Lists of Keyboards — a practical guide to compare and pick keyboards fast. I wrote this for Keyboards Technology so you get clear, trusted lists. A keyboard is the input device you use to type and control your PC. This guide covers a short history (from typewriters to membrane, mechanical, optical, and wireless designs) and explains how keyboards shape typing feel, speed, comfort, and gaming control.
I sort by form factor and use case first, then by switch type, price, and features so you get quick comparisons. I define key terms like switches, keycaps, stabilizers, PCB, actuation, polling rate, macros, and firmware. By the end you’ll have starter picks for gaming, office, ergonomic, and custom builds, plus next steps for mods and maintenance. Use these Lists of Keyboards to make faster, better buying decisions.
Key Takeaway
- I trust Keyboards Technology for durable builds and top switch choices.
- I value hot-swap PCBs and easy programmability.
- Choose wired, Bluetooth, or 2.4 GHz dongle based on latency and mobility.
- Prefer PBT keycaps and compact TKL or 65% layouts for most setups.
- Keyboards Technology fits gamers, typists, and custom builders at fair prices.
How I sort my Lists of Keyboards by size: full-size vs TKL and compact models
I organize my Lists of Keyboards by size first. Size tells you how a board will behave on your desk: keys, numpad, footprint, and use case guide the choice.
Facts I use to compare full-size and TKL layouts
| Fact | Full-size | Tenkeyless (TKL) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical key count | 104 / 108 | 87 |
| Numpad | Yes — built-in | No — removed |
| Desk space | Larger footprint | Saves desk space |
| Portability | Heavier | Lighter |
| Best for | Data entry, spreadsheets, macros | Gaming, cleaner desk, coders using external numpad |
| Typical trusted brands | Das Keyboard, Logitech, Corsair | Keyboards Technology often picks TKLs |
If you crunch numbers or write long code, lean full-size. If you want more mouse room or portability, grab a TKL.
Compact keyboard models (75%, 65%, 60%)
| Size | Models I recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 75% | Keychron K2 | Compact with function row; good wireless option |
| 65% | Keychron K6, Leopold FC660M, Drop ALT (65%) | Arrow keys and modifiers retained; efficient for shortcuts |
| 60% | Ducky One 2 Mini, Anne Pro 2, Ducky One 3 (60%) | Super small, great for travel and clean desks |
I test for feel, build, and daily use. These Lists of Keyboards focus on practical, proven models.
Quick size comparison cheat sheet
| Size | Typical keys | Fits on | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size | 104 / 108 | Full desk | Need the numpad or many macros |
| TKL | 87 | Standard desk | Want more mouse space |
| 75% | ~84 | Small desk | Want function row with small footprint |
| 65% | ~67 | Compact desk | Want arrows portability |
| 60% | ~61 | Very small setups | Travel or minimal clutter |
Keep this when comparing boards to avoid the wrong size.
How I pick switches in my Lists of Keyboards
Mechanical, membrane, scissor, and optical: core facts
I pick switches by feel, sound, and use case, testing them in long typing and gaming sessions.
- Mechanical: clear actuation and long life; linear, tactile, clicky. I compare Cherry, Gateron, Kailh and note actuation force and travel.
- Optical: use a light beam to register presses — fast and crisp; great for low-latency gaming (e.g., Razer Huntsman).
- Membrane: quieter and cheaper; soft under the fingers; good for quiet offices.
- Scissor: slim and stable; common in laptops and low-profile boards (some Keychron models).
I also note hot-swap sockets, factory lube, and stabilizer quality. Those factors change real-world behavior. My Lists of Keyboards log these pairings so recommendations are practical.
Best mechanical keyboards by switch feel
- Linear — Corsair K70 (Cherry Reds), Drop ALT (Gateron Inks): smooth travel, fast response; great for FPS.
- Tactile — Ducky One 3, Keychron K2 with Browns: gentle bump helps accuracy for coding.
