The Best Keyboards for 2024

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The Best Keyboards for 2024

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure (and occasional frustration) of using a variety of keyboards. Recently, I found myself drawn to two distinct offerings: the ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX and the Logitech Wave Keys.

A good keyboard can enhance your gaming experience and boost productivity, making it an essential component of a computer system. Keyboards add a visual flair to a setup with their RGB lighting and effects, making them a fun centerpiece.

Wireless keyboards have improved over the years and are more practical than wired ones as they’re easy to move around and connect to various devices simultaneously. On the other hand, wired ones are cheaper and have better longevity than wireless ones. For gaming, wired mechanical keyboards with linear switches are what the pros prefer as they offer rapid responses, low latency, and customizable macro keys. Those who are mostly typing, coding, or editing media want quick switching between devices, wireless connectivity, better ergonomics, and a superior typing experience, ergonomic keyboards and advanced wireless keyboards are a lifesaver. If you don’t need a big and bulky keyboard with all 104 keys, compact versions of keyboards are available with 60%-75% of the layout rather than the full 100%.

Our Picks for the Best Keyboards in 2024

The Logitech G Pro X TKL is a wireless keyboard that comes with an option for Bluetooth or a proprietary wireless dongle connection. For those who prefer wired use, a USB-C cable is provided. However, it’s important to note that the company states the battery life can reach up to 50 hours, but this claim should be taken with some skepticism. The body of the keyboard is primarily made of plastic, except for its metal front casing. This robustly built keyboard can handle a good amount of force without flexing excessively. It offers three types of key switches: GX Brown Tactile switches, which provide tactile feedback without being noisy when pressed, GX Red Linear switches, the quietest among the trio with excellent tactile response, and Blue Clicky switches, which can be quite loud in more silent office settings.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been eyeing the Logitech G Pro X TKL keyboard, a gaming marvel that stands out from the crowd. It boasts sturdy Doubleshot PBT keycaps, providing an unparalleled sense of rigidity and responsiveness with each click.

People who are accustomed to Razer keyboards will delight in the refreshing switch for the BlackWidow V4 75% mechanical keyboard, as it now supports hot-swapping. Featuring Razer’s revamped Gen 3 Orange tactile switches and a cushioned PCB for improved sound reduction, this keyboard promises a robust construction with its plastic base and aluminum top plate. The package includes a standard USB-C cable for connection, a double-sided key switch puller, a magnetically attachable padded wrist rest, and even LED lighting on the sides for a soft underglow. To top it off, individual keys can be customized to showcase various colorful patterns.

This keyboard’s response time is commendable, and its 8000Hz polling rate, while perhaps excessive for many uses, is a testament to Razer’s attention to detail. The BlackWidow V4 has evidently benefited from feedback gathered within the keyboard customization community. Upon examination of the device, we discovered two layers of foam, lubed stabilizers, and a tape mod, all aimed at reducing sharp sounds and enhancing the smoothness of keystrokes. These modifications set this keyboard apart in the crowded market of gaming keyboards right out of the box. Each modification appears to be carefully considered, reflecting Razer’s commitment to catering to the preferences of the dedicated keyboard enthusiast community, ensuring consumers feel their input is valued.

The Epomaker x Aula F75 Mechanical Keyboard is a well-regarded custom keyboard that offers excellent value. Despite being primarily made of plastic, it has a robust feel suitable for gaming and typing. This model comes equipped with a USB-C charging cable for its 4000mAh battery, as well as Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity via the included dongle. The keyboard is available in seven colors and three types of switches; however, these switches share many similarities. Notably, the hot-swappable keycaps are made of double shot PBT material, making them comfortable for extended use.

When you open the keyboard, you’ll discover numerous sound-absorbing materials like silicone and foam inside. Users even have the option to attach an additional adhesive layer beneath the circuit board for enhanced noise reduction. The upper right corner accommodates a multi-function knob that handles both volume adjustment and play/pause commands. This allows users to transition between office and gaming modes effortlessly. The keyboard also boasts RGB illumination with various light settings, which can be personalized without the need for any specialized software. Although it might not be the simplest to take apart, most first-time users should be pleased with its performance straight out of the box.

