyboard
The Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard strikes a balance between being very affordable in price yet still delivering a great build quality and design finish. This means you get a metallic base built for solidity – ideal for throwing in a bag from time to time – but with the lightness of the plastic keypad upper half. Ergonomics are decent, with an angled design, but this can’t be varied so may not suit everyone. While there are an impressive 18 hotkeys, these are designed for PC use and only some will work when connected to a Mac. Connection is instant with hibernation turned off at the touch of a key, meaning a good six months of battery life on a charge.
What to look for when buying a keyboard
Keyboards fall into a few different categories these days. First of all, it’s important to know if you need a wired or wireless keyboard. Wireless might seem like the best option because it’s modern and the best looking choice for a minimalist looking desk, but wired keyboards have their advantages too. A wireless keyboard may mean less desk clutter and better portability, but a wired one will never run out of battery life or inexplicably have its connection drop with your computer. Having said that, such issues are slowly becoming a thing of the past with many wireless keyboards. The best wireless keyboards offer impressive battery life with some even achieving up to a year of use between charges. Also, plugging it in via USB for a bit is no great hardship. The other big choice is whether you want a regular keyboard or a mechanical keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are potentially the best thanks to the keys they use which means you feel the tactile feedback of the key every time you press it. In theory, you can type faster and more comfortably with one too. However, mechanical keyboards are expensive and for some people, a regular soft touch keyboard may actually feel more comfortable. Mechanical keyboards are frequently much noisier too so if you’re sharing your home office, this may not be a good choice. Finally, consider the shape of the keyboard. An ergonomic design can be good in the long term for your hands and wrists, but it takes some getting used to. A keyboard is a highly personal choice so you may feel more comfortable with a traditional style. Don’t forget to consider whether any additional multimedia buttons are true must haves for you or if you’re just paying for extra features you’ll never use. Read more: Best laptops (opens in new tab) Best compact printers (opens in new tab) Best wireless routers (opens in new tab)