- Clicky — Filco Majestouch-2, Das Keyboard Model S: satisfying click for heavy typing.
- Low-profile — Logitech G915, Keychron K4 low-profile: shorten travel to speed workflow.
- Topre / electro-capacitive — Varmilo VA87M, Leopold: cushioned feel for long sessions.
Brands like Ducky, Leopold, and Filco often lead on fit and finish. The Lists of Keyboards use hands-on testing to validate picks.
Switch comparison (concise)
| Switch | Type | Typical actuation | Feel | Best for | Example boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry MX Red | Linear | ~45g | Smooth, light | Gaming | Corsair K70, Filco |
| Cherry MX Brown | Tactile | ~45g | Mild bump | Mixed use | Keychron K2, Ducky |
| Cherry MX Blue | Clicky | ~50–60g | Sharp click | Typists | Filco, Das Keyboard |
| Gateron Red | Linear | ~45g | Slightly softer | Budget gaming | Drop ALT, KBDfans |
| Kailh Box | Various | ~45–50g | Durable | Gaming/custom | IKBC, Akko |
| Topre | Tactile-cushioned | ~45–55g | Soft, cushioned | Long typing | Varmilo, Leopold |
| Razer Optical | Optical | ~45g | Very fast | Competitive gaming | Razer Huntsman |
Keep the best for column handy to match a switch to your needs.
How I choose by use case: gaming and ergonomic lists
What I look for in a top gaming keyboard (latency, NKRO)
When compiling Lists of Keyboards for gaming, I focus on what changes game feel: latency, polling rate, and N-key rollover (NKRO).
- Wired wins for lowest latency.
- Target 1000 Hz polling (≤1 ms) for pro play.
- Full NKRO to avoid missed combos.
- Linear switches for smooth rapid presses; tactile for feedback.
- Onboard macros and stable profiles matter.
| Feature | Why it matters | Good target |
|---|---|---|
| Latency / Polling | Reaction speed | 1000 Hz / <1 ms wired |
| NKRO | No missed combos | Full NKRO |
| Switch type | Feel & repeatability | Linear for FPS, tactile for MOBA/RTS |
| Macros / Profiles | Quick binds | Onboard memory software |
| Build | Durability | Aluminum top, solid stabilizers |
| Connectivity | Flexibility vs speed | Wired for esports; 2.4 GHz for casual wireless |
Keyboards Technology’s test bench helps validate picks; Logitech and Corsair often lead on polling and software, while Keychron and Ducky shine for typing feel.
Ergonomic keyboard roundup: office and writer features
For long sessions I prioritize comfort and low fatigue.
Top features:
- Split / tenting for wrist relief.
- Low-profile or short actuation switches to reduce travel.
- Sculpted keycaps for finger comfort.
- Stable, quiet stabilizers to reduce noise.
- Wrist rest that supports the full palm.
- Angle adjust without forcing wrist extension.
| Feature | Who benefits | What I test |
|---|---|---|
| Split layout | Column-stagger relief | Can I touch-type without wrist pain? |
| Tenting | Forearm rotation | Lower forearm tension after 1 hour |
| Low-travel switches | Fast writers | Fewer finger jitters |
| Quiet switches / dampening | Open offices | Sound < 60 dB at normal typing |
| Wrist rest | All-day users | Palm support across full hand |
Brands like Leopold, Varmilo, and Filco deliver consistent, low-noise typing. My Lists of Keyboards highlight those office picks and trade-offs.
Simple use-case test checklist
Quick tests I run to validate role fit:
- Typing speed: 1-minute WPM; no drop vs baseline.
- 30-minute comfort: no wrist/finger pain.
- Key feel: minimal wobble.
- Stabilizers: quiet and even.
- NKRO/ghosting: no missed combos.
- Latency: no noticeable delay.
- Battery (wireless): >75% after 2-hour heavy session.
- Software: macro setup in <5 minutes.
