Best Standard Keyboards

Best keyboards for general use

We found lots of reviews of the illuminated Saitek Eclipse II keyboard (*Est. $50), and most concur that it is an excellent general-purpose keyboard. Some reviews say it also works well for gaming, although it lacks specific gaming features seen on competitors such as the Logitech G19 and G15. If you aren't going to use your keyboard for gaming, some reviewers say illumination is a cool but not really necessary feature, unless you like to type in the dark. Saitek recently released a new version called the Eclipse III (*Est. $70), though we found few professional reviews of this model. The Eclipse III includes adjustable multicolor backlighting, some extra keys and a pair of pass-through jacks for headphones and a microphone.

The Eclipse II is an update to the original Saitek Eclipse (*Est. $35) keyboard, which also tests well. The Eclipse II offers more color options for illumination, a variable dimmer option and a cluster of multimedia buttons to control volume and to play and pause music tracks. Aside from these convenience options and a different finish, the two keyboards are virtually identical. For shoppers who don't need on-keyboard multimedia buttons and are satisfied with a slightly lesser light show, the Eclipse runs about $20 less than its sibling. In a review for TomsHardware.com, Christiaan Allebest recommends the Saitek Eclipse illuminated keyboard for its solid build, attractive design and comfortable layout. (The site hasn't reviewed the Eclipse II.)

Testers at ExtremeTech.com and others cite the sturdy feel and comfortable keys as particular assets of the Eclipse II, and reviewer Jeremy Atkinson is smitten with the aesthetics, too. Virtual-Hideout.net summarizes, "The combination of a traditional layout, quality construction, and a comfortable typing experience made it a good keyboard by any standard." CNET is not as taken with the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard, but the site only considers it for gaming. Reviewer Rich Brown says the "keys feel cramped and mushy."

Experts at EverythingUSB.com say the "great typing feel" is what makes the Eclipse II an outstanding keyboard, but caution, "Gamers who want a keyboard with more gaming oriented features will want to shop elsewhere." However, some gaming enthusiast websites offer lavish praise in reviews of the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard.

Enermax, a more recent arrival on the market, describes its new keyboard, the Enermax Caesar (*Est. $65), as "The Emperor of Keyboards." ComputerShopper.com and PCMag.com reviewers are fond of this keyboard, but find it doesn't quite live up to its lofty title. The most richly featured of three recent Enermax releases, the Caesar weighs more than 3 pounds but is built to last. Media hotkeys and Vista-specific function keys add convenience. Unlike some of the leading keyboards, the Caesar has a USB 2.0 hub. It's not promoted as a gaming keyboard, but this is precisely what ComputerShopper.com reviewer Lizelle Vibar thinks it is best suited for: dedicated gamers who need a product that can hold up to heavy banging. PCMag.com's Atkinson seems to favor the Caesar as a media keyboard. The reviewers disagree on key feel: Atkinson is pleased, while Vibar doesn't care for the "shallow key travel."

Budget keyboards

If you're replacing a dead keyboard for light use, a no-frills budget keyboard may be all you need. However, if you want a more comfortable keyboard or one for gaming, reviewers say you might not be satisfied with a bare-bones model, although most reviewers have trouble explaining exactly why. For example, editors at LordPercy.com say, "You know how some keyboards just feel cheap; it's hard to describe, but the keys don't bounce right and the sound is all wrong." (To illustrate just how far this can go, some reviewers fondly recall the Northgate OmniKey keyboards from the 1980s for their mechanical click and sensible key layout -- and note that Creative Vision Technologies has reintroduced a $190 version of the OmniKey specifically for these fans). Here, we identify the keyboards that reviewers say offer a better fit, finish and feel than other budget choices.

In user reviews, several low-cost keyboards fare well. The HP Wireless Elite Keyboard (*Est. $25) is called an excellent value because, unlike nearly all other budget keyboards, it offers wireless connectivity. It also takes up very little desktop space due to its slim design. Users on Amazon.com and Newegg.com praise its comfort and clean look, although a few complain of build quality issues. Still, the appearance of budget wireless options highlights a gradual move toward wireless keyboards in general, at least for nongamers. Another top option is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (*Est. $50), which is corded, with a split-ergonomic design. This keyboard takes up much more desktop space due to its built-in wrist rest and curved design, but hundreds of users on both Newegg and Amazon like the keyboard's comfort, arm positioning and quiet keys, though a few complain about its size and overall durability.

Logitech's Internet 250 (*Est. $8) and Internet 350 (*Est. $10) keyboards earn top scores with hundreds of reviews on Newegg.com. A few contributors note "soft" keys on both models, but they are also reported to be solidly built and reliable (Both models have been discontinued, but are still available). Amazon reviews of these Logitech keyboards are not as numerous, but are overwhelmingly positive. The Lite-On SK-1688A (*Est. $7) also fares well with Newegg.com users, with comments mirroring those of the budget Logitech keyboards -- somewhat unsatisfactory to type on, but reliable and functional.

If you're looking for a budget ergonomic keyboard, TechTree.com (an Indian website) likes the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 (*Est. $20). However, PC Pro and PCMag.com don't rate it very highly. User reviews at Amazon.com present a favorable rating but reveal keyboard failures with an alarming consistency; many users report going through two or three replacements in as many months in a cycle of malfunction and disrepair. When the Microsoft keyboard works, it is pleasant to use, contributors write. However, it doesn't always work and if you're replacing it more than once a year, the overall cost will exceed the one-time investment in a more reliable keyboard.

Many budget keyboards -- particularly those of an older design -- come with PS/2 connectors. As many newer computers and motherboards have only USB ports for connecting a keyboard, you may need a USB adapter (*Est. $1.50). Be aware that keyboards with integrated USB cables have faster throughput.