The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a compact wireless keyboard that is a viable replacement for Apple’s magic keyboard. It’s made of recycled plastic and aluminum, giving it sturdiness and longevity. The keyboard automatically dims the backlight when not used for some time and lights up when it detects hand movements in close proximity. It’s a membrane keyboard with scissor switches that have shallow travel like the Apple Magic keyboard. The Logitech MX Keys Mini is designed for productivity tasks like office use, editing, typing, etc. The keys are silent and offer a pleasant typing experience thanks to the slightly depressed and rounded keys which help avoid typos and accidental presses.

The Logitech Options software allows users to highly customize the keyboard and make it easier to use with multiple devices. You can remap keys, create user profiles, and connect the keyboard with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth or their separately available Logi Bolt USB receiver. Logitech claims the keyboard can last up to 5 months on a single charge, provided the backlight is turned off, which otherwise would only be 10 days. Lastly, the keyboard is compatible with every operating system but certain keys don’t work on certain devices, which is an inconvenience.

The ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX is a streamlined gaming keyboard, ideal for intense gaming sessions, marking its third release within the Falchion series. It’s equipped with their lubed HFX switches, quick-fire triggers, and touch controls for adjustable key functions like setting custom actuation points. Similar to other high-end gaming keyboards, the Falchion Ace HFX is crafted from durable plastic and aluminum, while its keycaps are made of double-shot PBT. Notably, ASUS has incorporated five layers of sound-absorbing materials within the keyboard, making it a delight to type on.

This keyboard comes with a Speed Tap feature that provides an edge in first-person shooter (FPS) games. In instances where players rapidly press keys to move left, right or back and forth, this technology accurately registers the keystrokes for steady aiming and swift movement. Additionally, it allows users to connect to two computers using the dual USB-C ports situated at each top corner, enabling easy switching between them. However, modifying the internal components is restricted by ASUS due to design limitations. While you can change the switches and keycaps, customizing the PCB is not an option provided by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, this keyboard maintains its compact size without sacrificing gaming or productivity features.

The Logitech Wave Keyboard is designed with ergonomics in mind, aiming to make extended typing sessions less tiring and more enjoyable. Its base and top plate are primarily constructed from durable plastic, preventing it from bending or flexing excessively. Additionally, a cushioned fabric wrist rest provides extra comfort, although it’s not removable or replaceable. Similar to other Logitech keyboards, the Wave Keyboard can connect to up to three devices using Bluetooth technology or the 2.4GHz Logi Bolt dongle.

This keyboard provides a remarkably silent typing sensation, making it ideal for office settings. With the use of 2 AAA batteries, it can endure up to 36 months of usage, which is quite impressive. Unfortunately, this keyboard doesn’t allow for modifications like swapping keys, switches, or altering the base. However, you can customize macros and shortcuts with the Logi Options+ software and create as many as 6 user profiles. A downside to this model is that it lacks backlight or RGB lighting. On a positive note, it works seamlessly across various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, and more.

FAQ

Q: What are the different types of key switches?

Three essential types of key switches are linear, tactile, and clicky.

  • Linear: These are the smoothest among the three as the keystrokes don’t encounter any resistance upon pressing.
  • Tactile: These have a slight clicky sensation when pressed which assures the user of the key actuation.
  • Clicky: The loudest of the bunch, these keys produce a prominent click when pressed.

Q: Which one is better: membrane or mechanical keyboards?

As a keyboard enthusiast, I’ve noticed that compared to mechanical keyboards, membrane keyboards tend to have a relatively shorter lifespan, typically around 5 million key presses, whereas mechanical keyboards can last up to 70 million. The feedback provided by membrane keyboards isn’t as satisfying when pressed, while mechanical ones offer a distinct, clicky sound that I personally find rewarding. However, it’s important to note that membrane keyboards are generally more affordable and quieter than their mechanical counterparts.

Q: Should I get a wired or wireless keyboard?

Wired keyboards are typically less expensive than their wireless counterparts in the long run because they don’t need batteries and the cost of replacement batteries for wireless keyboards can accumulate. However, wireless keyboards provide greater mobility, making them a good choice when dealing with cable routing issues. When it comes to response time and delay, wired keyboards have a slight advantage over wireless ones, although this difference may not be perceptible to an average user.

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2024-10-16 19:05