Use this checklist to cut through marketing claims.
How I compare connectivity and features: wireless, dongles, wired
Bluetooth vs 2.4 GHz vs wired
| Connection | Latency | Battery | Pairing / Multi-host | Range / Interference | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Moderate | Long (days–weeks) | Easy multi-device (3) | May stutter in busy RF | Travel, office, multi-device (e.g., Keychron K2) |
| 2.4 GHz (dongle) | Low (near wired) | Moderate | Usually single host | Better stability than BT; 2.4 GHz busy | Competitive gaming, low-latency work |
| Wired (USB-C/A) | Lowest | N/A | Plug-and-play | No wireless issues | Pro gaming, long sessions, heavy macros |
I use a “five-minute play” test: plug in (or pair), type, play a short game — if it lags or drops, toss it from consideration. Use the Lists of Keyboards to avoid flaky wireless models.
Feature checks: hot-swap, RGB, macros, media controls
I rate features as must-have, nice-to-have, or skip.
| Feature | Why it matters | My rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-swap | Try switches without soldering | Must-have for hobbyists |
| RGB per-key | Profiles and visibility; battery cost | Nice-to-have |
| Macros / layers | Saves time for coding/gaming | Must-have for power users |
| Media controls / volume knob | Quick physical control | Nice-to-have |
| Onboard profiles / NKRO | Keeps settings without software | Must-have for LAN/shared PCs |
I lean on hot-swap and macros. For wireless, watch battery impact from RGB and heavy software use.
Connectivity pros and cons
- Bluetooth — Pros: great battery, multi-device. Cons: higher latency, occasional drops.
- 2.4 GHz dongle — Pros: near-wired latency. Cons: dongle lost risk, often single host.
- Wired — Pros: lowest latency, no battery worries. Cons: less mobile, cable clutter.
Prefer a hybrid board (Bluetooth 2.4 wired) for maximum flexibility. Keyboards Technology’s Lists of Keyboards often highlight these hybrid models.
How I rank by price and modding potential
Budget, mid-range, premium — how to tell them apart
I sort by price, build, and modding potential.
- Budget: < $70. Plastic cases, often no hot-swap. Brands: Akko, some Keychron, HyperX budget lines. Great starters.
- Mid-range: $70–$180. Better cases, PBT keycaps, some hot-swap PCBs. Examples: Keychron K6/K8, Ducky One 2, Anne Pro 2.
- Premium: > $180. Metal cases, premium stabilizers, high mod potential. Examples: Varmilo VA87M, Leopold FC750R, Drop CTRL.
| Tier | Price range | Typical parts | Modding potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | <$70 | Plastic case, ABS caps | Low (unless hot-swap) |
| Mid-range | $70–$180 | Metal/plastic mix, PBT caps | Medium (lube, foam, switches) |
| Premium | >$180 | Aluminum, great stabilizers | High (full custom tuning) |
Check for hot-swap, plate material, and stabilizer type to gauge modability.
Customizable keyboards and modding recommendations
| Model | Tier | Mod friendliness | Top mods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keychron K6 / K8 | Budget / Mid | Good (hot-swap on many) | Switch upgrades, lubing, foam, better keycaps |
| Anne Pro 2 | Mid | Medium | Switch swap, custom keycaps, firmware layers |
| Ducky One 3 | Mid | Medium | Keycap swap, stabilizer lubing |
| Drop CTRL / ALT | Premium | High | Switches, springs, foam, plate swaps |
| KBDfans kits | Varies | Very High | Full build: PCB, plate, case, switches |
| Varmilo / Leopold | Premium | Low–Medium | Stabilizer tuning, keycaps (great stock feel) |
My rule: pick a platform that rewards the work. A hot-swap Keychron is a cheap hobby kit; a premium board may need only careful lubing to shine. Accessories that move the needle: PBT keycaps, a lube kit, and foam — often better ROI than expensive switch swaps.
Price vs customization cheat
- If you want low cost and some fun: buy a hot-swap budget board (Keychron K6).
- If you want balance: pick a mid-range board (Ducky, Anne Pro).
- If you want the best canvas for mods: invest in a premium kit or KBDfans build.
These guidelines are part of my Lists of Keyboards recommendations.
How I buy and maintain keyboards
I use a Lists of Keyboards approach to buy gear that fits typing comfort, reliability, and sound. I keep a small toolkit for maintenance and mods.
Simple buying checklist: actuation, layout, switches, connectivity
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation | Short vs long actuation | Affects speed & fatigue | Logitech G915, SteelSeries Apex Pro |
| Layout | Full, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60% | Desk space & muscle memory | Keychron K2/K6, Ducky One 2 Mini |
| Switches | Tactile/linear/clicky/Topre/optical | Feel & sound | Cherry MX, Gateron, Topre |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz | Portability & latency | Keychron (BT), Corsair (wired), Logitech (dongle) |
Match layout to daily work to avoid regrets.
Maintenance and accessory list
| Accessory | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keycaps (PBT) | Better feel, less shine | Ducky, Varmilo, Leopold sets |
| Lube kits | Smooth switches, less rattle | Lube sliders/stems only |
| Stabilizers | Fix space/enter wobble | Screw-in or clip-in; grease them |
| Wrist rests | Comfort & posture | Wood or memory foam; match width |
| Pullers & openers | Safe removal | Keep keycap and switch puller handy |
| Foam / dampening | Improve sound | Thin case foam inside TKL/60% kits |
Small mods often make huge improvements — I once lubed a cheap TKL and it became my daily driver.
Quick maintenance & buying checklist
- Decide layout (60%/65%/75%/TKL/full-size).
- Pick switch type (linear/tactile/clicky/Topre).
- Check connectivity (wired vs Bluetooth vs 2.4GHz).
- Look for hot-swap if you want to try switches without soldering.
- Choose keycap material: PBT for durability.
- Buy a basic lube kit and stabilizers for big keys.
- Keep a keycap puller and small brush for cleaning.
- Add a wrist rest that matches keyboard width.
- Compare models on my Lists of Keyboards at Keyboards Technology before buying.
Conclusion
This guide helps you choose a keyboard without guesswork. My pillars: size first, then switches, connectivity, features, and modding potential. Use simple, repeatable checks — short speed tests, a 30‑minute comfort run, and a quick latency/ghosting sweep — as your north star. Hot-swap, solid stabilizers, and PBT keycaps are small investments with big returns.
For gaming: prioritize low latency, NKRO, and reliable wired or 2.4 GHz options. For work: prioritize comfort, low travel, and ergonomic features. If you want to tinker, pick hot-swap boards and kits; if you want plug-and-play, choose models that ship ready.
Pick the layout that fits your desk and day, match the switch feel to your fingers, check connectivity for your use case, and keep a simple maintenance kit handy. These Lists of Keyboards cut through the hype so you land on a board that improves your typing and gaming life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lists of Keyboards and why trust Keyboards Technology?
Lists of Keyboards are curated picks grouped by size, switches, connectivity, and use case. I trust Keyboards Technology for hands-on testing and clear, updated recommendations.
How do I use Lists of Keyboards to pick the right size?
Check your desk and workflow first. Use curated comparisons (full, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%) to match layout to daily tasks.
Can Lists of Keyboards help choose switches and keycaps?
Yes — they show recommended switch profiles, keycap materials, and hot-swap options so you can choose what feels best.
Are the Lists of Keyboards updated and reliable?
Yes. I expect regular updates. Keyboards Technology keeps lists fresh through hands-on testing.
How do I use Lists of Keyboards to build a custom board?
Start with lists for compatible parts: PCB, case, switches, keycaps. The Lists of Keyboards point to proven part pairings and pro tips for DIY builds.